The Raven
Chapter 2
Her curly sand colored hair flapped wildly behind her as the 18 year old ran down the steps. In her haste, she stepped on the fringe of her dress and toppled down the steps. "Maya? Are you okay?" the 20 year old red head asked, stepping into the room.
Maya grinned and jumped to her feet, "Sure thing, Malon. I'm sorry I overslept. I'm gonna get on my chores right now."
"Don't worry about it. Link and I have finished everything." Malon said smiling at the younger girl.
Maya's shoulders drooped, "Great…now what am I suppose to do today?"
"Link has some deliveries to make to the castle. Why don't you go with him?" Malon suggested.
"Would he let me tag along?"
"He's always making deliveries by himself. I'm pretty sure he would enjoy the company. Besides, you haven't left the ranch since you got here. You need to get out more."
Maya grinned, "Where is he?" she asked.
"Out in the stable, getting ready to leave. Why don't you go help him?"
Maya dashed outside into the stable. She looked around, yet the blonde was no where in sight. Noticing the rustling hay in the loft, Maya yelled, "Are you looking for a helping hand?"
The young hero jumped down from the loft and smiled at her, "Yeah. I've only got to gather the eggs. Will you do it for me?" he asked, "Thanks Maya." He patted her arm then began preparing Epona for their departure. Maya returned a short time later carry the basket filled with eggs.
"Link…" she said handing him the basket.
"Yeah?"
"C-can I come with you?" She asked sheepishly.
Link looked surprised, "Well umm…I'm not coming straight back. Zelda told me there was something important we need to discuss."
"Oh…" she said, obviously disappointed.
Link sighed, "All right, you can come. If you don't mind waiting a little while."
Maya shook her head profusely, "No sir. Anything to get me out of the house."
Link nodded, "Well, if you can whip us up some lunch, I'll get an extra horse ready for you and will meet you outside."
Riven had been surveying the ranch from many different angles hoping to catch some glimpse of the young woman Ganondorf wanted him to dispose of. Unfortunately, no such glimpse was attained. His attention diverted over to the pair leaving the ranch through the main entrance. He immediately recognized the man to be his younger twin sibling, Link. "The girl must be Maya…" he thought, his eyes traveling over to the girl. He blinked several times, wondering what was so special about this girl. "What possible threat could one woman pose to a man with such power?" he said, speaking his thoughts out loud.
Of course, he figured this didn't concern him. As long as he got paid, nothing else really mattered. He continued watching them, forming a clever plan to capture the young woman. She didn't appear to be the type who would put up to much of a struggle if properly restrained. But of course there was that one little problem…Link. Riven could be rid of him easily. "But where's the fun in that?" Riven thought smirking. It would be so much better to let him search for the girl then snuff out his life. He nodded with satisfaction. That's what he would do and finally be rid of the little nuisance once and for all. He had after all harbored nothing but resentment toward his brother, mostly because of his ignorance. Link knew nothing of Riven save what he had heard in rumors. The most curious rumor of all was that this raven bore an uncanny resemblance to Link. And because of this the Hyrulians had dubbed him Dark Link. Link had made several attempts to capture the assassin at the request of Zelda, now the queen of Hyrule. But this so called raven always managed to slip through his fingers. "Don't worry little brother." Riven smirked, "By the time this is over with, you will know who I am."