Chapter 2
1
"What would he want here?"
Laira leaned, frowning, onto her spear, looking at the soldier who dismounted in front of the bridge.
"Perhaps he wants to be chosen?" Sirla asked, who was standing with her spear beside Laira, and was also looking at the newcomer.
"He seems to be an Elite Soldier. Don't you want to take a look at him, Sister Sirla?" Laira said, pointing with her chin to the end of the bridge, where the soldier approached the other two guards who were posted there.
Sirla shook her head.
"You know whom I want, Laira. I just have to wait nine more months until my birthday, then finally the time has come."
She closed her eyes and sighed, and Laira chuckled.
"You talked to Blir again, didn't you?" she asked with a mischievous smile, and raised her eyebrows suggestively.
Sirla growled and looked away.
"I want to know what to expect," she said.
"I have only one night, and I want it to be the most beautiful of my life."
"Take care not to place too much hope in that, Sister," Laira said. "How do you know if everything is true that Blir tells you? It's been nine years, hasn't it? Lenori was already eight last month, just like the other two."
"I know it's true," Sirla countered. "I've asked not only Blir, but also Letria and the others, and they all say the same. He was tender, but also strong, and he..."
She broke off, for the soldier bowed to the Sisters at the end of the bridge and descended the steps.
"Why do they let him through?" Laira asked. "Weri is there in the front, and she speaks Hylian. What shall we do with him?"
Sirla shrugged and looked at the soldier.
He was wearing the blue tunic with the silver ornaments that identified him as an Elite Soldier of the Royal Army of Hyrule. As he approached, she noticed that he was tall and had a beautiful, friendly face. His dark hair was short, and his blue eyes were glowing in the bright light of the desert afternoon. For a brief moment, she compared him with the man whom she was longing for since she was fourteen years old, and found that he could stand the comparison perfectly. Besides, he was younger...
What if the Viss hit her again? Would he agree?
The man had reached them, and Sirla noticed that Laira was looking at him intently. She already had a daughter, but maybe...
"Greet the face of the sun, Sisters," the man said to them in Gerudo, and Sirla gasped in astonishment.
"My name is Daniel Pierce, and I have a message for His Majesty, King Ganondorf Dragmire. Your Sisters there... allowed me... to come to you..."
He broke off as if he were looking for words that did not come to him.
"We can give him the message if you tell it to us," Laira said.
"I'm afraid this is not possible," said the soldier. "I... can only give it to His Majesty himself."
Laira snorted.
"The king is not in the Fortress, Sir," she said. "We need to get him first, and that may take a while."
"I will be glad to wait for His Majesty," said the soldier. "Could you arrange that he will be called?"
Laira nodded.
"Do you want to stay with your horse in the meantime?"
"Thank you," said the soldier Daniel Pierce, then he turned around and walked back across the bridge.
"I'll go," Sirla said, when the soldier was out of earshot, and gave Laira her spear.
The prospect of seeing him was very tempting...
"You cannot ride through the Wasteland, Sirla," Laira said. "We'll use the signal and Letria must go. You know that only she is allowed to use the blood."
"I'll go to Letria," Sirla said. "I'll ask her to let me ride."
"If you mean..." Laira murmured, and Sirla set off. "But I can tell you now that Letria will not abuse his trust," she heard Laira's voice behind her.
She ran quickly across the other side of the bridge and through the barrier that the King had created a few years ago because men had invaded the Fortress, hoping to be chosen. None of them was worth starting a test fight with; all of the Sisters had known that at first sight. Men who could be chosen were rare, and those men were often surprised themselves when it happened.
When Sirla came to Letria's room, she called her name softly:
"Sister Letria!"
"Come in, Sirla," came the reply from Letria.
Sirla walked through the angled entrance into Letria's room and found her busy with a book at her desk.
"Greet the face of the sun, Sirla," she said kindly.
Sirla always felt a little intimidated in her presence, just like in the presence of the other Sisters who already had a daughter with him.
Only nine months left...
"There is a messenger at the bridge, Sister Letria," she said. "He would like to speak to the king personally. We need to get him."
"What kind of messenger?" asked Letria. "Does he bring bad news?"
"I do not think so," Sirla replied. "He looks very nice, and he's wearing the uniform of the Elite Soldiers. He spoke Gerudo and said that his name was Daniel Pierce. Can I get the King, Letria?"
Letria looked at her with a loving smile.
"You cannot wait, my sweetie, am I right?" she said. "I would love to let you ride, but his orders were clear."
Sirla snorted, frustrated, looking at the little container that shimmered in a gentle, blue light on Letria's dresser. His blood was in there, and it could guide her through the Wasteland and the burning barrier...
"If you ride and he finds out that it was not an emergency, he will be angry, Sirla. Do you want to make him angry? You have waited so long, so do not spoil your chance!"
"I see him so rarely..." Sirla said softly, "... and I..."
Letria came to her and embraced her.
"I know, my sweetie," she said tenderly. "I'll tell you something. I'll ride quickly to the Temple and get him, then you may lead him to Daniel Pierce. Agreed?"
"But if he brings Risha and the others..."
"They are his bodyguards, Sirla. But maybe he stays for dinner, then you can ask Risha to let you prepare his food. What do you think?"
"All right," Sirla said sullenly. "Maybe he wants to spar later..."
2
About an hour later, the gate to the desert was raised, and the King rode into the courtyard of the Fortress with Letria and the Sister who was his deputy, Nabooru, but without his guards.
Sirla awaited him at the gate and hurried to meet him.
"Greet the face of the sun, Sirla," the King said to her with a little smile that took her breath away.
She had known him all her life, and at the age of eight she had sworn to herself in her childish innocence that he would be her first man. He had been fifteen at that time, and his body had outgrown its childish shapes, and new, masculine features had developed in his face. Although his fate as a male Gerudo was to become the king of his people, he trained her and the other girls in sword fighting, riding, and archery. Even after he had been crowned at the age of sixteen, he had continued his lessons, and every time he had touched her, she had become almost dizzy with longing.
So many times had he struck her swords out of her hands, so often had he hit her in the sparring fights! And she had always volunteered when he wanted to show the girls a figure or a feint, just so she could be near him and feel his hands on her skin when he threw her into the sand... And the day he had told her that he wanted to propose her for the Elite, although she was only fourteen, she had been stunned from happiness. Full of joy, she had embraced him, and then horror had befallen her, for she had felt the Viss pour into her body. Hastily, she had broke away from him and had fled to her room, where Laira had found her in the evening, perturbed and overwhelmed by tears. Laira had persisted until Sirla had told her what had happened, and Laira had told Rista, and she, in turn, had told Weri... At some point, Letria had learned, and then he knew it too.
For seven years she had been living with the Viss now, and every time she saw him she was consumed with longing for him. Too late had she realized that he would no longer train her when she belonged to the Elite, because he had made her his successor. She consoled herself with the thought that she had now taken over his task, and she did everything he did, eagerly emulated him, and was overjoyed when he praised her work.
And now there were only nine months left until the night she had been awaiting for seven years.
"You too, Your Majesty," she said, bowing to him.
His deputy Nabooru also came and greeted Sirla, then addressed the King.
"You can just go ahead to the bridge," she said to him, walking toward the Fortress. "I'll get Tirin, and we can follow later."
"Shall we go together, then, Sirla?" he asked, after Nabooru had left.
Sirla looked around and found to her surprise that they were alone, because Letria had also gone. Did he want to go alone with her, all the way to the bridge?
"Yes, Your Majesty," she said, and forced herself to take her eyes off his face and watch where her feet were stepping, for she was mesmerized by his closeness.
"How is the girls' training going?" He asked, as they made their way through the hollow path to the Valley.
"It's going well, Your Majesty," she replied. "Aryl is doing very well, and in two or three years she will be ready, I should say. The others are also making good progress. We could send them to a tournament. Maybe to Labrynna. What do you think?"
"You may decide, Sirla," he said. "I would send them to Hyrule Castle from time to time, if it wasn't so far away."
"What about you, Your Majesty?" she asked, looking curiously at him. "Would you not like to go to the tournament in Hyrule? Some older Sisters have already been there, and they were quite enthusiastic. The tournaments offer the best opportunities to find suitable candidates."
He smiled.
"Do I hear a hidden wish, Sirla?" he teased, and Sirla was startled. Did he have the impression that she wanted to go there? That she wanted a man? Another man?
"No, Your Majesty, I..." she stammered and swallowed.
Why did he say such things?
"Forgive me," he said, touching her arm with his hand.
Sirla shuddered when she felt him, and she would have liked to take his hand and kiss him there on the spot without fighting, without waiting...
A thousand times had she closed her eyes in the evening in her bed and had kissed the back of her hand, imagining that it was his lips. She had wrapped her arms around her body and imagined she was in his arms, and every time her moon circle was over and her body was waiting for its fulfillment, she thought of him and could not concentrate on her work. Sometimes she even dared a quick, stealthy thought of the idea of always having him, every night, every day, that he belonged to her, forever...
But she must be patient.
She walked silently beside him until they reached the valley. The royal messenger was sitting on the stairs beyond the ravine, talking with the two guards who were posted there. When he saw the King, he stood up and withdrew.
Sirla walked with the King through the barrier and descended the stairs to the bridge. During the day only four Sisters were guarding the bridge. The two guards for the end of the bridge that led to the Fortress would not come until sunset, when the others would be relieved.
Laira stood at her post in the middle of the bridge, waiting for Sirla.
"May I come with you, Your Majesty?" Sirla ventured to ask. She wanted to hear what the courier had to say.
"Aren't you are on watch service?" he asked, looking at her.
"Yes, but I..." she stammered.
"Oh, it's all right, Your Majesty," Laira said. "Sirla is curious."
She winked at Sirla and the King chuckled.
"All right," he said. "He is an Elite Soldier, after all, isn't he?"
He, too, winked at Sirla, but she was annoyed. Since he knew that she was under the influence of the Viss, he teased her at every opportunity. Sometimes she was so angry with him that she did not know if she should rather attack him with her sword or hit him with her fists. But she knew she had no chance against him. He would simply throw her into the sand, as he had done a thousand times.
Together, they went on until they reached the end of the bridge. The two guards bowed and the King nodded to them. The soldier approached, gave a slight bow, and gave the King his hand.
"Greetings, Your Majesty," he said in Gerudo. "Thank you for coming."
"You are Daniel Pierce?" the King asked, pressing the soldier's hand.
"Yes, Your Majesty," replied the soldier. "Do you know my name?"
"Of course," said the King, smiling. "My deputy Nabooru has told me a lot about you."
"Oh," said the soldier, smiling.
"My guard," the King spoke again, pointing at Sirla, "said you had a personal message for me."
"Yes, Your Majesty," said the soldier, nodding.
He reached into a pocket of his tunic, pulling out a letter which he gave to the King.
"This is a letter from Mistress Impa of the Sheikah, Your Majesty. I have the mandate to solicit your answer and to deliver it, verbally or in writing, as you wish."
"From Mistress Impa?" Ganondorf asked in amazement.
"Yes, Your Majesty," replied the soldier. "As a member of the Royal Family, she was entrusted by the late King Regar Nohansen with the task of carrying out his last will. But please, read for yourself."
The King looked at the royal seal on the letter before breaking it and unfolding the solid parchment. An odd disturbance seized Sirla as she watched him read the letter. His eyebrows rose in astonishment and surprise, and then a happy smile appeared on his face. When he had finished, he folded the letter again with a deep breath.
"Mister Pierce," he said to the soldier. "Please let Madam Impa know that I feel honored and will gladly follow her invitation. But I am also somewhat surprised. Why are personal invitations sent out this time?"
"King Regar arranged it this way in his will, Your Majesty. He wanted the leaders of all the tribes of Hyrule to be invited personally to this year's tournament. Madam Impa chose me to bring this invitation to you, because I speak a little Gerudo, thanks to Sister Nabooru."
At that moment, Sirla heard footsteps approaching over the creaking planks of the bridge. She turned around and saw Nabooru with her little daughter Tirin, who was hopping joyfully at her hand.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," the soldier said happily to the King, when he saw Nabooru. "I would never have dared to ask you..."
"It's all right, Mister Pierce. I'll probably see you at the tournament, won't I? I will send a Sister with some provisions for your return journey. Goodbye, Mister Pierce."
With a gesture he told Sirla to come, and she hurried to obey.
Nabooru and Tirin had now also ascended the steps, and while Sirla returned with the King, she saw Nabooru fling her arms around the neck of the soldier and kiss him impulsively. Then the soldier took her little daughter in his arms and pressed her to his chest.
Sirla's gaze fell upon the letter that the King was still holding in his hand. It came from a woman named Impa and apparently held an invitation to the tournament on the occasion of the examinations of the Elite Fighters, which took place every year in autumn.
Many Sisters had been in the capital at the time of the tournament and had chosen a royal Elite Soldier. Through them, Sirla had heard of Mistress Impa, who at the tournament took the examinations of the Elite Fighters. Impa was the last survivor of the legendary Sheikah people, she was considered the best sword fighter of Hyrule – and she was magically gifted.
She was unique.
A Ren-Bird, like him.
Sirla thought with a touch of jealousy, how pleased he had been with the invitation. Was it the joy over the invitation itself, that she had seen in his eyes, or the joy that the invitation came from Impa? The Sisters had reported that Impa was very beautiful...
And there were only two months left until the tournament.
Could it be possible that...
Sirla bit a gasp when the realization hit her, and she forced herself not to stare at the King, who was walking beside her.
Was it possible that he chose this woman who was at the same time beautiful, a good fighter, and magically gifted? That he made her his queen before Sirla was twenty-two and could conceive her daughter from him?
The idea was so painful, so excruciating and agonizing, that she nearly felt sick. She stopped and held onto the railing of the bridge because her gaze was swaying and she had to close her eyes.
"Is everything all right?" the King asked, resting his hand on her back. His touch made her shudder again, and his hand was burning on the portion of her skin that the short top of her desert garb left uncovered. For seven years she had experienced this feeling every year on the Day of the Sun, when she danced the sword dance with him. She had earned that privilege, for she was the only Sister to master the complicated movements that the dance with a male Gerudo required. During the dance she could take his hand and lean against his body, and with the wild twists she came so close to him that their lips almost touched.
"Yes, Your Majesty," she said in a trembling voice. "I will resume my service now. Thank you for allowing me to accompany you."
She straightened up, went to Laira, and took her spear. Then she stood on her place and watched the king depart with his letter, climb the steps on the other side of the bridge, and step through his magical barrier.
She was bound to him by the Viss, and she would not let another woman take him away from her. If he brought Impa with him, Sirla would have to kill her.
3
It was cold in Hyrule.
He could not understand why they let the tournament take place at this time of the year. After the warm sunshine of the first day, the weather had cooled down suddenly during the night, and thick rain clouds were throwing their gloomy shadows on the large arena that had been built for the fights of the Elite Soldiers.
The fighting had begun at dawn, but he had not seen the sun in the gray sky. He had been glad that he had taken his cloak, because in the course of the morning, several cold drops had fallen on his face, as if to remind him that he was not at home.
Two months ago, Letria had come to the Temple to get him with the blood he had left the Sisters in the Fortress for emergencies. Sirla had been waiting for him at the gate, and like every time since that day seven years ago, he had seen the Viss in her eyes. Like all Gerudo Sisters, she was very beautiful and one of the best fighters of his people, and in seven months she would choose him, but he knew she could not give him what he was longing for.
He had therefore been pleased when he had read the personal invitation with the request for an immediate response that Daniel Pierce had brought to the Fortress. At last, he would have the opportunity to travel to Hyrule Castle and see the two people whom he had long been interested in: King Daphnis Nohansen of Hyrule and Impa, the last of the Sheikah.
It was only through the mission of his deputy Nabooru four years before that he had learned about Impa, and since then he had prepared for his own mission. He had learned Hylian, read books on the history of Hyrule and its Royal Family, and collected all the information he could find about Impa.
It was said that over two hundred years ago she had appeared in the castle with nothing but the clothes on her body, and had been taken in immediately by the King of that time. Since then, she had served five kings of the Nohansen family as an instructor in sword combat, and the third King in succession as a member of the High Council of Hyrule.
As the last survivor of her legendary people, Impa was the only person in the world who spoke Sheikah, and she was magically gifted, as he was. Could she be the Ren-Bird he had been searching for all his life?
He had already met the King on the first day of the tournament. Up to a friendly stalemate he had fought against him, and although Nabooru had prepared him for the sight of the King, he had not lost the feeling of fighting against his own mirror reflection.
He had not seen Impa, however, so he had put all his hopes in the second day of the tournament. Despite the early hour, the ranks had already been fully occupied in the morning, but his status as a royal guest had given him a seat on the decorated tribune of the King. From there, he had watched the royal examiner in swordsmanship doing her merciless work. Her beauty and her impressive fighting skills had even made him forget the cold.
In a tight blue suit she had entered the arena, her white hair braided to a stern plait, and he had seen her win in eight hard fights against good men. All had passed, and the royal sword-master had shaken her hand respectfully when he had brought her the medals for the newly-approved Elite Fighters.
In the afternoon, there would be a competition in the fight with two swords, which held a special prize: a large two-handed sword, the favorite weapon of the late King Regar Nohansen. Immediately upon his arrival he had seen it in a display case in the entrance hall of the castle, and had decided to win it. Since he had given his large sword to that boy in Labrynna, only the smaller one had remained to him, and this sword promised to be a worthy substitute.
On the first day, he had eaten at a Castle Town inn that Nabooru had recommended to him, but on the second day, King Daphnis himself had invited him to lunch. Happily, he had realized that he could choose his own food from a rich supply, and that the kitchen had also prepared salads of raw fruit and vegetables beside the cooked dishes.
He would have liked to speak to Impa, who had been sitting quietly beside the King and had not participated in the conversation. He knew, however, that he could present his request only when they were undisturbed, and had therefore decided to wait until he could dance with her at the banquet in the evening.
Later, he had turned to Captain Pierce, the King's sword-master, to borrow a second sword from him to join the contest in the afternoon. Daniel Pierce, who was the son of the sword-master and the father of Nabooru's daughter, had offered him his own sword, and he had gratefully accepted it.
Now, in his dark desert suit under the warm cloak, he was walking with both swords in his hands over the path back to the arena, to try his luck. He had tied his hair because he did not want to risk it disturbing him in the fight that lay before him.
In spite of the cloak, an icy, humid wind cut into his limbs as he entered the arena through the gate in the grandstand. Captain Pierce had asked him to sit down on the bench next to his table with the other contestants, and to wait until he would be called. He looked at the bench, where the eight Elite Soldiers had been waiting for their examination, but there was only one man sitting there.
It was Daniel Pierce, the sword-master's son, on whose knees he saw two more swords in their sheaths. Hesitantly, he approached the bench and looked at the sword-master who was sitting at his table. On the table, in a richly ornamented sheath, lay the great sword of the King, that he had seen in the showcase on the day of his arrival.
Captain Pierce saw him coming, nodded to him, smiling, and pointed with his hand to the bench where his son was sitting. When he had taken his place, the sword-master rose, and the whispers of the audience stopped.
"Your Majesties, honored spectators," came his full voice, which had already announced the test candidates in the morning. "Before his death, King Regar Nohansen gave the order that the most capable fighters be invited to this tournament, and chose his sword for the prize of the contest in the fight with two swords. Today, we want to honor his wish and let the men compete, who have applied for the prize.
"The first candidate is His Majesty Ganondorf Dragmire, King of the Gerudo."
He smiled delightedly when he heard that the sword-master pronounced his second name correctly, with the emphasis on the second syllable, and he silently thanked Nabooru for having taught Daniel Pierce her language. The sword-master gave him a sign and he stood up and bowed briefly.
"The second candidate," continued the sword master, "is my son Daniel Pierce, Elite Soldier of the Royal Army of Hyrule."
Daniel took his swords in his hand, stood up, and bowed. Then he went to his father, gave him the sheaths of his swords, drew both swords, and stepped to the center of the arena.
Ganondorf also stood up, took off his cloak and did the same as Daniel Pierce, then went to the center of the arena and faced Daniel.
The audience became restless, and a movement at the entrance of the arena drew his attention. He turned his gaze and saw Impa, who came in his direction in her blue suit with the red eye on her chest – the sign of her lost people.
"This is a mere competition," the sword-master's voice rose above the muttering of the audience. "Therefore, Mistress Impa will provide all swords of the two opponents with a magical barrier, so that no one is hurt."
Ganondorf became aware of Impa's magic as she approached him. Without a word, she stepped up to him, nodding to him, and he met her gaze for a long moment as she stroked over the blades of his swords with a slow, almost tender gesture. He looked into her red eyes, and in the light of the dull day they appeared to him deep and dark like a silent, blood-red sea. He felt her magic, restrained and composed, so gentle and graceful – and quite different from that of the ugly, old sisters – the only kind he had felt so far.
A fine, blue-glowing field of magical energy appeared on his swords, then Impa turned to Daniel and created a barrier on his swords as well. When she had finished, she climbed the steps to the royal tribune and sat down on the seat he had taken as a spectator in the morning. He followed her with his eyes until the sword-master drew his attention again.
"The barrier will prevent cuts and stab wounds," he explained, after Impa had settled. "The fight is considered won when one of the opponents is either completely disarmed, placed in a hopeless situation, or gives up. If the gentlemen are ready, may the fight begin."
He stood quietly in the middle of the arena with his swords in his hands, trying to get an impression of his opponent. Nabooru had told him that the sword-master had found out about his son's talent very early and had trained him since his childhood.
Daniel was only twenty-three, but even Nabooru, who had always been Ganondorf's strongest sparring opponent, and could fight just as well with two swords as himself, had not been able to defeat Daniel during their test fight. Daniel was shorter than Ganondorf, and his body was slender and sinewy, but under the wide sleeves of the shirt that Daniel wore under the blue tunic of the Elite Soldiers, he could imagine strong muscles.
Daniel began to circle him a few paces away, watching him sharply. He first walked a few steps around Ganondorf, then back in the other direction, coming closer, until he attacked with a quick lunge. He struck from below and tried to hit Ganondorf's right hand, but Ganondorf backed away and slammed with his left hand.
Daniel parried, and while Ganondorf continued to strike at him, he ducked and weaved under the blows to get behind Ganondorf's back. Ganondorf turned quickly and tried to strike, but he found Daniel's sword pointing at his chest. He took another step back, went down with a drop step and attacked Daniel from below. Daniel was surprised, and Ganondorf hit him with a hard blow to his stomach.
The spectators gasped, and Ganondorf heard Daniel groan and saw his face twitch with pain. Impa's barrier obviously protected only from the wounds, but not from the pain.
Again, they circled each other.
Ganondorf did not want to give Daniel an opportunity to attack again, and this time he tried to hit Daniel's arms from above. But Daniel crossed his two blades, and Ganondorf was so amazed that he had to smile when he recognized the typical defense of the Gerudo.
"You are good, Mister Pierce," he said approvingly in Hylian, and retreated. He hoped that Daniel would grow careless by the praise and neglect his defense, so he hit again. But Daniel parried with his right sword and ducked again, holding the left sword behind his back.
As he passed Ganondorf, he struck his hip with the back sword, and this time Ganondorf cried out as he felt the searing pain. He wanted to strike in anger at Daniel, who was again behind him, but this time also the younger man twisted himself under the reach of Ganondorf's long arms, and the blows went into the void.
The boy was too fast.
He was smaller and lighter, and he knew all the tricks.
Ganondorf watched Daniel, who circled him with vigilant eyes, letting his two swords hiss through the air menacingly a few times. He made great strides, but then suddenly turned around and jumped at Ganondorf with a deep stab attack. Ganondorf parried and smacked Daniel's sword aside, then, with the other sword, he hit Daniel's arm from above. He hit his forearm and knew that he would have wounded him badly without Impa's barrier.
Daniel growled with pain and dropped the sword, but he whirled around, struck at Ganondorf with a wide, circular, horizontal stroke with his other hand, and hit him violently in his side. Ganondorf bent over in pain and heard Daniel pick up his sword.
The spectators had become quiet and seemed not to know to which of the two opponents they should give their sympathy.
Ganondorf thought feverishly.
What could he do?
He had to strive to remain calm and not be guided by his anger. Daniel seemed to like to attack with deep blows, and he was very agile and always escaped Ganondorf's sphere of influence. But maybe one could catch him when he tried to get past, if one was close enough...
He looked again at Daniel, who had retreated and was waiting for him with his sword raised. Ganondorf walked up to him and looked for an attack point. He jumped and hit Daniel's shoulder from above, but Daniel hopped to the side and the sword hit the ground with the whole force of the blow, and dug deep into the pounded earth.
Ganondorf tried to pull it out again, and Daniel took advantage of the moment and hit his arm with all his might. Ganondorf saw the blow come, and in that fraction of a moment he recognized his chance. He could not avoid Daniel's blow, but he could take advantage of the movement that brought Daniel close to him. When Daniel's sword met him, he cried with pain, but he had already dropped the other sword and grabbed Daniel's arm with his free hand. With a violent jolt, he tugged at the younger man's arm.
Daniel lost his balance, whirled around, and staggered.
Ganondorf gritted his teeth, let go of the stuck sword, and grabbed Daniel's other arm. Daniel had noticed that he had been overthrown, for he kicked around and struggled against Ganondorf's grip. His swords hissed dangerously close to Ganondorf's face, but with his long arms, Ganondorf could keep him at bay. He held Daniel's arms with the swords up and fettered him with his sheer size.
The spectators were silent, and he saw astonishment and bewilderment in the faces on the stands. In the meantime, Daniel Pierce had realized that he had been defeated, and stopped struggling. As Ganondorf held Daniel's arms, he looked at the table of the sword-master, who was also staring at him with wide eyes. He let his gaze wander farther up to the decorated tribune where Impa was sitting, and saw her smile. But when he met her gaze, she turned away and said something to the King.
"Will you let me go, Your Majesty?" he heard Daniel's voice. "You won, I give up. I believe you are even taller than King Regar was. Hopefully, his sword is not too small for you."
Ganondorf laughed and dropped his arms along with those of Daniel Pierce. He leaned down and pulled his sword out of the ground, then picked up the other, which he had borrowed from Daniel Pierce.
"You defeated me with my own sword, Your Majesty," Daniel said, shaking his head.
Ganondorf took both swords in his left hand and gave him his right.
"No, Mister Pierce," he said. "Today I could only defeat you thanks to the size of my body. But regarding technique, you are by far the better man, and I raise my hat before you. My deputy Nabooru could not choose a better father for her daughter."
Daniel smiled, and Ganondorf knew he had satisfied the vanity of the young man, for Daniel gave him his hand and bowed. Both went to the sword-master who was still standing speechless at his table and seemed not to know what was happening.
"Your son is a good fighter, Captain Pierce," said Ganondorf. "He gave me a hard time. You trained him very well."
"But... you defeated him!" the sword-master stammered.
"Yes, Captain, I'm afraid I did," said Ganondorf. "But I have the impression that the audience cannot really believe it yet. Will you tell them?"
4
At the reception he had been obligated to give his warm black cloak along with his hard-earned sword to a servant, and immediately the cold air had surrounded him in the large entrance hall. For a brief moment, he had thought of warming the surrounding air with his magic, but the ballroom where the banquet was held was so crowded that he did not feel the cold so badly.
The Sisters had made him warm Hylian garments that fit his large body: dark trousers, a wide white shirt, and a richly embroidered red tunic from a heavy fabric of the same color as his hair.
As he was accustomed to doing everything himself, he had sent away the pretty maids who wanted to help him dress, as they claimed. After the hard fight against Daniel Pierce, he had washed himself in the small bathroom adjoining the room assigned to him in the palace, and then he had put on the new clothes.
Although he preferred to wear his hair loose, he had tied it with a clasp in his neck and had put on the narrow, sun-shaped headdress which all the kings of the Gerudo had to wear instead of a crown on official occasions. But he had left the heavy yellow gem in the silver frame that came with it, for he suspected that it would interfere with the dancing.
After paying his respects to the young King Daphnis Nohansen and laughing at the resemblance in their features, he could finally look for the presence that he had already encountered in the arena in the afternoon, and which he had noticed immediately as he entered the hall.
Her magic was so strong that he could feel it all over the ballroom. He looked around and tried to recognize the direction from which the sensation came to him. She was standing on the other side of the room and was talking to the Queen.
He wondered if he should approach her immediately or wait until the music started. Nabooru had taught him the Hylian dances and sung the melody, and he was glad he had sent her to Hyrule four years ago to get to know the royal court. She had come back pregnant, and with a new, great treasure of information about the land of Hyrule and its peoples.
He went to the tables with the food and drinks, but he only found cooked dishes that did not suit him. While he was looking among the bowls and trays for something he could eat, he suddenly felt the magic approaching. As he turned around, he saw Impa coming in his direction.
She stopped next to him and also looked at the food on the tables. She seemed to be looking for something she could not find, and frowned.
"Greetings, Mistress Impa," he said kindly, using her full title. She was tall, but still almost a head smaller than him, and although she had seemed angry a moment ago, she looked at him with a friendly, curious smile.
Her white hair was loosely pinned up, and some loose strands framed her face. On her head, she wore a narrow, silver circlet with a little ruby over her forehead, and her high-necked dress of dark blue velvet harmonized in a refined way with her bright complexion and her blood-red eyes. She was beautiful, and her voice sounded mellow and pure when she answered him.
"I greet you, Your Majesty. Is everything to your liking?"
"To be honest, I was looking for fresh fruit, Madam," he replied.
"Oh, I'm afraid the fruit will not be served until later, Your Majesty," she said, slightly shaking her head. "The Hylians prefer to eat it as a dessert."
"And you, Madam?" He asked.
"I do not, Your Majesty. I had asked the kitchen to prepare a bowl of fresh fruit with the main dish, but they seem to have forgotten. I think they don't like if someone has special wishes."
He laughed, and at that moment the music began to play. It was a waltz, the dance he had liked most in his lessons with Nabooru, because it reminded him of the song of the Ren-Bird.
"Would you like to dance?" He asked Impa, and she smiled delightedly.
"I would love to, Your Majesty."
They went to the dance floor, where a few more couples had already gathered. He put an arm around her waist and took her hand as she put her other hand on his shoulder. He enjoyed her touch and would have liked to send her a whirl to caress her hand, but he had to be patient.
They waited a few measures to adjust to the rhythm, and then they dived into the swinging melody. Impa was light and tender in his arms, despite the muscles he had seen at the tournament, and he felt his heart beat faster as he led her to the music. He looked into her beautiful, noble face, and smiled with joy that she was there with him.
He wanted to hear her voice and searched for a topic to speak to her.
"Are you aware, Madam," he began, "that we both have different mother tongues and are talking to each other in a third language?"
"You are right, Your Majesty," she said, smiling. "How did you learn Hylian?"
"My deputy Nabooru brought me a textbook, Madam, and I learned this language from her. Some Sisters also speak Hylian, and with them I could practice. However, I do not have a native speaker in my vicinity."
"You speak it very well, Your Majesty," she said approvingly.
"Thank you, Madam. I like to learn new languages. Would you perhaps teach me some words of your mother tongue?"
"Of course, Your Majesty. What do you want to know?"
"How would you translate your name, Madam?"
"It means 'Rose,' Your Majesty."
He was surprised. The name suited her red eyes and her sensual lips... But she spoke again.
"How would you say my name in your language, Your Majesty?" She asked.
"Drilla," he replied.
"That sounds beautiful," she said. "Is there another word that you would like to learn in Sheikah?"
"Magic," he said, without thinking. "What do you call the magic in your language, Madam?"
"Tria," she said, speaking the word in two syllables, with the emphasis on the first syllable.
"Tria..." he repeated, and the word caressed his tongue like a sweet, ripe fruit. His thoughts wandered off, and she seemed to notice, for she changed the subject.
"Did you like the tournament, Your Majesty?" she asked, looking into his eyes.
"Oh, yes, Madam," he replied. "Especially the examinations of the Elite Fighters. You are an excellent sword fighter."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," she said, smiling. "I saw you this afternoon when you fought with Mister Pierce for the two-handed sword of the late King Regar. How long have you been fighting with two swords?"
"From the start, Madam," he replied, "although I usually fight with only one sword. But the Gerudo learn to fight with two scimitars from the start, since we don't use shields. I started as a child, but when I grew older, I decided to use straight swords."
"You are good," she said approvingly, and he rejoiced at her praise. "But young Mister Pierce will never forget that you defeated him with one of his own swords."
"It is hard to find two good swords that are... well... large enough for me," he said. "When I had finally found a second sword, I had to give it to a cunning young man from the tribe of the Rislan in Labrynna, to get one of their desert horses. Then I saw this great sword as a prize for the winner in the fight with two swords two days ago – and I knew I had to absolutely have it. I decided to borrow a second sword from Mister Pierce, so I could compete against him. It was just the courage of despair."
"I do not think so," she said, shaking her head. "Your deputy Nabooru told me that you sometimes fight with up to six of your Sisters at the same time."
"Oh," he said, embarrassed. "She likes to exaggerate, Madam. In truth, they are scrambling to fight me only because each of them wants to defeat me. It is hard work."
She laughed, and her white, flawless teeth shone between her soft lips. Although he had never experienced it before, he recognized the special feeling in his body, which was preparing to choose her. Full of anticipation, he braced himself for the stream of the Viss, and noticed that he was going through the list of requirements in his mind.
She seemed to eat healthily, and had even skin, strong hair, and healthy teeth. She had taken the examinations of the Elite Fighters, but he would still have to fight with her before he could kiss her...
On the list there were two more points, and since he could not address anyone else, he had to ask her himself.
"Are you married, Madam Impa?" he asked.
"No, Your Majesty," she said. "Why do you ask?"
"Are you engaged to someone?"
"Neither."
"Do you have children?"
"No, Your Majesty." Her tone was more serious now. "Will you answer my question?"
"Yes, Madam," he hurried to reply. "Forgive me, please. As you perhaps know, I was the first member of my people to be born with the Gift of Magic. You are currently the only woman in the world who has the Gift. The code of honor of my people demands that I ask you these questions before I choose you as my wife."
He gently sent his magic to her as he put his arm tighter around her body. For a fraction of a moment, he felt her shiver, but then she regained her control. His magic hit a rigid barrier from which it bounced like an arrow from a rock.
"Please," she said, and this time there was no smile in her eyes. "Withdraw your magic, Your Majesty. I feel flattered by your offer, but unfortunately I must tell you that my duties in the service of the King do not permit any romantic relationships."
Frightened, he drew back his magic and swallowed, while an unpleasant, penetrating sensation poured through his body. At first, he could not classify it, but then he realized what it was: the Viss had already been on its way, but now it retreated.
"I do not want to offend you, Madam," he said, his heart pounding wildly from dismay. "But would it perhaps be possible that you think it over again? I could speak to King Nohansen..."
"No, Your Majesty," came her clear answer. "The decision is mine alone, and I do not want you to talk to others about it."
"As you wish, Madam," he said politely. "I thank you for your sincerity."
As if dazed, he tried to keep his eyes with her, hold her hand, and concentrate on the rhythm of the music. Slowly, the realization seeped into his consciousness that the rejection of the only magically gifted woman in the world condemned him to lifelong loneliness.
Into his perplexity, however, mingled a different perception, and, confused, he tried to fathom what it was. The light of the candles in the large chandeliers on the ceiling dazzled him, and the conversations of the people in the room echoed in his ears. Even the formerly soft music was suddenly only a loud choir of separate instruments that tried to drown out each other.
What was that? Was it perhaps the Viss, whose unsatisfied remnants in his body were increasing all his sensations to the point of distortion? And there was something else there too, a searing emotion that touched his mind as if he had brushed the tormented soul of another being. From two different directions in the room, he sensed frenzied, suppressed jealousy, which was directed against himself. Perturbed, he let his eyes glide over the many guests who were watching the dancing couples.
There... and there...
Two men.
He recognized one. It was the royal physician, who had been summoned during the competitions the day before for a superficial injury of the King. The young man looked gravely at them, watching Impa's every step, every word she spoke. He seemed to have been in love with her for many years, and the feeling that came from him contained grief and the fear of never reaching her despite his love.
The other man was unknown to him. He seemed a few years older than the doctor, and the feelings that came from him contained admiration and adoration, and a strong desire to win Impa for himself.
The two men seemed to know nothing about each other, and Impa did not seem to notice their jealousy, or if she did, she did not show it. She was chatting kindly with him, as if his proposal had not taken place at all. When the dance came to an end, he thanked her, bowed politely, and let her go.
It was over.
So full of hope had he come to this banquet, but that cold, hard barrier, which had repelled his magic, had reduced his dreams to rubble.
He was alone, the lonely Ren-Bird in the wide sky, who forever sought after a lover he would never find.