Part VI: "Silent Invasion"

Impa stood alone on her pedestal in the Chamber of the Sages. In the center of the room, the floating picture still displayed the scene of her choosing. Currently, it displayed the group of Artronnens led by the Duke. She was watching them closely, observing the silent invasion already within Hyrule's walls.

"Duke, I have some grave news."

Duke Arthur Blavidus look at the man who had spoken to him. It was Peter Kroustophan, Arthur's friend since childhood. Like Blavidus, Peter was a tall in the appearance of middle-age. Peter, however, sported no beard and had the aura of a gentleman around him.

"What is it, Peter?" the Dukle replied.

"We have less than a week of the Bridoctorine remaining," Peter comtinued.

Blavidus frowned.

"This is grave news indeed," the Duke said. "It was supposed to last for another month.

"Alert the forces. The attack will have to commence sooner than expected."

Queen Zelda stood alone in her chamber. Inside the walls of her kingdom lurked a menace. She could feel it, and she knew there was nothing she could do about it. Yes, she was beginning to understand this cruel thing called destiny.

She had been surprised earlier that day when she was alerted of her son's disappearence. Her surprise did not last long, however, for it quickly turned to anger. There was no other explanation besides that he had been taken somewhere by a sage.

"How dare they?" she thought to herself. "Have they not taken enough away from me already?"

A knock at her chamber door startled her out of her thoughts. Quickly, she regained her composure.

"Come!" she commanded to the unknown person outside of the door.

The door opened, revealing Vladamir Dukov. He was sweating profusely, and his face showed that something was terribly wrong.

"What is it, Vladamir?" the Queen asked, worried.

"The exiles...the Artronnens!" Vladamir stammered. "They've all left. They marched right out the gate! No warning at all!"

"Hmm," Zelda said, "this is rather odd behavior for a group that's traveled so far. What do you make of it?"

Dukov started to answer but was interrupted by another guard bursting through the door.

"Vladamir!" the guard yelled. "There is a large force descending upon the castle from the north! It looks like more of the Artronnens. They must have been hiding in the mountains."

Dukov turned to Zelda.

"My Queen," he said, "we must take you to a safer place."

"No, Vladamir," Queen Zelda replied, a dertermined look upon her face, "I will not cower while my home and people are threatened. I shall remain here. Prepare to defend Hyrule at all costs."

Vladamir nodded and exited the room.

Outside, the Artronnen army had reached the outskirts of Hyrule Field...