There, I was staring at the light that shone from behind the chancellor’s chair. I am in the spotlight. The feather clad Flappers stare down at me from on their high eyries. The sewer crawlers, Zorans, beneath the city they make their dwellings in the undercity lakes and rivers. The Sprouts, the child-like folk that understand all the unique ins and outs of the city ways, the only people that can move faster are those that travel on the chancellor’s highway. The Gronans, these giants live in the fiery furnaces and keep the coals warm. The human, whose artistry shows off the wealth and independence of the hypocrisy of the city. The clockwork soldiers held their stance with spears and unwavering gaze.

The red-haired chancellor sat in his chair. The princess stood next to his throne. Her gaze at me was one of contempt and apathy. Her beauty was one without equal. I used to play with her once upon a time when we were children. Our adventures with the Sprouts were ones of joy and life. I don’t understand why she looks so disappointed in me.

The Chancellor cleared his throat, stood up, and began to speak. “You have failed to keep the time wound. Your sole responsibility in our humble kingdom. Everyone here relies on the Grand Clock to maintain the proper pacing for the day. Because of your failure to upkeep the time, we have fallen behind schedule. I, Ganan, Chancellor of the People of Hyrule, hold you responsible for the fault of the delay. The Iron Knuckle will take over your duty, and you are to be executed for your failure. Your sentence will be carried out immediately at dawn, where you will be placed outside the city walls and forced to live outside in the wilderness. Never again see the beauty of our grand castle.”

I gasped in horror, I knew that this might as well be a death sentence. I tried to make a run at the chancellor to plead for my life, but two Iron Knuckles grabbed me and tore me away from the audience chamber. I saw a single tear roll down the princess’ face before I lost sight of her again. 

The one night prison was all that was required to break a man. To make him feel utter hopelessness. The prison was placed on the castle wall, and the floor would drop out in the morning, and I would be forced to fall outside the castle’s protection, into the desolation of the wastelands below. 

Dark was the night, and the flawless box proved to be non-comforting. A last meal of gruel and water was given, such as it was. The guard’s footsteps could be heard outside the door. I ate the cold gruel and drank the water. My last meal would not be forgotten. The coolness of the outer shell could be felt. The night was moving quickly. 

More footsteps could be heard, though these ones were light and pattering with a small giggle. Plus, there were many of them. Spouts. The child-like people of Hyrule. A loud crash was heard, and then more giggles. A body slumped. Then scratching and clicking at my door. Then a pop as my door opened wide. 

Two Sprouts were there, one stacked on top of the other. A green haired one and an orange haired one. Both were clothed in green tunics and oil stained aprons, and both wore big grins. 

“Is this the one that stopped the clock?” The orange haired boy said.

“Yes, that’s him. He’s the only one here.” The green haired girl said, leaping down from the shoulders of the other. “Are you going to stay there, or are you going to follow us?” She asked me this question. I quickly got out of the final box and followed the two. 

“Grab the guards’ clothes and dress in them. You need to get down to the bowels of the castle in one piece and unseen. If you find a locked door, use this to pick the lock. It hasn’t broken yet, and it is my lucky charm.” The green haired girl spoke quickly, and I followed her directions precisely. 

The guard’s clothes were a bit big on me, but the helmet was a good fit and hid my face quite well. The small sliver of metal that the green haired girl gave was corkscrewed and twisted up. I gripped it hard. 

“One more thing before we leave you. I’m Saria and this is Milo. We’ll see you down below the castle.” Saria said, pointing to herself and Milo.

The two Sprouts disappeared into a grate off to the side of the door and left me to my adventure.

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