An eerie silence filled the room as Sebin bent over the stone table the queen used as a desk within the throne room while examining every inch of the faded map while the Queen herself and her General stood close by. The Sorcerer turned his gaze back to the open book beside him, a heavy tome containing copies all of the known maps within the kingdom. ''If I am correct it would seem the village on the map is far beyond the Sultan's domain, far from any known kingdom actually.''
''Can the village be found?'' The Queen inquired.
''One or two of the landmarks seem to resemble those of others upon our own maps, but when taking in the fact that the map may be centuries old there is no way of telling if it still exists. But yes I believe there is a chance it can be found.''
As Casdin set the book of medicinal herbs back on the bookshelf a rather unfamiliar sight caught his attention from the corner of his eye. Midna sat at the library's table, while the image of her in the library was one of the most common sights within the palace it was the expression on her face that was the unusual occurrence, instead of giving the book that rested before her the rapt attention she normally would give it she simply stared down at it with half lidded eyes, as if the text upon the page was invisible to her, one of her arms rested flat on the table while she rested her cheek on the fist of her other hand.
''I don't think I've seen you so lost in thought since you were a little girl.'' Casdin remarked as he approached her. Midna jumped slightly as if being awoken from a deep sleep before she turned to face him. ''Is everything alright your, Highness?''
Midna shifted in her seat as she sat up straight before a long sigh escaped her. ''Yes...no, I am not really sure what I am right now to be honest.''
Casdin let out a low grunt and and felt his knees ache as he lowered himself into the seat beside her. Curse these old bones of mine. He silently uttered, it also did not help that he was still somewhat hung over the the previous nights festivities. ''Would you like to talk about it?''
The Princess leaned her head back and stared long and hard at the dark ceiling before turning her gaze on the doctor. ''Why did you marry Kul?''
DR. Casdin raised his brows, he certainly wasn't expecting that. He removed a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped the lens of his monocle. ''Well that story has a short version and a long version. Which would you prefer to hear?''
Midna shrugged. ''Which ever way you prefer to tell it I suppose.''
''Then it will be the long version.'' The Doctor chuckled as he placed the glass lens back over his eye. ''It was almost ten years before your father became king when I met, Kul. I had yet to be promoted to my current position at the time and my vision was as sharp as any expert archers, It was early in the day when I was called over to one of the infirmary beds and there he was reclining halfway on the bed with the smuggest grin I had ever seen. He smirked at me and said. 'If I knew a bloke as dashing as ye would be tending to me wound I would have gotten hurt sooner.'
I was a bit flattered but of course I didn't let him know that. I cleaned the wound on his leg he got from a training accident and sent him on his way with barely a word. I will not lie I did find him charming in a strange way...I believe the word I used at the time was roguish.'' For a moment his gaze became distant and a soft chuckle rumpled in his chest. ''And before I knew it he showed up a day or two later at the infirmary in the middle of the day asking me out for a drink, I told him no, all he did was smile that smug grin at me and bid me a good morrow. After the seventh time he asked me out to a drink, I made a deal with him. If I went out with him he would stop showing up while I was working and he accepted on the condition that if I enjoyed myself enough to let him kiss me good night I would go out with him again.''
''And did you?'' The Princess inquired.
''Let him kiss me? No, don't misunderstand I had a wonderful time that night and I actually did want him to kiss me, but I felt it would be more fun to play hard to get with him. And as I expected him to he showed up the next day shouting across the room that he was not going to give up until he got his bloody kiss.''
Midna smirked. ''And that's when you knew you wanted to be with him?''
Casdin's smirk faded slightly. ''I wanted to be with him yes, although I honestly never thought I would marry him. I figured we would get bored of each other eventually or something similar to that, instead after five years of being with him I was hearing gossip of him bragging to his comrades that he was going to propose, I was certain that I would decline.
''And then he lost his eye. He was on his way home from border patrol when they were jumped by a pack of wild Tektite, It was hard not to cry when I saw them carry Kul into the infirmary unconscious, covered in deep claw marks and missing one of his eyes. I helped tend to his wounds and after I stayed with him worrying myself sick. When he awoke he didn't smile his usual grin or make some snide joke about my worry, he simply looked me in the face, held my hand tightly in his own and said. 'Ye are the man I luv, and ye are the man I believe I will always luv even though ye piss me right off more often then not. But I don want to be meeting the Goddesses with regrets, so I'll ask ye this only once, and I be praying ye will answer the way I want ye to. Will ye be me husband?' I remember smiling with tears running down my face while holding his hand in both of my own when I said yes.''
''So...losing his eye was what made you want to marry him?''
Casdin removed his monocle and rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand. ''Yes and no, it was when I thought that there was a chance he would die that I knew I did not want to be without him, and that I knew without a shadow of a doubt in that moment that he truly loved me. And as far as I can tell he still does.''
The woman sighed through her nose. ''I see.''
''If I may pry, why the sudden interest in my husband and myself?''
Midna prepared herself for what she knew would come after her answer. ''I have begun to wonder if perhaps the council may have a fair point towards me finding a partner. I mean by the time my mother was my age she was already married and pregnant with me.''
The Doctor wrinkled his nose. ''Well being open to the idea of it is never a bad thing I believe, but I hope that it was not those fools constant badgering that has lead you towards this choice.''
The Princess shook her head as she leaned forward on her elbows. ''No this has been on my mind for some time now. And please keep this conversation between us, I really don't want this getting around.''
''Of course milady, I know full well how fast gossip travels within these walls.''After a pregnant pause Casdin spoke again. ''I can't help but wonder if the Hylian has anything to do with it though.'' He smirked at Midna's glare and continued with a more mischievous tone. ''We all saw the intimate dance you two shared last night, and I admit he looked rather fetching in that suit as well.''
Midna developed her own teasing smirk. ''I was unaware he was your type.''
''Not so much my type but he is very easy on the eyes, and trust me when you are as old as I am you learn to truly appreciate something like that.''
The library quickly became filled with the twos laughter and teasing words.
''Um...so I had a really good time with you last night and I was wondering if you would like to do it again? I mean I know there isn't going to be another ball until next year, but I thought maybe we could go dancing? Or if you like you could join the Guard and me when we go out for a trip to the pub? I know you are more partial to wine then ale but there are a few drinks I can think of that you might enjoy and...I'm screwing this up aren't I?'' Link rubbed his hands over his face letting out a stifled groan. He currently sat against the far wall of the training field a good deal away from his comrades seeking some privacy while they ran their drills and preformed their exercises (but truthfully more then most of them were nursing their hangovers). The moment he had laid down in his cot the previous evening after retiring from the bonfire the image of Midna in her snow white dress plagued him.
A loud croak ripped him away from his thoughts, he turned his head to see a large toad seated beside him, he briefly wondered where it came from but he found himself enjoying its presence all the same, after staring at the amphibian he recalled one of the tales his mother told him when he was younger about a frog and a princess. ''I don't suppose you know how to court a princess?'' He chuckled.
''Asking without babbling would be a good start.'' Link jumped and spun his head around to see Xanza beside him. ''That is the first time I have ever been able the sneak up on you.''
Link stood, an embarrassed blush enveloping his face. ''How much of that did you hear?''
The Twili chuckled. ''Enough. She really got to you last night didn't she?'' The Hylian nodded. ''As much as I would like convince you that you're just overthinking your approach we need you back with the group, Venrik is going to make some kind of announcement.''
''Do you know what about.'' Link asked as they walked back. Xanza only shrugged but the slight grin on his face told Link that he knew plenty.
The toad watched the two bipedal creatures leave, it wished the shorter of the two luck in its quest to acquire the mate he desired.
Link stood in the gathered crowd with Aran standing beside him all eyes fixed on the General whom stood atop the steps leading into the palace so all could see him. ''Good Morning.'' He spoke. ''I have come to inform you all that during the incident in Gerudo we discovered an old map within the Stormriders camp, after having the map inspected it revealed what may be a village far from any known to us within the desert and the Sultan's territory, we have a good deal to suspect that the village may be of Hylian origin.'' There were several hushed whispers shared among the group. ''Our scholars along with members of the Sorcerers Guild wish to mount an expedition to find the village, but we need volunteers to provide protection during their journey. It will be lead by Captain Xanza and Sebin from the Sorcerers Guild, there will be a total of twelve making the journey and I want at least thirty of you to join them, I will not hesitate to tell you that the journey will be dangerous, we do not know what lies in the village or even it still stands, and also it will most likely lay within Stormrider territory. Are there any who wish to volunteer?''
the whispering became more abundant, from what Venrik could tell it sounded hesitant.
A hand shot up from the crowd. ''I'll go!'' All eyes turned on the pale blond. ''I'll go too.'' Aran called from beside him in a more casual tone. Venrik took a piece of parchment from under his arm and wrote both their names upon the blank sheet, he had almost hopped that the boy would not volunteer. There was an ominous feeling that haunted him over this whole expedition idea, and the General liked to think his instincts could be trusted.
Iliana sat on the edge of her bed, her concerned eyes stared into her son's. ''I wish you had asked me what I think before making such a decision.'' She had been elated that Link came to see her after he had finished his morning training but the news had had imparted onto her now left a heavy wight of emotions that she had yet to even begin on how to process.
Link knelt on the floor before his mother holding her hands in both of his own. ''I know, but this may be the only chance I have to learn about the Hylians. Who my people were, their culture, maybe even learn where I came from.''
The Twili sighed deeply. ''I understand why you want to go, but Gerudo is not safe for any of us at this time, the patrols have said that there have been more creatures skulking into our lands then there have been in decades.''
''I know, Mom. I see all of the patrolling reports.''
''And you still want to go?'' She asked perplexed.
He nodded slowly. ''Yes I do.'' His eyes roamed over his Mother's face, focusing on the glassiness of her own eyes. ''...But if you really think this is to dangerous I won't go.''
Her grip on his hands tightened as her thoughts raced for a few minutes. ''Will you promise me you will be safe?''
A small chuckle escaped his lips. ''Of course I will.''
''Have you told the Princess?''
''I wanted to tell you first, I don't think she will mind that much though.''
Iliana's brow rose, it astonished her how oblivious her son could be, just about everyone in the palace knew that those two thought the world of each other. The only ones who seemed to not see that was the two in question. ''It would be best to tell her yourself before she hears it from someone else.''
''We already have twenty volunteers from the Day Guard, I hope to have at least ten from the Night Guard when I make the announcement to them this evening.'' Venrik spoke too the Council, ''Shall I leave the list so that you my review it, your Majesty?''
Vezzna extended her hand and took the piece of parchment from the General. ''Do your best to acquire at least fifteen more for the expedition, and ensure that those who are going understand the plausible danger of the journey. The sorcerers guild wishes to depart for the ruins in no more then three weeks, you can have the soldiers ready by then I trust?''
''It shall be done, my Queen.''
Her attention turned back to the Twili seated around her. ''If there is no other business anyone wishes to address I believe we can adjourn this meeting...Excellent, I wish you all a good day then.'' once the council departed the room (Vezzna watching as Zant attempted to lure her daughter into conversation once outside.) she leaned back in her seat and looked over the list of volunteers. Her eyes froze at the first name. ''Oh dear, that may cause a few problems.''
Venrik sat on the edge of the table. ''As you can see he was the first to offer his services. Do you wish me to deny it?''
''No, if he wants to go we will let him, but I want you to compose a list of guards I may interview to over see his duties while he is away.'' Venrik nodded. ''So, how is Iliana?'' She teased not looking away from the list of names.
''As lovely as that sounds, Zant I am afraid I must decline.'' Midna said.
The Sorcerer's jaw tightened into a thin line. ''Perhaps next time then.''
As the two went their separate ways Midna pondered when the Councilman would take the hint that she was not interested, there was a portion of her mind that thought that perhaps he would not stop and even though she had no interest in the man the fact that he kept trying to court her was flattering in of itself. Peoples attempts to court her were always the most plentiful for the first month or so after the anniversary ball, largely because it was the chance for many of the nobles to meet her face to face. Her thoughts were interrupted when the sight of her bodyguard jogged towards her. The noise of his chain mail rattled beneath his tunic with every step, a clear sign he dressed in a rush, Xanza had taught him years ago how to properly dress in armor to minimize the noise it would make when he would move.
''There you are, Mutt.'' She said crossing her arms once he stood before her. ''I was beginning to wonder where you were.'' She took notice that his face was flushed, there was a small amount of perspiration on his brow and that he was slightly short of breath.
In her mind she suddenly saw that same face above her while she lay upon her bed, her hands roaming the details of his bare chest, her thighs pressed against his sides as his hips rocked back and forth while- she bit the inside of her cheek to rid herself of those thoughts, already she could feel blood rush to her face and the growing excitement between her thighs. Mmm, that pale skin would look lovely against your fur blanket don't you think? Midna bit down on her cheek harder to silence her inner voice.
''Sorry, I went to see my Mom right after training finished.''
Her brow raised. ''Did you have another nightmare?''
He averted his gaze for a moment. He was nervous about something. ''No. Have you heard about the expedition to the desert?''
''Yes, we just discussed it.'' It dawned on her faster then he had anticipated. ''You volunteered.'' She stated. ''And you didn't think to ask me first?''
Link muttered something under his breath relating to his mother. ''I guess I thought that it wouldn't be a big issue if I did?''
''You're my bodyguard, how would it not be an issue?''
A small groan escaped the Hylian's throat. ''I'm sorry I didn't come to you first.''
''I understand that you wanted to tell Iliana, the issue is I am not convinced that you have thought this through.''
''What exactly is it that needs to be thought out?''
The Twili rubbed her eyes. Exasperated at his naivety. ''In case you forgot, Gerudo is possibly the least safe place for our kind right now. For all we know you could all be attacked on sight.''
''We usually get attacked on sight anyway.''
''That's not the point! There is no known record of anyone traveling that far into the desert and further more the village may not even exist.''
''But what if I came from there?'' Midna froze. ''If no one has ever been out that far then maybe that's where the Hylians disappeared to, maybe they are still alive and living there, maybe my blood family is there...still wondering what became of me.''
Midna averted her gaze. ''I can't talk you out of this can I?''
He placed a hand on her arm. ''I truly want to go, and if you understand that I am begging you not to ask me to stay behind.''
The Princess looked into his sapphire eye's, saw the desire and tenacity in them. She could make him stay, she had talked him into and out of things countless times before that if she truly wanted to she could easily convince him to remain in the kingdom. ''Okay...I won't make you stay, but I am in no way happy about you going.'' She emphasized that last part of her sentence by jabbing him in the chest with her finger.
''I'll...Make it up to you?'' He said lamely. Her brow rose skeptically as her arms crossed beneath her chest once again. Before he could stop himself he blurted out the first thing that came to mind. ''I can take you out dancing?'' His face turned scarlet the moment he realized what he had just proposed.
Midna's eyes widened. Did he just ask her on a date? Well considering he looks like he is about to have a panic attack I would say yes. Her inner voice snickered giddily. Midna stared at the Hylian's flushed face, her first instinct was to politely decline like she had with Zant. ''I'll think about it.'' Was what she found herself saying instead as she turned and walked away.
Link watched her walk away for a moment before following after her. Technically she had not said no.
The rest of the day progressed as normal, Midna attended her magic training with the other blooming sorcerers and sorceresses while Link returned to the training ground to run drills with some of the more veteran knights, once their lessons concluded they met in the library where the Princess would go over the papers of reports and proposals that needed to be reviewed that her mother gave her each day always seated beside her was her bodyguard a book laying on the table which he would raptly study, usually it would be a text on the histories of the many kingdoms or their legends, Link would leave after an hour or two to fetch their lunch, they would talk while they ate, most of the time it would be about nothing important.
Once evening fell they went their separate ways, Midna to turn in her papers to her mother and Link to be present at the training grounds for the daily briefing of the goings on within the kingdom with the rest of the royal guard.
Midna would take time to discuss with the Queen the papers each one had gone over that day before they retired to one of the many balconies within the palace to enjoy their supper together and turning the conversation to more relaxing topics.
The moment Xanza and Venrik ended the briefing Link left the grounds to join his mother for his own supper. That evening Link was lectured at nausea by his mother on what she expected of him to stay safe when he would travel to Gerudo.
Once their dinners were finished and they gave a fond goodnight to their mothers (Link giving Iliana a kiss on the cheek.) they met one last time that day in the hall where Link would escort Midna back to her room, at times they would go to the library balcony to spend a bit more time together. But alas this was not one of those days. Once they reached the top of the spiraling staircase that led to the hall to her bedchamber she turned to the pale young man and gave him a simple. ''Goodnight, Mutt.'' Before walking down the short hall.
''Goodnight, Midna.'' He would say as he watched her disappear into her chamber, a hint of longing always unconsciously entering his farewell, once he heard the door close and the lock click he would turn away and slowly make his way back to the barracks.
Midna collapsed face down on her bed and let out a slight groan before rolling over onto her back and stared at the ceiling. Her mind was a jumble of numerous thoughts, but the foremost was the fact that in just a few weeks Link would be leaving to attempt to find his long lost tripe and that he had asked her to go dancing, it surprised her that she was considering it. Countless men and women had made similar and at times the same offer to her before and she never showed interest in them but she clearly was intrigued in doing so with the Hylian, the dance they shared together last night was the most obvious explanation as to why she was even considering this offer, or perhaps it was the lingering feeling she felt once their dance ended and the stronger feelings of when she kissed his cheek at the end of that night.
She pressed her eyes closed until they hurt to rid her of the thoughts and the budding feeling in her breast. Why are you so against even the thought of him as a romantic partner? She bit down on her tongue to silence her inner voice.
Link entered the barracks and was greeted by several of his fellow guardsmen, he passed Kul who gestured to him with the burning pipe he held in his left hand as a form of greeting, Link smiled at the older man as he made his way to his bunk, declining a group of card players who asked if he wished to join in as he weaved through the crowd.
He sat on the floor in front of his bunk and reached into the sack that lay under his blanket and removed an inkwell, a quill, a piece of parchment and an envelop. He rested the paper on the floor, dipped his quill into the ink and began to write.
My dearest friend.
I must express my concern about this 'expedition' you spoke off, the reason being is also the answer to the question you had posed in your letter. I am afraid I do not have much information that I can impart onto you but what I do know is that the deserts outside our kingdom have been dangerous not only for us but for the caravans that pass through them as well.
As far as I am aware the creatures that reside in the deserts are attacking anyone on sight, taking no prisoners and leaving no survivors ether. How many of the attacks are preformed by the Stormriders I cannot say.
So if you must go please be cautious, I would hate to find out that something had happened to you.
I have included something for you to take with you in case you feel lonely on your journey.
My harem sister is the one whom drew it. I do hope you will send me something similar with the letter I expect to get once you return home.
Xoxo Veran.
Link's face flushed as he drew a small drawing from the tan envelope. It was small enough to fit into the palm of his hand but the detail was exquisite, the drawing was of Veran reclining upon a bed of pillows, her skirt was parted enough to show her legs but keeping her more private parts concealed, one of her arms rested beside her head while the other was used to barely hid her bare breasts, she wore a come-hither look and a seductive grin.
Link quickly slid the drawing back into the envelope before anyone in the barracks could see what had caused such a reaction from him. He was somewhat relieved that he had received a reply to the letter he had sent Veran considering the expedition would be leaving in just two days, he would write to her again before he left but before doing so he needed to report the contents of the letter to his superior. He folded the letter back into the envelope and stuffed it into the sack on his bunk.
It took the young man a little more then an hour to find the man he searched for, he silently cursed himself that he had not thought to look in the man's office first instead of wandering the countless halls of his home and asking any passerby he crossed, it was very late in the evening but the light from underneath the door still burned brightly. As his knuckles rapped lightly against the petrified wood he prayed that Venrik would not be cross with him for disturbing him so late.
''Enter.'' His muffled voice sounded from within. Link straightened his posture as he entered the General's office. The room was small, the only furniture was the ornate desk which had been a gift from the Queen and the bookshelf, the desk was tidy and well polished, which juxtaposed with the state of the floor, papers, books, maps and unknown rolls of parchment lay about the floor in an semi organized mess. The large window behind him overlooked the training grounds but was high enough within the palace that if anyone from the grounds bellow would look up at the window all they would see would be the reflection of the clouded sky.
Venrik did not even glance away from the papers on his desk as Link approached the man's desk doing his best to avoid stepping on anything. ''Good evening, General.'' The Hylian greeted standing at attention.
''You may cease the formalities, Comrade. Now please get to the point of your visit.'' His voice was stern, he was indeed displeased about this late night visit.
''I wanted to report some information that was given to me regarding Gerudo.''
This caught his attention. ''Go on.'' He encouraged but still did not look up from his desk.
Link cleared his throat. ''A trusted source has told me that the creatures within the desert possibly allied with the Stormriders have been attacking anyone they see on sight.''
Venrik seemed to ponder the information for a moment. ''And whom is this 'source' of yours?''
''Lady Veran, Sir.''
The General finally looked up at the young man with narrowed his eyes. ''You have been in contact with the Sultan's concubine?''
Link's confidence was beginning to crumble under the man's intense gaze. ''Y-yes Sir, we are...pen-pals.''
''Pen-pals,'' He muttered his tone becoming tense. ''So you have been feeding information to the concubine of our possible future enemy?''
''I kept the details vague on purpose just in case the letter was discovered, Sir.''
''Any detail no matter how small in the right hands can pose a risk, if someone were to discover your letter it would not be difficult for them to watch the borders and plan an assault when you are out in the desert. I will pass on what you have told me, as well as the fact that you may have put this expedition in further danger. You are dismissed, Hylian.''
With his head low he exited his superior's office, he sighed as he trudged along the hall back to the barracks. How in the world had he managed to mess this up? All he wanted to do was help and now there was the possibility that they had to be on the look out for a attack by the creatures and the Gerudo.
He kicked at the ground, he had hoped that the General would at the very least acknowledge that he had tried to help. Deep down Link desired the General's approval most out of the many people in his life. Xanza had told him once before when he was beginning his training that Venrik did in fact like him, he just had a funny way of showing it. Link was not entirely sure he believed it, Venrik always acted coldly towards him which was not unusual, the Twili acted coldly towards everyone even the Queen. But when he spoke to Link he could always feel a sense of irritation in his voice.
Early on he had thought that the man would warm up to him considering he and Link's mother were...he paused. What were they even? He had never gotten a straight answer out of his mother, and his friends were also unable to answer that question clearly. But regardless the two were close and perhaps that was why he sought out the man's approval, but alas to the Hylian's dismay the General kept his distance from him.
Midan lay awake in her bed, the book she had been trying to read a few moments prior resting comfortably upon her breast. She had enjoyed the story but as of late she could not devote her attention to it, the day after tomorrow Link, Xanza, Sebin and the numerous others would leave on the longest expedition any Twili had undergone in the history of their kingdom, for all she knew not even the Gerudo kingdom had traveled that deep into the desert. It was roughly estimated by several scholars within the palace (herself included) that when taking the known landmarks near the Hylian village into account the journey to their destination would be roughly three weeks. Meaning they could easily be gone over two months.
And that fact worried her, several weeks of traveling near Stormrider territory was dangerous enough as is and that was before the incident with the Gerudos had taken place.
The Princess set aside her book and sat up with her legs crossed. She wished she had asked Link to stay behind, and knowing him he would have done as she asked, he would have moped around the palace for a few days but he would have gotten over it quickly.
Are you certain of that? This isn't some patrol, they are going to find his people.
''We are his people.'' Midna affirmed. ''I highly doubt he would leave us...leave me for a new kingdom.''
But what makes you so certain? What if his birth parents are there, what if he discovers an entire family he never knew about? Do you truly believe he would return?
''I do, we are his family and he loves us. He would not just leave us behind.'' Her tone was absolute but deep in her heart she worried that such a thing may indeed happen, if she truly believed her own words her inner voice would not be feeding her fears after all.
Trying to distract herself her eyes fell on the vase of flowers that rested upon her dresser. They were from Zant, every now and then he would leave a vase of flowers outside her room, yet another act of courtship she suspected. The flowers were always lovely but they held no real importance to her.
She stared as if in a trance at one of the blue flowers musing on how if it was just a bit brighter color it would look the same as Link's eyes.
Link lifted a small crate from the ground and set it on the wagon beside him. It was before sunrise and already the palace courtyard was bustling with activity as everyone prepared to depart for their journey while also speaking to their family members whom had come to see them off. Xanza and Sebin were giving orders while looking over maps and lists of supplies, the council had deemed that since they could not risk sending almost fifty horses on such a long and hazardous expedition they would have to walk, meaning they may be gone longer then first expected. They were taking two larger then normal carts filled with supplies being pulled by two horses each.
''Are you excited?''
Link rolled his eyes as he bent down to grab another crate from the ground. ''For the fourth time, yes, Havid, I am very excited.'' He answered the boy in a less then enthused tone. The Hylian was somewhat surprised that the boy had been allowed to come, he suspected that it had to do with Sebin and he being related.
''Sorry, Comrade.'' Havid said merrily as he moved back and forth with Link between the cart and the pile of supplies that still needed loading. ''I just can't believe we are actually going to visit a Hylian village.''
''Possible village,'' Link corrected. ''We don't actually know what we will find until we get there.''
Havid tapped his chin with his thumb. ''That is true, but my uncle is very confident about it. Actually last he told me that-''
a horn being blown from atop the palace walls stole the attention of everyone within the courtyard, which Link was rather grateful for he was not sure how many more long winded lectures about magic and Hyrule he could take from the boy. Xanza gave the signal to follow him as he and Sebin marched towards the palace doors, standing within the threshold of the royal palace was the Queen, Princess and not too far from them was the General and Iliana standing together.
In all there were forty-seven men and women who would be journeying out into the desert that day, they all knelt before the two royals. ''May the Goddessess watch over you,'' Vezzna spoke. ''Be cautious, never stray from one another and return home safely.''
the men and women rose to their feet and returned to their friends and families to say their final farewells, Venrik signaled one of the guards atop the wall and a moment later the gates began to open. Link went back to the cart to help Xanza finish loading the supplies, he felt anxious and nervous. He wondered if anyone else felt that way right now. He paused and smiled weakly as he watched his mother approach, he strode towards her meeting halfway and hugging her tightly. ''You have no idea how hard this is.'' She sounded as if on the verge of tears and her embrace was so tight it hurt.
''Nothing is going to happen, and we will be home in no time at all.'' He tried to reassure her. She pulled away still holding his arms, tears threatening run down her cheeks. Xanza approached the two and gave a small bow to Iliana. ''Rest easy Milady, I will personally see to his safe return.''
The Woman wiped her eyes. ''Thank you, Captain.''
The Maid and Captain moved aside as the Princess approached her bodyguard. ''Last chance to change your mind.'' She said arms crossed.
Link breathed deeply. ''You know I wont.''
She nodded before playfully punching her friends shoulder in a vain attempt to lighten the mood. ''Then I'll see you when you get back, Mutt.''
Link was never good at goodbyes, he and Xanza bowed to her and turned away, it was the moment his back was to her that something deep within her called out, it was not the annoying voice in her head it was something else entirely that screamed at her to not let him walk away, begging her to stop him, telling her that if he left he would never come back.
Link stopped and turned back towards the two women, his eyes fixated on his right arm where Midna had grabbed him, he met her gaze, she looked worried almost frightened. ''Be careful...please.'' She said.
Link smiled, touched by her concern. He looked down at himself for a moment and then back to her from the corner of his eye as a thought struck him. He seized the neckline of his poncho and with one quick motion pulled the garment off, he gave it a good shake a few pieces of lint and hair falling from it in response and then draped the poncho around the Princess' shoulders. ''Keep this safe for me?''
Midna touched the the worn fabric with her left hand more then a little shocked by the gesture, he had never done anything like this before and she was certain that he never let anyone wear or even take his poncho, he loved this ratty old thing more then even she knew. She gave a small nod of her head. ''Sure.''
He smiled wider this time. ''I'll see you in a few weeks.''
She watched him walk back to the wagons and the others with Xanza, the feeling of butterflies in her stomach and deep dread in her chest.
Xanza slapped Link on the back and chuckled as they came back to the group. ''That was very smooth.'' He spoke with a wide grin.
''Really?'' The Hylian asked a small feeling of pride in his chest.
''Indeed. Maybe you are not a total lost cause when it comes to courtship.'' Xanza reached into the back of one of the wagons, removed one of the spare cloaks and tossed it to the young knight.
Link caught the cloak and clasped it into place around his neck. ''Since when was I a lost cause?'' He joked.
Midna, Iliana and countless others watched as their friends and family walked through the palace gates, waving and wishing them well as they turned back for one last look at their loved ones, the only one whom never looked back was Xanza, but beside him the Hylian looked back and waved to his mother and closest friend just before the gates closed.
That same horrid feeling as before overcame the princess of the Twilight again as the gates closed. She griped the poncho draped around her a little tighter, the weight bringing her some small reassurance. As she climbed the steps of the palace entrance she saw the grin on her mother's face, clearly eyeing the article of clothing around her shoulders. ''Not a word.'' Midna hissed at the Queen as she passed. Her Majesty simply chuckled in response.
They had only been outside the kingdom for a little over an hour when a flock of Kargaroks began to circle above them calling out to one another with their strange trumpet like cries, hoping or perhaps expecting some of the travelers to drop dead. Some of the group watched the winged creatures while the rest paid them no mind. Beside Link, Aran fixated on one of the larger animals as she strung the bow she carried, she aimed her arrow skyward, drew back her arrow and fired, Link watched as the arrow struck her desired target. ''Good shot, Aran.'' Xanza commented as the Kargarok plummeted to the ground several yards away from the group. Aran smiled smugly at Link before jogging off to claim her prize.
Midna turned the page of her book, the quiet atmosphere within the library left her unsettled, which was strange to her considering there was the same amount of noise as there always was, the sound of footsteps, books being placed on and taken off shelves, people speaking in whispers, etc. The only sound that was missing was the noise that her companion would usually make as they read but the seat to her right where he always sat was vacant as it had been for the past several days.
She felt ridiculous he had only been gone a few days and she already felt herself missing him, he had been gone for long periods of time before when he went on patrol and she didn't miss him then so what made this feel so different? Her pondering of this made it hard to focus on what she was reading at the moment, she turned the page not having fully read the last one but she felt she could not be bothered.
Behind her one of the guards that had been assigned to her that day was perusing the shelves of books, while the other was sitting in a chair against the wall beside the door trying not to nod off. Everyday she had been assigned two new guards hand selected by her mother and Venrik and this process would continue until the expedition returned. It reminded her of her childhood before Link was knighted and made her permanent bodyguard. She looked out onto the balcony as she began to reminisce on the countless hours she and the Hylian had spent there.
She tore herself from her thoughts and tried to immerse herself in her book once again. After only a few minutes the guard finally fell asleep in his chair and his light snoring filled the room.
It took longer then it normally would for the group to reach Gerudo partly because many of the scholars were unaccustomed to traveling meaning they were forced to stop to let them rest more often then the guard would have liked.
The sun had already set when they stopped to make camp in the desert, the process also taking longer then normal due to many of the Twili being distracted by the endless sea of bright stars. It was late in the evening when camp was finished being made, supper was eaten hastily and with little conversation so they could sleep as soon as possible.
Link stood in the sand alone at the edge of the campsite having been tasked with watch duties first, the stars kept distracting him, but it did keep the normal boredom at bay when he would usually keep watch. ''This is only my second time seeing them and it's as beautiful as the first.'' Link turned and saw Aran wrapped in a blanket approaching him, her eyes also gazing up at the stars.
''I know what you mean.'' He said once the young woman stood beside him. ''I never get tired of seeing them...especially now.''
Aran stood so close their shoulders nearly touched. ''You took the Princess out here once didn't you?''
''I did, years ago.''
''I'm a little jealous you never took me.''
The Hylian glanced over the woman. ''I never knew you wanted to see them.''
Aran laughed as she returned his gaze. ''Do you know of anyone in the kingdom who doesn't want to see them?'' Link pondered for a moment only to produce a defeated sigh. ''It's an amazing sight.''
Link looked back to the sky drawing his cloak tighter around himself. ''Yeah it is.''
''Pretty romantic don't you think?''
Link cocked his brow and glanced over at the girl beside him from the corner of his eye. ''I-I guess so...'' He stammered.
''It would be quite the perfect time for a young man to court a young lady.'' Link glanced over at Aran again to find her staring at him with a grin on her face and an expectant look in her eye.
''Aran...'' Link spoke her name uncomfortably as he turned to fully face her, the young woman turning to face him as well eagerly anticipating his next words. ''I...I do like you, a lot actually now that I think about it.'' He sighed and averted his gaze before continuing. ''But...I'm not ready to give up on Midna yet.''
Aran looked away crestfallen for a few moments before looking back at the Hylian. ''I understand,'' She took a step closer to him and pressed a finger to his chest. ''But I want you to understand that I'm not ready to give up on your ether.'' She smiled at him when she noticed the small blush on his face. ''Ever since I first met you I've had this feeling that you were the one for me.''
Link's eyes went wide. ''Y-You have?''
Her smile grew as she leaned forward and kissed his cheek. ''If you get cold tonight you know where to find me.'' Link watched her walk back to camp.
As Aran made her way back towards the campfires she passed Xanza whom was on his way towards Link. ''What was that about?'' Xanza asked when he was close enough to Link that he wouldn't have to shout.
''We were just...talking.'' Link said lamely, turning away to look back over the horizon.
Xanza made a small humming noise in the back of his throat as he came up beside the young knight. ''You seem to be doing an awful lot of 'talking' with women lately.''
Link sighed. ''I've been doing a lot of thinking about women lately as well.''
The Captain cocked his brow intrigued. ''And what have you been thinking exactly?''
Link considered spilling his concerns and desires out to his elder brother but as quickly as the thought came it vanished leaving him simply muttering. ''Nothing important.''
The meditation room was filled with the usual bustle of chatter once the magic lessons had finished, due to Sebin's absence Zant had been hosting the lessons for the past three weeks. Midna had found herself missing Havid's ramblings and endless questions he would direct at her about her Hylian as they left.
Wait did she just call him her Hylian? She rubbed her forehead and pressed her eyes closed, the past few days she had been catching herself calling Link that as well as thinking of him late at night when she was alone in her room much more then she normally would. Absence makes the heart grow fonder. Her inner voice smugly teased.
''Your Highness?'' Midna turned to the young woman who had approached her. She was another one of the students, her name was Cremia. ''We are going out for drinks tonight and we were wondering if you would like to join us?''
The Princess glanced back at the other two women on the far side of the room, she had been asked a few times in the past but always found herself politely declining, at this point she assumed they tried to include her as a courtesy more then anything. ''I could go for a drink.'' She said, and she meant it. Perhaps getting out of the palace for a few hours would help get her mind of the Hylian that despite her inner protests she did indeed miss more then she would ever admit.
The young woman was clearly surprised. ''Oh! Well we are planning on meeting in the courtyard in an hour.''
''I'll meet you there then.'' She watched as the woman returned to her friends and saw the looks of surprise on their faces when she passed on the fact that she would be joining the group that evening.
After bathing and fetching a change of clothes she arrived at the courtyard where the women were awaiting her, and after apologizing for being late and asking them to call her 'Midna' instead of 'her highness', 'princess' or any other title they signaled the guards on duty to open the gate and they made their way into the kingdom.
Midna could not remember the last time she had traveled through he streets of the Twili in a casual fashion, the women pointed out the shops that they frequented to her and waved at passerby's they knew and would sometimes roll their eyes and laugh at the few times they were catcalled.
The tavern they entered was crowded and filled with laughter and merriment even though it was still early in the evening, they greeted the bartender whom seemed to know them rather well, Midna decided to hang back partially because she felt the third wheel of the group and partially to try to keep herself from being recognized. After one of the girls Midna had learned was named Anju ordered tankards of ale for them all they weaved through the crowd and sat themselves down at a table near the far wall from the bar where it was slightly less crowded. The drinking and banter quickly followed, Midna did not drink ale very often and was teased by the third girl named Orielle when she took her first sip and slightly grimaced at the strong bitter aftertaste. During the conversation the Royale learned that Cremia had a younger sister named Romani that worked with one of the smaller stables within the kingdom, Orielle helped her brother run a general and feed store not to far away until a few years ago after her brother convinced her to pursue her dream of studying magic to become a priestess and that Anju's parents owned the tavern they currently drank in and that she was currently engaged.
Midna's chest sank after Anju's fiancee was brought up the conversation quickly began steering from random topics to the one thing she never really enjoyed gossiping over. Courtship.
''Well why don't you like him? You have said before that you wanted to marry a knight.'' Anju asked Orielle. The knight they spoke of Midna had never met and if Link knew him he never mentioned him in conversation
''I said I found the idea of being with a knight 'romantic', I never said I wanted to marry one.'' The girl retorted timidly from behind her tankard.
''Yes but why don't you like him?'' Cremia echoed the question.
Orielle shrugged as she brushed one of her twin braids behind her shoulder. ''He is charming but I just don't think he is the right one for me.''
''Nothing wrong with waiting to find the right one.'' Midna commented.
The others chuckled. ''That's easy for you to say,'' Cremia chuckled. ''You already found the 'right one'.''
Midna shot the group a questioning glance over the rim of her tankard, she was half way through her second. ''Are you and the Hylian not together?'' Anju asked after a moment.
Midna set down her tankard and rolled her eyes, she wondered how many times she had had this conversation in the past and how many times she would have it in the future. ''No, despite whatever gossip you may have heard Link and I are just friends.''
''I personally find that rather surprising,'' Cremia said. ''Just about everyone in the palace knows about you two running away to Gerudo for several days, that you two attended the anniversary ball together, and I also heard that you kissed him once.''
Midna paused, it had been quite some time since anyone brought up the kiss to her. ''Link and I attended the ball together at my Mother's request, there are a few reasons we went to Gerudo some I am not sure I can say to respect Link's privacy.''
''What about the kiss?'' Anju asked.
Midna took another drink of her tankard, managing to only make a small face at the taste now. ''We were both children and I was caught up in the moment. You all know how he got that scar on his stomach?'' They nodded. ''At the time I was deathly afraid he was not going to live and when I heard he was awake I acted impulsively.''
''So you have no interest in him?'' Cremia inquired.
''I wont deny that he is handsome but no have no interest in him romantically.''
Liar.
''Do you know if he is seeing someone?'' Orielle said in a low voice.
The other girls began to tease their friend, Midna was slightly relived that the conversation had been steered away from herself and found herself smiling at the bashful face of the young woman beside her. ''Since when did you become interested in the Wolf?'' That comment peaked Midna's interest. ''The what?''
The others turned to her once again. ''The Hylian, some call him the 'Blue Eyed Wolf'.''
The Princess cocked her brow in disbelief, she had never heard anyone call him that. ''Who calls him that and more importantly why?''
''Some of the maids do,'' Answered Cremia. ''I've never seen it myself but they said that sometimes when he is sparing he gets this intense feral look in his eyes similar to a wolf.''
She thought it was ridiculous, that is until she remembered the look she saw in his eyes that day the archer had tried to assassinate her, it was brief but the moment the look of concern left his face when he blocked the arrows there was indeed an almost enchanting intensity to his eyes.
She also wondered if they used the word 'wolf' because of the nickname she gave him.
The rest of the evening was very enjoyable for the group, and by the time they parted ways they were all a bit drunk. Cremia walked herself home not living to far away, Anju decided that she would stay the night with her parents, Midna and Orielle walked back to the palace together since the latter was currently living there as well. Once they walked into the courtyard Orielle bid the Princess goodnight and said they should all meet up again soon. Midna agreed and as she climbed the stairs to her room she looked forward to spending time with them again and regretted not taking up their many offers in the past sooner.
After pushing her bedroom door closed with her foot she threw her cloak onto the small pile of other dirty clothes she had yet to pick up the past few days and collapsed onto her bed too tired to change into a nightgown.
Why did you lie? Her inner voice accused while she crawled under her fur blanket.
''I didn't lie.''
Yes you did, you and I know you are much more then just 'interested' in him.
Midna laid quietly in her bed for awhile her eyes fixed on the padded stool in front of her vanity were her best friends poncho lay draped over it. She remembered how touched she was that he had left it with her, how that when she felt the weight of the cloth on her shoulders it made her heart flutter and that the memory of the smile on his face when he bid her farewell made her cheeks rosy. She rolled onto her back and pressed her palms into her eyes. ''I am not in love with him.'' She hissed.
Lair.
The meat tasted horrid, but after several weeks of eating nothing but jerky and hardtack no one complained. As the evening drew near they had been swarmed by a small group of Moldorm, large worm like creatures that burrowed beneath the sand and hunted anything that crossed their path. After killing two of them the rest fled perhaps fearing for their lives, they carved what good meat they could from the carcasses before moving on and that evening they roasted them over the fire. No one within the group had any real skill when it came to cooking and they carried no herbs, spices or even salt so the meal was less then they had hoped for.
The Hylian had lost count of the days they had spent traveling, if he had to guess he assumed it had been a month, maybe a little more. They were all exhausted, especially the horses, the poor creatures had been suffering from the heat for days now worse then the Twili themselves were. There was talk among them that perhaps it was time to return home, the more tenacious scholars (Sebin being one of them) had convinced the rest of the group that if they did not find any sign of what they were searching for soon they would return home.
Link wanted nothing more then to find this Hylian village but he was tired of this long journey, he missed his mother, his home and Midna, and the hole that was slowly forming in one of his boots that allowed sand to creep inside it was only adding to his desire to leave the desert soon.
''Are we safe here?'' Link paused mid bite and looked across the campfire at Havid.
''What do you mean?'' Someone asked.
The boy glanced around somewhat self consciously. ''What if the Moldorms come back? Or what if the smell of the dead ones attract something else?''
''What could they attract exactly?'' Aran inquired.
Havid fidgeted before answering as if he were frightened to just mention what was plaguing his mind. ''A Molduga.''
Xanza chuckled. ''Pray tell, what exactly is a Molduga?''
''It's also called the Sand Leviathan.'' Link answered. ''That's what I've heard people call them.''
''I've read about them.'' Sebin added. ''But I haven't met anyone who has seen one.''
All eyes turned to the Hylian. ''Neither have I. I wouldn't be worried about it, Havid, I think they are just a superstition.''
''Don't try to discredit superstitions, Comrade.'' A knight beside Sebin spoke. ''I was on patrol several years ago, and on the night I was on watch I saw something.'' The woman paused for dramatic effect. ''It was big, even from how far away it was I could tell it stood twice as tall as most, it was slightly transparent and dressed in dark robes, it had horns and teeth as large as your hand and it carried a giant sword in one of it's bony hands. I remember being frozen in fear and it only got worse when it looked right at me, and then it just vanished into thin air, I only began to talk about it once we returned home I was terrified that if did while we were out in the wild it would appear again.''
''The Death Sword.'' Xanza said with a smirk. ''I've seen it too, some say its a being that was created by our ancestors to protect our land and others say its the spirit of a creature from a long forgotten ancient civilization that lived within the Twilight before us.''
''So what have you seen then?'' Havid spoke to Link, interrupting anyone else whom may have had a similar tale to tell. ''You never talk about your time in Gerudo, I know what your situation was when you lived here but there must be something you could share with us correct?''
Situation, that word hung in Link's mind like a toxic fog. Perhaps it was the exhaustion from the journey or maybe it was the blisters on his feet but that word 'Situation' made his stomach churn and anger build in his chest. Stubbing ones toe was a situation, accidentally dropping your dinner was a situation. What the Hylian went through was nothing even similar to that, what it was a living nightmare.
''You shouldn't ask about such things, Havid.'' Xanza rebuked the teenager.
''The Captain is correct, Nephew.'' Sebin added. ''Especially if you already know the things he endured.''
''But we don't know what he endured,'' Havid stated. ''I have never heard him speak of it and I don't think he has spoken to anyone, not even the Queen. Do none of you wish to have your curiosity satiated?''
Xanza glared at the boy. ''Havid-''
''Alright.'' All heads and eyes whipped to Link. Beside him Aran took notice that his grip on the meat he had been eating moments prior was so tight his hand shook slightly. ''I'll tell you about Gerudo.''
His tone was tense, angry perhaps even a little disturbed. ''Link you-'' The Captain began to say.
''Its fine!'' The Hylian hissed. After a few moments of no one else interjecting he continued. ''You all know what I was before, most of you have seen the mark on my chest and those of you who haven't no doubt have heard the story and gossip of how I came to be in the Twilight.
''Everyday was filled with hunger, beatings and worse. I can still remember the rotten food they would feed us, how difficult it was to not vomit after forcing myself to eat, the beatings and whippings I received because I would collapse from exhaustion when pulling the wagons full of the slaves in cages with the others just like me, sometimes they would beat us because they were bored or they would do it if we even spoke or cried to loudly.'' He paused for a moment breathing deeply through his nose. ''The cages they kept us in were so small I had to keep my legs pulled up against my chest just to fit inside, and there was a girl in the cage next to mine. She was older then me, early twenties maybe with dark hair. I liked her...she used to smile at me from her cage, I never knew her name since we were not allowed to speak.
''One day when the sun was beginning to set they had stopped the wagon for a 'break' as they called it, they took the woman in the cage next to mine and dragged her through the sand a few feet from the wagon and had their way with her...there were seven of them. The sun had set halfway when they dragged her beaten and defiled body back to the wagon and locked her back in her cage, I watched her press her face into the bottom of the cage as she silently cried for several minutes.
''For weeks she had been carefully whittling away at the wood of the wagon beneath her cage with her fingernails, her nails had become cracked and bloody after doing it for so long but she kept doing it despite the pain it put her through and on that evening she finally got what she wanted...she had carved out a piece of wood from the wagons floor no thicker then her little finger and about as long as her palm. I watched her hold it in both of her hands, she was still crying and shaking when she looked over at me, she smiled gently at me...and then I watched her stab herself in the neck with it.
''I started to sob loudly when she began coughing blood, it only took a few seconds for the slavers to start yelling at me to stop, when I didn't they came around no doubt to silence me but then they saw the blood, they pulled her feet first out of the her cage and down onto the sand but she was already dead when they opened the cage. I watched them kick her naked body I'm not sure why, maybe it was to see if she was still alive but more likely they were just angry. They just left her there in the sand. I twisted myself in my cage so I could look back at her corpse as the wagon pulled away, I stared at her body until it was out of sight and I cried the entire time, it wasn't long after that the slavers grew tired of my sobbing and they took my out of the cage to beat me, eventually I stopped and once back in my cage I spent the rest of the night shedding silent tears staring at the blood next to my head.
''It was not the first time I saw someone die, but it was the first time I saw someone die up close...but that's not the reason I cried. I cried and sobbed because she left, she was able to escape...and she didn't take me with her.'' Link stared deeply into the fire, no one spoke all eyes fixated on the teller of the tale. Aran raised her hand to place it on her friends shoulder to provide some comfort but Link stood before her hand touched him, he turned and walked away from the camp, he tossed the remains of the meat he had been eating into the back of the cart as he past it.
No one spoke until the Hylian had walked so far it was beginning to get hard to see him in the distance.
''I hope that satiated your curiosity, Havid.'' Xanza practically snarled as he stood to follow after Link.
The Captain looked over his shoulder once he stood beside his comrade, the fire was a great deal of distance away that it looked like an orange and red blob with several dark silhouettes around it, his eyes then turned to the Hylian. The young man was staring down at the moonlit sand, there were tears in his eyes. Xanza looked up at the full moon as he pulled his flask from his belt, he gave it a shake to test its fullness, there was less then a quarter left. He unscrewed the cap and silently passed it to his younger brother.
''I haven't thought of her in years.'' Said Link as he took the flask without looking up from the sand. ''Does that make me a bad person?''
Xanza watched as Link took a sip of the absinthe and grimace. ''I honestly don't know how to answer that, Brother. But I personally don't think it makes you a bad person.''
The Knight passed the flask back to its owner. ''I'm sorry for making a scene.''
''Don't, you have nothing to apologize for. If anyone should be apologizing it's Havid.'' The Twili took a sip from his flask.
There was a long silence then, the only noise between them was the wind and the sloshing of the flask as they took turns sipping its contents and passing it back and forth.
Finally it was Link whom broke the silence. ''I'm going to tell her,'' Xanza looked over at the Hylian with his brow raised. ''When we return home I'm going to tell Midna how I feel.''
''Really?'' Xanza spoke slightly taken back by the conviction in the Knight's voice. ''And how do you think she will respond to your confession?''
Link wiped his eyes, he would shed no more tears tonight. ''I...don't know. I want her to feel the same about me that I do for her, but I'm not going to get my hopes up. I'll tell her how I feel and if she doesn't have feelings for me then I will do my best to accept that.''
Xanza stared at Link as the young man took another sip of absinthe, in the Captains eyes Link would always be the small timid creature he had met in the Queen's throne room all those years ago and because of that he sometimes forgot how grown up Link really was in body and mind. He was proud of the man he had become and the man he felt confident that he would be in the future.
He took the flask from the Hylian and sipped the strong alcohol it was nearly empty now, he clasped Link's shoulder as he passed it back a show of respect and camaraderie, the two men gave the other a small smile just before Link placed the flask against his lips and finished the last of the green fairy.
The next two days that passed within the desert were grueling, the heat seemed to have gotten worse and the sand was slowly getting deeper making it harder to walk through. And it was those reasons that they had stopped when it was close to midday so that they could let the horses rest and drink, some were beginning to worry that the horses wouldn't be able to handle the environment much longer.
Link pulled back the hood of his cloak to wipe the sweat from his brow with the back of his sleeve, someone passed him a canteen which he took a small sip from before passing it to Aran whom nodded her head in thanks. One Twili squatted down to take the small bucket they used to give the horses their water up from the sand when something faintly caught his eye, he stood up straight and looked out into the distance, he still couldn't make it out, he held up his hand to block the sun. ''Does anyone else see that?'' He spoke.
Several yards away Sebin and Xanza scanned the horizon. The Captain watched as Sebin looked over the old tattered map and then too the one they had brought with them from the royal library. ''Find anything?'' The Captain asked.
The Sorcerer frowned. ''It should be close to here, but I fear if we venture too much further we will lose our way back.''
''How much further do you mean?''
''Another day, a day and a half maybe.''
Xanza crossed his arms. ''I say we travel until nightfall if we don't find any sign of the village we turn back.''
''...That may be for the best.'' Sebin reluctantly agreed.
The Two Twili adopted similar expressions of confusion when they returned to the group. All of them were looking the same direction trying in vain to make out a shape off on the horizon, when the two looked there appeared to be a blurry long vertical line jutting up from the sand far off in the distance, the only way it was noticeable to begin with was because of the blue sky behind it.
Xanza took the spyglass from his belt and looked out at the object again. ''It almost looks like a tower...''
Sebin looked over his maps again and then checked a second time to ensure it was not a mistake. ''I think that's it.'' He spoke in astonishment. ''I believe we have found it, Captain.''
There was multitude of reactions from the party once Xanza relayed the information to the group of what they believed the object to be.
Link stared out at the supposed tower his heart thundering against his chest. The other members of his species, his legacy, the answers to where he came from were so close now.
Several miles behind the Twili group, were twelve giant warthogs being ridden by Bulbins and Bokoblins, they had followed the tracks for a day now and the leader of the riders was now beginning to suspect their destination.
One of his subordinates called from the rear and gestured behind them. There was a sandstorm beginning to brew on the horizon it would not take long for it to catch up with the riders and by extension the group they were following. The leader smiled darkly he brushed his thumb over the symbol on his saddle. A two-pronged spear with lightning arcing between the two points.