A Link to the Future
Chapter 9
It had taken them about an hour to reach Castle Town. To Link's surprise it seemed to him that Epona in her horse form was as fast as in her Ferrari form. He was glad for this because by his guess, her speed had shaved off about two hours from the trip.
The streets where over-flowing with people of all sorts of nationality. Some Hylain, some Goron, and also Zora, Gerudo, and even some Moblins. According to Farore the Moblins were sell-swords, a fancy name for fighters that would kill for whoever had the most Rupees'.
"The government is in no way short in tax Rupee's," she said with a quick roll of her eyes. "It's really the grace of the Goddesses that these poor people are not taxed to death."
"The city in no way was short in its shops as well," noted Link. Almost every building on either side of them was a shop for, food, potions, and weapons. Farore had also warned him not to set foot into any of the shops in the East side of town unless he wanted to walk out penniless.
In time they reached the main square. It made East Castle Town look like an open field. There was no room for Epona to even take a step, so they had to dismount her and continue on foot.
"What is with all these people?" Link said out loud. "In the guide book it said Castle Town was a moderately sized city, not Manhattan!"
Well, that Castle Town lived over 2,000 years ago," Farore replied. "The city has grown since then, adding new housing districts about every two years."
Link let out a laugh. "There is no way that many people live in this place. It's not possible!"
Farore turned and looking him in the eye. "Where do you think all the war refugees go when Hyrule fights Ganondorf and other enemies? They all come here, since it is the safest place around! And they never leave and have kids, so yes Hero! WAY! There are that many people here." She turned and walked towards a map shop and entered.
Link was surprised. Why had she sounded so…sorry? The Farore he had known was cold hearted. There was no way that she would feel sorry of refuges.
Farore emerged from the shop and tossed a map to him. "This way," she said, back to her normal self, tugging him towards an inn.
"One room for the night," she said, tossing the women behind the desk an orange Rupee. The woman took it like a hungry child and tossed her a room key. Number 13. "Lucky!" Link thought to himself as Farore closed the door. She laid the map open on the table.
"This is Castle Town and Hyrule Castle," she said pointing to a black dot on the map. The map was all in Hylain, so Link could not read it.
"We must travel to Era," she continued tracing an invisible line from Castle Town to a star on the far side of the map. "It we leave tomorrow at dawn we should get there in six or seven days with Epona's speed."
"SIX OR SEVEN!" Link shouted. "But why even go there? I thought Castle Town was the capital. What's Era anyway?"
"Era is the capital, stupid! The Spirit Realm is far bigger then the old Hyrule. Castle Town is just one of the main cities. Era is the city that holds the 5 Elders of the Spirit, the supreme rulers of the realm. The only rulers higher then them are the Goddesses, so me I guess. Anyway, that is where the True Gate is. So tomorrow we leave. Get some sleep."
Link looked around. There was only one bed in the room. "Uh... Farore?"
"The floor," she said as the bathroom door closed he heard the rush of water. "They have showers?" he thought taking off the tunic and chain mail. He took one pillow from the bed and the top sheet, making a bed of sorts on the hard oak floor.
When Farore came out, her green hair fell past her shoulders, the water droplets shining in the candle light. For a second Link was awe struck. But only for a second.
"Night," she said, turning to blow out the candle. Link gave no reply.