[Author's note: this story is an extrapolation of the Legend of Zelda, the
story told by Impa in Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link. It isn't necessary
to know the story in order to understand my tale here, but it could help.
It's also in many respects a prequel to Ocarina of Time, as the events set
in motion here naturally lead up to that game. This story takes place
hundreds of years before Ocarina of Time.]
Prologue
Shelin Impa tried unsuccessfully to keep up with her charge. The granddaughter of the first Impa to serve the royal family, she served faithfully as the nursemaid for the young crown prince of Hyrule. It was an enjoyable career, one she was proud of and one she would never give up. The Impa line had pledged this service to the royal family of Hyrule, and she was not one to break it. She even insisted on being called Impa to honor her line.
Meanwhile, Prince Eloan, barely four years old, paid no attention to his nanny. A servant had just told him that he could see his parents now, which could only mean one thing. For months now, Impa had been telling him that he would have a new brother or sister. And now the day had arrived. He reached his parents' chambers and stopped, waiting for Impa to catch up. She did and, with a nod to the guard, opened the door for the young prince. He saw his mother in bed, holding a little bundle, and his father standing next to her, looking more happy than the child could ever remember. He slowly moved up towards his mother, climbing up on the bed to see better. He looked at the bundle and saw a cute little face, sleeping contently. Its hair was matted and short, but already took on a reddish hue.
The Queen of Hyrule smiled at her young son. "That's your new baby sister, Eloan." Eloan looked up. "What's her name?" "Zelda. Her name is Zelda." The little boy struggled to say the unfamiliar name. "Z...Zelda. I like it. It's a pretty name."
From the doorway, Shelin Impa smiled.
Chapter 1: Summoning
Across the backdrop of the giant Death Mountain Range, two horses could be made out in the twilight. Mudora, not used to riding for so long, continued to complain halfheartedly to the cloaked figure in front of him. Mudora was young, no more than fifteen, but certainly none would consider him boyish. The lad was smarter and more well versed in Hylian lore than most. He had taken up apprenticeship with the wizard of Kasuto, hoping to learn more of the mysterious magic of Hyrule. But, truth to be told, he was more interested in studying the dusty old books of the land, especially the ancient legends. His master, Bagrand, was convinced he would become a scribe. The thought was not unpleasant to the boy, and it was one he seriously considered. Yet scribes, he thought wryly, usually do not take two week long trips across Hyrule. Granted, the choice was his to come, for who could pass up a chance to see the great castle of Hyrule?
"Relax, Mudora, we are almost there." It was true; the boy could see the spires of the great Hyrule Castle already. Mudora was glad, not only to end this miserable trip, but also to see Rauru again. The older man was Bagrand's first apprentice, learning the mystic arts from one of the most powerful men in the world. Rauru had left Kasuto four years ago, just when Mudora was starting. Mudora remembered the man's good humor and his long lecture's against the abuse of magical power. He was a good man, Mudora thought, and certainly deserved his post as the king's special advisor on magic. But he had called on his old master, so something must be amiss. One does not call on Bagrand for simple pleasantries.
They arrived at the castle only a few hours later. They were let in without any problems and led to their rooms, where they were instructed to rest and recover from their journey. After a welcome meal, the two were finally led into a small chamber. Moments later, a short, somewhat rotund man entered the room, followed by a tall knight. Mudora stood and greeted the former. "Rauru! It is good to see you again." Rauru smiled and nodded to the boy, but it was obvious that his attention was elsewhere. Bagrand, seeing the odd focus in his former apprentice, greeted the man as well. "Pleasantries aside, Rauru, who is that with you, and why have you called me here?"
Rauru sat down, motioning a seat to his companion. "This is Kaepora Gaebora, general of the mage knights. He has a distinct interest in what we are about to discuss." Bagrand nodded to him, but kept silent. He then turned attention to the boy. "Mudora, this is important and could very well change Hyrule forever. Can you accept the responsibility of listening to this discussion?" The lad, not waiting for instructions from his master, nodded solemnly, confused with Rauru's tone but excited about the possibilities. With that settled, Rauru once again focused his attention on his former mentor. "Bagrand, I believe I have found it."
"Found what?"
"The fabled Sacred Realm," Rauru replied calmly.
Prologue
Shelin Impa tried unsuccessfully to keep up with her charge. The granddaughter of the first Impa to serve the royal family, she served faithfully as the nursemaid for the young crown prince of Hyrule. It was an enjoyable career, one she was proud of and one she would never give up. The Impa line had pledged this service to the royal family of Hyrule, and she was not one to break it. She even insisted on being called Impa to honor her line.
Meanwhile, Prince Eloan, barely four years old, paid no attention to his nanny. A servant had just told him that he could see his parents now, which could only mean one thing. For months now, Impa had been telling him that he would have a new brother or sister. And now the day had arrived. He reached his parents' chambers and stopped, waiting for Impa to catch up. She did and, with a nod to the guard, opened the door for the young prince. He saw his mother in bed, holding a little bundle, and his father standing next to her, looking more happy than the child could ever remember. He slowly moved up towards his mother, climbing up on the bed to see better. He looked at the bundle and saw a cute little face, sleeping contently. Its hair was matted and short, but already took on a reddish hue.
The Queen of Hyrule smiled at her young son. "That's your new baby sister, Eloan." Eloan looked up. "What's her name?" "Zelda. Her name is Zelda." The little boy struggled to say the unfamiliar name. "Z...Zelda. I like it. It's a pretty name."
From the doorway, Shelin Impa smiled.
Chapter 1: Summoning
Across the backdrop of the giant Death Mountain Range, two horses could be made out in the twilight. Mudora, not used to riding for so long, continued to complain halfheartedly to the cloaked figure in front of him. Mudora was young, no more than fifteen, but certainly none would consider him boyish. The lad was smarter and more well versed in Hylian lore than most. He had taken up apprenticeship with the wizard of Kasuto, hoping to learn more of the mysterious magic of Hyrule. But, truth to be told, he was more interested in studying the dusty old books of the land, especially the ancient legends. His master, Bagrand, was convinced he would become a scribe. The thought was not unpleasant to the boy, and it was one he seriously considered. Yet scribes, he thought wryly, usually do not take two week long trips across Hyrule. Granted, the choice was his to come, for who could pass up a chance to see the great castle of Hyrule?
"Relax, Mudora, we are almost there." It was true; the boy could see the spires of the great Hyrule Castle already. Mudora was glad, not only to end this miserable trip, but also to see Rauru again. The older man was Bagrand's first apprentice, learning the mystic arts from one of the most powerful men in the world. Rauru had left Kasuto four years ago, just when Mudora was starting. Mudora remembered the man's good humor and his long lecture's against the abuse of magical power. He was a good man, Mudora thought, and certainly deserved his post as the king's special advisor on magic. But he had called on his old master, so something must be amiss. One does not call on Bagrand for simple pleasantries.
They arrived at the castle only a few hours later. They were let in without any problems and led to their rooms, where they were instructed to rest and recover from their journey. After a welcome meal, the two were finally led into a small chamber. Moments later, a short, somewhat rotund man entered the room, followed by a tall knight. Mudora stood and greeted the former. "Rauru! It is good to see you again." Rauru smiled and nodded to the boy, but it was obvious that his attention was elsewhere. Bagrand, seeing the odd focus in his former apprentice, greeted the man as well. "Pleasantries aside, Rauru, who is that with you, and why have you called me here?"
Rauru sat down, motioning a seat to his companion. "This is Kaepora Gaebora, general of the mage knights. He has a distinct interest in what we are about to discuss." Bagrand nodded to him, but kept silent. He then turned attention to the boy. "Mudora, this is important and could very well change Hyrule forever. Can you accept the responsibility of listening to this discussion?" The lad, not waiting for instructions from his master, nodded solemnly, confused with Rauru's tone but excited about the possibilities. With that settled, Rauru once again focused his attention on his former mentor. "Bagrand, I believe I have found it."
"Found what?"
"The fabled Sacred Realm," Rauru replied calmly.