Chapter nine

Sheik's P.O.V.

I woke up in a dingy cell, caked with grime and mud, and grimaced, from the soreness of my muscles and the various scrapes all along my arms and legs. I also grimaced because my clothes had so very many holes in them I might as well have been naked. Then I realized something else.

My eyes widened as my hand flew up, touching my face. It was bare. My cowl was gone. Gone! I felt a rush of shame and panic. How could I allow this to happen? How could this have happened to me?

What about Melainia? What would happen to her, now that I wasn't there to save her from trouble? I couldn't let this happen!
Gathering up my strength, which wasn't much, I began to run through the words of a teleportation spell in my mind--- until I realized that I couldn't remember the spell. Taken off guard, I tried again, and came up with the same result. Frustrated, I tried to think of an invisibility spell. I could sneak from the castle! But . . . I couldn't remember that spell either.

So I began to try and conjure up all the spells I knew. And I couldn't remember a single one of them. None of them. They were all wiped from my memory, and I had no magic, nor any swords. All my secret knives had been discovered and taken.

Now what?

I dragged myself up to my feet with some effort, my muscles trembling from weariness, casting my eyes quickly about the cell, searching for flaws, cracks in the stone, anything . . . I discovered a long scratch along the right wall, from the floor to the ceiling, and moved over to it, running my fingers delicately over the scratch, before I pressed my ear to the wall, listening.

I could hear the faint murmur of voices on the other side, and footsteps. I turned my head, looking through the crack, seeing that the slit was wide enough that I could see through, if only barely. I squinted, seeing the mountainside outside. It was nighttime. I couldn't recognize the scenery very well for lack of familiarness. I had no idea where I was.

Unequivocally, I was within an dwelling of Ganon's. I had to be. That was the only person, besides Impa, Link, and Melainia, that would know all of the locations of my throwing knives and everything else, due to familiarization in battle. I was sure he'd observed me enough in the midst of fighting to know where most, if not all, of my knives and or weapons were.

I sighed as my stomach growled. I sank down against the wall, trying to think of a way out of this. I couldn't think of anything off the top of my head, and I was at a loss for spells, apparently. Ganon was intelligent, so it was only natural that he would know I could use magic. For Nayru's sake, I'd conducted it in front of him!
I put a hand to my temple, massaging. I felt so naked without my cowl covering my face, but I did my best to convince myself it wasn't my fault it was gone. I tried to convince myself that it wasn't my fault that I'd been captured, that I'd failed.

And yet, I couldn't. I couldn't convince myself, because I knew that I was to blame. I knew that I was the reason that I was within this mess, and that the only way I was going to get out was by my own self. I didn't have any assistance, other than natural abilities. I had no weapons, no magic, no defenses. All I had was me, myself, and I.

Before I could think further on the issue, however, I heard footsteps coming in the direction of my cell. I tensed, lowering my face with shame, my golden hair falling down to mask some of my face, while my upraised arm did the rest of the job. It was a mechanical reaction, if anything.

"Come with me." rasped a scratchy, rough voice that made ice run through my blood. I glanced up, through my golden locks, to see the greedy, yellow eyes of a lizard. One of the lizards I'd fought earlier, it appeared. I was surprised it could speak Elvish.

Wordlessly, I stood, because my escape certainly wouldn't be through means of this cell without magic or weapons. I moved past the lizard into the long, dank stone hallway, forcing myself not to wrinkle my nose at the smell that issued from the scaly demon. I waited until the lizard started forward before I moved after it, limping slightly, holding onto my ribs, which ached from where Ganondorf had kicked me earlier.

As we walked, I was evaluating my options. This hall had only other cells, that I could see, and a staircase leading up at the very end. As we ascended the steps, and surfaced on the next floor, I saw we were in a grand hallway, with rich, red rugs, black stone walls, and black marble floors peeking through the red cloth. Tapestries of bloody battles were hung along the walls, and there was but one window, and it was too high for me to reach without jumping or climbing. I quickly memorized this hallway before we turned to go up yet another staircase.

The next hallway was much like the one below; it had tapestries, red rugs, stone walls and marble floors, but it had a set of double doors along the center, with two torches mounted on the walls on either sides of the doors, illuminating the hallway with a dim orange glow.

The lizard was taking me to the double doors. And for a moment, I questioned as to why I didn't turn and run for that window. And, as simply as I asked, I answered with: I wouldn't stand a chance, in the state I was in, if that lizard caught me and took me down. I needed to sneak from this castle, just as before. It wasn't the same castle, true, but it was very similar.

Through the double doors was a throne room. Underneath my feet was yet another red rug that led straight across to a black stone throne, cushioned with red velvet. Torches were stationed on either sides of the throne, along with Gerudo women, their faces masked with purple veils. Red curtains were draped over the two story windows along the left and right walls, and torches were mounted along those walls, as well, glowing dimly in the vast room. The rest of the black floor was left bare, except for the Gerudo guards stationed along the walls, and one black chair sitting a few feet in front of the steps leading up to the throne. I eyed it warily.

Ganondorf was seated upon the throne, as expected, a smirk upon his cruel face. He looked quite entertained, though nothing had happened yet. With a brief gesture of his hand towards the chair, he said smoothly, "My dear servant, please lead our guest to his seat."

I didn't have to be led. I jerked my arm free from the clawed hand that touched it, saying coldly, "I prefer to stand, thank-you."

Ganon smirked, as if he expected this reaction. "Very well, as you are the guest." Then, he frowned. "Speaking of such matters, Glorkul, I thought I instructed our guest to be nourished and bathed before he was brought to me. It's only good manners."

The lizard shifted uncomfortably under his master's glare. "Forgive me, master," he said in his scratchy voice, "but there was a disturbance in the dungeons with the other prisoners. I had only managed to contain them when it was time to deliver the Sheikah warrior." He bowed until his snout nearly touched the floor, waiting anxiously for his master's forgiveness.

"Very well, then, you are dismissed. Sheik will have to be taken care of personally." Ganondorf flashed me a disturbing smile, standing up from his throne with grace, despite his thick, muscular form. "I believe you found that you could not cast any magic?"

"Unequivocally." I replied coolly.

Ganon only smiled wider. "Apparently. I'm pleased that you were smart enough to try that move. And I'm quite sure you're missing these, right now." He casually raised one of my trusty throwing knives, turning it around and around, causing the blade to glint wickedly in the knife. I watched with captivated eyes, worried he would harm my knife, somehow. It had been given to me by Impa, so it was a very prized possession.

Then, just as quickly, the knife was gone, and Ganondorf had folded his hands neatly behind his back. "We are both well aware that this is not a time for idle chit-chat, so I will cut straight to the point." All amusement and games had vanished from Ganon's eyes, to be replaced with determination and a hatred he'd masked from me before. Yes, he hated me, just as he hated anything pure, working for the good of Hyrule. "I am under the impression that you are well acquainted with the young girl by the name of Melainia? That you are lovers with her, in fact?"

I didn't answer. If I said 'yes', that was betrayal, and I wouldn't even consider it. If I said 'no', Ganondorf would come to the conclusion himself that I was lovers with her and I was fairly sure he already knew, so I kept my mouth closed, simply staring blankly at him.

"I can see that you are intent on making this process difficult. What a pity." Ganondorf walked slowly up to me, so I had to look up, just to hold his gaze steadily. "What is the secret behind her powers, Sheik? You cannot tell me that you don't desire to know, as well. When have we ever, as mortals, seen a power as indescribable and infinite as her own? The magic she so skillfully displayed was force and energy beyond our wildest dreams, and if you are but to help me, we will be able to unlock that which has been withheld from mankind and elfkind for so long."

"I am not aware of that type of magic. No one is, and you are a fool to seek the answers to a question that has none." I said coolly.

Ganon simply smiled, and it unnerved me, though my expression did not show it. He stepped back. "So you're telling me that you do not have the slightest clue as to the means of her magic, the source? Because even a dolt would be able to differentiate between magic studied by a sorceress for many years and magic from a god. There is no rational person that would believe Melainia could contain magic like that on her own. That was the magic of a god, Sheik, and nothing less. Yes, I can see it in your eyes. You know this, already." Ganon narrowed his eyes slightly, tilting his head, as if he were peering into my very soul. I felt so exposed, and uneasy, under that gaze, that I nearly squirmed. "Melainia is not what she seems." he murmured, after a few moments of silence. "My Triforce reacted strongly in response to her, and her magic. It would be quite tragic if I had to find Melainia myself because you will not give me the answers that I desire."

"I told you that I didn't know!" I burst out angrily, unable to contain my fury. Suddenly, I wished that I was Link. I wished that I could contain my temper, be courageous. But I couldn't. I didn't work the same way as the Hero of Time.

Ganondorf smirked. "And I fail to believe that. Take a look, Sheik." he raised his hand, and a sudden swirling image appeared above his palm, and Melainia's face swam into view. My heart tightened with emotion, as I saw that it was Melainia in her transformation, with her strange markings, and long, black hair, practicing magic with Impa. This was Melainia now. So Ganon knew about the transformation . . .

"A combination of Sheikan, Twili, and celestial magic. The power of this girl harnessed would be unstoppable, correct, Sheik?" Ganon arched an eyebrow. "You are aware, yes. I'm afraid to inform you that whether or not you give me this information, Melainia will be brought to me." he said softly. "And she will be offered two choices. One, to join me, work for me, use her power for my benefit, or two . . . death."

My eyes widened at this prospect, and my heart began to pound in my chest as Melainia's image laughed at something Impa said, and she twirled the wildflower that she'd picked within her slender hands. She looked up, seeming to gaze at me through the image, and when her eyes widened, I sensed that she could see me. My heart stopped. "Sheik?" She called, and her voice echoed through the chamber.

Shock raced through me just as Ganondorf abruptly cut off the image and turned to his guards, snarling, "I did not foresee this! The girl can see through the magic of scrying!? Yet another safety precaution we must take!" Ganon stormed up to this throne, drawing a sword from behind the black stone and from the sheath it was held in, revealing a long black blade that glinted in the light.

I was left slightly dazed, as Ganon turned furious golden eyes upon me and said viciously, "You! You were aware of her magic! You tricked me into this! You will pay, Sheikah warrior!"

I only had a split second to react before his sword was zooming through air toward me. I did the only thing I could do: I ducked, flattening upon the ground, before I grabbed his boot and yanked with all my strength, causing him to lose his balance, slightly. I saw the Gerudo guards spring into action, drawing scimitars and heading forward to defend their master.

Or, I thought. I clenched my eyes shut as Ganon swung his sword down in an arch to slice me in two, since I couldn't react fast enough to roll away, waiting for the pain---

Only to gasp as I heard the clang of swords clashing. I opened my eyes, seeing one of the Gerudo women had blocked the blow with her scimitar, keeping me from being sliced in two. I scrambled to my feet as Ganondorf was distracted, to watch as another Gerudo woman raced up behind him, her sword raised to take him down.

However, Ganondorf was not the King of Evil for no reason. He maneuvered his sword in such a way that he broke free from his treacherous warrior, turning to block the other woman. I turned away from the battle scene, to run for my life, but was stopped by a lizard who had obviously heard the commotion and come to investigate. I would have been killed if a blade hadn't suddenly protruded through its chest, stained with green blood. The lizard gurgled up more blood before it crumpled in front of me, revealing the Gerudo behind it. Her golden eyes flashed to mine, and she winked. I felt a rush of bewilderment. What was going on?

I whirled, just in time to see Ganondorf curse as he was cornered by his own warriors. There was a quick word of magic uttered and he disappeared, and I let out a breath. I wasn't relaxed when the warriors turned to me, though. I tensed, my muscles stiff, as they surrounded me, all six of them.

But then the one in front pulled down the veil, and I gasped as I saw it was Nabooru. She winked at me again. "You look surprised, Sheik. Aren't you happy to see me?" she asked slyly.

I let my body sag with relief. "Nabooru? But . . . how?"

Nabooru waved her hand, and my eyes only widened more as the illusions of Gerudo warriors disappeared and in their places stood the Sages, all except for Zelda, Impa, and Melainia. Link met my eyes and smiled at me, and I smiled weakly back, after a moment.

"It wasn't easy, that's for sure. But before we discuss this, let's get the Staff of Souls and get out of here." Nabooru said solemnly.

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"The night that you were captured by Ganondorf was the night that Impa decided to scry you, and she saw you being attacked. Obviously Ganon wasn't smart enough to anticipate that someone might be watching, so he didn't bother to cast an anti-magic border over your camp." Nabooru explained, as me and the Sages rode upon horses down a dirt road, long after we'd galloped like mad away from the castle. I had figured out we were somewhere within the Gerudo desert, and we were just now touching the borders of Hyrule field. "So, we kept an eye on you and when Ganon took you to the castle, we went through desert and I used my magic to disguise the rest of the Sages as Gerudo warriors. We gained entry into the castle, and with it, access to the Staff of Souls, to clean it and guard it in different watches. We made sure that we were the guards that would be stationed in the throne room when Ganon brought you forth for questioning, so we could save your Sheikan hide. So, we now have two presents to deliver. This beautiful artifact," Nabooru withdrew the Staff from her pack with her gloved hand, and, just looking at it, I felt a shiver run down my spine from the magic and energy and power that crackled through the air. It was a long alabaster staff, and at the top, a single large, green gem was nestled within white gold, thrumming with magic. I felt a natural draw toward the item, before Nabooru tucked it back away safely. "which I will give to Zelda, and then there's you, and you are to be delivered safely to Melainia."

I felt a blush come over my face, before I realized that I still didn't have on my cowl. But none of them seemed to be treating me different, though none of them had ever seen me without it before. I felt another rush of shame, looking down, trying to hide my face again.

"It's fine, Sheik." Link assured me softly. "If it helps any." he offered me Nabooru's purple veil. Gratefully, I took it, wrapping it around my face and masking it once more from view.

I let out a breath. "Thank all of you. I didn't know if I had any other options to get out of that castle. But . . . do any of you know what's been going on with the sky lately? The blue has completely vanished. I haven't seen it for so long now, I almost forget what it used to look like."

"That's another issue." Ruto wheezed from her own horse. I noticed how pale and drawn her scaled face appeared. She looked sick and weak, and her fins drooped slightly. Her voice sounded dry and cracked. "Nayru is the goddess of law, order, and obviously water, so I am directly connected to her. However, I feel my strength waning, and her voice no longer speaks to me when I pray. I fear something tragic has occurred to her."

A nameless fear was awakened in my heart at those words, and my heart beat faster. "And the other goddesses?"

"Farore has remained in contact with me." Saria piped up.

"And Din has not failed to give me guidance." Darunia rumbled.

"Then it is as we feared." Rauru murmured in his low, wise voice. "Something has happened to the goddess of law and wisdom. The Princess also told me her magic has been weaker of late. We must study into this and find out what is going on. It is our duty, as the Sages, and you, Sheik, as you are indebted to the Royal Family."

I said nothing in response to that. I cast my gaze forward, my fingers clenching around the reins a little tighter. No doubt that Ganondorf was behind it. "Ganon will pay for his crimes." I said fiercely, my red eyes burning with anger.

"Yes, he will. The goddesses will deal him the justice he is due." Rauru agreed. "In the meantime, Melainia's magic is something entirely else."

I felt myself blush again at the mentioning of her. "And what is that?" I dared to question.

"Her magic, as Ganondorf said, is a mixture of Sheikan, Twili, and celestial magic. We have yet to understand all of it, but another occurrence as at the battle with Ganondorf has happened with her." Rauru paused, letting that sink in. I felt uneasy once more. "Melainia was taken over once more when she heard of your capture, and she destroyed a large portion of the castle in her rage. She was not contained by the combines of all of the Sages magic, along with the Hero of Time's efforts. It was a frightening experience, for all of us, to witness that terrible, unstoppable power." Ganon's same words rang through my head when Rauru said this. 'The power of this girl harnessed would be unstoppable, correct, Sheik?' "It only stopped by its own course, which was thankfully a few minutes after it began. But the damage had still been done. Melainia remembers being taken over by something, and hearing whispering within her mind, but nothing else. She cannot recount the event."

I swallowed past the sudden dryness of my throat. It was frightening, to picture. There was nothing I could say in return to that.

"Enough talk of doom and despair, though!" Nabooru interrupted. "You're giving me a headache!" her gaze softened, a rare thing, as she turned to me. "Melainia is fine, though, and she's waiting at home to welcome you with open arms, Sheik. Is that not happy?"

I smiled, slightly, at the thought, because it did help a little. I missed Melainia deeply, and I hated that I had had to leave her. But I would return, now, and everything would begin to look up, now that we had the Staff in our possession. Everything would look up . . .

I'm not sure how many more chapters this story will have, but it's getting close to the end. I know, I know, don't cry . . . But more reviews would be much appreciated!