Please, you must rescue me. It is your destiny. You, Link of Tantari, and only you, are the Chosen One.
For the second day in a row, Link awoke from a mysterious sequence of dreams that lasted from nightfall to dawn. He looked out from his window onto the Hylian plains, which spread out for miles and miles before him. Though they looked particularly tranquil that morning under the brightening Hylian sun, he knew the dangers that lurked in them, the monsters lying in wait for any unwary adventurer that dare strike out alone amongst the lush green grasses.
Far off into the distance, he could see the North Castle, its tall spires cutting a jagged line into the otherwise flat horizon. Despite the warmth of the summer morning, Link shivered as he sensed, from miles away, the doom that had surrounded the castle since Princess Zelda's mysterious disappearance the previous winter. It happened during a festival celebrating the birth of an heir to the throne, the son of Zelda's brother and his wife, the king and queen of Hyrule.
Link turned his attention to another window, which faced his hometown of Rauru. Below him, the townspeople hustled and bustled, preparing for a festival that would be much more important than most. For it was the Summer Solstice, and Hylian tradition dictated that all children born into the royal family were to be baptized on that day, the longest of the year, symbolizing a long reign. And since Rauru, Link's father and the town's namesake, was the oldest and wisest of the descendants of theSeven Wise Men, it was up to him to perform the ceremony, and his town to host it.
Link quickly dressed and headed downstairs. Even though a great feast would be held that afternoon, he ate a large breakfast, knowing there was much work to do and little time to do it. His father entered at that moment and gave him a very detailed list of instructions, describing the preparations still waiting to be completed in the house itself. Link's first order of business was to get the wine from the cellar-all one hundred bottles of Rauru's finest, saved especially for royal occasions-and bring it up to the pantry.
Link cleared his breakfast dishes and set to work. As he clambered back-and-forth up and down the stairs between the cellar and pantry, he began to feel dizzy. His had spinning, he sat down on the bottom step. No wonder I'm so weak-I've hardly slept at all because of those stupid dreams, he thought as he took several deep breaths, attempting to shake his dizzy spell. I thought I got rid of dreams like that for good, when Darunia granted that spell to chase away my nightmares.
Suddenly, Link heard a voice, the voice from the mysterious dreams he'd been having the last two nights. It was an enchanting voice, and he found himself hypnotized by the rhythmic way it called out his name. As he was drawn to the sound, which grew ever louder, his eyes locked on a small hole that had appeared in the wall. It grew bigger, and from it emanated a bright light, bathing him in a bluish glow. What he saw next made his eyes grow wide with surprise.
Before him was a beautiful maiden, whom he immediately recognized as Princess Zelda, the very same Hylian princess who had disappeared exactly six months before. Although he knew her, she did not appear before him as the Princess Zelda he had grown to love in secret over the past few years. She did not even seem the same tomboy that could once go mano a mano with him during their childhood games. For she had been imprisoned in the confines of the Great Palace for six months. Her long, silken brown hair had lost all is luster. Her blue eyes no longer sparkled like the waters of Lake Hylia. Even her ivory skin had lost its sheen, and the color had drained away from her cheeks, replaced by bruises. Even more wounds stood out amongst the rips and tears of her tattered clothing.
Zelda, despite being shackled to the floor, struggled and managed to turn her body towards Link. He winced as he saw the bruises on hr neck, arms, and legs. She looked him square in the eye and began talking to him, and he dare not break eye contact.
"Link, son of Farrell and Aria, my friend for life, you are the Chosen One," she said, her enchanting voice dripping with pain and misery.
"Wh-, wh-, what do you mean, Zelda?" he answered shakily, the sight of her despair tugging at his heartstrings. "I don't understand."
"There is no time to explain. I can sense that Impa is nearby; find her, and she will tell you all you need to know. Go now, before all is lost!" By now, her chin was quavering, but she managed to utter one last cry for help. "Hurry, Link of Tantari, my dearest friend! Only you can save Hyrule from ruin! It is your destiny!"
And with that last desperate cry, the blue light vanished, and she disappeared as quickly as she had appeared just a moment before.
Link regained his composure and knocked on the cement wall were the princess had appeared. It was rock-solid. Bewildered, he ruminated what she d said, and many questions came into his mind. What did she mean by "The Chosen One"? And why did she say he was from Tantari, knowing full well he'd always lid in Rauru, which was nowhere near the desert? And his parents were Rauru and Aura, so why did she refer to him as the "Son of Farrell and Aria"? Was she simply disoriented from all the torture and her imprisonment, or did she know something he didn't…
Of one thing, Link was sure-he had to find Impa, Zelda's former nanny and most trusted counselor. Zelda had said the elderly woman would tell him all he needed to know, so Link knew he must find her right away. If the urgency in Zelda's voice was nay indication, the safety of Hyrule already hung in the balance…
Wondering what was taking his son so long to bring the wine bottles to the pantry, Rauru stood in the frame of the cellar door, which, in his hurry to find Impa, Link had forgotten to close, adding yet another reason for a future scolding to Rauru's already long mental list.
Teenagers, Rauru thought, rolling his eyes, yet secretly longing for his youth. He called his son's name several times, to no avail. Wondering if Link had fallen asleep, he began to search every nook and cranny of the room, but found no sign of him. Annoyed, he went back upstairs and began to question the many people bustling about the house, and was disappointed to learn that not one of them knew Link's whereabouts.
Meanwhile…
Link scoured the town, looking for Impa. He finally spotted the old woman in the outskirts of Rauru, admiring the decorations hanging on the door of a curio shop. Before he could attempt to get her attention, she sensed his presence and turned around to face him.
"Impa…" he said breathlessly, a panic-stricken look on his normally soft countenance.
"Link! Dear boy, whatever's the matter?" she inquired, helping him to a tree stump to sit down.
"It's… the princess… I saw her… in the wall today… She's… trapped… in the… Great Palace." A moment later, finally able to catch his breath, he recounted the vision he'd had of Princess Zelda, and of his dreams the last two nights, which he now realized had really been attempts by Zelda to summon his help telepathically.
"I knew this day would come," Impa murmured after Link finished his story. "We must go to North Castle after the baptism. But first we must go talk to Rauru and Aura," she said, the first time Link had heard her refer to his parents by their first names. She took his arm and began to lead him into town.
"But why not leave now? Why waste time, when we can leave for the Great Palace before nightfall?" Link protested, dragging his feet in resistance to her surprising strength.
"Because the Great Secret can only be revealed at dawn, when the Sun once again puts evil's omnipotence at bay," Impa explained patiently. "And until you know it, you cannot be of any aid to Princess Zelda. You will only waste precious time I you attempt to seek her now."
As the hour of the baptism approached ever nearer, Rauru grew more impatient. The nerve of that boy, being so irresponsible at a time like this!" he thought, his brown eyes becoming clouded with fury. And he wants, no, he expects to be treated like a young man, yet he behaves like this. Ooh, when I get my hands on him, I'll-
Rauru's thoughts were interrupted when Link entered the parlor. Rauru was about to launch into a tirade, but stopped himself short when he saw Impa follow Link into the room.
"Welcome, Impa. It is always wonderful to see such a dear friend," he greeted her with genuine warmth as his anger began to melt away.
"Yes, and I am glad to be here for this blessed occasion. But I am afraid that not all I well in this house; the Time of Destiny has come."
Rauru did not prod Impa for an explanation; the wise woman need not give one. And, soon enough, Link, too, would come to understand the Time of Destiny. He would soon find out that it referred to his destiny.
But, for now, Link had to prepare for the ceremony. His father lightly scolded him for shirking his duties; he would have been punished fully had there not been time constraints, and had Rauru not sensed impending danger as the reason for Link's absence. Link finished the few chores he had time to do that had not already been completed by other people while he was gone, then rushed upstairs to get dressed.
As son of the master of ceremonies, Link was expect to dress impeccably, in clots befitting the descendant of a wise man. His usual gray mail was replaced with an ornate brown one, embroidered with a gryphon to symbolize the power and majesty of the Seven Wise Men. When he came of age in just ten days the brown would be replaced with black. His belt would also hold a larger sheath for a new sword, one of pure silver, replacing the silver-plated one he currently possessed, which had been a gift for his thirteenth birthday.
Link combed his unruly brown hair, tucking it behind his ear and placing his cap on top of it. He admired himself in the mirror, pleased with the image being reflected back at him. Although he only had eyes for Zelda, he secretly delighted in the attention of Hylian ladies. He had grown a lot-physically, mentally, and emotionally-in the last year and had yet to come across many maidens who were shy in showing they had taken notice.
Link hurried downstairs and out the back door, and headed to Rauru Chapel. With just two minutes until the ceremony began, Link took his place next to the altar, in preparation for the welcome prayer. In a short time, he would be holding the royal heir, Zelda's nephew, in his arms while Rauru performed the actual baptism.
A few minutes later, Link held Prince Bohdan in his arms, the three-month-old smiling up at him. The baby was normally quite fussy and squirmed a lot when being held by anyone other than his parents, but when in Link's arms, he was always calm. Link actually had that effect on most children, so it pleased Rauru very much to have Link assist with any ceremonies involving children.
Around 1:00, the townspeople, the royal family, and all the guests from faraway sat down to a wonderful feast that had taken three days to prepare. But, despite the joyous occasion, the conspicuous absence of Princess Zelda caused all of them to dine with heavy hearts. As Link ate several platefuls of food, all he could think about was the duty that lie ahead. As everyone else celebrated throughout the afternoon and evening, until sunset, Link, his parents, and Impa returned to the Rauru home, where Link would finally learn of the prophecy he was destined to fulfill.
The four met in the parlor, and Link noticed a thick book sitting on a table in the corner of the room, along with a scroll. He was about to examine them, when Aura motioned for him to take a seat near Impa.
After sitting down, Link noticed the room's other three occupants all wore solemn faces. Nervousness was not completely new to him, but it was rare. However, it took ahold of him, causing him to fidget slightly.
Rauru was the first to speak. "Link, remember five years ago, when you had those dreams about rescuing the princess from the clutches of Ganon? Well, they were not just dreams. They were prophecies."
Confused, Link looked to Impa, an expert on dreams, for an explanation. Impa read his thoughts and began to answer the questions forming in his mind.
"Dear boy, faithful companion of Zelda," she spoke, taking his hands. "You are not Link of Rauru. You are Link of Tantari, son of Farrell and Aria."
Link could not believe what he was hearing. Why would Impa say that Rauru and Aura were not his parents, and in their very presence! And who were Farrell and Aria?
Noting Link's confused expression, Impa pressed on. "Farrell was one of the bravest Hylian warriors ever, but he made mistakes off the battlefield, particularly when it came to romance. Aria was a rosy-cheeked young woman from a tribe of nomads that had settled in Tantari Desert. They met during one of Farrell's many adventures, and their immediate love for each other was undeniable. Like many other young women, and he and Aria had relations. But his love for her was genuine, and when she discovered that she was with child, he vowed to stay by her side. They had a traditional tribal wedding and settled in the Tantari Desert, awaiting your birth.
"But all was not well in Hyrule. Ganon's forces were sweeping down from the mountains, and the nomads were forced across the river to Parapa Desert, where they would be under the protection of the guards stationed at the Desert Palace. What they did not know was that Ganon's minions had already overrun the palace. They easily obliterated the whole tribe.
"During the journey to Parapa, Farrell and Aria fell behind as your birth drew closer and closer. Sensing the time was near, Farrell spirited Aria away to a cave. Less than a day later, you were born. Your father gathered food and kept watch over you and your mother as she cared for you, gradually regaining her strength in preparation for the long journey ahead.
"Despite the somewhat conspicuous appearance of the cave, your parents somehow evaded discovery by the many evil beings ravaging the land. After two weeks, they were ready to seek a safe place to raise you, dearest Link. Having heard from a mystical wind of the carnage in Parapa, they decided to make the long journey to Ruto Town in the south and west.
"However, the cave that had sheltered them from harm for so long ultimately became the place of their undoing. They were to leave at dawn, but were discovered during the night by Goriya of Tantari, who had once called the cave home and had returned to hide treasures looted by Ganon's subjects. Your father was awake, keeping watch over you and your mother, and immediately took action. But Farrell had been forever changed by the harsh desert life, and his brute strength and skill quickly failed him.
"Aria awoke to the sounds of your father's final battle. She quickly picked you up and fled further into the cave, but was attached by aches. She hid you in a corner and attempted to fend them off, to no avail. The goriya loomed closer, and she knew the end was near, so she did not fight her destiny. She instead used her remaining time to silence your cries and bid you good-bye, casting a spell over you to keep you calm for one day, in hopes someone with good intentions would find you after the goriya returned to battle.
"Her last-ditch efforts to save you proved worthwhile, as the goriya left after hiding the treasures, leaving the aches to guard them. Error, Ruto's bravest fighter, had been dispatched to follow the goriya. Armed with the spells of shield, jump, and life, he had managed to trail the goriya to the cave, but was forced to hide from a group of evildoers that had gotten lost. By the time it was safe for him to emerge, Goriya of Tantari was already gone.
"Error decided to explore the cave, and he found you. He knew from the moment he saw you that you were special. Immediately abandoning his search for Goriya of Tantari, he decide to take you to Ruto Town. He buried your parents and journeyed back home, doing all he could to care for you and shield you from both the hot Tantari sun and the dangers everywhere."
At this point, Aura arose and picked up the heavy volume sitting on the corner table. Placing it before Link, she returned to her place at the table and began to explain the book's significance.
"This book contains all the resources you need to clarify your heritage and childhood. When Error reached the cave in Tantari, he discovered that the goriya had destroyed your parents' possessions. But they had kept a diary of their travels- your father as a warrior, your mother with the nomadic tribe, and their combined efforts to hide from Ganon's minions-which your mother had hidden amongst your blankets. The other materials in here are notes Error took during his journey and exploration of the cave, as well as our writings from your childhood, and the research we did on your heritage. We knew you'd have a lot of questions, so we thought it only fair to bind all the documents together into one volume. We were going to wait until your sixteenth birthday to tell you, but when we found out about your vision of Princess Zelda, we knew that waiting another ten days would only put our fair Kingdom of Hyrule into more danger."
Link looked at Rauru, who hadn't said a word since the four had congregated at the table. The old mans countenance bore a look of sadness as he used his handkerchief to dab the tears from his eyes. Link felt as if he should say something, but he was shocked speechless as his brain still worked to make sense of everything he'd just learned.
"Link, dear, do you have anything to say?" Aura asked, both she and Impa casting worried glances at Rauru.
Link swallowed hard and at last began to speak. "I… I… I'm not quite sure I understand," he said, attempting to put words to his mix of emotions. "If all that happened around the time of my birth, why does it still bear so much significance? Ho can I save Princess Zelda? And why have I been referred to as the 'Hero of Destiny'?"
As Link spoke, Rauru arose from the table, crossed the room, picked up the scroll, and returned to his seat. He slipped off the tie and unraveled the scroll. Holding it down to the table, he began to read aloud the message imprinted on the worn parchment, written in one of the Hylian language's oldest dialects.
"For centuries, the people of Hyrule have been protected by the Triforce-power, wisdom, and courage. But man, by nature, has been predisposed to greed. Over the generations, this greed has bred many cruel persons, all with designs on overtaking Hyrule by abusing the power of the Triforce. All up to this point have been struck down, but as each generation learns from the past, the threat becomes more dangerous with each villain. Therefore, I, King Daltus I of Hyrule, have been forced to split apart the Triforce and hide the three fragments where they can protect my fair kingdom, while being protected themselves.
"However, Hyrule is not safe, for it is written in the wind that a powerful warlord, a descendant from one of Hyrule's oldest tribes, will pursue the Triforce with all the knowledge and power handed down from generations of evil. I fear any opposition he faces will not be strong enough, and that all of Hyrule will quickly fall into ruin.
"But he who reads this scroll must not live in fear, for a great prophecy has been revealed, one that says a great hero is destined to save Hyrule, provided that he is willing to take on the task and possesses wisdom, courage, and skill. It is this Hero of Destiny, the Chosen One, that will provide Hyrule is only chance of survival. Should he falter in his duties, evil will forever reign, for he will be the kingdom's last chance to take a stand against evil.
"When the Chosen One approaches the age of maturity, the symbol of the Triforce, my family's crest, will appear on his left hand. When that happens, those in charge of ensuring the prophecy is fulfilled must waste no time in taking him to North Castle to prepare him for a long and arduous journey, during which his life will surely be threatened many times by the evil warlord's underlings. After he has proven himself worthy, and been fully instructed of his duty, he shall strike out to save the kingdom and restore the Triforce to its original form, so that it may regain its omnipotent glory and continue to protect Hyrule. Until then, Hyrule must continue to fend off the many evils that provide everyday threats. May the Hero of Destiny fulfill the prophecy, and may my descendants live to see peace return to Hyrule once again.
-King Daltus I"
At last Rauru looked up from the scroll. Despite the gravity of the situation, he fought to keep his countenance from betraying his fear and concern. For he knew the time had come for Link to fulfill his destiny; the last thing the young hero needed was to be bogged down with worry over the emotional states of others.
Rauru, Aura and Impa all turned their eyes towards Link, in hopes of gauging his reaction. Having just barely begun to absorb all the new information, all he could do was stare straight ahead as his brain went into overdrive, attempting to sort and process everything he'd just learned. Without a word, he arose from his place at the table and went outdoors, still trying to make sense of the two life-changing events that had been revealed to him in only a matter of minutes. Instinctively, Aura attempted to follow him, only to be held back by Impa.
"You must wait. He will speak when he is ready," she said in a reassuring tone, addressing both Aura and Rauru.
A moment later, Link returned to the table. Although he clearly had not gotten rid of the shock, it was obvious that his mind was finally comprehending the information. "We must leave tonight," he said, addressing Impa while fighting to conceal how he felt about his family history, his destiny, and what lay ahead.
This time it was Rauru who objected. "You mustn't leave until daylight tomorrow. You know the dangers that lay waiting outside of town. Even the path to the castle isn't safe at night."
"No, no, the lad is right," Impa interjected. "Access to what he needs is only granted at dawn. We mustn't wait until tomorrow, for he cannot start his training until he knows all regarding Zelda's abduction, so waiting until tomorrow will not only prove wasteful, but put her in even more danger."
Upon hearing this, Link went to his room and began to pack his things. When he went back downstairs, he noticed that Rauru held a sheathed sword. Although he could not see the blade, Link knew from the gryphon engraved on the hilt that it was the sword promised him for his sixteenth birthday.
"This is yours now, Link" Aura said as Rauru presented him the sword. "Hylian law may say that you aren't a man until you reach sixteen, but I think in this time of danger, an exception can be made. Your new mail isn't quite ready yet, but will be awaiting you when you get home."
Link hugged and kissed the cheek of the aging woman, the only mother he'd ever known. He took the sword from Rauru and set it aside long enough to hug him. Then he unsheathed the sword and looked at it once over, not having time to thoroughly examine it.
"It is time to go," Impa informed Link, bidding farewell to Rauru and Aura. She and the brave young warrior then mounted on the horses that had been prepared for them. As his adoptive parents waved good-bye, no longer able to hold back their tears, Link took a long look back at them, knowing it may be his last.