Disclaimer: I don't own the Legend of Zelda or the characters apart from Zanna. Any similarities in the storylines of works already submitted are coincidental. I try to be as original as I can, but I can't compare it with every story on the site.
Oh, and if you're not happy with the story, don't read it.
Chapter 2: A Chance for Redemption
It was nightfall, and the camp was silent. Zanna went through her drawers and found a hooded jacket with a high collar to hide the bottom half of her face, bandit's trousers, a belt to go around the jacket, boots, metal shin guards and knee guards with the Gerudo emblem engraved on each. She made them herself and forged her own metal, along with her sword and daggers which she had done in secret. She saddled up her black Gerudo mare, the variety with the snow white mane and tail. There was a splash of white between its eyes.
"Come on, Freya," she whispered to the horse. She led the mare out of the stable and swiftly mounted it. "Hiyaaa!"
She led Freya into a full gallop towards the Desert Colossus, where the Spirit Temple was located. She was there within half an hour, jumping over sand rivers as she went. It was dark, but the moonlight guided her safely, and even if her eyes couldn't help her, her ears could.
Zanna had been to the temple once before, a year after she was taken in. She needed guidance. She could kill without flinching, but she'd never killed a guardian before. She rode up to the entrance to the temple and dismounted.
"Don't go anywhere now," she instructed Freya.
"I wouldn't dream of it," answered the horse. "I will be waiting faithfully."
Zanna rubbed Freya's muzzle. She hoped that she'd never go deaf. She couldn't imagine a life without being able to hear her horse speak. She imagined that must have been part of her people's life, being able to communicate with animals as part of survival. It was a wonder that the animals never warned her people of their fate. Putting those thoughts aside, Zanna proceeded into the temple. She wandered through the passages of the temple before reaching the statue of the Sand Goddess, the patron Goddess of the Gerudo. She was no Gerudo, but she was a firm believer. She knelt down on both knees and bowed to the statue, eyes closed, and heart open.
"Forgive me, Goddess," she prayed. "I didn't know that Danaru was one of them... You know I've served her faithfully for fifteen years, Sand Goddess... Apart from the Elders, the rest of the tribe has turned against me, labelling me a traitorous murderer... Guide me as to what I must do next..."
She knew she had to leave the desert, but where would she go? She heard footsteps behind her. She stood up and turned around, greeted by the sight of a man with short red hair and black armour.
"Lord Ganondorf," muttered Zanna, as she bowed respectfully. She felt a little uneasy in his presence. She somehow could not view him as reverently has the other women. It seemed odd that the King of Thieves would be at the temple this late at night.
"Come for a bit of late night worship?" asked Ganondorf with a sly grin.
"Yes, m'lord," replied Zanna. "Praying for safety for a journey that I will soon be departing on."
"A journey, or running away?" enquired Ganondorf.
"Running away?" repeated Zanna. "Whatever do you mean, m'lord?"
"It has been brought to my attention that you have slain your mistress in the dungeon," replied Ganondorf. "The women in the tribe demanded the Elders to inform me and have petitioned for your arrest and punishment." Zanna shifted uncomfortably on her feet, fidgeting with the sleeves of her jacket. So, she met Ganondorf for the first time only to be punished by him?
"I came to see what a big menace you supposedly are," said Ganondorf. "All I see is a girl with a hooded jacket, trying to mask herself in the dark, fighting the bloodlust in her system. I am too busy with diplomatic matters to bother with a small fry like you. The Elders told me that you were set up by your mistress and her friends to prevent you from getting your citizenship and freedom. You were indeed set up, but your mind is wracked with guilt. A Canish never regrets a kill, and it is in your blood to tear up enemies to survive. I too, have bloodlust. You and I are not very different."
"And what of the Gerudo law?" asked Zanna. "What is to happen to me?"
"Well, nothing," said Ganondorf. "Like I said, I'm busy. I have informed the Elders of this, and no-one questions me. You see, I am like a god to the women of the tribe. What I say goes. However, if you wish to reconcile yourself with the tribe, I can offer you a proposition. Be my ambassador to the kingdom of Hyrule. Work for the Royal Family. I am sure there will be plenty to do. When it is time, I will meet with the King myself to establish diplomatic relations with Hyrule. Perhaps this way, you will discover who murdered your people."
Zanna didn't think much about it. But she was desperate to get to the bottom of her people's demise, and perhaps the answer lay in Ganondorf's proposed dimplomatic mission. It was common news now that the King of Hyrule faced problems in the realm, and maybe she could help. But she wondered why she should actually help the Hylians when there was an apparent prejudice against her kind. But she needed to know, she was sure of it.
"I will gladly be your diplomat," she replied with an affirmative nod.
"Not just a diplomat," said Ganondorf. "You must also be my assassin. When I need you, I will call for you. Until then, the Royal Family needs your attention."
"Yes, m'lord," said Zanna. With a reverent bow, she left the temple and mounted Freya and galloped out of the Desert Colossus, noting Ganondorf's stallion on the way out.
"The Sand Goddess was quick to answer my prayers, Freya," said Zanna.
"Are you sure?" asked the mare. "How do you know he wasn't listening in?"
"It's a means to an end," said Zanna. "I'm Ganondorf's sword for hire. I didn't think the Gerudo liked Hylians very much, and he wants me to assist them. Something does feel a little off, though. Surely he's not being nice to the King for the good of his health. Once a thief, always a thief."
"And you're helping him anyway?"
"I killed Danaru recklessly. She was my mistress. And she admired Ganondorf. This is the least I can do in her memory."
Freya remained silent for the remainder of the trip. It was daybreak when they reached the drawbridge of Hyrule Castle Town. As soon as it was lowered, Zanna rode into town. As she passed through the gate, the Hylian guards watched her with strange looks. They weren't sure if she was another tourist, or warrior or the like. As she rode through the town, passing by the market stalls, the locals regarded her with curious expressions. Some of the women stared upon the flames that were embroidered on her sleeves and trousers and gasped at the Gerudo emblems on her knee guards. Yet when they saw her skin and eye colours, they were puzzled.
"A Hylian raised by Gerudos?" whispered one of the women in amazement. "Very unusual." Zanna could hear the whispers.
"What makes them think I'm Hylian?" wondered Zanna to herself. "My skin's too dark for a Hylian's, and too light to be Gerudo. They really don't get out much, do they?"
She stopped by a young couple. She rolled her eyes in disgust at their public display of affection. Since Freya had stopped long enough, the man turned from her girlfriend to look up at Zanna with an annoyed expression on his face.
"How can I help you?" he asked. He couldn't be more sarcastic if he tried.
"Where is Hyrule Castle?" asked Zanna. She managed to keep a calm voice as the volatile urge to slit his throat rose in her chest.
"Straight ahead from here," replied the man. "It is heavily guarded, so unless they know you, you will not be allowed in."
"Thank you, sir," said Zanna. She continued her ride through the town until she came across a path leading to the castle. As the man said, the place was heavily guarded. A Hylian guard stood by a metal gate.
"Entry to the castle is prohibited by the King of Hyrule," said the guard.
"I have been sent by my master to see the King," replied Zanna. "I must enter through this gate."
"Oh yeah?" questioned the guard. "Who sent you?"
"Lord Ganondorf, King of the Gerudo," said Zanna.
"Ganondorf sent you?" asked the guard. "You're not a Gerudo."
"You don't say," said Zanna. "These papers are proof of my citizenship." She showed him the papers. "My lord would not send just anybody. If he had sent a true Gerudo, the townspeople would be afraid. Naturally I was the perfect candidate."
"You must wait here as we validate your request," said the guard.
"No need to wait," said a woman's voice. Zanna and the guard both gasped. That was not expected. A tall white haired woman with red eyes and Sheikah attire was standing beside the guard.
"Where did she come from?" thought Zanna.
"Impa," said the guard respectfully. "Do you know this woman?"
"I know not," replied Impa. "But I do know that she is Ganondorf's servant, an ambassador to the Royal Family. We received the message earlier that you were coming, Miss Zanna. His Majesty the King is expecting you."
"That quickly?" asked Freya.
"Let her through," Impa instructed, though she viewed Zanna suspiciously.
"Right away," said the guard.
"Follow me," said Impa.
Zanna obeyed silently, following her on horseback while Impa led on foot.