And without further ado, another chapter.

It was fully dark when I woke up from my nap. The moon hadn't risen yet, so I hadn't slept for too long. With stealth born of long hours of playing dodge the guards, I crept from my hiding place and started following the river. There were a few places where I was forced to cross a tributary, but I didn't see any guards until about halfway up the river. There was only one, and he was walking up and down a short stretch of the bank, obviously trying to keep awake. I hid in the shadows until he walked past and silently went on.
There were a few other spots that had guards, but they were all so drowsy that I had no trouble slipping by them. Then I got to the beginning of the river, a huge waterfall that came from a lake high above. Natural bridges crisscrossed in front of it. Standing on the top one was another guard. I'd have to deal with him first.
I crept onto the bridge just below him. He was facing the waterfall, probably to make sure a Zora didn't sneak out, so I didn't have to worry about being seen by him. After a deep breath I jumped, just barely managing to catch the edge of the bridge. I hung there silently for a moment to make sure the guard hadn't heard anything before quietly pulling myself up. One quick shove, and the guard was in the river, swept off by its quick current.
"That wasn't too hard." I muttered as I looked around. There was a gold Triforce symbol set into the bridge, the sign of the royal family. I stood on it and whistled the melody my mom had taught me. The waterfall parted, revealing a dark tunnel.
"No turning back now."
I jumped off the bridge and landed on the slick floor of the tunnel seconds before the waterfall closed again. After slipping around for a moment or two I managed to regain my balance. It was pitch-black in front of me, but I really didn't have much of an option. With one hand on the damp wall, I started forward, wondering how the Zoras would welcome me, provided they didn't kill me first.
A bright light flared up, blinding me. After a couple of seconds my eyes adjusted and I was able to see a small group of humanoid figures covered in silvery scales with tails coming out of the back of their heads. All of them were carrying spears, and one held a lantern.
"Who are you and how did you get in?" the one with the lantern demanded.
"My name is Kari, and I have a message for Prince Daltus from the resistance in Kakariko." I answered, trying to keep my voice from shaking.
"Give it to us and we will make sure the prince gets it."
I shook my head. "I was told to give it to the prince and to no one else."
The Zora frowned. "We cannot let you see the prince."
"Then I guess we'll just stand here until the ceiling falls in on us." I crossed my arms and glared at him. I was tired, damp, and in absolutely no mood to argue with fish people, spears or no spears.
"What is going on?"
Behind the Zoras was a Hylian, his features covered in shadow. When the Zoras turned the light from the lantern revealed a solemn, rather plain face with blue eyes and a shock of yellow hair. His clothes were also plain, but the way he held himself indicated he was no mere peasant. What surprised me the most, though, was that he didn't look much older than I was.
"Your Highness, what are you doing up at this hour?" the lead Zora asked, surprised.
"I couldn't sleep, and then I heard voices." the prince replied, "What is going on?"
"I bring a message to you from the resistance in Kakariko, Your Highness." I said before any of the Zoras could speak.
"The resistance in Kakariko? I was not aware that there was one."
"We've been watched closely, so it's been almost entirely underground. Getting anything in or out has been near impossible."
"I would like to hear more about this. If you would come with me."
"Your Highness..." The Zora started.
"It's fine, Ralin. I highly doubt a young girl poses much of a threat."
Ralin frowned, but made no further protests. The prince turned and started walking down the passage, and I, after a moment of hesitation, followed him. The group of Zoras brought up the rear, the swinging lantern making our shadows dance in front of us. After a couple of turns we entered a vast chamber. Light from a few scattered lanterns and torches reflected off the water that took up most of the floor. High above, the moon shone though a crack in the ceiling. It was an amazing sight, and I was hard pressed not to stop and stare. After walking along a narrow path along the wall of the chamber the prince suddenly turned, entering a narrow passage that wound upwards. He stopped at a plain wooden door and opened it.
"If any of you gentlemen would like to come in you are welcome."
Ralin handed his lantern to another Zora and entered the room while the others headed back the way we had come. The prince made a ladies-first gesture, and I stepped into the room. It was plain, with nothing more than a couple of chairs and a small table with some papers and a candle on it. Prince Daltus closed the door and sat in the chair facing me.
"What is the message you bring from Kakariko?"
I pulled out the letter and handed it to him. "Oh, you're going to need this, too." I took out a tiny knife, one I used for sewing, and cut off the top button of my shirt. My mom had sewn cloth over it, like some women would do to make their clothes look nicer. I cut the thread holding the cloth on, revealing a small piece of paper folded into a tiny square. Without unfolding it I handed it to the prince, who seemed a little amused.
"This was well thought out." he said as he carefully unfolded the paper. It had some tiny writing on it, and he had to hold it almost to his nose to be able to read it. After a little bit he set it down and began reading the letter, writing on another piece of paper as he did so. After he was done he read what he had written. By the time he was done his eyebrows had risen significantly. "Do you know what is in this message?" he asked.
"No, your Highness. I was just told to deliver it."
He handed the decoded message to me. With a little trepidation, I began reading.

Your Highness,
We wish to let you know that there is a strong underground resistance here in Kakariko and will support you in whatever way you see fit. We ask that you allow the messenger, Kari, to stay with you and assist you in whatever way you need. She can send messages with her bird.
Courage,
Kakariko Resistance

"What in Din's name..." I muttered, rereading it to make sure I hadn't missed something before handing it back to the prince.
"You were unaware that you were to stay here?"
"Yes, your Highness. I've only been a member of the resistance for less than two days, and they never mentioned anything like that."
"How long has the resistance been active?"
"Since Gannondorf took over. They only recently found out where you were."
"And they sent their most inexperienced member to deliver this? Why?"
"I don't know, your Highness. I think..." I stopped, wondering if I really should say what I was going to say.
"You think what?"
I hesitated. "It's just my opinion, but I was wondering if they sent me because I'm expendable."
To my surprise, the prince chuckled. "Many people wonder that their first time around. What does it mean by you can send messages with your bird?"
"I found a crow egg a year ago. After it hatched I trained him to come when I whistled. They probably think I can use him like a messenger pigeon."
"Interesting." The prince was silent for a minute, seemingly lost in his thoughts. I tried, and failed miserably, to contain a yawn, and his attention snapped back to the present. "Sorry, I got preoccupied with my thoughts. You must be exhausted. Ralin, is there a place she can sleep?"
"Yes, your Highness." the Zora said before turning to me. "This way."
I followed him out of the room and through the halls, too tired to care about Ralin's obvious dislike for me. After what felt like ages he finally stopped in front of a small door that led to an equally small room. In the corner was a pile of empty cloth bags. I didn't even hear Ralin close the door as I wearily shrugged off my pack and collapsed on the pile of sacks. I had just barely enough time to wonder if there were rats before I fell asleep.

And that's it. The next update will probably be Monday. Review please!