Line of 1,000 Souls
Chapter 1: The Great Sea
The storm didn't seem to let up that night. The water turned choppy and the waves churned violently tossing the small tall ship around. The captain desperately tried to keep the ship afloat and on course toward the island just ahead. The clouds darkened with every strike of lightning and crack of thunder making the island less visible until nothing could be seen anymore. The waves became more monstrous. The small ship was torn to pieces and the captain thrown over board. The luke warm water rushed over her head and pulled her under.
The young captain woke up on a beach soaking wet and surrounded by seaweed. She pulled herself to her feet and gazed at the island that very much resembled a tree. She staggered toward the entrance. She did not know what was inside but was willing to take her chances.
Inside the tree the water was very calm but there still was a small current. She looked around at the tall grass, trees, and fireflies that surrounded her. It was indeed an enchanting forest to her. She continued her tour until she came upon a peculiar tree. The gigantic tree had what looked like a face in it. She didn't like the way the face looked. It looked at her as if it didn't trust her and wished for her to leave. She took her eyes off the tree and began to walk through the arched doorway. She was amazed to find a cauldron that looked as if it was in use but there was no one around to use it. The captain became tense and was on her guard. She walked slowly and silently around the room. She listened and looked for any movement whatsoever. Right then and there a being in the room moved and made the leaves rustle. The captain swiftly whipped out her sword from her belt and pointed the blade made of diamond at a boxy looking, brown, short being. "Mercy!", he pleaded. "Please, give me mercy." The Captain put the sword back in its rightful place. The stump-like creature stopped quivering and slowing got to its feet and began to waddle away.
"What do you know about the Hero", the captain bitterly asked. The creature stopped dead in its tracks.
"The Hero of Winds."
"The Same."
"Follow Hollo." The creature whose name was obviously Hollo walked toward the tree with the face as fast as his little nubs could take him. The captain followed closely behind. When he stopped in front of the tree the girl looked up at the face then back at Hollo with a look of confusion and curiosity.
"What is it Hollo?" questioned the tree. At first the girl was shocked that that tree that came to life right before her very eyes.
"She asked of the hero"
"Hmmm. What is her name?" "My name is Paige" was all she could force herself to say. It's not everyday a tree talks back. "Paige, why do you seek the hero? I sense nothing amiss in the world today." "My reasons are my own. All I need is a boat, his location, and I'll take my leave." "Very well then the Koroks will provide you with a boat that will be waiting for you soon. The Hero was last seen sailing the sea in a red boat alongside a pirate ship. As for his exact whereabouts I'm afraid I do not know, but do not fret I'm sure you will find him soon enough. He is most likely still sailing. It has been so many long years since the hero saved this world from Gannondorf."
Paige left the Forest Haven in her new boat. It wasn't as nice as her last one but it would do. It had room for only one person and it only had one sail. 'So the Hero is still alive." Paige thought to herself. 'I hope I'll be able to find him in time. What if I don't? No! Don't think like that Paige. You will find him! It's amazing to think that he saved this place when he was a little boy. I hope he'll be able to save my home. What if he couldn't help or what if he's dead or I can't find him. No I need to stop thinking about the what ifs. They get me nowhere. I need to keep my mind on what's happening now'. Paige leaned back on the boat and decided to let the wind be her guide. She gazed up at the night sky. The stars sparkled and the crescent moon shinned brightly. If only the stars sparkled at home. With that last thought she drifted off in a deep sleep.
Paige awoke to the sounds of deep voices yelling. The sound seemed to be coming from all directions. She was groggy so she didn't open her eyes fast enough to see the people all around her. Small waves of water splashed onto her face, which meant she was right next to a ship. Hands began to grab her and pull her to her feet. She tried to fight them but her muscles were stiff. With every one of her movements the grasps on her tightened. She was pulled aboard the ship. By this time she was fully awake. Everyone on the ship looked very scruffy. They all smelled of saltwater and wine. Paige then realized she had been captured by pirates, when she looked up and saw a jolly roger. The pirates dragged her to the captain of the ship.
"Captain look what we found", one of the pirates cried out in a very proud tone. The captain looked down at her after a pirate pushed her down to her knees. Paige looked up at him showing no fear and only anger.
"Bind her hands, give me her weapon, and leave her in my den."
"Captain, She's just a young lass is that really necessary." The captain just glared at this pirate and he new to do as he was told. The pirate then proceeded to take her sword and left her bound in the captain's den alone. 'Idiots' Paige thought to herself. She quickly grabbed the closest weapon she could find and hid it in her sleeve. It was a medium sized knife but could get a job done. The captain then walked in. He was much more clean-shaven than his crew. She smelled a little bit better but not much. He walked around the table with several maps on it while holding her sword, admiring it before sitting at the table.
"Sit" he simply said. Paige hesitated for a little bit before taking a seat across from him "I'm sure you're wondering why I haven't killed you yet" no answer "Well in truth it's up to you whether I kill you or not" Paige still sat with cold eyes starring at him. "Where are you from?" Paige still looked forward keeping her eyes fixed on his. Meanwhile she begins to put the knife to use by slowly cutting the rope that binds her hand together. The Captain was becoming annoyed but tried to stay clam. "Let me just cut to the chase. Where did you acquire this sword? I have never seen a sword with a blade made from a diamond. It contains so much beauty and is so deadly." Paige smirked at this question.
"You could never acquire such a sword."
"What!" he yelled as he pounded a fist onto the table They both simultaneously rose from the table. Paige's bonds have been completely cut but she keep her hand behind her making him think that she was still bound. She swiftly threw the knife into his chest. He began to gasp for air.
"I should have known" he slowly fell to his knees. He held the knife's handle as if was going to pull it out but was afraid of more pain that could come. Paige walked over to where he knelt and looked down on him in pity.
"You're suffering. I should end your pain" Paige then picked up her sword and with one slice his head rolled across the floor leaving a blood trail behind it. The captain's lips slightly moved as if trying to say something then he was dead. "Now to get off this ship," Paige thought to herself. She looked around for a way out but the only way was threw the door she came in because the only window was far too small for her to fit through. 'Killing the captain was easy but that was only one person who was off guard. I don't think I can take the pirates all at once. I have to figure something out'. It didn't take long before she noticed the bombs conveniently off in the corner. She put her sword away and quickly gathered up the bombs. She began to pull the wicks out of most of them and tied the wicks together onto one bomb. 'There now all I need is to light one bomb and those idiots will go running after it and forget about me and a longer wick will give me more time to get away from the bomb before I blow myself up'. Paige proceeded to walk out of the den with the bomb and a candle. As soon as the door shut behind her the pirates began to notice her and were walking toward her. She lit the wick and threw the bomb on the upper deck. The pirates did as she planned and ran after it. She dropped the candle behind her and started a small flame behind her. She ran to the only wooden lifeboat she could find and began to untie it. The fact that the night sky was cloudy slowed her down because it was so dark. She stopped abruptly from was she was doing because of the searing pain that she felt in her left shoulder. She reached her hand back to see what was causing the pain. She could feel the warmth of her own blood. 'A knife.I've been stabbed. I let my guard down. I've made the same mistake the captain of this ship did. Will I suffer the same fate?' She then felt weak then fell into the ocean. The salted water only made the pain greater. The last thing she heard was the laughs of the pirate who had stabbed her.
Author's Note: So what do you think so far? I know what you're thinking, "Where's Link?" Well to answer that question. Link's appearance is in the second chapter.
The storm didn't seem to let up that night. The water turned choppy and the waves churned violently tossing the small tall ship around. The captain desperately tried to keep the ship afloat and on course toward the island just ahead. The clouds darkened with every strike of lightning and crack of thunder making the island less visible until nothing could be seen anymore. The waves became more monstrous. The small ship was torn to pieces and the captain thrown over board. The luke warm water rushed over her head and pulled her under.
The young captain woke up on a beach soaking wet and surrounded by seaweed. She pulled herself to her feet and gazed at the island that very much resembled a tree. She staggered toward the entrance. She did not know what was inside but was willing to take her chances.
Inside the tree the water was very calm but there still was a small current. She looked around at the tall grass, trees, and fireflies that surrounded her. It was indeed an enchanting forest to her. She continued her tour until she came upon a peculiar tree. The gigantic tree had what looked like a face in it. She didn't like the way the face looked. It looked at her as if it didn't trust her and wished for her to leave. She took her eyes off the tree and began to walk through the arched doorway. She was amazed to find a cauldron that looked as if it was in use but there was no one around to use it. The captain became tense and was on her guard. She walked slowly and silently around the room. She listened and looked for any movement whatsoever. Right then and there a being in the room moved and made the leaves rustle. The captain swiftly whipped out her sword from her belt and pointed the blade made of diamond at a boxy looking, brown, short being. "Mercy!", he pleaded. "Please, give me mercy." The Captain put the sword back in its rightful place. The stump-like creature stopped quivering and slowing got to its feet and began to waddle away.
"What do you know about the Hero", the captain bitterly asked. The creature stopped dead in its tracks.
"The Hero of Winds."
"The Same."
"Follow Hollo." The creature whose name was obviously Hollo walked toward the tree with the face as fast as his little nubs could take him. The captain followed closely behind. When he stopped in front of the tree the girl looked up at the face then back at Hollo with a look of confusion and curiosity.
"What is it Hollo?" questioned the tree. At first the girl was shocked that that tree that came to life right before her very eyes.
"She asked of the hero"
"Hmmm. What is her name?" "My name is Paige" was all she could force herself to say. It's not everyday a tree talks back. "Paige, why do you seek the hero? I sense nothing amiss in the world today." "My reasons are my own. All I need is a boat, his location, and I'll take my leave." "Very well then the Koroks will provide you with a boat that will be waiting for you soon. The Hero was last seen sailing the sea in a red boat alongside a pirate ship. As for his exact whereabouts I'm afraid I do not know, but do not fret I'm sure you will find him soon enough. He is most likely still sailing. It has been so many long years since the hero saved this world from Gannondorf."
Paige left the Forest Haven in her new boat. It wasn't as nice as her last one but it would do. It had room for only one person and it only had one sail. 'So the Hero is still alive." Paige thought to herself. 'I hope I'll be able to find him in time. What if I don't? No! Don't think like that Paige. You will find him! It's amazing to think that he saved this place when he was a little boy. I hope he'll be able to save my home. What if he couldn't help or what if he's dead or I can't find him. No I need to stop thinking about the what ifs. They get me nowhere. I need to keep my mind on what's happening now'. Paige leaned back on the boat and decided to let the wind be her guide. She gazed up at the night sky. The stars sparkled and the crescent moon shinned brightly. If only the stars sparkled at home. With that last thought she drifted off in a deep sleep.
Paige awoke to the sounds of deep voices yelling. The sound seemed to be coming from all directions. She was groggy so she didn't open her eyes fast enough to see the people all around her. Small waves of water splashed onto her face, which meant she was right next to a ship. Hands began to grab her and pull her to her feet. She tried to fight them but her muscles were stiff. With every one of her movements the grasps on her tightened. She was pulled aboard the ship. By this time she was fully awake. Everyone on the ship looked very scruffy. They all smelled of saltwater and wine. Paige then realized she had been captured by pirates, when she looked up and saw a jolly roger. The pirates dragged her to the captain of the ship.
"Captain look what we found", one of the pirates cried out in a very proud tone. The captain looked down at her after a pirate pushed her down to her knees. Paige looked up at him showing no fear and only anger.
"Bind her hands, give me her weapon, and leave her in my den."
"Captain, She's just a young lass is that really necessary." The captain just glared at this pirate and he new to do as he was told. The pirate then proceeded to take her sword and left her bound in the captain's den alone. 'Idiots' Paige thought to herself. She quickly grabbed the closest weapon she could find and hid it in her sleeve. It was a medium sized knife but could get a job done. The captain then walked in. He was much more clean-shaven than his crew. She smelled a little bit better but not much. He walked around the table with several maps on it while holding her sword, admiring it before sitting at the table.
"Sit" he simply said. Paige hesitated for a little bit before taking a seat across from him "I'm sure you're wondering why I haven't killed you yet" no answer "Well in truth it's up to you whether I kill you or not" Paige still sat with cold eyes starring at him. "Where are you from?" Paige still looked forward keeping her eyes fixed on his. Meanwhile she begins to put the knife to use by slowly cutting the rope that binds her hand together. The Captain was becoming annoyed but tried to stay clam. "Let me just cut to the chase. Where did you acquire this sword? I have never seen a sword with a blade made from a diamond. It contains so much beauty and is so deadly." Paige smirked at this question.
"You could never acquire such a sword."
"What!" he yelled as he pounded a fist onto the table They both simultaneously rose from the table. Paige's bonds have been completely cut but she keep her hand behind her making him think that she was still bound. She swiftly threw the knife into his chest. He began to gasp for air.
"I should have known" he slowly fell to his knees. He held the knife's handle as if was going to pull it out but was afraid of more pain that could come. Paige walked over to where he knelt and looked down on him in pity.
"You're suffering. I should end your pain" Paige then picked up her sword and with one slice his head rolled across the floor leaving a blood trail behind it. The captain's lips slightly moved as if trying to say something then he was dead. "Now to get off this ship," Paige thought to herself. She looked around for a way out but the only way was threw the door she came in because the only window was far too small for her to fit through. 'Killing the captain was easy but that was only one person who was off guard. I don't think I can take the pirates all at once. I have to figure something out'. It didn't take long before she noticed the bombs conveniently off in the corner. She put her sword away and quickly gathered up the bombs. She began to pull the wicks out of most of them and tied the wicks together onto one bomb. 'There now all I need is to light one bomb and those idiots will go running after it and forget about me and a longer wick will give me more time to get away from the bomb before I blow myself up'. Paige proceeded to walk out of the den with the bomb and a candle. As soon as the door shut behind her the pirates began to notice her and were walking toward her. She lit the wick and threw the bomb on the upper deck. The pirates did as she planned and ran after it. She dropped the candle behind her and started a small flame behind her. She ran to the only wooden lifeboat she could find and began to untie it. The fact that the night sky was cloudy slowed her down because it was so dark. She stopped abruptly from was she was doing because of the searing pain that she felt in her left shoulder. She reached her hand back to see what was causing the pain. She could feel the warmth of her own blood. 'A knife.I've been stabbed. I let my guard down. I've made the same mistake the captain of this ship did. Will I suffer the same fate?' She then felt weak then fell into the ocean. The salted water only made the pain greater. The last thing she heard was the laughs of the pirate who had stabbed her.
Author's Note: So what do you think so far? I know what you're thinking, "Where's Link?" Well to answer that question. Link's appearance is in the second chapter.
