Link picked himself up off the ground and spat dirt out of his mouth. Behind him his uncle leaned on a wooden practice sword, laughing.
"Want to try that again Link? Or have you had enough?"
Link smiled as he stood up. "I could go all day, Uncle."
"I believe you, since you've done it before. But if I recall correctly you were too sore to practice at all the next day."
Link was about too reply when he heard Malon's voice calling him. He looked to the house where she sat on her horse Epona, smiling brightly. "Mr. Cedric, is it okay if Link and I go for a ride."
Cedric looked at Link at nodded. "We've had a good session. Be back in three hours." Link turned and whistled. Zephyr, a grey stallion came trotting over to him. He mounted the horse and followed Malon along the path.
The sun was setting as Link and Malon made their way back to his home. Before the house had come into view however, they saw smoke rising above the tree tops. Link let out a shout and pushed his horse into a gallop, with Malon following closely behind. As Link rode up to his home he saw Cedric lying on the ground. Link dismounted and ran to him, tears welling up in his eyes as he saw the blood on his uncle's shirt. He knelt down and lifted the older man's head up. He felt his pulse and realized he was barely alive. "Link…" Cedric said, "Link you must not speak, only listen. Three dark warriors did this. I believe they must be servants of Ganon, and they took something of the greatest value. Do you remember the green pendant I kept in the bottom of the chest?"
Link nodded. "You said it was a family heirloom."
"It is far more than that. It is the Pendant of Courage, one of three gems that, when gathered in the right place will grant unspeakable power… You must go to Hyrule Castle, and tell the King what has happened… Tell him… that Ganon has returned, and his mission has not changed. Do not delay, even to put me in the ground. Goodbye, Link. I am proud to have raised one such as you, who is able to carry out the greatest of tasks." With that, Cedric closed his eyes and spoke no more.
Link rose and Malon came to his side. "He always said this day might come," Link said, "I never really thought it would happen though. Tell the village, and ask some of the men to bury him."
Malon nodded. "Take Epona, she's faster than Zephyr."
"Thank you," Link responded. Still in a daze, and holding back tears, he wordlessly took his uncle's sword, mounted the brown steed, and rode north to the castle.