Chapter 29- Bolero of Fire

 

Picture Credits: https://www.deviantart.com/qlockwork/art/Fire-temple-176085663

"It is something that grows over time... a true friendship. A feeling in the heart that becomes even stronger over time. The passion of friendship will soon blossom into a righteous power, and through it, you will know which way to go..."

- Sheik, Ocarina of Time

Chapter 29

Bolero of Fire

Link gasped as a convulsing wave of agony spread through his body like fire. It tore through every muscle, bone, and organ, consuming him until it was all he knew. He was momentarily blinded, and the world became strangely silent. If not for the pain, Link would have been sure he was dead. Then his vision returned, blurry and indistinct. The shapes became sharp enough for him to see the shower of debris that crashed around him, lashing at his tunic, his arms, and his face, right before the maelstrom engulfed him, a blinding storm of dust and debris. Navi was nowhere to be seen, and Link could only hope the blast had knocked her flying out of harm's way. He rolled, throwing his shield up in what seemed a feeble attempt to protect his face. He pulled his knees to his chest, waiting for the chaos to end, hoping that one of the larger blocks of broken stone wouldn't slam right into him.

It was a while before Link dared to move, shoving his shield aside. He nearly fainted at the waves of excruciating pain this caused. His limbs were bleeding from dozens of cuts, and he winced with every gasp of air. He choked on the powdery mist of stone and dust. It was so thick he could hardly see Navi as she dashed to his side. Link was glad to see she was unharmed, although he could not say the same for himself.

Navi almost crashed into his nose; her mouth was moving, but Link could not understand what she was trying to say.

"I think I broke something," he groaned as the pain in his chest flared. His throat felt raw, as if he'd inhaled tiny shards of glass. "More like everything."

His ears still perceived no sound, even with Navi bobbing up and down frantically in front of him. She could have been screaming, "Hey, listen!" for all Link knew. She probably was.

He shook his head as she nearly whacked him again. "I can't hear you."

Link tried to sit up, but the pain forced him back down. He could only move his right arm. His left barely responded at all.

He glanced back at the temple. Where there had once been tall stone pillars, there was now a mound of rubble, as if the entire mountainside had simply come crashing down onto the ancient edifice. 

Darunia?

Darunia had been close to the explosion. There was no way he could have survived. 

Navi was still trying to get his attention, but he couldn't hear her. Link looked down at his own injuries, knowing he had to get help soon. There was someone nearby, if Link could trust the dazed recesses of his memory.

"Elisia..." he croaked. "Find her."

Navi stopped her frantic buzzing, her expression pained, then darted off, disappearing into the cloud of dust. 

Link tried to sit up again, but another spasm of pain in his left arm stalled his efforts. He looked down to see blood running thick along its length. Using his right hand, Link gingerly pulled back the sleeve of his tunic. There was something white protruding from the wound. Upon closer examination, Link realised what it was.

Bone.

~ 0 ~

Link groaned as he came around, opening his eyes to a ceiling of smooth stone, unable to recall passing out.

Goddesses, I'm making a habit of that, he thought, guessing what must have happened.

He was lying on a bed of rock with his head propped against a sleeping roll. It wasn't very comfortable; his back ached something fierce, but that was the least of Link's concerns.

He blinked wearily as his brain worked furiously to try and gauge where he was. Judging from the ceiling, it was some kind of cave. He could hear somebody humming and realised his hearing had returned. The source of the humming was a tall man in flowing blue robes who was busily poking a fireplace carved into the rock.

Link wondered if he was in Goron City; only the rooms reserved for Hylian dignitaries had fireplaces. When he took in other details, such as the tapestries on the wall, he knew his guess was correct. He only wished the Gorons hadn't dispensed with the mattress; not many Hylian nobles would like a bed of stone. At least there was a window. The view wasn't much; it overlooked the mountain's rugged slopes, which were now an eerie orange as the sunlight struggled through a blanket of smoke and dust. Ash descended in small flurries like grey snow, and the mountain itself continued its restless rumbling.

"Link?"

Navi was resting on the stone table by the fireplace. She flew over to his side the moment she saw him stir. "Link! Thank goodness you're awake."

The man by the fireplace put the fire poker back on its rack.

"Ah, at long last..." His voice was smooth and unruffled. "We meet again, Hero of Time."

Link sat bolt upright, or at least he attempted to, but his body protested with all the frailty of an old man. He groaned, focusing his attention on the man standing by the fire.

"Fear not," the man said with an unnerving chuckle. "I mean you no harm."

"Who-" His voice cut off as Navi flew from her perch by the fire to buzz around his head.

"Thank Farore," she exclaimed, relief plain on her features.

"Navi, what..." Link's voice was a dry rasp.

"It's all right," she said, sounding oddly hollow despite her reassurance. "We're in Goron City. This is Halvard... he was the mask merchant in Castletown, remember?"

"Goron..." Link repeated slowly, his mind racing to piece together Navi's words. "How did I get here?"

An image flashed through his mind: Darunia charging Volvagia. Thunder.

Or had that been the explosion?

His mind still refused to piece together everything that had happened.

Halvard stepped over to a stone bench, grabbed a goblet of water, and offered it to Link.

"It's water. I added a small amount of healing potion, but you need to eat before I offer you anything stronger." Halvard noticed Link's hesitation before the youth finally accepted the cup. "Elisia's sprite had to use incredibly powerful magic to knit the bone in your arm back together."

Link was hardly listening, even as he accepted the goblet.

"Darunia? What happened?" he asked after taking a mouthful of water, grimacing and suppressing a shudder as he tasted the bitter potion within. "I remember the explosion, but then..." He was interrupted by the steady thump of heavy footsteps as two Gorons entered the room, their expressions grim.

"Brother," Jemite rumbled sombrely. "It is good you are awake."

Jemite introduced his companion, Boran, and then, noticing the solemn look Link gave him, he seemed to understand what the youth was about to ask.

"There's been no word since Darunia collapsed the entrance," he said. Neither Goron would quite meet his eyes.

"Tell me there's a chance he is still alive," Link said, swallowing, feeling cold. 

"We cannot know for sure," Boran answered. "I am sorry, brother."

Link closed his eyes, sagging back onto the bench. Darunia had defied Ganondorf for seven years and kept his people alive, only to fall now? He let out a breath, looking down at the floor. 

"I'm sorry," Navi said, sounding pained. "Link, you know-"

"It's not my fault," Link said, his voice hard as he guessed her words. He didn't want her attempts to console him.

Another name, he thought. "Has..." he faltered and cleared his throat, trying again, "Has anyone looked for him?"

Jemite shook his head. "It is too dangerous. If Volvagia somehow lives, and we must assume he does, it would be impossible to find Darunia."

Link sighed, returning his attention to the Mask Salesman, who had been quietly watching this exchange. His ever-present grin appeared to have slackened, but not by much.

"What exactly are you doing here?" Link asked.

"Helping," Halvard answered. "And I see you have recovered splendidly, thanks to my efforts."

"Recovered?" Link asked. "I don't remember anything."

Nothing except that explosion.

"Darunia tricked Volvagia into setting off a chest full of Goron bombs," Navi explained. "I was knocked clear of the blast, but you weren't so lucky. I was going to head to Elisia's spring, but then he showed up..." She gestured to the Mask Salesman.

"Showed up?" Link asked, frowning, his head feeling clearer now that the healing potion was working. "You were following us?"

"Indeed," the mask merchant answered, and seeing the wary frown growing on Link's face, he added, "Yes, a remarkable coincidence, but I can explain in good time. First, I must see to your meal. The Gorons are Hyrule's finest craftsmen, but dear me, they are terrible cooks. No offence." He waved a hand at the two Gorons, who didn't seem particularly offended.

Halvard turned and left the room. Link stared after him, unable to hide his growing suspicion. 

How did he find me?

Was he an agent of Ganondorf, pretending to aid him? Link quickly dismissed the thought, deciding it was unlikely given that Halvard had healed him.

"I am sorry," Jemite continued heavily. "I know you were Darunia's sworn brother. We all bear this grief for him."

"What of Darunia's son?" Link asked.

The Gorons exchanged an uncomfortable look.

"We've been unable to get word to him. He is with the outer clans, and with the mountain sealed, sending a messenger would be suicide," Boran answered hesitantly. "At any rate, we want to be certain of Darunia's fate, and until we enter the temple, we won't be."

Pain pulsed deep inside Link's gut as he thought of Darunia's son. He didn't know the Goron, but having failed to save the Great Deku Tree, it was a pain he knew all too well.

"If I had known about the plan to destroy the temple entrance," Jemite said, exchanging an uneasy glance with Boran, "I would have told you to go a different way."

"Wasn't someone meant to warn me?" Link asked. Onyx had even told him to head to the main entrance. He'd insisted on it.

That was when Link realised what Onyx had done, but the idea seemed impossible.

Absurd, even.

"Onyx was to tell you," Jemite answered gravely.

"Onyx?" Link repeated. "But..." Even before he asked, he guessed what was to come. "Why? Why didn't he say anything?"

Jemite shifted uncomfortably, avoiding Link's gaze as he sighed. "I questioned Onyx after Halvard brought you to our city." As he spoke, his voice became a growl. "He admitted to withholding that information."

Link's mind whirled until the stone no longer seemed quite so sturdy. Navi, meanwhile, squeaked in alarm.

"You mean Onyx tried to kill us?" she asked. "Why?"

"I didn't do anything," Link added, his voice a feeble croak as the room seemed to spin for an instant.

"You did not," Jemite agreed solemnly. "He blamed you for the death of Jasper seven years ago. They were kinsmen."

Link stared in numb horror.

"I'm sorry," said Jemite quickly. "I assure you, he will answer for this."

"Jasper's death wasn't my fault," Link said, a weight settling over his chest like an enormous boulder.

"We know," Boran said, trying to sound gentle. "Ganondorf was the one who set the trap that killed him. Your bravery in that tunnel prevented any more Gorons from being killed that day. Onyx has dishonoured Jasper's sacrifice."

"Do you realise that Onyx almost doomed Hyrule?" Navi asked sharply, almost spitting the words. "Over an act of vengeance?"

"They don't need to hear it, Navi," Link told her wearily, resisting the urge to shy away from the angry sprite's squeaks. 

He didn't want to be reminded of his burden, not when he still felt like a child, woefully unprepared for the duty he must fulfil. 

"I only meant to-" Navi began in protest, but Link shook his head.

"Don't," he said. Link held her gaze until she relented with a resigned sigh. 

He did not want to be reminded that he was the Hero of Time. If the Gorons came up with yet another nickname for him, he might end up wishing that explosion had finished his hearing for good.

The Goddesses must have been mad, Link thought. A single life was fragile and so easily lost. Only now was Link beginning to understand the enormity of it all. Time's Wheel wove the lives of others around him, like threads in a pattern, trying to preserve the flow of time, just as Sheik and Impa had told him.

Just then, Halvard came back with a large bowl of stew. Link's appetite quickly returned at the sight, but when he caught a whiff of the stew, his anticipation dwindled.

"Dodongo stew," Jemite announced proudly, as though he'd prepared it himself. "We might be rock-eaters, but we must still care for those who pass through our city."

"I'm sure it's delicious," Link said, hesitantly shoving a spoonful of the stew into his mouth.

To his dismay, it tasted like burnt leather and was just as tough to chew.

"Mmm... this is good," he tried to say while nearly choking on the leathery hide. His sword belt would probably have been more edible.

"Is it not to your liking, brother?" Jemite asked, anxiously awaiting Link's verdict. Link could see his desperate desire to be a good host and decided he wasn't going to be rude.

"It's delicious," he gasped, eyes watering as Halvard offered him a waterskin. "It just went down the wrong way."

When he finally washed the meat down, with some difficulty, he handed the waterskin back. It was then that he noticed Halvard had a familiar tattoo on his forearm - a weeping eye. Managing to gulp down the last of the water without spluttering in surprise, Link set his tray down on the stone table.

"You're a Sheikah?" he asked curiously, his eyes lingering meaningfully on the mark. "Is that how you found me?" 

It was a question perhaps better left unsaid, Link reflected belatedly, and judging by the warning look on Navi's face, she agreed. Unfortunately, and not for the first time, his curiosity won.

"I am," Halvard confirmed, his usual pleasant smile now replaced by a strange, melancholic expression. "But I prefer not to think of myself as one. I parted ways with my master and instead served another."

"What do you mean, another?" Link asked. The more he learned about this mysterious man, the more questions he had. Navi looked like she was on the verge of saying something, her scowl making it clear Link's questions were treading too close to truths better left unspoken. 

A reassuring smile from Halvard stopped her. "Ah, that is quite a tale, but one best kept brief." The man paused, looking thoughtful. "I sought a simple life," he answered, "to leave behind the wars and the shadows that have plagued my people." He sighed, and his usual grin faded. "Despite this, my ties could not be completely severed. Impa informed me of your existence, young hero - you have seen her, I take it?"

"I have," Link answered without thinking.

The 'you idiot' look from Navi was more than enough to tell Link he'd gone too far.

It was too late to worry now. Link reasoned that Halvard was in no hurry to be on the receiving end of a punch by an angry Goron, should it turn out that he wasn't on their side, so he drew in a breath and continued, "I sneaked into Hyrule Castle once. She threw me out."

It wasn't exactly true. She had escorted him out of the gate after his rather botched attempt to sneak in.

"And you don't know where she is now?" Halvard asked.

"No," Link lied, preferring to look at his stew rather than into Halvard's intense eyes. "I don't think she's one to stay in the same place for long."

The man seemed to weigh the truth of his words, and then, as Link looked up, the fire in his eyes dimmed a little. 

"But you've had word from her, yes?" he asked.

Link nodded, and Halvard turned to stare into the fire, looking thoughtful.

"Impa and I have rarely seen eye to eye. There was a mask that, in the right hands, could have defeated Ganondorf," the mask merchant continued. "I wanted to control it despite my previous failures to do so. She thought it was too dangerous. She ordered it destroyed."

"Err... what mask?" Navi asked, clearly baffled.

Halvard continued to stare vacantly into the fire. "It doesn't matter." His tone left little doubt that he would say no more on the subject.

"How did you even find me?" Link asked after a brief silence.

"I saw you arrive in Kakariko Village. It's not every day that someone walks into town bearing the Blade of Evil's Bane. I knew it was not a fake from the moment I saw it. Not to mention, your efforts to steer the Blin away from the refugees did not go unnoticed. I followed you and only just arrived at Goron City in time to hear the explosion," said Halvard. "Fortunately, you were close to Elisia's spring. One of her sprites helped mend your injuries."

"You know Elisia?" Link asked. 

"Of course, I have spent years studying Hyrule's more elusive inhabitants. The forest was beyond my reach, to my regret, but Elisia is safe and sends her greetings. She regrets that she must remain hidden."

"You still haven't explained why you were following me," Link pointed out.

Halvard lowered his voice as he answered, "The Gerudo are looking for you, and they seem almost as determined to find you as they are to find Hyrule's dear Princess Zelda. I came after you because I needed to warn you, and as you are Impa's eyes and ears, it's in my interest to help you."

"What warning?" Link asked curiously.

"Impa has informed me of your task," Halvard explained. "It pains me to say it, but you are running out of time."

"Why?" Link asked, his chest tightening with a surge of panic.

"Ganondorf has learned of an artefact beneath the ruins of the Temple of Time. It's known as the Gate of Time," the man revealed. "They say it was once part of a vast network of vaults containing ancient knowledge and treasures."

"A gate?" Link echoed, unsure where this was going. "And what is that, exactly?"

"A portal," Halvard clarified. "And if Ganondorf learns to control it, he could travel back in time, ensuring his victory. Worse still, he intends to send his armies even further back to the moment of Hyrule's creation. He seeks to slay the Goddesses themselves."

"Is that even possible?" Link asked, the immensity of the threat almost too much to comprehend. "If it's just a portal, how could he go back to a time before it was even made?"

How does that even work? He was sure that would confound even the wisest among the Sages.

Halvard's brow furrowed. "An intriguing question, young hero. I fear we must assume he will find a way around that dilemma. But regardless, we cannot delay. You must gather the rest of the Sages before Ganondorf opens the Gate."

"How long do we have?" Link asked, his stew briefly forgotten. He suddenly wasn't feeling all that hungry.

"That I cannot say," Halvard admitted, his expression grim. "But it requires several keys to function, one of which is your Ocarina. My research has yet to reveal the identity of the other keys or whether Ganondorf has any in his possession."

Link's head was spinning with Halvard's revelation. He had to find the rest of the Sages and stop Ganondorf - somehow - before time ran out. 

"Then we need to hurry," he said with feigned calm. He certainly didn't feel calm after hearing all that, but he pushed himself up, trying to focus. "I need to get to the Fire Temple and then return to Impa."

"We can help you get there," Jemite offered resolutely.  "The Goron Elders have granted me permission to accompany you."

"How do we get there?" Link asked, already expecting a dangerous journey. Volvagia would not be the only danger within.

"Beyond the furthest reaches of our city, there is a sealed tunnel," Jemite explained. "It will only open for the one who plays the Bolero of Fire."

"The what?" Link asked, the unfamiliar name adding yet another layer to his overwhelming task.

Halvard gave him a small smile. "It's a simple melody, one I can teach you."

"I can always remind him," Navi chirped, flitting around Link's head.

"That would be wise," Halvard agreed. "Now, I must be going. The Gerudo have been searching for me, and while I have thus far evaded them, it is time I return to the village before my absence is noted."

Link couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.

"Why are they watching you?" The question slipped out before he could stop it. The mask merchant seemed to have a strange way of staying under Ganondorf's radar. He wondered, not for the first time, if the man was working for Ganondorf, but then dismissed the idea as paranoia.

Halvard seemed to sense Link's unspoken suspicion; a flash of something akin to amusement crossed his face. "You look troubled, young hero. Can I offer you more potion?"

Link shook his head. "No, it's nothing."

"Very well..." Halvard cleared his throat. "Before I go, there is one more matter to speak of."

Halvard's smile faded again, and his face was grim. Pale, even. "There have been... disturbances... at the Shadow Temple. I have not witnessed them myself, but I have kept watch over the seal."

"The Shadow Temple?" Link knew of the temple; Navi had spoken of it hesitantly, and most who lived in Hyrule considered it a cursed place.

"Yes." Halvard's voice held an unfamiliar, almost ominous edge. "There are unspeakable things locked away in that temple, evils that must never be allowed to escape."

"What things?" Link pressed as a sense of foreboding settled over him. He glanced at Navi, who looked as alarmed as he felt. He got the vague feeling she knew more about the place than she let on, but it wasn't surprising.

Halvard shook his head. "All you need to know for now is that if that seal is broken, it will spell disaster for all of Hyrule and the kingdoms beyond."

Navi was giving Halvard a very distrustful look as Link finished his stew. He barely tasted it now and had to force himself to eat, knowing he'd need his strength soon enough.

"Now, before I leave, I will teach you the melody that will grant you passage into the Fire Temple," Halvard said. He retrieved a simple wooden flute from his robe and played a short, lively melody that could have been the opening to a dance - the Bolero of Fire.  Link drew the Ocarina of Time to play along, and he was relieved to find the notes came to him easily.

Saria would be impressed, he thought, as the song came to an end. Finally, all that practice is paying off. 

"Remember it well," Halvard said, lowering his instrument.

"We won't forget," Navi assured him.

"Good," Halvard said pleasantly. "Look after that instrument. If Ganondorf gets hold of it, all may be lost. Now..." He straightened as much as his slight stoop would allow. "I really must depart. Good luck, Hero of Time."

With a courteous bow, the enigmatic mask merchant turned and vanished into the corridor.

"Well." Jemite clapped Link on the shoulder, and an edge of tension crept into his voice. "Are you ready?"

"Just a moment." Link gathered his sword and shield, donned the rest of his gear, and checked that everything was secure.

"I'm ready," he said, casting one final look about the empty room. "Let's go." 

With that, he followed Jemite into the corridor beyond. 

~ 0 ~

The tunnels were a maze, and it was a wonder Jemite and Boran knew where they were even going. Link fell behind the pair as they navigated their way through twisting tunnels and down broad stairways. Torches lit the way, and there was little in the way of sound or activity. The corridors were empty, devoid of the living. All through the residential part of the city, doors were shut, and a wide-open area that might have been a marketplace - judging by signs resting against empty stalls - was empty. Not a soul stirred.

"Where is everyone?" Link asked.

"Those who aren't hiding in their homes are in the mines or the forges," Boran answered. "After we tried to seal Volvagia, Ganondorf attacked the city, taking some of our own captive... most of our brethren cower in their homes."

The disgust in his voice was palpable. Link didn't blame the Gorons for being reluctant to rebel when their last attempt had ended with several of their kind dead, including their leader.

"Some of the elders think Darunia a fool for rebelling in the first place," Jemite said in a low, rumbling growl, as if afraid the walls had ears. "They say he placed too much faith in outsiders... err... meaning no offence."

"None taken," Link answered.

"If we can slay Volvagia, perhaps they will think differently," Jemite continued optimistically. "They will sing songs of your deeds when you do."

The tunnels threaded their way into the heart of the Goron city, where Link once again beheld the smooth stone terraces. Except for two lone guards by the entrance, the same place where Link had met Volvagia long ago, there was nobody else here.

Link entered another passage that wove its way beneath the mountain and down yet more stairs until he was sure they were at the bottom level of the city. He kept peeking through doorways, hoping to see some sign of its occupants or what was inside, but no door stood open. It was a relief to hear the distant belting of hammers on anvils as Gorons worked within their massive forges. A part of him was curious to see what a forge looked like, but Jemite steered him away. Then, they entered an older tunnel where Link beheld carvings that were worn with age and covered in the dust of centuries. Bits had flaked off over the years, and other sections looked as though someone had attacked them with a chisel.

It was getting steadily warmer too, Link realised. By the time they rounded a corner and came to a halt before a stone door decorated with a dragon, it was a wonder the walls weren't melting.

"This is the door your friend mentioned," Jemite said. "We had to block off all the other entrances until we could find a way to rescue the others."

"No doubt the Elders are still grumbling about the problem now," Boran said with an exasperated shake of his head. "They'll probably still be grumbling when we get back. By then, we should have Volvagia's head."

Link grimaced, and even Jemite looked appalled.

"Charming," Navi muttered dryly. Trying not to dwell on Boran's words, Link played the Bolero of Fire. With a grinding scrape of stone against stone, the door slid open and vanished into a recess within the floor. Ahead, yet another winding passage twisted upward until it opened up into a cavern lit with a warm red glow.

The blast of heat that hit Link made him think he'd just walked headfirst into a furnace.

"Well," he breathed. "Here goes."

The hot air swallowed him as he reached the end of the passage.

"Ahh..." Jemite gave a contented sigh as they reached the opening of a cavern. "I have never liked winter, brother."

Behind them, the stone door rumbled shut, sealing them in. Link swallowed, not enjoying the sensation of being trapped, and scanned his surroundings. A red stone wall stood on one side of the cavern, seemingly emerging from the very rocks, while a dais sat perched precariously upon a small island of rock, across a short bridge of black stone. Two hulking statues of Gorons in formidable plate armour, both carrying hammers, stood at either end of the bridge.

Link approached the bridge, edging towards the ledge until he could see the angry red glow of the lava far below. Link doubted Impa's ring would be powerful enough to save him if he fell. Even if the lava did not kill him, the fall would.

"It's definitely hot in here," Link said, stepping back from the precipice.

"I think this temperature is quite agreeable," said Jemite.

"Yeah, you would," Navi responded.

"Are you going to be okay in this heat?" Link asked her.

"I will be fine," she replied. "Fairies can survive in really hot temperatures."

As if to emphasise, she flew up into the air with arms outstretched and took a deep breath before coughing. "Ugh... Can't say I like the smell much. Good thing you have that ring, or you'd probably be suffocating by now."

The Gorons did not look remotely worried, and Link couldn't smell anything.

Allowing the Gorons to lead, and realising he'd left Sheik's map in Epona's saddlebags, which at least Navi could have read, Link made his way towards an archway at the far end of the cavern, following a stone path up to a long flight of stairs. At the top of the landing, two pillars flanked the grand archway. Wingless dragons coiled around them, their eyes staring down towards the steps below.

The archway led into a cavernous chamber with three statues resembling elongated heads at the opposite end, their mouths open in not-quite-welcoming grins. From within each maw, a fire burned without any apparent source of fuel.

There were passageways branching off from either side of the chamber. Nothing jumped out from these doorways, though Link half expected something to appear. According to Jemite, two of the corridors led to the catacombs, where the captured Gorons were imprisoned, and the third would take them to the other entrance and Volvagia. The corridors flanked the ancient tomb of the First Sage of Fire, the oldest part of the temple.

Link allowed himself to be led towards the catacombs to find the missing Gorons, and the small party threaded their way along the winding corridors of red stone, enchanted torches held in sconces guiding their way through the heart of the stone labyrinth. Link found the bodies of several Bulblins and scavenged a bow as well as a quiver full of arrows. He couldn't help but feel a little indifferent to the bodies, or the fact that he was stealing from them. He refused to allow himself to dwell on it, knowing that doing so would only lead to distraction.

After wandering through several empty corridors, Link found himself hoping that Ganondorf had completely withdrawn his forces. Unfortunately for him, this was too much to ask for. As he came to the end of a fourth empty passage, its walls decorated with the seemingly endless form of a wingless dragon, two Lizalfos appeared around the corner. Their abrupt appearance and the silence of their approach took Link by surprise. Thankfully, the Lizalfos were just as startled. They cried out in alarm, one quickly leaping to attack, the other proceeding with more caution.

Link thrust his shield up to deflect a jagged blade. With a quick swing, he flicked the reptile's weapon away and thrust his blade into its throat. He ducked sideways as the other Lizalfos came close to cleaving through his neck with its sword. Before Link could respond with a strike of his own, Jemite cracked a fist into the reptile's skull. The monster went down in a wretched heap.

"Thanks, Jemite," Link said, panting from both the heat and the sudden encounter.

Jemite nodded. "Anything for you, Dodongo Buster." He scratched his chin, cast a thoughtful look at Link, and then asked, "Should I say Lizalfos Buster instead?"

"Dodongo Buster is just fine," Link replied. Ideally, he would prefer not to hear that name either, but he doubted he would stop Jemite from saying it anytime soon.

They arrived in the catacombs - long passages with grave niches carved out of the rugged rock walls. Some of the alcoves were filled with the ancient remains of Gorons. Others contained the remains of what appeared to be dragon skulls, decorated with inscriptions and symbols that bore little meaning to Link. Many of the inscriptions that adorned the alcoves were faded, the names of their occupants now long lost. Carvings guarded many of the alcoves, most of them Gorons either dressed in battle armour or covered in tattoos, their meaning lost to Link.

"How old is this place?" Link wondered aloud.

"It is many centuries old," Jemite answered, gesturing to the alcoves. "The shrine to the First Sage of Fire was built first. The rest of the temple was built around the shrine and tomb. There was peace between Gorons and dragons for a time, but invading armies gradually reduced the dragons' territory. When we allied ourselves with the Hylians, agreeing to forge armour in return for retaining our own rule, many dragons believed we had betrayed them. Some turned against us; others abandoned the mountain altogether. This temple and the bones that you see are a reminder of those events, or at least, as we remember them."

"So, Volvagia is a descendant of those dragons?" Navi asked. Link was only half-listening, still very much aware that there could be something lurking in the shadows.

"Without a mother dragon to tend to the nest," Jemite was saying, "most of the remaining eggs died. Volvagia was the only one who hatched." Jemite's voice seemed solemn. "After we defeated the dragons who fought us, the rest left for distant lands. Darunia was named in honour of the Goron who brought an end to that conflict."

Link wished he could read; he wanted to know what the writing carved into the wall said. Reminding himself of his task, he kept himself focused on the way ahead.

It wasn't until the next corridor that they came across more Lizalfos. Most of them tried to flee rather than fight in such close quarters.

As the first Lizalfos fled, Link nocked an arrow and let it fly. The tip pierced the reptile's throat, and it went down with a gurgling crash. A second arrow struck its companion's shoulder, and the beast hissed in pain and outrage.

Link cursed; he'd been aiming for the neck. The creature brought its sword to bear, dashing forward with a snarl. Quickly, Link loosed a third arrow, striking it in the face.

By now, the final Lizalfos was almost at the end of the passage. Link let another arrow loose and felled the beast before it reached the archway at the end of the catacombs.

"The prisoners should be up ahead," said Boran. "Ganondorf meant to feed them to Volvagia, along with the Elders, so nobody would rebel."

"I can only imagine how Darunia reacted to that threat," Navi said dryly.

"Not well," Jemite replied with a small grin. "Darunia was never one to respond well to threats."

"You're becoming a little sarcastic, Navi," Link noted.

"Someone has to keep us sane," Navi quipped.

"Did Sheik or Impa put you up to this?" Link asked.

Navi gave him a sheepish grin. "No. Not at all."

Raising an eyebrow, Link almost replied before a guttural snarl caught his attention. A Lizalfos rounded the corner and charged. Link cursed. Unable to nock another arrow in time, Link lowered his bow and reached for the Master Sword...

WHACK!

Boran jumped to Link's aid, a fist colliding with the side of the lizard's head. It crumpled like a sack.

"Thanks," Link breathed.

Forgetting all thought of conversation, Link kept a lookout for any place a Lizalfos might hide. He wasn't sure if they were that smart, but it was better not to chance it.

Three more Lizalfos stood in the chamber beyond the catacombs. As they entered the cave, there were yells of delight and shouts of "It's Dodongo Buster!"

Other Gorons yelled warnings or suggestions as Link charged. He thrust his blade straight through the torso of one Lizalfos. It gurgled and fell. A second Lizalfos snarled and jumped through the air, sword arcing down towards Link's unguarded back. The youth spun around, shield bashing against blade in a shower of sparks. He cleaved through the beast's abdomen and turned to see Jemite pummel the last Lizalfos with a vicious blow to the skull.

The slaughter was over so fast it was sickening. Trying not to stare at the dead lizards, some with skulls nearly obliterated, Link walked over to the cage closest to him. It was barely big enough for the poor Goron inside; its head was scraping against the top of the cage, forcing it to hunch over.

"Do you know where the keys are?" Link asked.

The Goron pointed to the Lizalfos behind Link, and he spotted the keys on its belt. Boran quickly retrieved them, and together with Link, he freed the imprisoned Gorons. The freed captives thanked Link, with many attempting to slap him on the back, which Link deftly avoided.

"Well, that leaves Volvagia," said Navi, once the initial outburst of noise from the Gorons died down. "Are there any other prisoners?"

The other Gorons gave various mutters of 'no' and shook their heads.

"This is everyone," Jemite said. "Now, we just have to deal with Volvagia so he can't threaten us again. Hopefully, the dragon's buried, and killing it won't be difficult."

"Hopefully," Navi repeated with an air of scepticism. "Knowing our luck, he is not going to be a happy dragon."

"Jemite, I can take you and the others back to the city," Link said. "You don't have to come with me."

"We want to come," Jemite said.

Link was aghast. No. He wouldn't risk it.

"If Volvagia has recovered, it might be best to let me handle him," said Link. "You told me he's already killed some of your people."

"Which is why we must avenge our kin," said Boran.

"It's too risky," Link insisted.

The Gorons grumbled irritably amongst each other, clearly not happy with this idea.

"I don't think you will be able to make them stay behind, Link," Navi whispered.

"I don't want anyone else to die because they followed me," Link said, lowering his voice so it didn't carry. His voice cracked as he recalled the spear plunging into Mido's stomach and then the lightning bolt that almost killed Saria.

I can't let anyone else die.

"We are warriors, Link. If Darunia is dead, it is our duty to avenge him and our kin," Jemite said, holding his hammer for emphasis.

Link looked at Navi, returning her sad gaze.

"Let them come, Link. They have seen their fair share of battle. It won't be like before," she whispered.

Like the Forest Temple, you mean?

"Besides, you will need us to guide you through the passages, and unlike us, if you get lost or stuck, you can't survive by eating the temple," Boran added.

"Isn't that sacrilege?" Navi asked.

"Well... Um, yes, but what are you supposed to do if you get trapped in here?" Boran asked.

"Has anyone ever done that before?" Navi asked.

"Not that I know of," Boran replied with a shrug, turning his black eyes to Link. "So, shall we?"

Link nodded, and the seven Gorons followed him through the passages towards Volvagia. The bulky mountain dwellers did their best to move quietly, but they were like bears trying to sneak through the underbrush.

With a gigantic dragon and an enormous explosion distracting him, Link hadn't had time for sightseeing before. Now, the sheer size of the cavernous room took his breath away. It was as big as the Great Deku Tree's meadow. The walls were richly decorated with murals of Gorons. There were scenes of Gorons fighting, drinking, and wrestling. Other murals depicted the mountain folk crafting weapons, while others danced amidst a parade of drums. Several more depicted a battle between the Gorons and a dragon with a crown atop its head. The reliefs closest to the entrance were blackened, scorched, and damaged, with cracks and chips marring the stone. Volvagia was there amidst the rubble, still partly submerged beneath the rock, his eyes closed. There was little evidence of any injury.

Link approached the dragon cautiously, sword drawn. His hands were clenched so tightly around the hilt that his fingers hurt.

Is it dead?

He stepped over the bodies of numerous Lizalfos, many suffering from obvious blunt trauma.

"Is it alive?" Jemite whispered as they came close to Volvagia.

Link shushed the Goron and listened. Faint and barely audible, he could hear Volvagia's rumbling breaths. He was still alive. It would be easy to just run over and slay him now. Too easy.

"What's that?" Navi whispered, flying close to his ear. "Amongst his scales, just behind the head."

A blood-red crystal was embedded in the dragon's hide, no bigger than a Goron's fist.

"I'm no expert, but I'm willing to bet that crystal is either controlling or reviving him," Navi answered her own question. "It's definitely dark magic, whatever it is."

So, I just have to reach that? Link thought. I guess it could be a lot worse.

A groan came from a separate mound of rubble near the wall, where Link spotted the handle of a hammer protruding between two broken stones. A few rocks tumbled loose from the debris as something moved beneath them.

"Somebody is in there," Navi hissed. "They're still alive."

"Darunia!" Jemite exclaimed. "He's alive!"

Boran's elbow jabbed into Jemite's ribs, but even that was rather loud.

"Jemite!" Navi snapped. "Are you trying to wake that thing up?"

Wings buzzing in agitation, she pointed at Volvagia. Jemite mumbled an apology just as the dragon let out a loud snort. Navi spun around, eyes widening as the beast's slow, rhythmic breathing changed. Several Gorons groaned softly, including Boran.

Too late.

Volvagia's eyes snapped open. Only feet from the dragon's head, Link froze. The dragon's eyes burned like the depths of a furnace, and a deep growl rumbled through the temple.

Volvagia was awake.

Next Chapter

Reviews

SunPraiser31 chapter 30 . Feb 1, 2017 Talk about unexpected reappearances! I definitely don't trust the mask salesman though. Him just happening across Link can't be a coincidence. Nothing that ever happens to heroes of prophecy is a coincidence. Whether he's working for Ganondorf or not, hopefully Link stays wary of him. I was worried about Darunia being dead, but he's still alive! Yay! Except now Volvagia is awake and he might actually die this time! No! I also love all the world building details you included regarding the Gorons and the dragons. It helps me get more immersed in the world and invested in their struggles, nice work.

ZadArchie chapter 30 . Jan 15, 2017 Well, at this point, and I really can't believe I'm half-way through, I think I'll forgo the usual structure of my reviews. This is mainly because I have almost no line notes anymore. I've spotted the odd typo here or there, but it's nothing major. In chapter 26, I didn’t realize the other Gerudo were also under a mind-control spell too. However, I’m sure that’s more a fandom-blind thing than anything else. Still, a pretty solid chapter. Good to see Link have a little success to his liking for once. While I am happy you're giving Link some real psychological damage and challenges as this story progresses, some of these chapters are starting to feel a little repetitive. Link will go through a spell of utter despair at whatever crucial mistake he has made, he's inconsolable, someone, usually Navi or Impa tries to give him a reason to keep fighting, he only grudgingly agrees, and so on and so forth. I think I've seen this structure in at least 3 to 4 chapters so far. Just something to think about. Otherwise, a lot of these action chapters have been progressing well. Did not expect Impa to be Sheik, so that was a nice surprise. However, I went to a wiki page and read the plot of the game, so unfortunately, I'm not going to be too surprised by anything else like that. Keep it up, and I'll be back in Chapter 35 to review again. Best, Zad Critics United

Shaveza chapter 30 . Jun 14, 2015 I see all the set up for Majora's Mask that you're doing. It is awesome. I really love it.

Guest chapter 30 . Nov 9, 2014 Super cool 24 th time reading this and it is still awesome! You should also add a chapter near the end featuring treacherous tower from link beetween worlds!keep it up!:) -t

Guest chapter 30 . Nov 9, 2014 Awesome! (From guest who wrote megaton hammer (t for short))