"Wake up, Adelyn." A voice said. It was Uli, Rusl's wife. She stood over my bed with thin arms crossed over her chest. She reminded me of how my mom used to wake me up whenever I slept in accidently on a school day, all business and no play.
I groaned, opening my eyes slowly. "What time is it?" I asked her, yawning.
She rolled her eyes, pulling the covers off of my warm body. "5:30.".
"Ahhh. Its too early." I complained to her.
She rolled her eyes at me in disdain. "The sun waits for no one. Come on, Shad is here." She sauntered out of the room leaving me to myself.
Slowly and reluctantly, I uncovered my face. I blinked, closed my eyes, and blinked again. Streaks of sunlight penetrate the window, blinding me. I sat up, dragged my feet off the bed, and rubbed my knuckles onto my eyes. I stretched my arms above my head and yawned. I watched my legs dangle above the wooden floor.
Though I felt drained of willpower, I made myself get up. That helped to clear my mind. I sifted through my memories of the last two days. My first thought was of The mist and how it had brought me into this strange land, my second was of Rusl and the unwavering kindness he had shown me. This kindness only made me miss home even more. It was a reminder of the people I missed. My parents especially.
When I got out of the bed I noticed that Sitting on a chair in the corner was a folded pile of clothes which I assumed was for me. I picked up a cream colored shirt first that had long sleeves that were lightly embroidered with green vines at the end and I put it on. It was tight fitting around the arms and chest, but it flared out anround my knees with embroidery on the bottom. Next was a pair of brown pants that I slid up. It was hard to get on at first but once it was on it was perfect and able to move in freely. On top of the shirt was a brown jacket it ended right above my hips and it had a type of bustle in the back made of different fabrics. Lastly, I pulled on socks, a pair of boots, and leather gauntlets.
I looked in a small mirror in the corner, insepecting myself. I didn't recognize the girl I saw looking back. She looked like she had stepped out of some movie, like The Lord of the Rings. She was strong and looked fit for battle. She didn't look like me. I usually wore pink fuzzy sweaters and Uggs. I spent most of time shopping at forever 21. I didn't think I could ever get used to this.
I went down the creaky wooden stairs and found Uli cooking over the stove. Rusl and a man that I assumed was Shad were sitting on the couch, eyes furrowed in deep conversation.
Rusl looked up and made eye contact with me. "Shad, this is Adelyn." He said to the man, smiling widely.
"Please, call me Addie." I told the dorky looking man in front me.
The young man before me had a sort of hen-pecked look. His shoulders hunched together like he was trying to disappear inside himself. Even his eyes seemed to be attempting to retreat inside his head. He looked like a startled deer in the woods, fidgeting and almost toppling as he took a large step backwards. He brushed imaginary dirt from his shirt and pants and put his hand out to shake.
"It's a pleasure Addie." He said. I took his outreached hand and shook it lightly.
"She'll be accomponing you to Kakariko."
"Really?" He said, his eyes wide. "It's just you seem so, well small..." I frowned "Not that there is anything wrong with that."
"She beat me with a sword." Rusl said matter of factly.
"Really? You beat the great Rusl?" I nodded "I'm impressed."
Rusl smiled wide, reemebering their sparr from yesterday. "I said the same thing."
"Here you go Addie. I've packed extra clothes that used to belong to Illia... She's the Mayor's daughter, before she outgrew them. There's also some pumpkin bread and mead." She handed me a big leather rucksack that was filled with a variety of things.
"I can't thank you enough."
The group of us made our way outside to where two horses were tied to a fence. They were both beautiful. The kind of horses, one only ever sees in movies. One of them was a fierce black and the other a beautiful chestnut brown. I could only stare. Shad got on the black horse so I could only assume the chestnut one was mine.
My horse was not above medium size, but he was alert, slender-limbed, muscled with watch springs, and just a grey-hound to go. He was a beauty, glossy as silk, and naked as the day when he was born, except for a bridle and a ranger saddle.
I was about to saddle my horse when Rusl put a hand on my shoulder stopping me. "Addie can I talk to you in private."
He led me to an area next to a small pond. He fished into his pockets and pulled out a envelope with a wax seal.
He handed it to me. "If ya' end up findin' our kids somehow write to me at this address. Okay?"
I smiled at him, nodding. "Of course Rusl."
"I have faith in Ya', Girl." He smiled, his eyes blank and mystified. "You remind me someone I used to know. She was strong, witty, and beautiful. Looked a lot like ya' too."
I frowned. "Who was she?"
He closed his eyes slightly, remembering. "An old friend I used to fight along with back in the wars twenty years ago." He went quiet, seeming to be lost in memories. Wheather they were good or bad, had yet to have been said.
I suddenly spoke, suprised. "The wars?" I asked. It seemed that no matter what place you found yourself in their always seems to be Wars. The world would never tire of their weapons and bloodshed.
"The Wars Of Greks. Goodness girl, where have ya' been that you don't know about the wars?"
I snickered. "It's a long story."
"I got time."
"Maybe I'll tell you someday."
He looked seriously at me. "I'll look forward to it."
"Goodbye Rusl, Uli." I said getting on to the chestnut mare which I learned was named Kordoc.
Uli smiled at me, handing me a brown leather rucksack. "You almost forgot this. Take care Addie."
"Wait." I heard a voice said. It was Rusl running from his house, a bow and sword in his hand. He exhaled. "These are for you." He handed me the bow I had used yesterday and a sword. "This sword used to belong to the woman I told you about. She left it to me before she died and I think she would want it to be used. It's name is Durendal.
The handle fit my hand as if it had been made for me. I slowly drew the sword; it slid soundlessly from the sheath. The flat blade was a bright cobalt blue and it shimmered when it moved. The keen edges curved gracefully to a sharp point. A silver symbol was inscribed on the metal, three triangles forming one. The balance of the sword was perfect; it felt like an extension of my arm, unlike the wooden practice sword I had beaten Rusl with. It was beautiful.
"What does it mean?" I asked him, starring at the blade.
"Enduring flame." He informed me, smiling. "I hope you'll use it well."
I couldn't take another thing from him. They had already given me clothes and a place to sleep and all I had done was lie to him. I felt horrible.
"Rusl? I can't take these." I told him, "You've already done so much for me. I feel guilty."
"Don't feel guilty. Consider it as a payment for going to Kakariko for me, hmm?" I took a second before replying to his kindness. "Thank You."
"Favor honors the brave Addie. Don't forget that."
Shad and I left the small village in silence our horses trotted at a slow pace. Rusl told me that the journey through the forest would be long, but not nearly as long as the journey through the wide open field of Hyrule.
The first day of riding was hell for me. I wasn't used to riding a horse for such a long time and could already start to feel my legs and arms tire. It was only the first day. I couldn't imagine what the rest of the trek would be like. Shad and I still hadn't talked and truthfully I had begun to get sick of the silence.
I could feel the heat of the summer sun beating down on my back. The leather reins rubbed soon-to-be blisters between my fingers. The horse beneath me was just as done with this day as I was, his neck was lathered in thick sweat, curling the short, stiff hairs of his summer coat. Foam leaked from the corners of his mouth from working with the copper snaffle. 'A more few more hours, buddy' I thought to myself as I gave him a pat on the neck and picked up the reins - trotting off. His wimpy mane bounced with his stride, he had never even had enough to braid. I shifted my weight to my outside hip and dug my heel into his right side, he picked up the lead in perfect rhythm, tucking his head in and bounded forwards.
Finaly the two of us and our exhausted horses stopped for the night. I collected dried branches and wood for Shad to start a fire. If we were being honest, I had no idea to start a fire. The night was frigid and I was looking forward to sleeping next the heat.
The two of us sat down an equal distance away from each other. Shad, who had become sick of the silence was the first to talk. "Rusl told me you were kidnapped from your home? A place called Michigan."
"Umhm." I nodded my head, lying of course. I wished I could tell someone I hadn't actually been kidnapped. I was getting tired of all the lying.
We were silent. "I'm sure you'll get home soon, Miss." He finally said, Sympothy in his voice.
I looked at the fire, suddenly very interested in the way the flames danced and left ghosts of shadows in the night. "I'm not sure I will." I mumbled.
"Why's that?" He questioned, looking intently at me.
"My home is very far away and I'm not sure how I'll get back."
He grabbed my hand "We'll find a way."
I smiled at Shads attempt to make me feel better, but I didn't think that he could no matter how hard he tried. Somethings aren't meant to be fixed. I didn't think anyone could mend the hole that was starting to form in my heart.
When we woke up dawn was gray and overcast with a cutting wind. The forest was quiet. After a light breakfast, Shad and I doused the fire and shouldered our packs, preparing to leave. I hung my bow and quiver on the side of my pack where I could easily reach them.
I felt even worse than the day before. Bruises covered my legs, and I was almost too sore to move. My hands were a bright red from the leather reigns of the horse. Shad looked up from the mush he was serving and grinned. "How do you feel?" I grunted and bolted down the breakfast. Shad was used to the long travel on horseback. He had told me that the journey from Castle Town, their capital, was a lot longer and more dangerous since you had to cut through the middle of the field were monsters called Bokoblins and Bublins liked to attack travelers.
He told me that to the west there were huge lake that sparkled called Lake Hylia. A strange race of people called Zoras lived there. They could swim long distances and breath underwater. He also told me about Gorons who lived at Death Mountain, a horrible name for a mountain if you ask me. Apparently, There were Gorons in Kakariko, So, I might get to see some.
Once on the road, we traveled swiftly so as to reach Hyrule field before noon. Shad was content to tell me stories about Hyrule. One story I found more interesting that the rest. " There are Legends of a hero clad in green." Shad mused. "Whenever the world was in danger from the evils of the world he was always there to protect the innocent and uphold the order. Whether he was lost in time or Skyward bound he would be there with his master sword ready to protect the world." Shad grew eerily silent.
"What wrong, Shad?"
"It's just that with everything that has happened, we could use a hero."
As the ruts in the road deepened, I noticed more footprints, showing the road well traveled. The village that we crossed next was larger than Ordon, but it had been constructed haphazardly, the houses aligned in no particular order.
After passing the village we entered the wide opened expanse of Hyrule field. It unnerved me how flat everything was; the plains were unbroken by hummocks or mounds. I had lived my entire life surrounded by skyscrapers and cars. Without them, I felt exposed and vulnerable, like a mouse under an eagle's keen eye.
Since there was no shelter, we were forced to camp in the open. I found some groose, a short tough plant that thrived in harsh conditions, and pulled it up. Making a careful pile I tried to light it, but the woody stems only smoked and gave off a pungent smell. Frustrated, I tossed the tinderbox to Shad. "I can't make it burn, especially with this blasted wind. See if you can get it going: otherwise dinner will be cold."
He only laughed at me and pulled out a strange device that looked eerily like a lighter and started the fire.
So far we hadn't run into much trouble. The occasional bulbin attacked but it was nothing that I couldn't take care of. But on those few occasions it became increasingly clear that Shad needed to learn how to handle a sword. I had to constantly make sure that I wouldn't die while also taking care of Shad so, I decided Shad needed to learn how to use a sword.
We would spend our nights sparring, eating dinner and codling are bruises from that night. Shad was awful at sparring. Absulutly horrid.
First, when I threw him a branch that he could spar with...He missed. We then faced each other, ready to start. I charged and Shad closed his eyes, dropping the branch. "Shad!" I chastised him. "You do realize that you have to actually hold the sword and open your eyes to fight? Hmm?"
He sighed. "Can we start again?"
I handed him the branch and faced him again. This time when I charged he opened his eyes and didn't let go of the sword. Which I guessed was an improvement. But, he didn't move and I easily hit his side with the branch.
I decided that was enough for the day, after an hour of really getting no where. I lit a fire with Shad's lighter and dropped some meat in a small pot over the fire with a lump of salt. After three days of eating bland stew and mush I was craving something more. Something told me though that I would have to get used it. I spread out my bedroll and relaxed for the night. I heard Shad snoring signaling he had fallen asleep. I wasn't sure how he did that, falling asleep that is.
Four days into our journey we ran into a mail man. He was a boisterous lanky man that should have been wearing more clothes. The tight running outfit he wore showed more of him than I really wanted to see. The letter was from Rusl.
I wished I could have read the letter, but the characters weren't in English.
"What does it say?" Shad asked me.
I swollowed air. "I can't read it, Shad."
His eyes widened in suprise. "Really?"
I nodded to him, looking down on the ground.
He smiled widely at me. "If you want I could teach you."
"Can you read it to me?" I smiled at him. I felt useless in that moment. I loved to read at home. This only stood as a strong reminder that I wasn't there.
I got lost in the words Shad spoke and listened intently.
Dear Addie and Shad,
I just left for Castle Town, there was quite a few things that I needed to take care of before I left.
Enclosed is a key to the gate of Kakariko. I forgot to give it to you when you were here. Make
Sure you take care of it. You won't be able to get in without it. I wrote a letter to my friend that you were coming so you should be welcomed with open arms if he gets it in time. Sometimes
The man who delivers the mail can be unreliable when it comes to delivering mail. If this reaches you in time, then assume you should be more than halfway there. Good Luck Girl and Remember, Fortune Favors the Brave.
Rusl.
Our days followed the same pattern. First, I struggled to read the new language. Then, in the evening, I trained against Shad with fake swords we had made out of branches. I was in constant discomfort, but gradually I began to change, almost without noticing. Soon, I was able to read easier than I had before and I no longer was in constant pain from the long hours on the horse. I mastered the first exercises Shad gave me and undertook harder ones, and my knowledge of the language grew.
In our sparring, Shad gained confidence and speed, striking like a snake. His blows became heavier, and his arm no longer trembled when he warded off attacks. The clashes lasted longer as he learned how to fend off my attacks. Now, after two weeks of travel, when we went to sleep, Shad was not the only one with bruises.
.
