Ocarina of Time Chapter 53

 Chapter 53

Before the Storm

A storm was coming. Billowing clouds draped the sky like a black curtain, plunging the realm into perpetual darkness. The air felt tense, as though the very land was holding its breath in anticipation of what was about to unfold.

Zelda had to stop herself from biting her lip. She hated storms. It wasn't that she was afraid of them, but rather that they reminded her of that terrible night, nearly eight years ago, when her family had died. If she shut her eyes, Zelda could still hear the cries of Hylian soldiers, the screams of men, women, and children, all butchered like animals in a slaughterhouse. She remembered the ominous bells that heralded the town's impending doom and the crackling flames that hungrily devoured the ransacked city.

No, she thought. Don't think about that. There was still hope for her after all of this was done. She took comfort in that, knowing that even should she fail, there was still another left in her line. She would not be the last of House Nohansen.

She breathed deeply, feeling her heart flutter within her chest. She reminded herself that she needed to remain focused and calm, but how could one do that when her decisions over the next few hours, and indeed the days to come, might determine her realm's fate? It wasn't only Hyrule at stake either; the fate of the other nine Kingdoms hung in the balance.

"Are you not well, your majesty? You look pale. Shall I send for Lady Impa?" one of her attendants asked. She was a young, dark-haired Hylian, not much older than Zelda.

"I am quite alright," Zelda said. "Thank you."

The woman didn't seem convinced, but kept quiet. Both attendants sensed Zelda's fretful mood and went about their work silently.

To settle her uneasy nerves, she tried focusing on the mirror rather than the lonely melancholy her thoughts produced.

The dress Zelda wore was breathtakingly beautiful. The Mithiran seamstresses had outdone themselves. It was white and immaculate. The pink bodice and dress itself were adorned with golden embroidery and glittering gemstones that were untarnished by war or age. Such a dress had its time and place, but right now the sight of something so elaborate nearly made Zelda ill.

How could she wear something like this? Even her attendants weren't wearing anything so immaculate. The soldiers, Kakariko's villagers, and the Gerudo mostly wore used garments that were crisscrossed with stitches from excessive use. The garments she'd adopted for her disguise were in a similar state: torn, faded, and stained with the blood of lives she was forced to take. Zelda hated killing, even if it was in self-defence or duty made it necessary.

Her thoughts drifted towards the bundle of cloth lying on a table beside the bed and the mask within it. After wearing it so often in the last seven years, she'd longed to be rid of it. Now, ironically, she wanted to put it back on, to slip away into the shadows, away from all this attention. Wearing that mask, she had tasted a freedom she would never again know in the life of court with all its trappings and regalia. She was quickly distracted when one of her attendants handed her a pair of long, white gloves.

Zelda pulled them on and felt the heavy weight of the pauldrons on her shoulders. They felt extremely uncomfortable after her light Sheikan garbs.

As much as she hated wearing it, the lavish royal regalia was necessary. Perhaps she had used her disguise for far too long; Zelda wanted her people to see that she was still their princess, and to prove that Ganondorf hadn't defeated or killed her as many claimed. She wanted them to know that she hadn't abandoned them all these years, nor would she.

All she had to do was end this war.

So close, yet so far.

There was a major chasm between Zelda and her goal, a chasm far too wide to cross and so deep that she couldn't see the bottom. But she knew she had to cross it, for it was more than just Hyrule that depended on her doing so.

She should have been happy. The Sages were free; they'd returned with her shortly after escaping the Temple of Time. Now that the barrier had fallen, and in the days since, nearly all had been prepared for the final assault on Ganondorf's tower. In that time, she had been certain the fallen Gerudo king would attack, but in the four days since liberating the Sages, Zelda hadn't heard a whisper of his whereabouts.

Indeed, upon returning to camp, she'd expected to hear news of an impending skirmish. Save for several small sorties, there had been little movement from Ganondorf's army. Each sortie had been repelled, the Blin retreating for the safety of the fallen city, where Ganondorf's followers just watched. Watched and waited.

Ganondorf's forces did destroy the bridge at the city's Southern gate, meaning the Gorons would have to carry several enormous portable bridges and slide them across the narrowest points of the river to let the army cross. That was simple enough in theory, except there were sure to be mages standing on the wall. Archers might not threaten a Goron, but a mage was a different story.

Zelda's eyes settled on the crown, which sat propped upon a cushion on the table beside the mirror.

She stared at it pensively for a moment; it wasn't the same crown worn by the queens of old. The original crown was most likely destroyed, lost during the sacking of Hyrule Castle. However, the two tiaras were similar, both intricately carved to resemble a laurel wreath with a ruby as its centerpiece. Zelda lifted the crown off the pillow, admiring it for a moment. She placed it on her head, nearly wincing as the sharp points of the leaves dug into her skin.

A crown was never meant to be comfortable, she thought. She remembered her father telling her that once.

Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown. She remembered that lesson well- a king or queen should never grow complacent. If only her father had been able to heed his own advice. Then again, that might not have been enough to save him in the end.

Before she could praise her attendants, the tent flap stirred, and a breeze whistled through the tent's confines. Link entered, a boy no older than ten trailing at his side. The younger lad was looking at him with total awe, then he caught Zelda's gaze and knelt hastily. He was one of the Pages that Impa had assigned to her.

"Thank you," Zelda said to the youth, gesturing for him to rise. He did so and then scampered off, nearly tripping over the tent flap in the process.

"I'd forgotten just how many questions children can ask in one breath," Navi said, sounding relieved. "Well... almost forgotten."

Link flushed slightly at the remark, a small smile tugging at the edges of his mouth. It hurt to see how ragged he looked. A green eye-patch covered his right eye and, along with the scars across his face, it gave him the look of someone much older. He'd seen far more than most men would in their lifetime.

Link's tunic was worn, stitched in several places where either a blade or claw had ripped it open. Dark patches marred the green fabric from bloodstains that couldn't be completely washed out. He still hoisted the Master Sword behind him, along with a recently acquired Hylian Shield. His eye took in her dress, and he appeared at a loss for words.

"Wow. Zelda, you look amazing," he said at last, sounding stunned.

"Thank you," Zelda said, smiling. "I hope the boy didn't keep you too long."

"He didn't," Link answered distractedly. There was a look of wonder in his eye as he gazed at her gown. "It's felt strange to be the center of so much attention. I'm not quite sure I'm used to it."

Zelda almost chuckled. "I know what you mean."

"You wanted to see me, my queen?" Link asked, his formal tone sounding slightly awkward.

At those words, Zelda felt oddly touched and pained at the same time. Touched that he regarded her in that way, even though she was not yet a queen, and pained because it sounded so distant and formal. It was like there was a rift between them. His words made Zelda lament that he would never see her as his equal or even just as a cousin. To him, Zelda was his mentor, guide, and queen. In part, she blamed herself for this; she hadn't exactly treated him kindly. He had been right about one thing: she was cold, but she certainly wasn't heartless.

"Link," she said softly, looking him in the eye. "You do not need to call me that. Please, just call me Zelda."

"What about Z?" Navi asked, apparently trying to defuse the tension.

"No," Zelda said briskly, glaring at the fairy. "Definitely not."

"Okay, forget I said that," Navi replied before changing the subject. "I do like your dress."

"Where did you get it?" Link asked.

"It was a gift from Prince Owain of Mithira," Zelda replied.

The name didn't mean anything to Link while he stared at her blankly. "Who?"

Zelda wasn't surprised by Link's confusion, for Prince Owain was one of Eugene's brothers. He was a few years younger than Eugene and far more pleasant. After years of living as Sheik, Zelda had visited Owain when the king sent him away from the court for a time. He was not the eldest of his brothers, nor first in line to the Mithiran throne, and so his absence hadn't been scandalous. There, with Impa acting as a witness, Owain and Zelda had secured their betrothal.

Now wasn't the time to explain all of that. As much as she yearned to tell him some of the secrets she still kept from him, she knew she couldn't. If she did, and Ganondorf somehow read Link's mind, her secret would be uncovered. There was no telling how far Ganondorf's influence reached and what danger that would pose.

No. That secret would have to remain guarded until Ganondorf was dead.

You want him to regard you as a cousin and a friend? Zelda thought to herself. Yet you continue to deceive him.

"Never mind. That's something I can explain later, and I have a lot to fill you in on," Zelda said, before shaking her head and pushing her tangled thoughts aside. Forcing a laugh she didn't feel, she managed, "I didn't send for you so we could discuss my dress of all things."

"Your majesty?" Link asked. He seemed to sense her disapproval, for he added, "Zelda."

"Ruto's going to love this," Navi muttered drily. "After all her lessons on remembering royal titles, we're completely dropping them."

Zelda almost laughed. "Yes. Rauru did mention that."

She walked over to the bundle of cloth on the table, unravelling it to reveal the mask, and gestured for him to join her. Zelda stared at the face of the mask that she'd worn so long.

"What is that?" Link asked, walking beside her and glancing at the mask. She sensed his surprise as he recognized the details that lined the mask's wooden face, right down to the bandages which covered most of its hair save for a tuft of blond hair.

"It looks like Sheik... but, wait..."

"Is that a soul mask?" Navi asked, giving an answer to Link's question. She sounded unnerved. Zelda didn't blame her; the soul masks they'd encountered in the Shadow Temple had been made for far more sinister purposes.

"It is," Zelda answered while setting the mask back down. "But it's not nearly as powerful as some of the ones we have encountered."

"So... Sheik was a real Sheikah?" Link asked, his voice quiet.

"Yes," Zelda said gravely. "Impa and I met her while we were hiding in the woods. Sheik traveled with us for a few days but..." Zelda paused, looking at the mask. "She was gravely wounded, and Impa had nothing to care for her."

Zelda hadn't learned much about Impa's mysterious friend. She was too ill following the escape from Castletown. She had barely eaten, refused what was given to her, and become almost entirely reclusive.

Zelda shivered at the unpleasant memories, remembering how she'd barely spoken to Impa for days after her family's death. They'd come to blows more than once, and Zelda was sure she'd hurt Impa's feelings on more than one occasion, although the elder Sheikah would never admit it.

"How did she end up like that?" Link asked, sounding slightly disturbed.

"Impa used her harp and played a song before Sheik died. It turned her into this." Zelda looked down at the mask. "It was Sheik's idea. Impa was loathed to do it, but they agreed in the end."

In a way, even in death, Sheik had fulfilled the oaths of her people. She had protected Zelda, the last remaining member of Hyrule's Royal Family, aside from Rauru. For a time, Zelda had feared the mask would change her and make her believe that she really was Sheik. Thankfully, it hadn't.

"What do you intend to do with this mask?" Navi asked.

She'd already decided what to do. Zelda originally intended to bury it within the Shadow Temple, but after it was desecrated and defiled by the Necromancer, it no longer seemed right.

"I was going to place it inside the Royal Tomb," Zelda said.

Her family's tomb. Zelda had been avoiding it, not wanting painful reminders that her family was gone. The bodies of her father and Ewan weren't there, of course.

She learned that their bodies had survived the perilous fires, only to have further insult done to them. Ganondorf had displayed their heads outside the ruined city as a message to any who dared oppose him.

Zelda shivered, earning a concerned glance from Link and Navi.

"Do you want me to take it?" Link asked. "I don't mind."

He was somehow able to tell she didn't want to go near that place or the graveyard. After what had transpired in the Shadow Temple, she knew he would understand.

"Why don't we all go?" Navi suggested. "As long as there is nothing down there we ought to know about."

"When this is finally over," Zelda reasoned. "There isn't time now. The others should be ready, and there is much to be discussed."

Zelda could see Link's face pale in the faint torchlight. He knew what was coming. He recognized this meeting was about their final assault on Ganondorf's Tower.

As her gaze lingered upon Link's eye-patch, Zelda felt a chill creep into her bones. In her vision, the one she'd seen in the Spirit Temple, Link only had one eye. She'd dismissed any notion that what she saw was prophetic, but now...

No, she thought. I won't let that happen.

"This is it, isn't it?" he questioned, unaware of Zelda's brief lapse. He tried so hard to hide the fear in his voice, but Zelda could still sense it.

"Almost," Zelda replied, keeping her voice steady. "I trust Nabooru has been keeping you busy these last few days?"

"If you count beating the crap out of me with her scimitar, then yeah, she has," Link answered dryly.

"You know she has to," Zelda admonished him gently. "She grew up knowing Ganondorf, and she knows his fighting style better than anyone else."

"She mentioned that, but I don't think Gerudo normally spar by blasting spells at each other."

"I guess not." Zelda's eyes lingered from him to the mask. "Still, I'll take all the help we can get. Which reminds me, did you talk to Rauru... about the Triforce of Courage?"

Link looked troubled for an instant, his gaze turning towards the tent wall. "I did."

"And?"

Link turned to meet her eyes, and it was difficult to gauge his expression. She got the impression he was still trying to make sense of everything. Not surprising really.

"He isn't entirely sure what it is," Link said with a shake of his head. "He suggested asking, but Courage- that's what I call him now- doesn't answer directly. Given what he knows, Rauru thinks it's the spirit of someone connected to me or a previous incarnation of the ancient hero, and that it was dormant until it sensed me."

Could that be possible? Zelda wondered. Link was the hero reborn, so it didn't seem possible that this spirit was just the hero of a long-forgotten age. Unless...

"What do you think?" Zelda asked. The possibility of time travel opened up many possibilities, some of them troubling. Was this thing a shade? Was it another incarnation of the hero who'd travelled back in time and perished? What had become of their world? How had they managed to go back in time? Only the ocarina could do that, or the inactive gate in the ancient vaults beneath the Temple of Time.

So many questions, and so few answers. Zelda knew the spirit was familiar. Back in the Shadow Temple, it had known her, spoken her name, and then vanished before she could speak to it.

"I'm still trying to work it out, but it's not like I can hear him all the time," Link explained, his brow furrowed in consternation. "It's weird. Every time I draw on Courage, and I draw more than I normally can, I see a tall figure with white eyes staring back at me." Link shook his head. "I didn't get a good look at him." He gave a small, shaky laugh. "Too busy trying not to get killed..."

I understand now, Zelda thought, losing track of what Link was saying. Not another incarnation at all... but... here? Was that even possible?

"Uhh... Zelda?" Link asked, appearing concerned by her lapse in concentration.

"Sorry... I just thought of something." She considered telling him, but the press of Rauru's telepathy upon her own mind intruded on her thoughts. He was waiting for them. She needed time to consider what she'd learned, and time wasn't something she had right now. "I'll tell you later, once I've thought it over. Rauru's waiting for us."

She glanced once more at the mask in her hands, Sheik's now empty eyes staring back at her. It seemed very strange not wearing that mask anymore. Zelda placed it in her trunk and straightened. A part of her felt apprehensive; this would be her first time appearing to her people as Hyrule's monarch. Most of them knew Zelda had access to Sheikan artifacts that allowed her to arrive in their midst unannounced. Therefore, explaining her sudden appearance would not be difficult, and there had been time enough to spread the rumour that she would be arriving soon.

She breathed deeply and led the way outside the tent. The two guards beside the entrance did not seem overly surprised to see their future queen suddenly appear after such a long absence. Zelda had no doubt Toru or Impa had told them to expect her, and if they were remotely startled, they hid it well. After giving her crisp salutes, both men fell into line, armor clanking as they walked.

Others in the camp were a little more startled. Soldiers, grooms, servants, and attendants stopped in their tracks to look at her. Their reactions were mixed and included surprise, shock, and suspicion.

Some cheered, their shouts rising over the camp's noise.

"The Red Lion!" they shouted.

"The Phoenix flies again!"

Zelda took her time, pausing to listen to those who spoke to her, committing their names to memory. Most were overjoyed to see her. Unfortunately, not everyone shared similar sentiments. More than once, she saw someone muttering, refusing to meet her gaze. One man, a runner by the looks of his uniform, spat in Zelda's direction. One of her guards stepped forward and, judging by his apparent affront, there was no doubt he intended to brain the runner.

"Don't," Zelda hissed, glancing sharply at her guard. The man gazed at her curiously and then quickly fell back in line.

"He shouldn't have been so disrespectful," Zelda heard Navi mutter.

"They have the right to be angry," Zelda whispered, walking in step with Link. "As far as they are concerned, I fled instead of remaining in Hyrule."

Link glanced at her questioningly. "Surely they realize there was nothing you could do?" he asked, keeping his voice low. "You could not help Hyrule by staying out in the open and getting killed."

"They don't all see it that way," Zelda said, equally quiet.

They made their way through the camp's winding makeshift streets. As they reached one of the camp's larger pavilions, Zelda turned to see a crowd had amassed behind her. They were mostly Hylian, and they were all staring at her.

"I don't think you're getting out of this one," Navi said quietly.

To her dismay, Zelda realized Navi was right. Now that she'd appeared, many would be looking to her for guidance. She was, or rather would be, Hyrule's queen.

General Toru, Rauru, and Impa stepped out of the tent, greeting Zelda as they came to join her. Rauru took one look at the crowd, then glanced at Zelda, giving her a slight nod. He must have been using telepathy to communicate with Impa, for she too turned, gesturing so subtly towards the crowd that Zelda doubted anyone else would have noticed.

You can do this, she seemed to say. This is your moment. None of us can do it for you.

Zelda offered both Sages a smile in return, took a deep breath, and then for the first time in many years, she turned to face her people. The last time she'd ever done this was beside her father, listening attentively as he addressed his subjects. Seeing her standing before them, those closest to Zelda fell into a hushed silence. Their neighbors followed suit, their attention drawn towards Zelda.

"I know that some of you feel that by fleeing Hyrule, I have broken the oaths my father made," she began, raising her voice and maintaining her strong composure. "I know there are those who believe I abandoned Hyrule to its fate, that I abandoned you, her people. As I stand here before you now, I ask you to stay your judgment," she paused, surveying the attentive crowd. "Rest assured that since the day I was exiled when Castletown fell, the people of Hyrule have not left my thoughts. Long has it been my desire to return and seek the same justice that we all desire. We have all suffered in this conflict. There isn't a family in Hyrule who hasn't lost someone in this war. Many of you still grieve for what has been done. We have all suffered, we have all known loss, and I share this sorrow with you." It was an effort to keep her voice from cracking on those words, and more of an effort not to yield to the burning sensation behind her eyes. Link watched her with a look of concern, and she pressed on. "I know that you're angry, and you have every right to be. Though we stand amidst the ruins of a broken kingdom, we stand as a people united. We stand as an alliance of unified kingdoms, of unified races, a unity the likes of which has not been witnessed in living memory. Together, we will end Ganondorf's tyranny, and bring to rest the bitter sorrows of our fallen. Together we will reforge Hyrule, just as we have always done, no matter the calamity we have faced. The banner of Hyrule's kings and Queens, the phoenix, stands as a testament to this. Despite the trials we face, Hyrule will rise again from the ashes." Before anyone could object, Zelda unsheathed one of her daggers and ran its edge along the palm of her left hand. Blood welled from the cut. It stung, and she saw Link wince, no doubt recalling the last time she'd done something similar. Zelda held her bloody palm up for all to see. "This is my blood oath to you. I will not rest until Hyrule is free from Ganondorf's treachery. Together we will end this war, and the phoenix will fly again!"

Zelda's heart was thundering loudly in her chest as she finished and her mouth was dry from the nerves she had been struggling to hold back. At her final words, a chorus of cries rose up as her words became a chant repeated by the throng. "The Phoenix will fly again!"

Gorons, Zora, Hylian, and Gerudo echoed Zelda's words, and amidst the clamour, Zelda watched over them. Warriors and common folk, all shouting. Her people.

"I think you made quite an impression!" came Darunia's approving voice.

Zelda smiled. "It helps when you have a giant Goron at your back."

Darunia chuckled. "You are too modest. This was your doing, not mine."

For a moment, he looked as though he was considering giving Zelda a hearty pat on the back, but thought better of it. Zelda's guards wouldn't appreciate it if their queen got knocked into the mud... and nor would she, for that matter.

Zelda turned her eyes back to the others gathered before her.

"General Toru," Zelda said, beckoning the man to her side. "See that everyone returns to their duties, and once you have, join me in the council tent. I must speak to the Sages, and you should also be privy to this discussion."

"As you wish," Toru replied, bowing and then moving off to fulfil his task.

Zelda gazed northward towards the churning sea of black clouds descending upon the land. The air itself seemed to grow frantic, humming with energy as the storm bore down on the camp. Thunder rumbled in the distance, and the rain fell in a steady drizzle.

The storm was almost upon them.

With one last look at the dispersing crowd, she turned, following Link and the other Sages into the tent.

~ 0 ~

Tension ran thick in Zelda's command tent, amidst the persistent hum of conversation and the scurrying of messengers and attendants. It wasn't the silent tension that followed an argument, it was more like the rumbling prelude that proceeded a storm, the stillness in the air, the wind pausing before unleashing its unbridled fury.

Link could sense it, and he was quite certain Saria could do. Her lips were pursed, her expression worried. She glanced at Link and mouthed an 'are you okay?', to which he offered a nod and smile in return. She was seated on several cushions so she could see the table clearly, having refused Darunia's offer of a seat on his shoulder.

The other Sages were crowded around the huge table, their attention fixed upon the large map sprawled across it. Hylian officers in their red and blue finery were clustered around the table, some of them casting the occasional glance at Link, but more often, Darunia or Saria were the fixture of that curiosity.

Upon seeing Saria, most of the officers had mistaken her for a member of Zelda's staff, and upon noticing Fora hovering near her, were surprised to learn she was in fact a Kokiri.

Link fixed his attention on Darunia next. Two Gorons stood behind him, and with war paint decorating their faces, they made a formidable sight. Ruto had brought guards as well- two Zora in sapphire-blue armour. Behind Nabooru stood a pair of Gerudo, their expressions impassive. She was studying the map, her lips pursed.

The map showed Hyrule Field in its entirety, with Castletown at its center. Figurines, a different one representing each of the Ten Kingdoms, lay scattered around central Hyrule. A figurine depicting a shield with the Hylian Crest stood alongside the edges of the Zora River nearest Kakariko, which was a day's march from Castletown. More figurines represented the remaining war camps: three to the north, two further south, and two towards the west. The Blin's boar sigil marked their location within Castletown. It seemed that Ganondorf was surrounded.

A gust of cold air whipped through the tent, bringing along with it the scent of rain. Another messenger walked inside, heading straight to Zelda, who took a letter from his hand. As she read it, her face darkening as she did so, Link couldn't help but notice the dark circles under her eyes, and every so often she rubbed her temples.

"Damn that man!" Zelda hissed quietly, her eyes scanning the parchment. "It seems my speech didn't impress everyone." She slammed the parchment down, clasped her hands together atop the table, and drew a breath. "Lords and their damn games. Here we are trying to prevent the end of the world, and all they want to do is squabble like children."

"More trouble?" Darunia asked.

"Lord Fenn is gone." Zelda's voice betrayed a trace of anger and frustration.

"Gone?" Ruto asked in surprise, appearing startled.

"He just took his men and left," Zelda said, indicating the parchment with her hand. "Some of them stayed, but not many."

"Why would he leave now?" Ruto asked incredulously. "That's treason!"

"He did not approve of my decision to ally with the Gerudo," Zelda explained patiently. "He had well over a thousand men at his command."

"Cowards," Nabooru said, sounding disgusted. "I say let them run. The Gerudo will more than make up for their loss."

"As will the Gorons," Darunia added proudly, clasping one fist against his chest. 

"I have no doubt of that," Zelda agreed. "Even with nine of the Ten Kingdoms by our side, we still need every soldier possible if we are to end this war, and I still have need of every mage we can find. Five were amongst his staff, which makes no small loss for us."

"We have enough strength to take Ganondorf down," Darunia said, smacking a palm onto the table in what was supposed to be a gentle gesture. Wood shuddered under the impact, almost knocking Zelda's tea onto a pile of parchment, much to one scribe's dismay.

Darunia withdrew his hand, grinning sheepishly. "Sorry." When Zelda waved him on, he continued, "You have over ten thousand soldiers across the nine war camps. Surely that is enough?"

Ten thousand? Link had trouble keeping a straight face. A hundred was a lot to him. As for ten thousand, it seemed unfathomable. Did Castletown even have that many people? He remembered the bustling streets and being overwhelmed by the sheer size of everything while weaving his way through throngs of people.

"Ten thousand would be more than sufficient, if Blin were our only adversaries, but we well know that's not the case," Zelda said evenly. "We may have Ganondorf cornered, but... aside from destroying Castletown's Southern Bridge, and a few small raids, he hasn't shown himself. He's up to something, and I do not know what it is."

"No news is good news, right?" Darunia asked, looking around as if expecting everyone to agree. Nobody did.

"Knowledge is our strength," Zelda said with no hint of reproach. "Without it, we march into an unknown contest, and that could be a trap."

"Right," Darunia grunted, sounding almost embarrassed. "I hadn't thought of it that way."

"Impa, do you have any ideas?" Zelda asked without pause.

Impa shook her head. "No," she said gravely. "I am afraid not. Most of our spies are either dead or missing. Despite several smaller skirmishes, none of the other armies have drawn him out."

"Whatever it is, we will deal with it," Darunia growled.

"I wish I could share your optimism, Darunia," Zelda said with a soft sigh. "As it is, we have underestimated Ganondorf in the past, and I do not want any surprises." She turned to Toru. "General, double the watch on our perimeter. I want word immediately if the sentries see anything. If a mouse so much as sneezes, I want to know about it. In the meantime, I will send word to our allies. If Ganondorf's army begins their march, sound the alarm. I want to be ready to march and break camp at a moment's notice."

"As you command, your Majesty," Toru said, bowing and then slipping between Darunia's two guards. Several messengers quickly followed after him as Zelda sent them off to deliver their messages.

That left Link, the Sages, and their guards remaining inside the tent. Zelda glanced at them before speaking, "Each of you knows what is expected of us," she said, her voice suddenly grave. "When the path to Ganondorf's castle is clear, it will fall on us to help defeat Ganondorf."

"There is one thing, your Majesty," said Rauru. He sat on the other side of Impa, still wearing his elaborate gold and brown robes. "As we discovered when Ganondorf was attacked by one of his own inside the Gerudo Fortress, he cannot be killed by ordinary means."

"He can be killed by the Master Sword, right?" Link asked abruptly. "I mean..." Rauru couldn't be suggesting that Ganondorf couldn't be killed at all. "He can be... he has to be."

Link looked around at the other Sages, hoping that someone would affirm what he'd said. In the back of his mind, Courage affirmed Link's fears.

"It's been done before. The Master Sword might kill him, but he will inevitably be reborn," Courage said, its voice sounding oddly heavy and grave. "It is inevitable."

Rauru gazed at Link remorsefully, his moustache twitching. "We must be prepared for the worst, Link. That way, it cannot take us by surprise."

"That's awfully pessimistic, don't you think?" Ruto asked.

"I agree with the fish. This is pessimistic," Darunia grumbled.

Ruto scowled but held her tongue.

"I would not call it pessimism," Rauru explained evenly.

"What are you proposing, Rauru?" Zelda questioned, holding her hand up to silence any further comment.

"We may need to create a seal and then bind him within the Sacred Realm," Rauru answered. "As I was able to discover while I was in the Sacred Realm, there are regions therein that were sealed off and isolated for the exact purpose of imprisoning the Ancients."

"There are prisons in the Sacred Realm?" Link asked, taken aback.

Nobody noticed his question; all their attention was on Rauru.

Nabooru was frowning, unfolding her arms, her expression dark. "Hang on," she said slowly. "Didn't the Sheikah try something similar? As I recall, that didn't end well." She stared at Impa and clarified with, "Meaning no offence, Lady Impa."

"None taken," Impa replied.

"This idea, I do not like it," Darunia growled, looking deeply troubled.

Link didn't like what Nabooru was implying. He gazed between the Sages, suddenly feeling very ill.

"If we cannot remove the Triforce of Power from his possession... we may have no choice," Rauru said.

"As the Seventh Sage, the decision is mine," Zelda said, her voice firm but calm. "If all goes according to plan, then we will not need to worry about creating this seal."

If all goes according to plan. Link found those words far from comforting. It was an effort not to shiver.

Rauru cleared his throat. "Some scholars believe that the one who possesses the Triforce of Power is essentially immortal."

"Why can't Link's Triforce piece do that?" Navi asked dryly. "I mean, it would have made things so much easier."

"Navi!" Link scolded her, not in the least bit amused.

"Being immortal doesn't mean you cannot be killed," Saria said, ignoring Navi, who was busy trading glares with Link. "The Kokiri are immortal after all, but..." she trailed off, her confidence slipping as she recalled something rather morbid. "That doesn't mean we cannot be harmed."

Zelda met Saria's eyes, her expression sorrowful. "I know, Saria," she said gently.

"That is true," Rauru agreed solemnly. "However, it is possible the Triforce of Power can resurrect Ganondorf. It has already done so once before."

"So, we just need to get the Triforce of Power off of him?" Link asked hopefully.

"That, I fear, may be far easier said than done," Rauru told him. "Most scholars do not believe it's possible, unless the piece leaves on its own accord to seek out a new host."

"Tell me at least that it's possible, Rauru," Zelda asked.

"There is no record of that ever happening," Rauru said. "But, nor has there been recordings of the Triforce splitting, at least... not any that I'm aware of. It may be possible that combining both the Courage and Wisdom shards may cause the shard of Power to leave him briefly so it can reunite with its counterparts. This would allow whoever touches it to make their wish, but that is only conjecture."

"I will need something a little more concrete than conjecture, Rauru," Zelda said firmly. "Are you certain the seal will work if we use it or are you not?"

"It is our best option. There is, however, one small flaw..."

Whatever reassurance Link gained was quickly lost by Rauru's latter admission.

"Why don't I like the sound of this?" Nabooru asked. She looked as displeased as Link felt. Link tried to reach out to Courage, hoping to touch the spirit's mind. Perhaps it had some answers. He could vaguely sense the spirit, and it responded to his tenuous touch.

"Without the Sages to safeguard it, the seal will weaken with time," Rauru explained.

"Some plan," Ruto murmured. "Are you sure you aren't losing your mind, Rauru? This would be a most inopportune time to go senile."

"I'm not there yet," Rauru said, annoyed. 

"He's right," Link said, surprising himself and everyone else. As all eyes turned to stare, Link drew a breath. "That must have been what caused the Great Flood, the one the Gerudo spoke of."

Courage knew this was true, but how, Link couldn't have said. In that brief contact, images flashed through Link's mind. Memories, but not his own. Water. A land drowning beneath a roaring sea, white-capped foam dashing against the rocks of a dying world. Courage had witnessed this distant future, of this, Link was certain.

"It was but one eventuality," Courage explained. "One of many, and I have borne witness to them all. I have seen worlds burn in a cataclysm of fire, drowned, and consumed by ancient sorcery most foul. The seal will fail, but that doesn't mean we will. The future is a page waiting to be written and we, not Ganon or the Sheikah, shall be its scribes."

Nobody else heard that voice, and so when Link gazed back at them, Courage's words still ringing in his mind, he saw the question in their eyes. Zelda and Rauru were the only one who weren't surprised by his momentary lapse in concentration.

Nabooru's expression grew dark, and she turned a fierce gaze on Rauru. "Are you saying we're just buying ourselves time?" Her tone turned to outrage, and she practically shouted, "That's it? After everything we have done and been through! This is your idea of a plan! To create a seal that will eventually fail and undo everything? If that's the best we can do, why don't we just give Ganondorf Hyrule now? Better yet, all Ten Kingdoms as-"

"Nabooru, that's enough!" Zelda said, staring down her counterpart, her eyes like cold fire. Several guards peered into the tent to see if everything was alright.

Nabooru must have realized she was shouting because she glanced awkwardly at everyone else. "Sorry," she said quickly.

"Maybe it will fail," Link offered, "but there must be a way to make sure we're ready when it does. You can't always stop a disaster, but you can prepare for it."

Zelda inclined her head in approval, her eyes pensive.

"That is perhaps the smartest thing I've ever heard you say," Ruto commented, making Link flush a shade of crimson.

"Is there any way to get through to Ganondorf?" Saria asked. "Make him give up the Triforce of Power willingly so we can use it? Or see the wrong in what he has done, or maybe save him from the demon entirely."

Saria always tried seeing the good in everyone, even those who Link once regarded as his nemeses. Nobody was beyond redemption to Saria, and he admired that about her.

Nabooru looked at her, her expression suddenly unreadable.

"That is a very noble sentiment, Saria, but what you suggest is impossible," Impa said, her voice gentle and almost motherly. "It was my hope that we could, but getting the Triforce of Power from the demon now residing in Ganondorf will be difficult, even if we try to reason with its host."

"So the seal remains our best option?" Link asked. Hadn't Impa said that they could use the Triforce? Or had she reached a different conclusion after talking to Rauru?

"You cannot stop the cycle of rebirth, not even with the Triforce," Courage said. "Sealing him away will buy your descendants time."

"We will have time to discern how to make the seal more permanent, and given Rauru's discovery, I believe that is possible," Impa said. "Link is right. We can put a plan in place to stop him, should the seal fail."

"A splendid plan," Nabooru said dryly. "I'm sure our descendants will agree when Ganon decides to butcher them."

"Nabooru," Zelda warned. "You have made your point already. Do you honestly think that I have not considered the consequences of what we do? Do you think that I do not know what is at stake?" For a moment there was a fire in Zelda's voice and everyone stared. Link was startled to see this side of her and realized he was gaping with his mouth ajar. He quickly shut it. Zelda didn't seem to notice, her eyes still fixed steadily on Nabooru. "I know what's at stake, Nabooru," she said more gently. "And I am well aware of the difficulties your people face. Do not think that I do not care, because I do, and I will do everything I can to set right the wrongs that have been done to your people and mine."

"I..." Nabooru looked abashed for a moment, apparently aware of everyone's eyes settling on her. "Thank you, Zelda."

The briefest pause followed Zelda's near outburst.

"As I was saying," Rauru began when Zelda gestured for him to continue. "The responsibilities and role of each Sage can be given to another should the need arise. So long as that happens, the seal cannot be broken."

"You are certain?" Zelda asked. "If you're wrong, Rauru, our descendants may curse us for generations to come."

"It will work," Rauru answered confidently. His moustache twitched again as he met Zelda's eyes. "You have my word."

"Then, we all agree on this plan?" Zelda looked to each of the Sages, and they each voiced their consent.

Nabooru was last to speak. She drew a deep breath, her expression troubled. "I trust you, Zelda," she said. "If you believe this will work, then I support you. But, if this doesn't work, if something goes wrong..." she trailed off, then added, "There's been enough bloodshed as it is, and I do not want more spilled because we failed to do our duty."

"None of us want that," Zelda said.

Her stony countenance seemed to crack beneath her genuine sympathy.

"What about you, Link?" Zelda asked, and Link suddenly found himself the fixture of attention once again. "Do you agree?"

The question startled Link. In truth, he agreed with Nabooru, but if Zelda couldn't see an alternative and the Sages could not conjure one between them...

"What about going back in time?" Navi suddenly asked. "If I recall, the Ocarina of Time can do that... can't it?"

All eyes rested on her, and Link's thoughts turned towards the instrument in his pocket.

"It can," said Rauru, "in a manner of speaking."

"What do you mean by that?" Link asked, finally unsticking his tongue.

Rauru cleared his throat. "According to the records kept within the Temple of Light, the Ocarina will cause the fabric of reality to split. It is possible that has already happened in the past, and it may again happen if we should try to manipulate time's flow once more."

A lot of blank and confused stares followed these words.

Rauru seemed to realize this and added, "Essentially, time splits like a new branch growing upon a tree. Should we use the ocarina now, this realm would continue to exist with the curse running rampant and unchecked. However, we would be sent into another version of Hyrule, only earlier in time."

Rauru still received a lot of blank and confused looks. Only Zelda remained impassive while Impa tilted her head, but gave no indication she was as lost as everyone else.
"Definitely senile," Ruto muttered, to which nobody said anything.

Rauru noticed the blank faces staring at him and frowned. The silence became unbearably awkward.

"Did you understand a word of that?" Saria whispered to Link.

"No," Link whispered back. "Well, not much of it."

"What I believe Rauru is trying to say," Zelda began. "Is that unless we were to deal with Ganondorf first, that idea won't work. Am I correct?"

"That is correct, your Majesty," said Rauru.

"Then all that remains is getting to the tower," she said, "If everything goes according to plan, we will not join the battle until the final attack on Ganondorf's Tower."

"A pity," Darunia growled, sounding disappointed.

"Once there, we find Ganondorf," Zelda declared simply. "The Gerudo know the layout of the tower, so they will assist us." At this, Zelda traded glances with Nabooru who nodded. "Once there, it will fall on Link to incapacitate him."

"Only Link?" Darunia grumbled. "I wanted a piece of the coward!"

"You and me both, Darunia," Nabooru said.

Zelda sighed. "Darunia, we need you alive. I will not have you, nor any of you-" Link didn't miss her staring right at him as she said this- "Getting yourself killed in a reckless manner."

"You are no fun at all," Darunia complained, though there was a hint of mirth in his voice. "I understand, of course."

"I'm glad," Zelda said. "Is there anything else, Rauru?"

"That is all, your majesty," said Rauru.

Zelda nodded in agreement. "Alright."

"I should return to my people; I must speak to my generals," Ruto said.

"As shall I," Nabooru seconded. "I'll return to take second watch."

"I'll take the first," Darunia offered. They had agreed at least one of the Sages should remain with Zelda at all times.

"Very well," Zelda replied. "The rest of you can return to the village."

Ruto left, heading for the Zora's camp by the edge of the river. That left Rauru, Impa, and Saria to return to Kakariko, which wasn't far on foot.

As Nabooru left the tent, Zelda insisted she needed to stay and read some reports that had been sent to her. Just as she did, an attendant peered around the tent flap, and realizing they were finished, she rushed in to help Impa.

Link was of a mind to remain with Zelda, however, when their eyes met she offered a faint smile and subtly gestured for him to go.

"I'll be fine," she told him. "You look dead on your feet. Why don't you drop by the Dancing Goron Inn for a bit? You could use a little respite, and you've earned it. "

"My place is with you," Link protested.

"I'll be fine," Zelda assured him, smiling. "Really. Must I order you to go, or shall I get Darunia to take you?"

"I'll go," Link conceded, not feeling entirely pleased by the idea. Even Courage seemed troubled, the spirit still lingering in the edge of his awareness.

"Events have transpired differently than I recall," Courage told him. "I cannot say what will happen with absolute certainty, but of this, I can tell you- we are all in great peril, even now."

"Why?" Link asked, feeling a sudden spike of alarm.

"In every path I have traversed, something happens to Zelda," Courage warned him. "Even now the enemy seeks her."

"That's not surprising."

"I'll see that he gets some rest," Impa said, her eyes not leaving Zelda, unaware of Link's lapse in concentration. "Link isn't the only one who could use some sleep."

"I will," Zelda promised, bidding them farewell. "Link, stop looking so worried. I'm as protected as I'm going to get, and I can find my way out of trouble. I've been doing it for eight years... with no shortage of help, of course." She glanced at Impa, the faintest trace of a grin on the elder Sheikah's face. "Really. I'll be fine."

"I'm not so sure," Courage added warily.

"I'll be back in a few hours," Link said. Zelda looked like she was about to object, then when she saw he was resolute, she set her jaw and nodded.

"If you're that insistent, I'll get someone to arrange your provisions."

Returning the gesture, Link made to leave. He glanced back over his shoulder once, to see Zelda speaking to an attendant, then when she cast him a glance and ushered him outside, he left.

With Saria, Rauru and Impa with him, Link came to a fork in the makeshift street leading to the different camp battalions. He kept looking back the way they came, unable to shake the cold sense of dread that chilled him.

"What is it?" Navi asked, noticing his concern.

"I'm not sure," Link said. His place was by Zelda's side, not in Kakariko. Something didn't feel right about the night, as though there was a foul smell in the air. Then he shook his head and said as lightly as he could muster, "Just me being paranoid, that's all."

"Zelda is well protected," said Impa, sensing Link's thoughts. "I would not have left if she wasn't. She has a guard of Hylian Knights to protect her, not to mention three of the Sages, and several sorcerers. I would trust them with my life."

Still uncertain, Link just hoped she was right. Courage's warning nagged at him.

"I'll warn you of any danger," Courage promised. "I can still sense Wisdom, if anything goes wrong, I will know."

Link led the way, leading the short distance from the camp to Kakariko.

If anything went wrong. There was a pleasant thought.

~ 0 ~

Upon arrival, Link decided to check on Epona before heading to the inn. The others promised to meet him at Impa's house.

Promising to return soon, Link headed towards the stable. Needlessly, he checked that Epona had sufficient food and that her water trough was full. Epona whickered, greeting him with a nudge.

Link gave Epona a few carrots, which she stared at for several moments before giving him an indignant look.

"What? You used to like them," he said, deciding to let the horse be fussy. He left Epona and rounded the steps of the inn, almost running into Ingo as he came out the front door.

"S'pose you're here to see Malon," he said gruffly, not bothering to step to one side. "She's inside. With Talon."

"Talon?" Link exclaimed, shocked. "What's he doing here?"

"Visiting his daughter, I suspect," said Ingo as though this was extremely obvious. Link made for the door, stepping around the man.

"I'm still talking to you," Ingo continued gruffly, making Link stop short and turn. Ingo looked like he was attempting to swallow something rather painful. "I just wanted to say, thank you for rescuing her. I didn't mean it when I said I'd hurt her. I mean, I know I did in the past, but I regretted it. It ain't been easy lately."

Link had almost forgotten the day he'd stolen Epona from the ranch.

"I was glad to be rid of the beast," Ingo continued. "Unruly thing she is. Kept trying to kick me and damned near knocked out the smithy trying to shoe her. Charged me a fortune for that he did."

Link frowned. Had Ingo just thanked him for something?

"I think the innkeeper's done something to him," Navi whispered so Ingo couldn't overhear.

Link hid a smile as he answered, "You're welcome."

"I made a promise to Malon's mother that I'd look after her. She was a good woman, despite being part Gerudo and all... well, uhh, best be off."

His hand twitching in what might have been a handshake, Ingo shuffled uncomfortably, gave Link an amiable nod, cleared his throat and trudged off, leaving a gobsmacked Link staring after him.

"What do you suppose he's been drinking?" Navi asked.

"I don't know," Link said, shaking his head. "But honestly, he can keep drinking it."

Navi chuckled, and they headed inside, lured by the merry sounds of music. The noise rose to a swell as Link opened the door and walked into the warm common room. Unlike the last time he'd been here, it was filled with people from all walks of life, not all of them Hylian.

A small troupe of musicians stood upon the dais, and space had been cleared in the room's center where some patrons were dancing. Dishes lined the benches, but only a few people were picking at their food. A handful of serving staff hurried to and from the tables. The rest were busy listening to music or watching the dancing if they weren't joining in themselves. Master Evert, who Link had never particularly liked, seemed in unusually high spirits. He was smiling and appeared unbothered by the fact that most of his staff weren't working. Or maybe he'd just given up trying to get them back to their chores.

Delicious dinner smells of gravy, peppers and meat made Link's stomach rumble. More than one person glanced in his direction, some pointed and appeared uncertain whether or not they wanted to approach him. His unshaven and scar-ridden appearance was probably not doing favors, and he doubted the eyepatch was helping matters either. Word of Zelda's personal guard, or squire as some preferred to call him, had spread.

Link wasn't left to dwell on these thoughts for long, and the inn's infectious mood managed to lift his spirits even before he spotted what he was looking for.

Talon and Malon were seated at a table near the fireplace. Malon saw him and waved, smiling. He was glad to see that she looked happy again, no doubt overjoyed to see her father after so long.

That thought made Link hesitate. He wondered if it would be appropriate to interrupt Malon and Talon so soon after they were finally reunited.

How had Talon even gotten here?

Zelda said the army attracted a lot of people, many providing services essential to the army's survival. Deciding it was best not to disturb them, Link waved back and then slipped behind the crowd forming in the middle of the common room. He didn't get far; Malon had gotten up and was hurrying towards him, grinning broadly, gently shuffling through the throng. She looked far more like the young girl he remembered from years ago as she grabbed him by the hand.

"Link, you're back!" she said, sounding far more lively than the last time he'd seen her. "My father returned this afternoon. Come on. I'm sure he'll be eager to see you."

She almost dragged him back to where she'd been sitting. Talon got up when he saw Link, a broad grin brightening his otherwise tired face.

"Link, my boy!" he said jovially. "By the Goddesses, it's good to see you lad!"

Malon let go of Link and Talon give him a hearty, good-natured slap on the back. "Can't keep you out of trouble for a minute, eh?" Talon said, his cheer infectious. "What in the blazes did you do to yourself this time?"

Link realized Talon was staring at his eye, and for a moment, something seemed to puncture that bubble of happiness inside him. "It was a sparring accident," Link lied.

"Ouch." Talon winced, but something in his expression told Link he'd seen through the lie. "Here, let me get you a drink."

"No, no, it's fine," Link said hurriedly. He had no desire to get drunk again. At least not after last time. "Besides, I can't stay long."

"Goron Fire Ale spoil your appetite?" Talon asked. Link was mortified that Talon remembered, but he just chuckled. "Not to worry, I'm sure we can find something. Mulled cider perhaps?"

"Milk's fine," Link found himself saying.

That sure stopped Talon short. He looked surprised. "Milk? he asked incredulously. "Are you sure?"

"Yes," Link said quickly, taking a seat.

Malon appeared close to laughing.

"Well, I'm not saying the stuff's bad... I made a livin' out of it after all, but uhh..." he stared at Link's one eye and saw the youth wasn't about to budge. "Well, in that case... each to their own."

Talon quickly caught the attention of a passing maid who took Link's order. She walked off, looking bewildered.

"I have to get something. I'll be right back," Malon announced. She hurriedly got up and vanished into the crowd of patrons. She soon returned, one hand was held behind her.

"Here, I brought you something," she said. "I asked one of the carpenters in the village to make it. But, it's only small." She held out her hand, revealing an intricately carved horse figure. "It's not much-" Malon began.

"It's beautiful," Link breathed as he took hold of the horse, still warm from Malon's touch. Even the best woodcarver amongst the Kokiri would have been impressed by the details in the small piece. He could see the horse's eyes, the hooves, and even the lines in its mane and tail. There was even a tiny name carved into the saddle.

Epona.

"Thank you," Link said, turning the miniature horse over in his hands. "It's amazing."

Malon blushed. "You know," she said, eyeing him questioningly, "You never told me what you did to Epona's tail?"

"What do you mean?" Link asked innocently.

"You cropped it. A horse's tail isn't supposed to be an inch or two long," she said.

"It was an accident," Link insisted, thinking it wise not to mention he'd nearly gotten himself and Epona incinerated by a beamos. "Besides, I thought it looked good."

"It looks ridiculous," Malon said incredulously. "What possessed you to think it was a good idea?"

He shrugged.

At that moment, Link's milk arrived. He busied himself with downing it as fast as possible, not giving Malon any chance to speak.

Their food arrived next: a simple dish of chicken, potato, and other fresh vegetables with gravy heaped on top. Link fished a rupee out of his pocket, but Talon refused to let him pay. Further conversation was soon forgotten as everybody turned their attention towards the musicians.

As one song ended Link applauded with the rest of the audience.

"You know," Malon said, her eyes lingering on a minstrel who'd been playing earlier. "I always thought of becoming a minstrel... Imagine the places you'd see."

"Wouldn't you miss Lon Lon?" Link asked.

"A little," Malon admitted. "But after everything that's happened, I don't think things will just go back the way they were."

"No," Link agreed, a dull pain in his stomach. "Probably not."

"I'd have plenty of stories to tell. Everybody would be itching to tell the story of the Hero of Time." She was grinning mischievously, both hands resting against her chin.

Link went a shade of scarlet. He was glad it was noisy, and that their neighbors at the next table were busy sharing a joke with each other.

"I'm sure," he mumbled, before adding more loudly. "I just hope you plan on giving me a more heroic title than fairy boy."

Malon snorted. "I could probably come up with a nice song or two with that name-"

"Don't." If the Gorons ever figured out that particular nickname... Link cringed at the thought.

"Alright then. I'll just have to think of something even less heroic than that..." she furrowed her brow in mock concentration. "Hmm... what to call you...."

"I'll pay you not to do that."

"Ohh... I like the sound of that..." Malon's smile broadened. "How about..." she paused. "A thousand rupees?"

How did this conversation ever go in this direction? Link thought, groaning inwardly. He saw Navi snickering silently and felt a flicker of betrayal.

"Deal," Link answered, deciding to play along with the jest.

Malon laughed. It was a beautiful sound. "You thought I was being serious, didn't you?" she asked.

For the briefest moment, surrounded by the joyous sounds of music and laughter, Link forgot the troubles that lay beyond the inn's door. He felt an odd sort of peace that seemed completely foreign. It was like a brief pause in the middle of a storm. A brief interlude in which all seems calm again, right before the howling winds returned.

"You alright?" Malon asked, suddenly frowning. "You looked a little distracted for a moment."

"I... I'm fine," Link said, shaking himself out of his stupor. "Just tired that's all."

He thought he better leave before Impa sent someone to fetch him. It was dark outside now, the streets lit by the light of torches and lanterns, and Link still felt bone tired. He'd only get a few hours respite, and then he'd return to Zelda's side. Even as he considered this idea, Talon, who'd briefly gone to converse with another patron, returned and announced that he was going to get some sleep. With that, he left, leaving Link and Malon to enjoy each other's company.

The musicians began to play a lively song, their drums beating to the tune of a dulcimer. More instruments quickly joined in.

"Will you dance with me, Link?"

The question caught him off guard, slapping him out of his sleepy stupor with the force of a hammer. "Uhh..." he managed. "I'm... I can't dance."

"I can teach you," Malon said, her face eager. "Come on!"

"No, really, I can't dance," Link insisted, stumbling over the words. "Right, Navi?"

Navi was staring at him mischievously. Was it just him, or was she smirking?

Thanks, Navi, he thought.

"Alright, just once."

He definitely wasn't getting out of this one.

~ 0 ~

Zelda scolded herself for wanting to remain in the camp, despite believing it was where she belonged as Hyrule's Queen. She was safe here. There were over a dozen sorcerers in the Hylian war camp who saw to the wards that protected the settlement. The Sages had added their own wards too and Darunia was on watch somewhere close by.

The tent flap opened, and one of her attendants entered bearing a silver tray with a pot of tea covered with a cloth to keep the rain off.

"Thank you," Zelda said, smiling pleasantly as the woman placed it on the table and removed the cloth.

The attendant, a dark-haired Hylian woman, offered a deep curtsy and then hastened away. As she reached the tent flap, someone else approached the tent. Zelda was surprised to see Toru's tall figure standing at the tent's entrance. He was fully clad in steel plate armor which gleamed in the faint light of a nearby torch's enchanted flame.

Zelda felt a chill running down the small of her back. If he was here himself, rather than sending a runner with a message, something must be wrong. Zelda hurriedly pushed herself off the bed, standing up as the man entered.

To Zelda's surprise, he pushed past her attendant, nearly knocking the woman over. Her attendant stared at him, flabbergasted. Toru, who was known to most within the Hylian camp, was not normally so rude.

"Lord General, is something wrong?" Zelda asked, taken aback by his lack of courtesy.

Toru looked at her, water dripping from his cloak and helm. There was no warmth in his eyes.

What Zelda saw, or rather felt, was impossible. Lingering at the corners of her senses, which were numb with fatigue, she detected shadow magic. It was coming right from the Lord General. She stepped back, crashing into the bed behind her and nearly falling onto it.

It wasn't Toru at all. It was a phantom.

Impossible. Zelda thought. Surely he would have been seen.

Assassin. Zelda's shock and anger turned to icy fear. She'd been prepared for this eventuality. Often at night, she'd feared this moment, sometimes to the point she hadn't been able to sleep. It was the reason she always slept with a knife under her pillow.

"Guards, to me!" she screamed.

"Don't bother, princess," the doppelganger said, mouth twisted in a smirk. "I've placed my own ward around your tent. They won't hear you."

Zelda reacted instantaneously, casting her fear aside. One hand slipping under a pillow, she snatched the hilt of a knife. The phantom stepped forward, its hand outstretched towards her. The gem within the dagger's hilt shone with light as Zelda drew on the power stored within it. Zelda thrust her hand upward, slashing the blade across the phantom's gauntlet. Smoke rose from the gauntlet where the weapon had struck and the phantom hissed with pain.

Zelda tried stepping to one side, feeling far less nimble than she was as Sheik. The specter backhanded her with his free hand, despite slicing open her cheek and sending her crashing onto the fur-skin rug.

She leapt up, ignoring the blood that now trickled down her face. She ducked beneath a blow aimed at her head with practised ease and slammed her dagger into the phantom's chest, pushing it up into where its heart should have been.

Smoke rose from the cut across its breastplate, but the demon didn't seem to be fazed by its injury.

Surely, Zelda thought as the phantom's eyes burned with anger, someone else must have sensed the wards it cast.

The demon struck out at her again, drawing its own blade. Zelda tried to step around it, aiming for the tent flap. She glimpsed a flash of metal, but this time, she was unable to dodge the gauntlet that smashed into her face. She cried out, pain exploding through her skull, her vision going red. She hit the ground, rolling over and nearly stumbling from the pain. She clambered to her feet, wondering how quickly she could tear a hole in the tent.

Not quick enough, she thought

"I would kill you now, but my master insists I am to take you alive," the demon said coldly. "I admit, you've put up more of a fight than I expected."

No. She'd come too far and wouldn't let some doppelganger assassin undo everything she had worked so hard to achieve. She would let it all be for nothing.

Drawing on the power of her Triforce, Zelda managed to dull the pain. Her cheek blazed as though it were on fire, but she was certain nothing was broken. Still dazed, she rolled onto her back as the phantom advanced towards her. It yanked the dagger from its chest and tossed it aside. The world lurched, the pain in Zelda's head so intense she was almost sick.

No. She thought. No. It can't end like this.

Zelda was too dazed to stand. The blow from the phantom's fist had nearly knocked her senseless. Zelda tried using telepathy again, intending to summon the guards, the Sages, Link, and anybody else who could help her.

Zelda, what's happening? Rauru's voice was surprised, and then sensing her distress, he became worried. His voice was only faint, and try as she did to reach him again, Zelda couldn't.

I'm coming! Darunia's voice boomed. He'd been guarding her tent, and Zelda felt a flicker of relief.

"Fools!" she heard Darunia's rumbling cry. "The queen is attacked!"

"What?"

"Get in there or get out of my way!"

Zelda heard the hum of steel being unsheathed. The phantom took one look at the tent flap and then retrieved something from its cloak. A white stone. A portal stone.

It began to glow and Zelda's fear turned to pure terror.

No.

Knowing what would happen if she didn't make it, Zelda snatched up a second dagger and made a final beeline for the tent flap. The phantom grabbed at her.

Zelda twisted, avoiding the demon's hand and thrust her dagger straight into the demon's neck. To any ordinary assassin, this would have been fatal. The magic-infused in the weapon should have been enough to kill the phantom.

The demon cursed, and Zelda heard a faint hiss as smoke rose from its neck. Tiny lines of light weaved their way outward from the point of the blade, spreading across the specter's neck. The phantom snarled and ripped the dagger free, tossing it to one side. For the briefest instant, the demon's eyes met hers, then it turned to the tent flap. Several guards stood there, swords drawn, their eyes wide, both horrified at the sight of what they thought was General Toru attacking the queen.

Darunia shoved one man aside, holding his hammer in both hands. Two other people charged in front of him, sorcerors judging by their staffs, and they were fortunate that Darunia had enough sense not to walk right over the top of them.

Before anyone could move, and before Zelda could get away, a ring of light surrounded her and the world suddenly went white. The last thing she heard was a bellowing roar. She saw the two mages jumping out of Darunia's way as he charged, and then...

Zelda found herself lying on a cold floor of black hard stone.

Where am I?

Somewhere beyond her vision, someone was coming, and she could hear the thud of boots against the stone floor. She forced herself to look up.

Her blood froze.

Clad in black armor, a black cloak flowing behind him with its intricate red embroidery, was Ganondorf. He surveyed her critically, a glint of triumph in his amber eyes before he noticed she was injured.

He scowled and turned his attention to Zelda's captor. "Idiot!" he snapped, his voice cold and venomous. "Does the phrase unharmed mean anything to you? You are fortunate she didn't kill you, but perhaps I shall kill you should you fail to follow my order again."

Beside Zelda, the phantom was kneeling. To Zelda's dismay, Ganondorf uttered a few words and the wounds she'd caused closed.

"My dear Zelda," Ganondorf said with mock pleasantry, turning away from the phantom. "I must say, I am most impressed you have evaded me for so long. Such tenacity." An unpleasant, twisted smile crossed his features. "Well, now that you are here... welcome to my tower."

Next Chapter

Reviews

SunPraiser31 chapter 54 . Apr 1, 2017 What a roller coaster that one was. Went from somber to somewhat happy to "Well shit" by the end. Already their plan is falling apart, and they haven't even started yet. Well, their plan of sealing Ganon away is totally going to work. Except it won't. Because every other Zelda game exists. So that's fun. Only seven more chapters to go!

Shaveza chapter 54 . Nov 19, 2015 The set-up for the 3 splinters in the LoZ timeline is really interesting! I loved how absolutely no one could follow Rauru's talk of the split that would happen in the timeline if they used the ocarina. How Ganondorf manages to get a hold of Zelda was surprising! I thought she'd be kidnapped in the middle of their assault on Castle Town. And such an amazing cliffhanger!

Lord Darth Yoda chapter 54 . Nov 17, 2015 This charger just plain depresses me. Glad you found ways to explain the timelines but outright saying their plan won't work permanently is sad after seeing their journey in this 't LinkxMalon more of a thing before when Sheik was getting on him about it? Seems like it jumped backwards. Maybe I'm just remembering it wrong.