THE QUEST FOR THE MASTER:
"The First Step to Finality"
Windfall Island was comprised principally of shops, vendors, inns, taverns, and other such amenities. Its sole purpose was that of a trading post or brief stop for the weary traveler. Over time, however, small settlements had sprung up in and around the outskirts of the municipality. Also, for reasons unbeknownst to anyone, the darkness neglected to spread its icy grasp to the atoll. While it was a very peculiar circumstance, no one chose to look such a gift horse in the mouth. Besides – it was a welcome alternative to the dim, dank, claustrophobic atmosphere of the 'underground' hideaways.
As soon as Link's ship docked, the Captain immediately became enthralled with a fellow wharfed boat. "Tis our lucky day, m'boys," he said in a mildly excited way to the crew. It was good to see the Captain show some sign of contentment in their unpleasant period.
While the group traversed through the town, one by one they split off, each on a mission for supplies or to secretly spread the word that a rebellion was being formed, with Link spearheading the operation. Link walked with the Captain. Their goal was to purchase a small seafaring ship for Link to utilize in his quest to find the Sword of Evil's Bane that Grandfather had quickly spoke of before being carried off by Ganon's malicious minions.
The two came across the most strikingly odd-looking little, pudgy man. While the weather was a pleasantly warm degree, the man was dressed as though he were freezing to death. "Hello! My name is Zunari! How may I help you, fine gentlemen?" he said with a very atypical accent.
The Captain and Link both chuckled.
"May I ask why you are dressed expecting the snowstorm of the century?" the Captain smirked.
"Oh, of course! My garments are a bit out of place, yes," Zunari replied, all the while a gleeful demeanor never left his voice. "You see, I came across the vast seas from a land far, far away called the Isle of Frost – a land where blizzards blow violently – heading for this outset. Then, from out of nowhere, a terrible storm descended upon my humble craft and tore it to bits! Yet, my sail was the only article that escaped the fierce tempest without so much as a mark on it," Zunari explained as he pointed to the sail that sat folded on the table before him. "Without a ship I have no use for such an amenity so it is yours for one low price!" His face beamed with the anticipation of a sale.
Link grinned, "Well, a sail by itself means nothing unless one has a ship to go with it…"
"Oh…" Zunari responded sullenly. "Out of all my wares, that is the one item that I fail to possess… You see, young sir, an ample vessel that one might seek is few and far between these days… Prices have augmented considerably and the cost to manufacture such a commodity is much… That and along with the waters running deep with the," his voice dropped to a whisper, "evil," then rose right back to its normal volume, "has caused the demand to decrease…"
"I see," Link said despondently.
Just then, a higher-pitched, jovial voice screeched from behind Link, "Oh, dear me! Did I hear that someone is looking for a craft to navigate the vivacious seas?"
The two consumers turned around to find a tall, skinny, brown-haired man with a joyful face that seemed to glow.
"And you are?" the Captain queried.
"Oh, pardon me!" the skinny man said as he proceeded to clear his throat. "I am Beedle! Merchant of the high seas! I sail to all the corners of the globe trading and selling merchandise many find foreign and otherwise valuable and practical!"
Link and the Captain snickered once more. Such colorful characters one meets out amongst the waves.
"So how can you be in assistance to us, jolly gentleman?" the Captain said, still retaining a smirk.
"Well, it just so happens," replied with an eager tone, "that while I was journeying to this very post, I came across a red beauty of a ship! It sat dormant out in the sea and upon further inspection, I found it to be completely void of any and all crew. Odd as it sounds, the ship itself is in pristine condition and even bears a very noble prow – that of a mighty lion! Which would explain the inscription on the hull that reads 'King of Red Lions'."
"Odd indeed," the Captain responded. "So how much is one reasonable entrepreneur such as yourself asking? For, you see, we met with much dilemma recently upon the waters and are low on rupees and things to barter…"
Beedle's expression changed slightly into a manner that one could read as 'oh, more cheapskates…'. "No doubt, as I have heard my good friend Zunari point out, a vessel – especially one as fine as the one I speak of – is very hard to come by. But, I am more than willing to help a man of your stature out, Captain."
"I see my reputation precedes me…" the Captain said.
"You are one recognizable and renowned man, sir," Beedle schmoozed. "How about this offer – " Beedle then leaned in and whispered a price into the Captain's ear then leaned back and fervently eyed the propositioned's facial illustrations.
The look on the Captain's face dissolved. "I am afraid that we do not possess that amount…"
Just as Link felt a tinge of disappointment sting his stomach, he remembered the pouch that he had dug up under the Old Oak Tree back where his home once was. "Sir," Link said to the Captain, "do we have enough for the sail?"
The Captain turned around to find Zunari with a big smile on his face.
"We can work something out! I was unaware of who you are, Captain! I have heard many entertaining stories!"
Turning to look at Link, the Captain asked, "What did you have in mind?"
Nodding, Link said, "It's taken care of."
Without questioning, the Captain cocked his head to one side and back with a look on his face that said 'well-alrighty'.
Link turned back to Beedle, pulled out the small back of rupees from his pocket, opened it before the one standing between him and a ship, and said, "I'm sure we can work something out, right?"
Beedle gazed into the bag and his eyes grew. "Yes, yes, sir!"
Link closed the bag abruptly. "Let's go look at my future ship, shall we?"
"Yes, yes! Of course!"
Right as Beedle and Link started to walk toward the docks, Link was pushed aside by a man urgently running. Link caught a quick glimpse of a straw hat and very lanky, dark skin. As soon as Link recollected himself, another man came running toward them yelling, "Get back here, thief! You dirty rapscallion!" That voice sounded so familiar…
The Happy Mask Trader came running and stopped just before Link, out of breath. "Shoplifting punk!" he yelled.
"Hey!" Link exclaimed, causing the Mask Trader to turn and face him.
"Did you see that? He doesn't even know what such a mask is capable of… Wait a second… Link?" He smiled and wrapped his arms around his former 'patron', even though Link had never one purchased – let alone been able to afford – one of his goods. "How are you, son?" he excitedly inquired as he let Link go and took a step back to admire how much he had grown.
"I'm doing fine, I guess. How are you?"
"Whew! Things are, well, you know…" the Mask Trader shuffled around a bit. "Anyways! Have you talked to your old friend Malon at all?"
"Nah, I haven't seen her since I last saw you."
"Well, you should stop over and visit her. She works at her father's old ranch. It's right over in the field next to Kakariko village and the Lost woods, there on the horizon," the Mask Trader explained as he pointed to an island that was visible out on the sea over the east.
"That would be great," Link said.
"While it was terrific to see you again, that damned Skull Kid made off with a mask that was not one to be sold or even mentioned of!"
"The Skull Kid? Still being, well… the Skull Kid?" Link asked.
"More so than ever. But, the mask he stole is imbued with a very wicked power that is bestowed upon the one who dons it!"
Link remembered all the stories the Mask Trader used to tell him and his friends of the masks. Most of which, he were sure, were only to boast his wares and boost his sales. "I'm sorry for holding you up then."
"Not a problem – not a problem indeed! I must be going! Hopefully I will see you around!" And with that the Happy Mask Trader was off.
That man was always an odd one. And that Skull Kid will apparently never change.
"Now where were we?" Link turned to Beedle and asked.
"Ah, yes! Right this way, sir!"
Beedle led Link to a dock that hosted a beautiful red galleon. Not too big, yet not small enough to be easily tossed around on the cruel waters. Upon examination, the wood that comprised the ship was securely fastened and aided by a very sturdy metal. It even housed a small stable for a handful of small to medium-sized animals. Beedle indeed had not exaggerated the serenity of the boat – it was beautiful. The lion that bared its massive fangs at the head of the ship screamed nothing but loyalty and determination. The name itself, 'King of Red Lions', that was undeniably imprinted upon both the starboard and port sides of the vessel said it all.
"You've got a deal," Link coolly said.
"Oh, thank you! Thank you very much, sir!" Beedle excitedly proclaimed.
After the transaction Link went back to the center of the town and met with the Captain and their fellow crewmates at a local tavern. The crew informed Link of the covert spreading of knowledge of the resistance. To Link's surprise, many more people had heard of their exploits on the seas and the hope that began to gestate within everyone. A sense of duty and loyalty to all mankind had suddenly sprung up in the darkest hour. The thought of such an uprising had been on the tips of everyone's tongues, but it was Link who had took that first step in bringing retribution to fruition. They voiced that later in the evening, the proprietor of said tavern was to close and hold a private meeting for all those who wish to discuss and deliberate the actions to take and how to achieve such a coordination of such a massive scale. Link felt a sudden wave of overwhelming satisfaction and delight upon hearing such miraculous news.
A few drinks later, as the sun still hung high, Link informed the Captain of his desire to venture over to Kakariko village and visit his old friend. The Captain obliged such a request and Link caught the next ferry over.
Kakariko village was just as he remembered. All the village's inhabitants still lived life as if nothing happened. Not that they were ignorant to the fact, but merely choosing to not live their lives in fear or exclusion.
As Link stood admiring the town, a stalky, balding man came running up and yelled for anyone to hear him, "Has anyone seen my workers? They are just running aimlessly around the village and not making any progress at all! Even my own son doesn't have a job and just wanders around all day! They're all worthless I tell you!" That's when he noticed Link. "You there! Young man! Do you see what I am saying? I am mayor of this beautiful town and I am also the boss of the carpenters that Impa hired years ago to improve this village and make it a true city – one that will be as lively as Windfall – but young people these days don't have any ambition!"
Link just looked at him quizzically. He was unsure of what to say or if he should even respond at all.
"Bah! But anyways! I must apologize! You have a fresh face! It would be my honor to bestow upon you the history of our beloved village if I may!"
"Sure," Link said in a not-really-caring manner and slightly befuddled at this man's in-your-face attitude.
"Excellent!" the mayor said as he rubbed his hands together and cleared his throat. "The history of our great town began with the Sheikah – the guardians of the Royal Family of Hyrule. They built Kakariko as their haven, until the great Impa, Princess Zelda's attendant, opened the village to the common people. Over there," the mayor pointed to a cottage, "was the great Impa's house, where it is said that she was born and raised, but she disappeared many years ago. It is now open to all visitors, so you are more than welcome to go in and take a look around. We have only had a small population, but it has been growing rather progressively! Before the waters rose and the lands split, this island sat at the base of Death Mountain in Hyrule. There was a colossal set of stairs and paths to the north that, if one was brave enough, they could climb up to the very apex of the mountain itself and pay the mighty Gorons a visit!"
Link giggled slightly, for he had met his fair share of Gorons, without any strenuous climbing or negotiating through treacherous passages.
"Now, if you have the spirit of adventure instilled within you, may head east and either find yourself forever adrift in the Lost Woods, or go ghost hunting in our infamous graveyard! Our own grave keeper, Dampe, runs a ghost hunting expedition throughout the burial ground late at night if you bold enough to seek the spirits of the deceased! Make no mistake though, young man, it is said that the departed who reside there are those of the Sheikah that have passed on beyond our world. Legend says that one can calm the souls of the dead with an old song of the Royal Family."
Hahahaha – such colorful characters you meet indeed. It felt nice to get caught up in old memories and how the past conforms around circumstance. Change is inevitable. Growth and prosperity are willing but must be earned through sacrifice.
"Now, son, if there is anything we may help you with on your visit to – or perhaps move to – Kakariko, please do not hesitate to let us know!"
"Thanks," Link replied, unsure of what to say.
"Alrighty! Enjoy your stay! Now I must get back to looking for those no good…" the mayor's voice trailed off, for he had already began walking away before he finished his sentence. No bother.
Just southwest of the village Lon Lon's Ranch still stood. Link was overjoyed to see Malon once again, but once he stepped foot through the big wooden gate that housed the farm, he noticed that something was different. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but something was most definitely amiss. A knock to the Lon Lon's house door let him know the answer that his mind was posing as Ingo answered.
"Who do you think you are? You are trespassing on Ingo's ranch, you little reprobate!"
"Ingo?" Link exclaimed in confusion. "Your ranch? Where is Mr. Lon Lon?"
"Who are you, juvenile delinquent?" Ingo looked even more sour and dim-witted as before. And boy, was he ever more acerbic…
"Link. My dad used to work for Mr. Lon Lon."
"Link?" Ingo said as he scrunched his bushy eyebrows and pursed his lips under his scruffy mustache. "Oh, yeah… I remember you…" each word degrading into bitterness. "And just because I remember you does not mean that you are welcome here! I, the hard-working Ingo poured so much energy into this place under that lazy bum Talon! The Great Ganondorf recognized my obvious talents and gave the ranch to me! I will raise the finest horses better than that indolent Talon and win such recognition from the Great Lord! Now be gone or I shall alert the proper authorities!" He slammed the door.
Link stood stunned in disbelief. What happened here? Just then, he heard a familiar tune being sung from one of the stables. Not really paying Ingo's idle threats any heed, he wandered to the source of the singing.
A young woman sat on a small stool, relaxingly brushing a stunning steed, unaware of Link's presence.
"Malon?" Link asked as he walked into the stable.
The singing stopped immediately as she turned around in a startled manner. "Sir, I'm sorry, but you must leave without delay before Mr. Ingo knows of your presence."
"Malon – it's me! Link!" he said as he walked over to her.
"Link!" She jumped straight to her feet and rushed over to him, throwing her arms around him and squeezing him tight. "It's been so long!"
"I know, hasn't it?" he replied with a big smile on his face.
She let go and leaned back, "I'm sorry for how I acted just now – ever since Ingo took over and – "
Link cut her off, "Took over? What do you mean?"
She took a deep breath and with a morose look upon her face said, "It's been a long time since we've had a visitor here. Since Ganondorf came, people in the town have gone, places have been ruined, and monsters are wandering everywhere. Mr. Ingo is just using the ranch to gain Ganondorf's favor. Everyone seems to be turning evil… But, dad, he was kicked out of the ranch by Mr. Ingo. If I disobey Mr. Ingo he will treat the horses so badly, so there's nothing that I can do…"
Link felt a sadness well up within him.
"But, please keep it secret from Mr. Ingo that I sing my mother's song. Everyone really liked that song - my dad, and even Mr. Ingo at one point, but ever since Ganondorf appeared, Mr. Ingo has changed completely. I can remember the good old days only while I sing that song… Remember Epona?" she said as she grabbed Link's hand and led him over to the beautiful stallion.
"Of course!" Link said as he held his hand out before Epona, who sniffed it and whinnied in an excited manner.
"She remembers you too!" Malon said elatedly. "Only I could tame this horse!"
"Oh, I'm sure!" Link agreed as he pet Epona.
"W-what!" a shriek came from the door to the stable. "That horse doesn't like anyone! I thought I told you to get out of here!" Ingo scolded in jealously.
Link just laughed, not in insolence but simply because of Ingo's covetousness.
"Nooooow!" Ingo yelled at the top of his lungs, waving his arms about in such a comical manner.
Link hugged Malon once more and casually jogged toward the stable door then waved once more to his old friend as he disappeared out of the barn.
Ingo… What a rube… Link was sure his comeuppance would arrive before long.
Karma, Ingo. What goes around comes around.
Link snickered all the way back to Windfall.