An Ally?

Link's worries dominated his mind as he and Dagon made their way to the surface. Of all the Gorons the Patriarch should certainly be the one to know of the rune's existence. But Darragh seemed genuinely clueless about it. I wish Aria was here, Link thought, she could use those green eyes of her's to find the truth. Having those turned on him was never fun. It was an unfair advantage he had compained, but that never stopped her though. What he wouldn't give now to look into those eyes again; see them full of life, and know everything would be ok. Just the thought of losing Aria brought back an ever darkening abyss in Link that he fought harder and harder to push aside.

Before he realized it Link was squinting as the arched tunnel opened up into the sunlit valley.

"Dagon go spread good news. Link come?"

"No, I think I'll do some exploring on my own," he really just wanted to be free of his escort.

"Link should see Goron hot springs. Dagon take Link there before Dagon go."

"I'm sure I can find it on my own," Link felt his emotions building inside him, he just wanted the Goron to leave him alone.

"Link sure, springs not far."

Link's emotions finally boiled over, "I'll be fine, just go!"

As soon as the words were out of his mouth Link regretted them.

"Ok," Dagon turned and walked away.

Dagon's reaction only added to Link's guilt. It wasn't the Goron's fault some evil curse was killing Aria. He turned towards the stony giant to apologize but Dagon had already disappeared into the mountain. Making a mental note to find him later Link made his way into the sunlight.

A few Gorons had begun trickling into the valley and seemed to have little interest in Link as he made his way towards the east side of the valley. He did his best to move quickly without drawing unnecessary attention, but as soon as he was out of sight he broke into a full sprint.

The eastern path stayed fairly straight as it left the city. Of course the fact it was recessed into the side of a cliff helped with that. As he ran Link found himself favoring the north side of the path where the rock wall was as opposed to the sheer drop off of the south side. But despite the signs of past repairs the path was in remarkably good condition and old animal droppings scattered along the way spoke to how well traveled it had been.

What scenery Link could see as he flew down the path was as impressive as the view from the road he had taken this morning and just for a moment he thought he caught a glimpse of the green plains of Hyrule field peaking through the jagged mountains.

A little ways outside town the cliff came to an abrupt end forcing the path to make a sudden turn to the north. Link slowed to a brisk walk as he neared the turn and when he rounded the corner he found what he was looking for.

The shaman's bird sat on a rocky perch along the path and there was a small wooden tube attached to its leg. Link came to a stop in front of Hammerhead and immediately reached for the tube. The bird didn't act bothered by Link's rapid movements but it did keep an unnervingly close watch.

Inside the cylinder he found a rolled up piece of parchment. Link quickly removed it and began reading:

"The news I send is bleak. Several others in town have begun displaying similar symptoms to Aria. Although the fatigue and fever are much slower to manifest themselves in these new cases I am certain the curse is spreading. The best news I can give you is that Aria's condition has neither worsened nor improved. You must leave for the Zora domain quickly. The next rune will be hidden in the royal treasury."

Link's eyes scanned the message again while his brain refused to believe. Now not only did he have to worry about Aria but his entire village! And what of his father and brother?

They don't live in town so maybe they won't be affected, Link thought, answering his own question. He desperately clung to that idea as it seemed to be the only thing that lessened his growing burden.

Taking in a deep breath Link peeled his eyes away from the parchment. "I'll return with the rune soon," Link promised the large bird. Then he turned and sprinted back to the Goron city.

Slowing himself to a pace slightly faster than a walk Link turned the corner to enter the valley and firmly planted his face into the stony belly of a large Goron. Holding his now throbbing head Link backed away from the giant.

"Link should watch path ahead more closely," a familiar voice said.

Looking up Link realized he had run into Gordon, "I'm sorry, I didn't see you."

A slight chuckle escaped the Goron's lips.

"It hurt Link more than Gordon. What Link doing anyway?"

"Just taking a walk."

Gordon studied Link for a moment then said, "Link take walk with Gordon?"

The questioned seemed innocent enough, but Link felt sure there was something more to it.

"I'm just exploring the city. I don't have any particular destination in mind."

"Good. Gordon be tour guide," the rocky giant turned and began walking into the valley.

Link desperately wanted to refuse in favor of searching for the rune, but something about the way Gordon spoke told Link he shouldn't. So reluctantly he followed.

It quickly became clear that Gordon's idea of a tour guide was very different from Link's. The lumbering giant said almost nothing as they headed for the northern side of the valley. The most Gordon spoke was to exchange simple greetings with other members of his race as they passed by. Uncomfortable with the silence Link made several attempts to start a conversation. But the short answers he received made it clear his companion had little interest in talking.

Resigning himself to the lack of conversation Link turned his attention to his surroundings. They had nearly crossed the valley and Link thought they were headed for the large arched tunnel he had been led down before. But as they neared the tunnel Gordon turned left and Link found himself following his guide up a steep narrow path he hadn't noticed before. Looking up he could see the path zigzag its way up the valley wall. Link glanced across the rest of the valley and spotted several similar paths. They had blended into the rock when he was on the ground but from his ascending point of view they were becoming more visible.

However as they neared the top Link's attention was drawn to the valley. He had noticed earlier that floor of the valley was not one kind of stone but a myriad of various types and colors all inlayed into the ground, but it wasn't til now he could see why. Each variety of stone created a unique part of a large intricate pattern that spiraled in from the valley walls and converged on one circular piece of stone at the center of the valley.

"What is all this?" Link asked as they reached the top.

Gordon stopped and followed Link's gaze, "Record of Goron history."

"What?"

"First Goron generation started record. It took fifty Goron one half moon cycle to place circular stone at center of valley. Since then each generation make their own contribution. With each addition story grows to tell history of Goron race."

"Could you tell me?"

Gordon chuckled, "No"

"Why?"

"No time," the Goron replied, "It take five years to tell full story."

"Wow," the longest story Link knew took less than an hour to tell, "do you know it?"

Gordon nodded, "Every Goron does. Gorons must know story perfectly before generation can add to record."

"Which part did your generation add?" Link asked as he searched the valley more closely.

"None yet. It be Gordon generation turn in two moon cycles."

For a long moment Link and Gordon stood motionless as they studied the valley floor. Link couldn't help but wonder what stories of generations past and present the valley told. Then a thought suddenly flashed across his mind.

Link turned to Gordon, "How's your baby?"

Gordon didn't answer at first and for a moment Link thought he was going back to not talking. But when the Goron finally did speak his voice sounded almost depressed and he kept his eyes focused on the record.

"Doctors able to treat overdose and don't believe there be any lasting effects."

"That's great isn't?" Link asked trying to understand why Gordon didn't seem happier about the news.

"That news good," Gordon paused to draw in a deep breath, "but after meeting with Patriarch, Gordon received message that doctors detected new symptoms in baby not caused by medicine."

"How bad is it?"

"Gorons rarely ill so every disease treated seriously."

"I'm sorry."

Gordon turned and locked eyes with Link, "Link believe runes have healing power?"

I have to, Link thought, "Yes."

"Link true motive to find runes to heal friend?"

"Yes"

"After Link collect all runes and heal friend, will Link return to heal baby?"

"Definitely," Link said without hesitating.

Gordon seemed to ponder Link's answers as he returned his gaze to the valley, "It big dishonor for Link to miss Goron celebration. Meet Gordon by eastern path when moon high in sky."

Silence fell over the pair as they both looked out across the record of the Goron generations past. After a long moment Gordon turned and began walking across the top of the valley wall headed for Death Mountain. Link remained where he was cautiously hoping he had not misinterpreted what the Goron said. Had he really found an ally?