Ocarina of Time Chapter 54

 

Chapter 54

The Queen's Banner

Malon moved gracefully amidst the other dancers as the music played on. She spun, moving in time to the music, smiling as she exited her spin, Link's hand clasped in her own.

She was beautiful, Link thought. Beautiful and fluent, her movements graceful. He wasn't doing half as well as he almost stumbled, trying and failing to keep pace with her graceful stride. It didn't help that he was so tired, his sluggish movement butchering his steps.

"C'mon," Malon said, sounding breathless. "Try to look like you're having fun."

She instructed him slowly, both of them moving to the beating drum. The mood was infectious and Link couldn't help but smile.

"There," said Malon. "That wasn't so hard, was it?"

Before Link could say anything, there was a burning sensation in his hand. Then there was a sudden sharp pain, and Link gasped, clutching his left hand. It was like someone had just sliced a knife through his flesh, the hot steel burning him.

He looked down, noticing that the Triforce mark was glowing faintly. Then, he felt another consciousness touch his own, not Courage this time, and he recognized it instantly.

Zelda. The sensation was just like in the Shadow Temple when she healed him. He could sense her emotions and fear surged through him as though it were his own. Panic. Desperation.

An image flashed in his mind. A man clad in armour and bearing the red knots of an officer on his shoulders was standing over Zelda as her voice seemed to cry out in Link's mind.

Help me!

Then it was gone. The image vanished, and Link struck something, no, someone, fouling their steps and sending them cursing onto the floor.

"What was that?" he wondered, struggling not to wince.

"Trouble," Courage answered. There was concern in the spirit's voice. "The enemy is in our midst."

"Did you have to do that?" Link almost seethed. "You made me look like an idiot."

"That wasn't hard," Courage replied flatly. "Besides, that intrusion upon your mind was not my doing."

Link?" came Malon's incredulous cry. "What's wrong? That was milk you drank, right?"

Unable to shake off the disorientation from the brief vision, Link stumbled over the person he'd knocked over, landing in an ungraceful heap.

"Bloody lout," the man snapped. Link apologized, picking himself up. Before he could offer the other patron a hand, they'd already brushed themselves off and moved away, still muttering under their breath.

"Are you all right?" Malon asked, hurrying to his side, her face etched with concern. The fear must have shown on his face, because she added, "Is something wrong? Are you ill?"

Link shook his head. "No- I..." he looked at her, unsure how to explain himself. He doubted it would be wise to explain in the middle of a crowded common room; most of the inn's patrons would probably dismiss the claims of someone seeing visions as madness, but Link didn't want to risk drawing too much attention to himself. "I have to go... I just remembered I left in the stables."

It was a feeble lie. Pain still seared once again through Link's hand. He pushed his way to the door, trying to get through without causing a disturbance. If he was lucky, nobody would think he was anything more than a drunk gone past endurance. Link was so frantic with fear that he didn't realize Malon was alone. She stared at him, her face a mix of bewilderment and hurt.

As Link pushed his way through the door, careful not to knock anyone else over, Navi flew to his side. "What's wrong?"

"Something's happened," he whispered. "Zelda's in trouble. We have to find Impa."

Navi nodded. She looked startled, but not nearly as surprised as Link had expected. She seemed to accept what he said without needing an explanation, and he was grateful for that.

"Find Impa, tell her and the others that Zelda is in danger," Link said. " Use the chimney to get inside if you have to." It was spring, so he doubted Impa would have lit a fire in the hearth.
 Courage, meanwhile, lingered on the edge of awareness, and Link could hear its troubled words.

"Zelda is threatened. The ones who lurk in shadow, they've found her." An angry frustration flowed through the bond. "Even now, she fights."

Link closed the inn door, the newborn night swallowing the sounds of jolly merriment inside. It was almost as if the people inside had forgotten there was a war going on, or maybe that was the entire point. They wanted to forget, to waste away these precious hours with what joy they could find.

"Can she hold until help gets there?" Link whispered, not meaning to speak aloud. Darunia and Zelda's guards were there. Were they also being attacked?

"Not alone," Courage said.

"Hurry!" Link called after Navi, but he needn't have worried.

Link started down the steps, Navi flying off towards Impa's house. He dashed towards the stable yard, heedless of his surrounding. He didn't get very far before the inn door opened and the merriment inside swelled. It sounded odd and discordant amid the fear rising in his mind. Link knew it was Malon, even before he considered turning around. He half hoped she would go back inside, but she didn't.

"Link?" Malon called uncertainly, her voice getting closer. "Link, what is it?"

Link stopped, drawing a deep breath. He couldn't delay. Every passing moment meant the difference between finding Zelda or arriving too late.

Wasn't Darunia with her? he thought. Surely he would've made enough noise to rouse the entire army.

Reluctantly, Link turned as Malon caught up to him. "Why did you just leave like that?"

"I'm sorry, Malon," he said, and meant it. "I... I don't know how to explain it, but something's wrong. Someone I know is in trouble."

Malon looked at him, some of the hurt fading from her eyes. "What can I do to help?"

"Just stay here," Link said, more harshly than he intended. If Zelda was in trouble, it no doubt meant Ganondorf was involved.

Damn it, he thought. I should have stayed with her.

Zelda had wanted him to go. She had wanted to give him some peace, no doubt from the sense of guilt that plagued her. Try as she might, Zelda hadn't been able to hide it completely, not without her mask. Link turned to Malon, wanting her in any more danger than they already were. "I'll come back as soon as I can."

"Ware your back!"

A warning flashed through Link's consciousness and something moved in the darkness. Then Link heard something, the soft sound of boots crunching on dirt. Link turned. A sword glinted in the light streaming out of the inn's windows. Instinctively, Link leapt away, grabbing Malon. A black-clad assailant plunged his sword where Link had been but moments ago. Malon, much to Link's surprise, kicked the assailant, sending the man toppling into the dirt.

"Malon, I need you to get Epona and two other horses for me! You know the ones?" Link said as she got to her feet.

"Yeah, I do," Malon answered, sounding a little hesitant. She didn't want to leave, but as two more black-clad assailants came rushing into view, Link took charge.

"Go!" he bellowed.

Malon ran. Four more black-clad figures burst into view, their weapons drawn, all charging towards the green-clad Hylian. Link cursed himself for an idiot, knowing he should have seen this coming. He had nothing to defend either himself or Malon. 

I should have kept a dagger on me, he thought.

The first man was back on his feet, his blade slicing towards Link's cheek. Link ducked, the blade missing him by a hairsbreadth, and then he lashed out, kicking his attacker somewhere private. The man stumbled, and the Triforce mark on Link's hand burned, just as the other attackers moved to surround him. They completely ignored Malon, too intent on attacking Link.

Something blossomed deep within Link. Without realizing it, he was channelling the Triforce of Courage. It coursed through him, washing over him, pulsing through his body. Abruptly the image of a warrior with white eyes formed in Link's mind, war paint marking his cheeks and forehead. In a heartbeat of clarity, Link could clearly make out the warrior's features and then it was gone. A sudden surge of energy and strength pulsed through his veins, and all thoughts of fear or panic fled.

With a shout, he struck the closest man's sword hand, turning away a blade plunging towards his chest, just as the other four attackers closed in from the side.

Link twisted his assailant's arm, heard the pop and crack of breaking bones, and then wrenched the man's weapon free. Snatching the dagger, Link lashed out at his attacker, cutting flesh, and sent the man sprawling back in a spray of blood. Hearing the scrape of a drawn weapon, Link turned to meet his next attacker. He barely deflected a sword thrust at his heart, flicking it away.

The sound of shouts and clanking armour distracted Link's attacker for an instant. Seizing the chance, not sparing a moment of thought for what he was doing, Link plunged his sword straight through the man's gut. Blood spurted from the wound as Link wrenched his blade free. He watched the man slump to the ground, feeling sick.

Goddess, damn it, he cursed. Why? Why were you trying to kill me?

They must have been working for Ganondorf, but that didn't make sense. Ganondorf hated Hylians. Why would they be working for him? Unless...

Two soldiers ran into the light, followed by two more men wearing the livery of the Queen's Banner.

One of Link's remaining assailants rolled to his feet. Reaching beneath his cloak, the man pulled out a small knife and charged straight at Link. 

Link saw the attack out of the corner of his eye, almost in slow motion. He gasped, bringing his own weapon up to counter the blow.

With a faint wet thunk, an arrow sprouted in the man's throat, its barbed tip embedding in the man's flesh. With a horrid gurgle, the man collapsed.

Link looked up to find Malon holding a bow, the quiver clasped loosely behind her. Epona was behind her, along with two other horses, attended by two stable hands.

The last attacker stumbled to his feet. Epona tore free of her handler and charged straight into him, one front hoof smashing into the final assassin. Apparently, she wasn't going to let her master down. At the same time, an arrow slammed into the man's back, and he was down. 

"I-is he dead?" Malon asked, lowering her bow and staring wide-eyed at Epona. "Epona... what were you thinking?"

"Yeah," Link breathes, still catching his breath. "Thank you. Both of you."

Before Malon could reply, Impa appeared behind the soldiers. Despite relying on Rauru and her staff to aid her, she moved swiftly. Saria carried a lantern, its soft light flickering off her anxious face. Her expression quickly turned to horror at the sight of the bodies.

"Link?" Saria gasped. "What happened?"

Rauru strode forward and knelt to inspect the bodies, his brow furrowed. "Assassins?" he murmured.

"Navi told you?" Link asked.

"Zelda managed to contact Rauru, but we haven't been able to reach her since. Darunia says something has happened, but insists that it's best if we see for ourselves." Those words sent a sliver of ice creeping into the pit of Link's stomach. "The others should already be at her tent."

"Link?" Malon had been watching from the side, appearing confused. "What's happening?"

"You should head back inside," Link told her. "I have to go, but I will be back as soon as I can."

"But-"

"Listen to him, child," Impa said gently. Malon looked affronted at being called a child. "Dark creatures walk this night. It isn't safe for-"

Rauru interrupted her with a cough. "Forgive me, but I fear our young friend's affiliation with Link may have already put a target on her back." His expression forbade Link from interrupting. "It would be safer if she were to accompany us to the war camp."

Impa seemed frozen for an instant before she nodded. "Agreed. You could accompany me as a ward, and should you accept, I could offer you my protection."

"I already know what happens to those who are offered your protection, Sheikah," Malon said frostily. "I will not submit to you as a ward."

Link could imagine the look of shock in Impa's eyes, knowing that few would have addressed her in that tone.

"We do not have time to argue," Impa countered with a slight stiffness in her tone. "While I urge you to come, I won't force you. You would be well protected, and we have need of good hands to tend the horses."

"I will come," Malon answered, the coldness in her tone not quite gone. "But I do so to help Link, not as your servant."

Link opened his mouth to argue, despite being warmed by Malon's words, but Impa cut him off.

"That's settled then. I will ask Nabooru to see to any of your needs," Impa said before turning to the others."Let us be off. Quickly."

Link helped Saria into the saddle of Impa's mount. Impa brushed off his offer of aid and quickly leapt onto her horse.

Malon was already on Epona by the time Link reached her, and he quickly swung himself onto the mare's back. Much to Link's relief, she gave no outcry to riding double. If anything, she seemed to shiver with anticipation, as if she too sensed the urgency of their task.

"We're ready," Rauru called to him, and Link called back in acknowledgment.

"Hang on." He gave no further warning as he spurred Epona into a gallop, eliciting a cry of shock from Malon.

"Be careful!" she yelled.

"Sorry," Link called over his shoulder.

They didn't slow down as they charged out of Kakariko and into the camp below.

~ 0 ~

The tent was a mess. Wood from a broken table lay across the floor, splintered and shattered, pulverized by a blow from Darunia's hammer. Blood stained the fur skin rug, and the Sages stood in a circle, grimly surveying the scene.

Link felt numb. A part of him wanted to believe this was all a dream. A horrible, terrible dream. Darunia growled, clenching his fists. Ruto looked grim, while Nabooru just scowled. Courage's simmering anger was a dull throb in the back of Link's mind.

They had been too late. Zelda had been kidnapped out of the very middle of her camp. One of the guards who'd witnessed the kidnapping finished speaking to the Lord General.

"I know you said not to let anyone in, sir," the guard said, babbling. "But we thought it was you... we didn't even think-" his face was pale, and he looked ill. "Then this Goron-" he gestured at Darunia "-said something was wrong. We had no idea." Link felt pity for the man; he looked utterly terrified, as though certain he was going to be punished for what had happened.

"It wasn't your fault, son. You couldn't have known it wasn't me," Toru said grimly. "Go back to the barracks and get yourself cleaned up." He turned to the other guard, who looked just as stunned as the first. "You too."

The guards left, looking relieved beyond words that they weren't being marched away in chains.

"The mages you entrusted with Zelda's care were found not far from here," Toru continued without preamble. "All dead, I'm afraid. Poisoned. I'd say that's more likely the work of an assassin than our phantom. It could mean we can expect more trouble from within our own camp."

It seemed an eternity before Impa replied, "So this is what Ganondorf was planning."

"If you don't mind me asking, Lady Impa," Ruto began, looking thoughtful. "Why were there no measures put in place to prevent someone warping her straight out of the camp?"

"There were wards in place," Impa answered testily. "Whoever kidnapped Zelda was able to counter them."

"What do we do now?" Saria asked quietly.

"We fight," Impa said. "That is what Zelda would want us to do. We have come so far, and I'll be damned before I let Ganondorf undo everything we have worked so hard to achieve."

There were cracks in the Sheikah's normally stoic countenance as her voice shook with barely contained anger.

"I am sure we all share your sentiment," Ruto said calmly. "If Ganondorf uses Zelda as a hostage, we could very well be risking her life by attacking."

"I am well aware of that, Ruto," Impa snapped, losing all trace of her Sheikan serenity. Ruto looked shocked, taking a step back from Impa. The Sheikah paused, exhaling as she pinched the bridge of her nose. "Regardless of whether that is his intention," she said more quietly, "We know he means to retrieve the Triforce of Wisdom. He won't kill her unless he recovers it first."

"Isn't that impossible?" Link asked. "She'd never give it to him willingly."

"There are ways to make someone willing," Nabooru said grimly.

Saria's face went pale. "You're not suggesting that he'd-"

"He would, I'm afraid," Nabooru said flatly. Link could tell she was thinking about something particularly unpleasant, and he had a good idea what it was. Ganondorf would torture Zelda until she gave him the Triforce of Wisdom.

"Saria doesn't need to know about that," Link told her, surprised at how firm he sounded.

"It's alright, Link," said Saria calmly. "It's nothing I don't know about."

Those words pained him. What horrors had she and the other Kokiri witnessed in the Gerudo camp?

A look of understanding passed between her and Ruto; the Twinrova sisters had given both Sages cause for grief.

"Then we do not have much time," Rauru said. "It will be difficult enough to stop the word of Zelda's capture from causing panic."

"Agreed," said Impa. "We will need to keep this as quiet as possible."

"The witnesses are sworn to secrecy," Toru said. "I already made sure they knew not to tell anyone."

"Thank you," Impa said, nodding towards the general. "I trust your word, but there will be talk, eventually. We will need to act before that happens."

"You have a plan, then?" Ruto asked.

"We use portal stones to get into the tower," Impa said. "I can give each of you one, and when the time comes, you can warp to the tower."

"Doesn't that require someone to be in the tower?" Nabooru asked.

"It does," said Impa. "That will mean someone has to get it inside, preferably close to Ganondorf. If we arrive too early, his remaining forces will direct their attention on us, and their numbers will most likely overwhelm us."

"This is a dangerous plan, but I see no alternative," Rauru said. "We cannot allow Ganondorf to retrieve the Triforce of Wisdom. If he does, we may lose everything. "

Link swallowed, not liking those words at all. Zelda is strong, Link thought. She won't give it to him.

"Who is going to take the object into the tower?" Ruto asked.

"The Mithirans have birds, these griffin things," Darunia suggested. "They could fly it in."

"Flying is too risky, and besides, the Mithirans launched a rescue as soon as Prince Owain learned of Zelda's capture," Impa said, now sounding annoyed. "The man should've waited, or at least had the sense to form a better plan."

"I presume their plan failed?" Rauru asked gravely.

"Even protected by the night, Zelda's rescuers were slaughtered. There are beamos on the walls, as well as archers and mages." She held out a piece of parchment she'd received shortly after their arrival at Zelda's tent, which Navi had quietly read for her. "That was the message I received just now." She lowered her hand again and sighed. "One of us has to go in."

"If I warp to the Temple of Time, I can sneak in," Link said.

"You really think you can do that without breaking anything?" Navi asked with dubious tones.

"No," Impa said firmly. "We will have to get you in on foot. Rauru will have to tell the other Sages when it's time to warp to the tower." She turned to Toru next. "Lord General, can I entrust you with Link's care?"

"My lady?" Toru sounded uncertain.

"You must clear a path around the tower and help him get inside," Impa said. "Make sure that he remains at the rear of your army."

"Of course," Toru said. He looked at Link, his face impassive, the uncertainty gone.

"Good, I will send Link to you in the morning," Impa said with a small nod.

"So, what are we supposed to do in the meantime?" Link asked. He didn't want to wait. What if they were too late?

"We wait," said Impa.

"But-"

"We wait, Link!" Impa said crisply. Her voice was icy, and Link knew this would be a very bad time to get into an argument with her.

He cursed quietly. This time, it was a cruelty from the Goddesses. Not only had they been so close, but Zelda had managed to evade capture for so long. Ganondorf hadn't realized who Sheik was beneath that mask, not until after their last encounter. Link looked towards the trunk where the mask now lay.

"I should have stayed with her," he said, inwardly cursing himself, "Even against her wishes."

"Such thinking will do you no good, brother," said Darunia. "You would only have gotten captured too."

"I know," Link murmured. He should have been able to do something. Jaw set in an angry grimace, Link gazed at the tent fabric, trying to look anywhere other than trashed furniture.

"Don't blame yourself," Saria said, noticing this. "We'll get Zelda back, and we'll make Ganondorf sorry he ever took her from us."

"That's the spirit," Darunia said approvingly. He looked ready to clap her on the back, but Saria shot him an annoyed look that made the Goron pause and grin.

Impa started speaking, and Link turned his attention to her.

"Nabooru, Darunia, Ruto, see that your people are ready to march with the Queen's Banner. I will send some mages to accompany you so that we're not taken by surprise by another doppelganger," Impa said. "Those assassins likely did not act alone, so be on your guard. I will find an excuse to have the patrols doubled till morning."

She turned and motioned to one of her attendants, who was standing at the entrance of the tent. The attendant was not quite able to hide their surprise at being noticed, but she quickly hid it and strode over to Impa. Link didn't overhear what Impa said, not with the rain now pelting the tent. The woman left and returned a few moments later, bringing a wooden chest that bore the Hyrulean crest. She opened it, taking out a thick bundle of blue cloth nestled within.

As the attendants unravelled the thing, Link recognized it. It was a banner with intricate red embroidery. Two figures ran across the banner's length- a red lion beneath the scarlet, soaring wings of a phoenix. On either side of them, the Triforce gleamed as though made of flecks of gold. As the banner rippled, the lion and the phoenix seemed to shimmer in the torchlight like thousands of tiny gemstones.

The Queen's Banner. Link thought, staring at the sigils of House Harkinian and Nohansen.

"This was meant for Zelda, but under the circumstances, and given that you now command her forces, I am entrusting you with it." Impa took the banner, holding it delicately before she gave it to Toru. He gazed at the banner with an almost reverent expression and accepted it.

"Raise the banner," Impa said, her voice commanding. "The phoenix flies at dawn. We ride for Castletown."

Toru nodded, the faintest hint of a smile on his face. "At once, my Lady."

He bowed formally and left the tent, appearing more energetic than when he'd entered. Link could hear him speaking to his guards. A moment later, the gathered soldiers, Gorons, Hylian, Zora, and Gerudo, took up a chorusing yell.

"The phoenix flies again!"

"Hail the red lion!"

The shouts seemed to dissolve the tension in the air, giving Link an odd sense of euphoria. A part of him almost felt more alive as he heard the cries, and he felt an urge to add his voice to the din. Had the Sages not been so pointedly ignoring it, he might have done just that.

"There is much to be done. I suggest we get moving," Impa said. "Nabooru, Darunia, Ruto, you know what to do."

"Of course," Darunia said. The others all voiced their agreement and then made to leave.

"I'll see you soon, brother," said Darunia. "I expect you to be showing these younger Hylians how to fight properly."

He chuckled and then gave Link a gentle pat on the back. Even then, Link still had to brace himself in order to avoid landing flat on his face.

"Thanks, Darunia," Link said, forcing himself to smile at the Goron's jovial tone.

With their farewells made, Darunia left. Link barely had time to turn around before somebody crashed into him and he almost fell over. Realizing just who it was that had embraced him in a hug, Link nearly groaned. Ruto didn't kiss him, mercifully. Despite this, her actions made Link's cheeks and ears go a shade of crimson that matched the lion on Zelda's banner.

"Be careful," Ruto said, he caught the undercurrent of fear in her voice. Link nodded, meeting her eyes. Was it just him, or were her eyes moist? Ruto let go, gazing into his eyes. "You might want to shave at some stage; you're becoming rather scraggly."

Link self-consciously ran a gauntleted hand along his stubble, scowling at Ruto as she chuckled to herself and departed.

Nabooru came last. "You'll do fine, kid," she said with a faint smile. "I know you will."

"Thank you," said Link, barely managing to keep the emotion from his voice.

With a final nod and a wink, Nabooru turned.

"She likes you," Navi whispered, watching Nabooru's retreating back. Something made Nabooru pause suddenly in her tracks, and then Malon entered, offering the Gerudo a stiff nod.

"Navi!" Link hissed, giving her a disapproving glare.

Unnoticed by Malon, Nabooru had half turned, staring at the girl with a strange expression.

She knows, Link thought. At the very least, Nabooru suspected something about Malon's visage, a subtle similarity at least.

For a tense heartbeat, he feared Nabooru might say something, but with a subtle shake of her head, she left the tent.

"The horses are ready when you are," Malon announced, her eyes straying to the wreckage. Having seen it earlier, she wasn't surprised.

Then Rauru placed a hand on Link's shoulder. "Come, Link. You need to rest. Impa has seen to our accommodations."

How could he sleep now? Link wondered, knowing that Zelda was captured. She could be dead already for all they knew, unable to call out to them for aid.

"She lives. You would know if she was dead," Courage assured him. "We both would."

"Can you speak to her?"

"No. If that were possible, I would have done so already."

She was alive. That was a small comfort. How long did they have? How long did Zelda have until Ganondorf tried to take the Triforce of Wisdom?

With a sigh, Link pushed aside the despondent thought and left the tent. He headed to where Malon had left their horses and made the short ride to a tent that had been prepared for them.

It took Link forever to get some sleep. He lay staring up at the canvas of the tent, listening to the rain pounding against the fabric and Malon's soft chatter with Saria. They'd tried to get him to join in, but too tired to do so, he just opted to sleep instead. He lay on a cot, using a cloak from his saddlebags as a blanket.

Tossing and turning in his blanket, afraid of what the morning would bring, he was surprised to hear the soft, gentle notes of an ocarina. It was Saria, playing the soft, tranquil tune of a lullaby. From somewhere within the recesses of his mind, he recognized the song. It was one of Saria's favourites, one she'd played for him many times in his childhood.

Goodnight, Saria, he thought. Goodnight Malon.

His eyelid drooped, becoming heavier with the soothing melody. As he listened, he could almost imagine he was back in the forest. Back in his home, listening to chirping insects and the wind whispering through the trees...

~ 0 ~

"Link?"

Lost in that place between sleep and awareness, Link stirred, wanting nothing more than to sink back into his slumber.

"Hey, Fairy Boy? It's time to get up now," Malon's voice came from afar, her voice like a beloved song heard from afar. It tugged at him, forcing away any thought of respite.

"Fairy boy?" Saria asked.

"It's what she calls him," Navi answered from somewhere nearby.

"It's kinda cute," Saria said, a soft note of amusement touching her voice. "I like it."

"Umm... thanks," came Malon's voice.

Too groggy to be embarrassed, Link opened his eyes to see Malon and Saria standing close by, looking at him. It was not dawn yet, but outside Link could hear the distinct clamour of an army preparing to move.

"Sorry," Malon said without sounding apologetic. "I was all for letting you sleep a bit longer, but Saria here figured you might be embarrassed if you were caught sleeping in." Her smile slipped a little. "Everything's ready... or as ready as it can be."

She offered Link the bowl of porridge she was holding, and he accepted it gratefully.

"It doesn't have any honey in it," Malon told him. "Saria told me you wouldn't eat it without honey, but we don't have any."

"Is it time?" Link asked, not really wanting to know the answer. He didn't feel like eating, but knowing he'd have to, especially since nobody was going to let him refuse, he swallowed his meal.

"Almost," Saria said quietly.

"Epona's waiting for you," Malon said, her now voice forlorn, her smile not quite touching her eyes.

"I made sure your pack was ready," Saria added, indicating the satchel, "and your spare tunic is all cleaned up as well."

"Thank you," Link replied, setting the bowl down and meeting their eyes. "Both of you..." his eyes strayed to Rauru's empty cot. "Where's Rauru?"

"Already at the command tent," Saria replied. "The others will be headed there now. They will be expecting us soon."

Then it really is time, he thought.

"I should be on my way. Do you mind..." he gestured meaningfully at the tent flap as he grabbed the pile of clothing.

Navi rolled her eyes, and Link stared at her. "He wants to get changed," she said matter-of-factly, shooting a smile at Link. Saria and Malon obliged and stepped outside. For a few heartbeats, Link just stared after them, his mind unable to fully grasp the magnitude of what lay ahead of him.

"We'll be fine," Navi told him, sensing his thoughts. "I've always told you that, haven't I? We'll get Zelda back, and she'll be amongst her people by tonight."

"She will be," Link agreed, his eyes drifting to the Master Sword tucked within its sheath. In that instance, he could have sworn its gem glowed more brightly, and a single thought echoed through his mind... No, not a thought. More like an emotion...

Affirmation? he wondered. He sensed it again, more strongly this time. It definitely came from the sword, not from his Triforce shard.

Link blinked, almost startled. It was as if the sword were agreeing with Navi. He ran his hand along the hilt, anticipating some sort of reaction, but there was nothing.

You're imagining it, he thought, pulling his hands away from the blade.

It didn't take him long to prepare. Navi helped him go through his gear, checking he had everything.

"Your hat?" she asked as Link fastened the straps on his satchel.

He glanced up at her, amused.

"Just thought I'd check," she offered with a wry grin. "I can hardly let you go wandering off without it now, can I?"

With that, and with the Master Sword tucked in its sheath, Link stepped out into the war camp. He was surprised to find Rauru waiting with the others. Saria joined him, and they made their way to his horse, leaving Link to stand beside Epona and Malon. Saria looked over her shoulder, glanced at the pair of them, and then seemed to decide they needed some privacy- not that the middle of a crowded war camp was private. She busied herself in conversation with Rauru, giving Link a moment alone.

"Do hurry up," Navi told him, hovering close by. "I don't think we can hold up an entire army because you were late."

"Just a moment, Navi," Link said, giving her a meaningful look.

"Fine, just a moment." Navi sighed, and then with a shake of her head, she zipped away a short distance.

Content to let Navi stay nearby, not that she'd have it any other way, Link turned to Malon.

"Stay safe, fairy boy." Malon's sad smile cut at his heart.

"You do realize that I have to stick a sword through someone, right?" he asked, almost jestfully. "That's not my idea of safe."

His words earned him a reproachful stare.

"What?" he asked innocently. "It's true."

"You know what I mean," Malon admonished him. "Just make sure that when you're done-"

"Malon I..." Link tried and failed to cut her off.

"Just..." one warm hand brushed his cheek. "Make sure it's a song to make a minstrel proud, Link. I've seen you come back from the brink of death before. I don't think most could have survived what you did."

Link tried to stare anywhere but into her face, yet despite this, her eyes seemed to draw all his attention, willingly or not. "If anyone can do what needs to be done to save Hyrule, it's you."

"I..." Link faltered, the overwhelming emotion depriving him of speech. "Thank you."

Without another word, she kissed him lightly on the cheek, and then her arms were suddenly around him. A fuzzy warmth filled Link's belly, making the chill air more bearable. For just a heartbeat, time seemed to still, the storm and war both distant things,  All that mattered was Malon, and knowing she was safe.

"Hey, listen!"

Link froze, and Malon pulled away. He turned to glare at Navi, who was not fazed.

"I don't mean to rush you," Navi chimed, hands on her hips, "but there's a war going on here."

"I know, Navi," Link told her, barely containing his annoyance. He glanced back at Malon as she grabbed his hand and her bright eyes met his.

"Good luck, my fairy boy."

~ o ~

The red phoenix flew over the fields of Hyrule, the Queen's Banner flying proudly in the light of the dawn. Beneath it, the red lion seemed to roar a rallying cry as those who rode beneath it marched towards Castletown.

Link had never seen such a sight before, nor could he have imagined it. He stood atop a hill, gazing out across over the rugged expanse towards Ganondorf's tower. It loomed over the landscape, a black silhouette cast against the roiling clouds above.

Link sat upon Epona, Toru and a dozen of his guard around him. Ahead of him, teams of Gorons made their way forward bearing long bridges between them. A line of Gerudo walked alongside them, each bearing a mirror shield, no doubt intended to dissuade any mages from attacking the bridges or the teams that carried them.

Each bridge was flanked by archers wearing the blue and red uniform of the Queen's Banner.

"You alright, kid?" Toru asked gruffly from beside him. The man's face was grim as he watched the bridges moving towards the river.

Staring around at the faces in front of him, men with the red phoenix emblazoned on their breastplates, all clutching spears, Link nodded. Most of the men wore impassive expressions, silently waiting for their commander's instructions. Some of the soldiers were only young, Link realised, younger than himself even. Runners also awaited their orders, and none of them were older than fifteen summers.

Goddesses, Link thought. One of the youths behind him, another Hylian, must have been fourteen at most. Sweat was beading down his forehead, and he looked terrified.

What was he even doing here? As he had with the Kokiri, Link felt a desperate need to protect them.

"Just stay close and do what I tell you," Toru said, shifting in the saddle of his black destrier. "Sooner we can clear a path to the tower, the sooner we can get this business over with."

The pouch belted to him, Saria's pouch, still held the stone that Impa had enchanted so the Sages could warp to his location once he was in Ganondorf's Tower. She'd given him Zelda's mask as well, hoping that it might come in handy. Nabooru was out there, to the west amidst the hills near Lon Lon. Link could just make out the red and white banners of her people snapping in the breeze. The bulk of Darunia's army, easily distinguishable even from a distance, stood on the eastern flank of the Hylian army. Ruto was most likely leading her people through the waters of the Zora River. Saria had remained with Impa and Rauru at the war camp.

One of the men holding a spyglass shouted, drawing Link's attention towards the Southern Gate of Castletown. A bridge was being extended across the river, and a single figure rode across, carrying a flag. Link couldn't make out much detail from this distance. The rider was clad in black armour, astride an enormous warhorse.

The man with the spyglass shouted to Toru, informing him that the rider bore a messenger's flag.

"A messenger?" Toru said, frowning. "It could be a trap." He turned in his saddle to face Link. "Stay with me, kid. Let's see what they want."

"Shouldn't we just shoot the man?" one of Toru's guards asked.

"Not if he's just a messenger," Toru replied firmly. "Stay alert. If he even so much as thinks about channelling any magic-" he turned to the two sorcerers in their grey and white robes to his left.

"We understand," one of the two women said.

"Good," Toru replied, before he spat quietly. "I've about had it with mages."

"I still haven't forgotten about that one that cursed our weapons so they'd keep breaking," one captain offered, rather unhelpfully, Link thought.

"That was Bain's squad wasn't it?" one of Toru's other aides asked.

"Aye," one of his companion's affirmed. "Good thing they noticed during training. Would've been a right mess otherwise."

" "I still mean to kill that mage, if he isn't already dead," the captain growled softly.

"With what?" the aide asked. "If he broke your weapons, you wouldn't have much to work with."

"My bare hands if need be," the captain answered, his face growing dark with annoyance. "Now shut up and stay focused."

"Let's greet our friend," Toru said loudly, cutting across the banter. He glanced over his shoulder at the two mages behind him, "Remember what I said. No hesitation."

Without another word, Toru rode with Link alongside him. They made their way to the front of the gathered troops, making their way to where the Gorons were hauling the bridges. Hylian archers and Gerudo warriors clustered around him, and as they drew near the army's front, a scout came riding up to them.

"He looks an awful lot like the Gerudo king, sir," the man reported.

This earned a few glares from the Gerudo, but they quickly turned their eyes back to the approaching rider.

"Ganondorf?" Navi whispered from her perch atop Link's shoulder. "What would he be doing here?"

Link forced down a sudden surge of fear, knuckles going white as he clenched Epona's reins. The mare stomped, shuffling her hooves.

"You've faced him in the open before," Courage said."If it is him, I cannot sense Power. No... Ganondorf wouldn't present himself before an entire army."

"I doubt it's him," Toru said grimly, as if he too were privy to the spirit's thoughts. "He ain't stupid."

At a motion from one of the Mithiran sorcerers, the man with the spyglass handed over his instrument, and the woman raised it to one eye, her lips pursed.

"Could it be a phantom?" Toru asked, addressing one of the mages.

"Most likely," came the mage's reply.

A quick succession of horn blasts called the army to a halt.

"Drop!" shouted one of the Gorons.

A chorus of grunts followed as the Gorons lowered their bridges, some of them looked confused, unsure why they'd stopped.

The rider in black approached. He did look like Ganondorf, wearing the same white mask that Ganondorf's phantom had worn. With a shout, the Gerudo formed a line in front of Toru and his men, their spears level. Archers notched arrows to bows, drawing them.

"At ease!" Toru yelled. "Let him through."

Several officers repeated the orders down the line. Reluctantly weapons were lowered, drawstrings relaxed, and the Gerudo parted. They glared at the figure who resembled their former king as he rode past, some making a sign against evil.

"It's a phantom alright," Navi whispered.

The phantom stopped before Toru's horse, undaunted at the threatening posture of the spearmen. The spectre dismounted, clutching a sack in one hand.

"Why have you come?" Toru demanded. "Answer quickly."

"I bring a message from my master!" the phantom declared in that same cold voice that Link knew all too well. His heart beat frantically in his chest as every last ounce of warmth left him. It looked just like the creature that had almost killed Saria.

As the phantom reached into the sack he was carrying, the Mithiran sorcerers levelled their staffs as though intending to spear the spectre.

The phantom withdrew his hand from the pouch and Link gasped as it rose a familiar object above its head for all to see.

It was a golden crown.

Zelda's.

"No!" Navi shouted, her anguished cry piercing Link like a dagger.

His heart stopped.

No. Link thought.

"You and I would both know if she were dead, remember? It's a warning," Courage told him.

Despite the reassurance, and stirred by the surrounding commotion, Link reached for the Master Sword, his blood boiling.

"Don't," Navi hissed. Link moved his hand away. The phantom stared, almost goading Link.

"Your queen is dead," the spectre declared. "Your Goddesses have forsaken you. Surrender and worship the one true lord of Hyrule. Then perhaps he will grant you mercy and a place within his realm."

The spectre tossed the crown to the sodden earth and spat on it.

Angry murmurs and shouts arose from the crowd behind them. Toru's eyes were like fire, his jaw clenched. Steel sung as it was drawn from its sheath and Toru pressed his mount forward.

"And I have a message for your master," Toru declared loudly, lifting his blade high.

With one quick stroke, he swung his sword straight through the phantom's neck. The demon fell, black ichor splashing onto the ground.

"So much for not shooting the messenger," one of the sorcerers behind Link said dryly.

Link barely paid any notice. He was still looking at the crown. Mud was splattered across it, smearing its surface. Toru retrieved it, holding it gently in his hands.

"It can't be true," one of his men said, ashen-faced.

"Whether or not it is," Toru said, his voice shaking with barely contained rage. "Ganondorf just pissed off the wrong man."

"Likewise," Link added.

"Then it's time we killed the bastard," Toru growled softly.

He remounted his horse, and at a signal, the Gorons raised their bridges again.

"Sir," a man shouted to their left. "The Blin! They're moving!"

The man was pointing towards the Southern gate. A mass of figures, some riding upon boars, were crossing the lowered bridge. The mass of creatures resembled a great black serpent, slowly uncoiling as it moved into the open expanse of Hyrule Field.

"That's going to make getting the bridges across the river more difficult," said Toru. "Prince Owain's men should almost be at the Eastern Gate. That just leaves the other armies to attack the North and Western side." He turned to the messengers gathered around him. "Pass my words to my officers."

He looked back out over Ganondorf's army amassing by the river. The messengers withdrew parchment and pencils from satchels to relay Toru's orders to his officers further along the column.

"Today," Toru began. "We fight not for riches or for the games monarchs play or just for the glory of Hyrule. Today our fight is one that will determine the fate of nations and our world. Here stands an enemy more powerful than any force seen in millennia. The Goddesses gave us the means, the hope, by which to defeat the evil that plagued their land. They will do so again. We will see miracles before this day is done." Toru paused, his messengers continuing to scribble down his words. When they nodded, he continued. "Make no mistake. Our battle is not yet won. While the tyrant still sits upon Hyrule's throne, the curse upon our realm remains. We fight as one, united. Such a feat has not been accomplished in years. Today, we will show Ganondorf why Hyrule is a force still to be reckoned with. We will not whimper, nor cower, while he slaughters our people. We will not flee. We will stand. We will fight for those who have fallen and for the future of our children. As Zelda said, together we will forge a new Hyrule! The phoenix will fly again!"

Toru paused, the messengers finished writing down his words and relayed them. Soon Link could hear them being repeated in the distance.

A dozen different rallying cries rippled through the ranks, bolstering the Hylians and their allies into action.

"We attack, now!" Toru shouted.

A horn sounded. Three long blasts- the signal to charge. A second answered in the east, a third to the west, and then finally a fourth far to the north.

They charged. Some of the Gorons left the bridges, not so many that the bridges couldn't be used, but enough that they could defend their companions. Already the bulblins were frantically trying to assemble themselves as the Hyrulean army charged towards them like a relentless wave. Moblins ran to the front of the bulblin lines, lowering their spears.

Grabbing weapons from atop the bridges, which ranged from axes, hammers, and maces, the Gorons charged with bellowing war cries of their own.

As the approaching horde advanced, hundreds of spears swung level, and boars burst out from gaps in the bulblin ranks. Dodongos lumbered between the spears as well, roaring at the oncoming line of men and Gorons. Lizalfos came next, their snarls adding to the din.

The Gorons didn't pause. They charged towards the river with a roar, even as the dodongos belched columns of fire towards them. To the west, north, and east smoke rose, clear signs the other armies were already attacking.

Link was still atop the hill, Toru watching from beside him.

The boar riders met the Gorons first, tumbling and crashing as the bulky mountain dwellers slammed into them with the full force of their rocky hides. The collision was enough to break bones, sending boars and riders crunching into the earth.

The remaining boars slammed into the ranks of Hylian spears with the force of a battering ram. Men screamed and fell, plunging spears into the sides of the giant pigs until they crashed in a twisted heap of broken limbs, spear shafts protruding from their flesh. Meanwhile, the dodongos kept lumbering forward. Bursts of fire poured from their mouths, burning friend and foe alike. Many didn't get far before a Goron's hammer smashed into them, pulverizing their skull.

Above the battle, griffins flew towards the wall. To the left and right, they flew through the gathering storm and towards the archers waiting upon the walls. Arrows flew from the bulblin defenders, slamming into some of the birds and sending them screeching from the air. But it wasn't enough, and many griffins managed to swoop into the archers like hawks snatching their prey, others snapped away from the arrows and dropped projectiles of their own, including the Mithiran's own version of Goron bombs. Detonations of fire burst upon the wall, and many of the Blin's defences, ballistae included, went up in flames. More explosions rang out when some of the fallen birds struck the wall. Whatever munitions they were carrying, it was far more fragile than Goron bombs, and when their contents ignited, the defenders were left with an unpleasantly fatal surprise.

The bulblin lines crumbled, and as they did. Toru gave an order, and the bridges continued their slow advance. With the archers distracted, Zora began to emerge from the river, forming another front behind Ganondorf's army. Progressing back to the river was slow work, and slowly but surely the Blin caved under the onslaught.

Mere hours after it had begun, the battle was nearly a rout. The bulblins began to flee back towards the walls as if hoping that would stop the tide crashing towards them. Three of the Goron bridges were burning, abandoned by their carriers. Most of the dodongos and their more coordinated lizalfos companions were surrounded and overwhelmed as the Hylians crashed over them. The remaining bridges made it to narrowest point of the river where the Gorons lowered them, pushing them onto the opposite bank.

Far from the banks of the Zora river, and away from the fighting, Link watched the carnage. In the span of a few hours, Toru's company had not made much progress towards the city, but with the Blin in full flight, they began to push forward towards the bulk of the army.

In between the chaos, Link realised that, much like summer storms, battles involved a lot of waiting. Toru reasoned that the leader of an army seldom found himself at the front lines, unless said commander was either an idiot or someone had made a serious tactical error. Link hated the waiting. He could be rescuing Zelda. Somehow. She was still there, or so Courage assured him, the distant tower a constant reminder of his mission. For now though, all he could do was stay with Toru as they crept towards Castletown, with Link's company uncontested. The Blin hadn't put up much of a fight, and even here Link could see them rushing like lines of ants towards Castletown's walls.

Just when Link was beginning to think it seemed too easy, a thin white line burst into existence in the air, resembling a bar wreathed in white-hot flames. Men cleared the surrounding area, horses rearing and whinnying in fright. The bar began to spin in the air, growing wider.

"It's a portal!" Navi cried, her warning echoed by others.

It wasn't the only portal either. As more appeared, a wave of confusion rippled through the army that was now sprawled across Hyrule Field, its previously organised formations beginning to break, scattering in all directions.

"Ganondorf's trying to move his army into our ranks," Navi exclaimed.

That was the trap, wasn't it? Link thought. Wait until we get close enough and then move his forces right behind us.

A hulking suit of bronze armour stepped through the nearest portal, an enormous axe clutched in its hands

"Oh crap," Link breathed.

An Iron Knuckle.

The monster struck, its broad axe sweeping through the spearmen in front of it. Men fell, screaming and dying as the axe cleaved through them.

"Get back!" Toru yelled. "Everyone back!"

Amidst the soldiers caught in the initial carnage, Link saw the boy he'd seen earlier on the ground. Still alive, the youth lay with one leg pinned beneath a fallen horse, staring up at the behemoth towering over him. The iron knuckle stepped towards him. It was going to kill him.

No!

Link dismounted, wrenching the Master Sword from its sheath. He wasn't sure whether the boy reminded him of himself, or one of the Kokiri, but at that moment he made a decision.

He charged.

The axe rose into the air, moments away from carving the fallen youth in two.

Link lunged forward. Toru swore and yelled for him to get back.

"Hey!" Link bellowed, running as fast he could towards the massive suit of armour.

The iron knuckle paused, looking at him, and Link could almost see the surprise beneath that helm. A deep rumble came from its throat. It was chuckling.

With one swing of its axe, the iron knuckle knocked the Master Sword clean from Link's hand. The blade went flying into the dirt.

The axe came at him again. Link dropped to the ground, feeling the wind of the axe pass by. He rolled clear of the axe's swing, reaching for the first weapon he could grab. He snatched a fallen spear and came up, taking stock of the advancing Knuckle. To the side, Link noticed the boy staring at him with an expression halfway between terror and awe.

The axe cleaved through the air again. Link leapt aside, looking for some way to attack the Iron Knuckle. He looked for a crack in its armour, a gap between the joints. Then he saw it, just as he ducked beneath another blow from the axe, his heart hammering in his chest. The visor slit.

"For Zelda!" he roared.

Link ran forward. The axe swung again. Reflexively, Link ducked, dropping to one knee, allowing the weapon to pass over his head. The beast bellowed in frustration and Link jumped clear of the next swing, spinning in the air. The Triforce mark on his hand burned as he slammed the spear straight into the iron knuckle's eye.

Next Chapter

Reviews

SunPraiser31 chapter 55 . Apr 1, 2017 And now the battle begins properly! I figured something like that portal trap would happen. Link's gonna have a hell of a time getting up to Ganondorf's tower by himself, but once he does, they can defeat him through the power of Friendship(TM)! I'm so hyped for this. Months of reading this story in bits and pieces is about to pay off!

C chapter 55 . Dec 15, 2015 Ok, so I've been looking for a good OoT novelisation forever and yours is by far the best I have read. The character depth, the plot development, the general "thickening" (for want of a better word) of the game's world - it's all brilliant! I love your version of Link as well, it's clear that he's really grown as both a fighter and a person throughout the whole story while still occasionally showing his little ten-year-old tendencies. I think a lot of versions seem to turn him into an entirely different person after he pulls the Master Sword, but in yours you can really see and feel his personal journey from child to adult, and I love that. Seriously, I wish I was better at drawing so I could do a manga version of this! (If you'd let me, of course!) Keep up the awesome work, I'm totally hooked and can't wait to read more :) C

Cyan Quartz chapter 55 . Nov 26, 2015 That was a pretty epic way to kill an Iron Knuckle. Iron Knuckle, Octorok, Stalfos, Miyamoto and his team sure can make and name some awesome creatures! Have a happy Thanksgiving man, if you celebrate it.

Shaveza chapter 55 . Nov 23, 2015 Ooooh, woooow. Link right there at the end. He's amazing, but also REALLY RECKLESS. Not that I blame him for running over to save the kid, but RECKLESS. I love how once the battle starts, everything seems to run fast-paced. It's almost hectic, but not in a bad way. Its succeeds at being atmospheric without being confusing. Looking forwards to the next chapter! See you then!

Lord Darth Yoda chapter 55 . Nov 23, 2015 Almost expected you'd actually sent the real Ganondorf out to face the army. But as awesome as that would be I think that'd make the battle too short. Oh well. Did enjoy the short fight with the Knuckle, they're terrifying no matter what game they're in.