They were out of the storm, and Ganondorf could breathe a sigh of relief. Fortunately for the Gerudo, none of his ships had gone down in the fury him and his troops had undergone during the last few hours. In the calm that now followed, crews were dispatched to examine the ships' parts, inspecting for any sort of damage that could hinder their journey. The strength of the waves had managed to toss a few of Ganondorf's henchmen overboard, therefore the Gerudo ordered his captains to count the men and determine who was lost. A few of the ships were clearly at a loss, battered in all the places Ganondorf had hoped the wind and rain would avoid. Swearing and embittered, Ganondorf paced the deck with such menacing force that a few of his captains were tempted to escape his presence and hide. One by one, word spread from the ships as to how beaten they were.
"Of the East Wing ships, five are too damaged to move onto the third Island. The rest have sustained minor damages," confirmed one Iron Knuckle.
"The North Wing ships are all relatively fine, except for a few holes in the sails that we can easily repair."
"The West Wing isn't faring very well. Most of the ships are damaged, with one whose mast has completely collapsed."
"We've lost one ship in the South Wing, and a few of the ships have also sustained damage."
"Argh!" groaned Ganondorf, throwing his hands to his head, "Do these Terminians not have the skills that we hired them for?"
"My Lord," began the first Iron Knuckle, "You must understand that all is not lost -"
"But we have lost time!" howled the Gerudo, "The Hyruleans are tracking us, hunting us down and now, half of our ships can't even travel the distance we need!"
A silence fell over the captains as they all watched Ganondorf turn his back and fold his arms. They would have to lose time and travel to the island run by the Pirates, Fortune, in order to repair their ships. As much as the Gerudo was confident of victory, he was also wary of the damage the Hyruleans could deal especially if he did not possess a complete fleet.
"Set sail for Fortune, no matter how long it takes us. And begin repairs as soon as possible," Ganondorf ordered.
Without a word, the captains divided, leaving only Reiza to stand behind Ganondorf. Still wet from the downpour, she wrapped a coat about her shoulders, waiting for her Lord. Excluding Ganondorf, Reiza was the most distraught over the necessary visit to Fortune, as this missions was, in her eyes, the brightest and most useful expedition she had ever embarked upon. It defined her life, and she wanted it to be successful. Here was Ganondorf, the man who could bring her at least some sort of pride in her work, and who offered her a sort of future. And Reiza was not about to surrender that chance.
"Go inside if you're cold," was all Ganondorf managed to say, "While you're in the cabin, see if you are able to find a spell that will allow us to pass unseen. I don't want the Hyruleans to sail by Fortune with us in sight. It's shameful, if you understand what I mean."
"Yes, Ganondorf," replied Reiza, "I understand completely, and I will do it."
"Good. That is why I have you on board; It's imperative that I have someone I can trust at all times."
"As promised," said Eli, offering the Stone to Link as the two men sat face to face in the barracks, "It is from the Island of Bravery."
The Hero prodded at the Stone, shifting the black mound about his hand. A metallic surface covered the entire face of the Stone, shaped as though the Stone was derived from some volcanic occurrence. Link closed and opened his hand repeatedly, analyzing every bit of the Stone as he did so.
"Harder than diamonds," declared Eli proudly, "From the very mountains of Bravery."
"I'm actually somewhat disappointed we never got to visit this Island," confessed Link, "Time is running short, and the Goddesses were right in entrusting you to leave your home to find us."
"Well, you may visit upon your return to Hyrule," suggested the old man, "After all, you will need to return by the same route."
"If we return, you mean," corrected Link.
Hesitatingly, Eli nodded his head and agreed, "Yes, if you return."
"But thank you," added the Hero quickly, "Now we only need one more Stone, and we're off to the Glass Palace."
"I take it you seek your fourth and last Stone from the Island of Faith, am I correct?"
"You are correct, especially as the Island sits only a few miles off the shores of North Fortune."
"Fortune isn't far from here, is it?"
"No, in fact I think we may be there by the end of the day."
"That's always good. Your ships need repairing."
"Those sandbeasts you created really took on our ships."
"I never imagined them to be so ferocious, I only thought that they would be mildly so."
Around the Hero and the old man, soldiers groaned as their wounds were being tended to. Many suffered from atrocious bites and slices from the talons of the sandbeasts. The belly of the ship smelled of blood and of herbs, suffocating many of the soldiers as they lay upon the floor of the ship. A few of the Gerudos had also been transported to the royal ship, contributing to the body heat that clogged the craft. A number of Zoras had also been pulled upon the ship, exhausted from their underwater ordeal. Yet the smell and the heat did not bother Link, as something completely different had taken control of his thoughts. Months, they had spent at sea, however no one knew much of the Glass Palace. Not even Link, himself, could claim to know anything substantial concerning their destination. The Hero watched as Eli scarfed down an entire serving of bread, wondering how much the old man knew. There was only one way to discover the extent of Eli's knowledge, and Link plunged.
"What is the Glass Palace, exactly?" he asked the old man.
Eli continued to stuff the bread into his mouth, but took a few moments to properly reflect. "I can narrate the entire story of the Glass Palace for you, if you wish," Eli offered Link.
The Hero's full attention was upon Eli, who was pleased that the young man sought for his knowledge, as most old men are. Cleaning the crumbs out of his bowl, Eli sat up, hands interlocked, and told the tale.
"As you have discovered by now, the Goddesses had various palaces in which they lived and dominated Hyrule. The Glass Palace was built by Farore, Nayru, and Din in order for them to oversee Hyrule in its first volatile days. A guard tower, if you would like to call it that, of the land. Though the Goddesses were wise, they did not know precisely how their creations would conduct themselves, and so believed that they should live as close as possible to Hyrule. They had no way of being sure that the different races of people they placed upon Hyrule would be able to cooperate, and coexist with one another. The Glass Palace was one way they were able to keep their eye and ensure security.
'Of course, the Goddesses soon found that they had no need for the Glass Palace any longer, and locked it, shut it with the help of seven Stones that they enchanted and transformed into keys that they dispersed among seven Island Nations that they trusted even more than the people of Hyrule. My ancestors were chosen, and through generations the Stones were passed down from father to son, from mother to daughter. However, what my ancestors and the first holders of the Stones never questioned was what exactly the Glass Palace was for. Why did we need to lock it? What powers were hidden within its doors? Those questions were never asked, until my great great grandfather came of age to inherit his Stone.
'During those times, a plague had hit Hyrule, and people were dying by the thousands. The seven holders of the Stones gathered on the island that is now named Fortune, and they discussed the situation in Hyrule. The majority of them felt that aiding Hyrule was, especially, in our best interests, as the Goddesses had entrusted the Stones to us, and it would be a shame to spite them. However, there were one or two Stone holders who despised the idea, and wanted to prevent it from happening as they did not know how to help the Hyruleans. Although, no matter what those one or two said we all went ahead with plans to ship medicine and other much-needed supplies to Hyrule.
'My great great grandfather journeyed to Hyrule, along with the six other Stone holders in order to combat the disease that ravaged Hyrule. Unfortunately, I don't think he completely understood how dangerous the plague was and he eventually contracted it and was bedridden for days with a horrible fever. The Hylians attempted to feed him herbs they thought could counter the effects of the plague, although the plants only caused him to hallucinate. The Goddesses came one night when the fever heightened, and my great great grandfather was almost out of his mind. They commanded him to gather the seven Stones, and make his way to the Glass Palace, and in return they cured him of the disease. They also cautioned him to only do so with his good intentions, for unlocking the Palace under evil pretexts would require a great sacrifice.
'He lost no time in doing so. By then, half of Hyrule had perished, and as the Goddesses had commanded him to do, my ancestor gathered the other seven Stone holders, and told them exactly what the Goddesses had said. It was decided that they would immediately depart Hyrule on horseback, leaving their soldiers to follow behind. Months passed before they reached the Glass Palace, and by then time was running out for Hyrule. Without thinking twice, the seven holders gathered their Stones, and fused their power together to open the Glass Palace. None remembered what exactly happened, but they all remember that after the fact, Hyrule was cured.
'The Goddesses left the Glass Palace and the Stones for times when Hyrule is in great danger. Only the bravest of men would dare journey to the Glass Palace, and thereby prove their courage and dedication to their country. That is, if the men's intentions are good. If they are evil, then a stronger source of magical power must be brought to the Glass Palace in conjunction with at least four of the Stones in order to open the Glass Palace once again. The moment the gates are opened, the Goddesses say that the one who accesses the Glass Palace will inherit the necessary power capable of governing all of Hyrule, but not before a sort of ascension is made to the Heavens."
Eli heaved a great sigh before facing the Hero, "That is all I know, and I'm sorry it isn't much. But, it's knowledge that may prove to be useful once you reach the Palace."
"And that's all I ask for," replied Link, "Thank you."
"Well, I'm always happy to hear that!" exclaimed Eli, lowering his back onto the mattress, "Now, please leave me be, I really must sleep. Wake me when we arrive at Fortune!"
"After what you have told me, I won't object."
"The spell is set, Ganondorf. Now, only we are able to see the ships and our rowboats," announced Reiza, striding into the cabin and bowing to the Gerudo.
Ganondorf had lounged himself upon the sole bed in the cabin, and had spent the last hour or so contemplating his arrival at the Glass Palace. Frankly, the Gerudo was frustrated, and extremely disappointed that Reiza did not know any spell to chase away the dark clouds as they approached. Nevertheless, he couldn't always blame the woman, and her declaration that she had cast a spell to hide their presence was greatly appreciated. Ganondorf faced Reiza, fumbling with the two Stones they had collected as he addressed her.
"Good," commented Ganondorf, "How far are we from Fortune, do you know?"
"We will be there in about an hour, if the Stalfo in the crow's nest can be trusted."
"Perfect, and we will dock in a secluded area?"
"So that no one witnesses us? Indeed. We will anchor snuggled against the cliffs, where the pirates have no patrol. While the soldiers repair the ships, some of us will enter Fortune to gather some supplies."
Ganondorf pushed himself up, now extremely pleased. He beckoned Reiza towards him, and bid that she sit near his side. His captain was obedient, and did not flinch as Ganondorf took her chin in between his fingers.
"The world will be both of ours to rule," said Ganondorf, "I will be King, and you will be my Queen."
"That sounds just fine with me," purred Reiza, "That and all the riches in the world."
A knock on the door irritated Ganondorf, and forced out a rough, "What now?" from the evil leader at the door. Cautiously and trembling, a Stalfo pushed open the door, and anxiously glanced at Ganondorf before redirecting his eyes to the floor.
"The Hyruleans are not to far away from us," he announced.
Ganondorf and Reiza straightened and looked directly at the Stalfo, who was quite uncomfortable under their scrutiny. Alert, Ganondorf stood and strode toward his henchman.
"What did you say?"
"The Hyruleans are miles away from us, approaching Fortune from a different side."
"When was this? How long have they been spotted?"
"Just now, my Lord."
"So they haven't seen us?"
"No, my Lord," replied the shaking Stalfo, "Lady Reiza summoned her spell before the Hyruleans could see us, as we only just found them this very second."
"Very well, then," said Ganondorf, "Thank you, I will decide on a course of action this moment."
Relieved, the Stalfo swiftly shut the door, and practically ran away from Ganondorf's cabin. War was in the air, and the smell of it made Ganondorf's heart palpitate faster and faster. Here was a chance to take out the Hyruleans once and for all, and to sail to the Glass Palace. The Gerudo would spit in Link's face, and make him suffer for all the times the Hylian thwarted his plans. With Reiza's spell, what could possibly hinder the Hyruleans' defeat?
"As soon as they dock, we're going in to destroy their ships," Ganondorf said to Reiza.
To his surprise, the latter shook her head. "You don't want to be doing that, Ganondorf. Even with my spell, our ships still mark where we are in the water. The Hyruleans will be able to pick us off even before we are in firing range. They're not stupid people, and they will surely distinguish our ships," she warned.
Ganondorf was taken aback by the news. Engulfed by disappointment, the Gerudo still attempted to find another solution, "And if we invaded Fortune, then?"
"How would we do that? The cliffs are the only part of the island the pirates do not patrol. I know, I have studied the area. A surprise attack is not likely, and then what would we do with a decimated army?"
"Why didn't you think about repairing that little detail beforehand?" growled Ganondorf.
"You know I do not have any sorcerer's blood in me. My father only dabbled in dark magic, and what amount I have resides with his potion."
"We'll avoid military action, then" declared Ganondorf, "I can't afford to lose my men as the Hyruleans will surely pursue us even to the Glass Palace."
"Yet you also want to cause a little bit of chaos," added Reiza, getting to her feet, "I believe I have what you need."
"Reiza," began Ganondorf, "As much as I admire your determination, what could you possibly have planned that can ruin the Hyruleans? You said so yourself that your magic is not powerful enough to destroy the entire Hyrulean army."
"Who said anything about magic?" taunted Reiza, pacing around Ganondorf, "My Lord, you need to learn that magic needs to be used in conjunction with more mortal means to bring about the downfall of others."
"And what mortal means do you speak of?" inquired a very skeptical Ganondorf, "What can decimate the army?"
"Come here, and I will tell you," beckoned Reiza, "You will fall completely in love with what I have to offer. And don't you dare doubt me; I have shown that I am capable of anything, and this is no different."
"Land ho!"
Fortune, the island for past pirates. The pirates of Termina certainly had chosen a successful alternative to looting ships and ports. Pouring their illegal money into constructing inns for voyagers, the pirates found that, in fact, their business gave way to even more wealth than they would ever have accumulated had they continued to attack travelers. Unfortunately for them, the government of Termina implemented new security measures that hindered their affairs, and therefore drove them to contemplate a different, distinct sort of life from the wild one they led. Nevertheless, not one pirate regretted their choice, as the island of Fortune now boasted an entire village surrounded by wilderness, and pristine beaches that dotted the coastlines. From afar, the pirates watched as the Hyruleans gradually approached, their entire fleet of ships to be anchored a mile away from their shores. Urging each other to scramble and clean the inn chambers, the pirates anticipated the arrival of the Hyruleans. There was, indeed, a great deal of money to be made.
"Those must be the most massive inns I have ever seen," commented Morus, pointing to the collection of rooftops that neared.
"I'm going to bet they're well-equipped as well," added Link, "Who knew pirates could be capable of managing a booming industry."
"I think you're wrong, in that respect. It takes a cunning mind to become a pirate, a thought process that has definitely translated into inn keeping."
"Lower the rowboats! We don't have all day!" Colonel Bright was heard shouting in the background.
While the men scuttled and moved about, the Colonel approached Morus and slammed a broad, ugly hand upon the captain's shoulder.
"I assume you will be one of the first on shore, Captain," bitterly remarked the Colonel.
Link watched intently as Morus pulled his shoulder away from the Colonel's grasp. The Hero's friend was uncomfortable, yet the Colonel didn't stop.
"Oh," Bright exclaimed as his hand slid from Morus's armour, "A little touchy today, aren't we? Well, I wouldn't worry so much. Who knows what women you will find lurking within those inn walls, some pretty ones, surely? Of course, there is always the chance they will leave you for someone, or something, much better."
"I'm willing to wager that your wife has already done that," snapped Morus.
Colonel Bright scrunched his rigid, unpleasant face into a terse expression of disgust. However, he did not leave, as the Colonel found mocking and taunting the captain highly amusing.
"Watch your mouth, Captain, it could get you into trouble," hissed the Colonel.
"Not until you watch yours," countered Morus without bothering to face the Colonel.
"As for my wife, you can be sure that she loves me very much. After all, she stays in the house, and doesn't bother to even stray out of its doors. That is devotion, don't you think so? I tell you now, Captain, there is an exhilarating feeling when you know that your wife loves you that much."
"Leave, Bright," ordered Link, "He doesn't need to hear anything from you."
The Colonel laughed maliciously, then began to step back. "Whatever you say, Hero. But let me tell the Captain one thing: Watch what you do, and what you say. He has already been punished for that once before."
"Bright," growled Morus, "Be a Colonel, and remember your place."
"My place as your superior!" retorted the Colonel, "Just you watch."
Link waited until the Colonel was out of earshot, and until the muscles in his friend's body relaxed. It was then that he dared to ask, "What have you done to anger him so much?"
"Nothing. I'm honest, nothing," replied the captain as he stepped away from Link, "I'm going to prepare the rowboats with my men. A good night's rest will do me well."
"Do what you need to," Link returned, watching as his friend left him.
The Hero faced the horizon once again, and took in the sight of the island. A beautiful place, no wonder the pirates decided to build their new life there. Calm, tranquil, it was a place where anyone would feel at home.
Behind Link, the sound of footsteps caught his attention. Princess Zelda was there, though Link dared not look at her. Zelda stood, as though she were expecting some sort of introduction to one of the friendly exchanges they usually had. But Link did not answer; he felt it was not appropriate to. Patiently, Zelda waited, until it was clear that Link would not respond. The Princess hung her head, and dragged her feet as she distanced herself from the Hero.
"It's for the best," Link thought, gazing at the island, "All for the best."
The Hyrulean fleet had finally anchored, and by the boats the Hyruleans were docking at the island. Unlike the Petalos, who were not familiar with visitors, the pirates were very clear on what needed to be done in terms of hospitality. The women leaped toward the Hyruleans, and offered to carry their bags to various inns. Of course, no soldier refused, and how could they when they were so fatigued from their ordeal with the sandbeasts?
"Only a little bit farther!" a small girl pirate reassured them, "We'll only need to climb a few flights of stairs and I'll have you all settled near the port!"
"A few stairs?" whined a soldier, "Isn't there an easier route?"
With a maturity well beyond her age, the little girl pouted and turned to the soldier, "How can you call yourself a soldier when you can't even walk up stairs? What kind of training do you even undergo in Hyrule?"
"She's right, there!" commented another soldier, "Just lead us to some proper beds and he'll shut it, don't you worry!"
"Very well," replied the little girl, rather pleased with herself for having put grown men in their place, "Let's continue. And no complaining! If I hear one more cynical word you might just be sleeping outside!"
Fortune, though not as aesthetically pleasing as the Island of Flowers, was also blessed with its own sort of charm. The marine town was decked with slightly dull blue and white buildings that bordered its cobblestone streets. What was most surprising was how generous and providing the pirates were, considering their past. There was no need to worry here, as Fortune proved to be friendly with no hostilities. Link watched the procession of soldiers make for the cobblestone streets, hands upon his hips as he scanned for any sign of danger. Weary, the Hero groaned at the thought of mounting the hill upon whose slopes Fortune was built, yet didn't think too much of it when Morus returned with some fruit.
"My type of town," commented the captain, smiling at his friend, "It's nice and quiet here, don't you think?"
"I thought you would have wanted somewhere a little more loud, knowing you," replied Link.
"Not all the time. After living in the City for years you want some peace and quiet," said Morus, observing the rowboats that were still making their way from the ship, "Their port is much too small, though; none of our troops would have to row if it was a great deal bigger. We could just dock all of our ships in one location instead of spreading many way out into the water."
A movement in the throng caught Link's attention, as one of the soldiers suddenly stood as still as a block. There was no mistaking who it was: Lord Hur. His shoulders had gone up, and passing soldiers waved their arms in front of him to try and provoke a reaction of some kind. Breathing heavily, Lord Hur simply stood, frozen, with curious onlookers surrounding him. The ground and air about him dared not move, as well, worrying Link as to what would come next. Morus had also noticed the commotion around Lord Hur, and now frowned as the soldiers repeatedly patted the Lord's shoulders.
With a shriek, Lord Hur fell to the ground and immediately dispelled the other soldiers, who distanced themselves in fear. Link and Morus ran to the scene to find a distraught Lord Hur, clawing at the ground with his fingers. He was digging for something, his eyes wide with horror, yet staring at nothing.
"No, no, no," he mumbled, "No he didn't deserve it, he didn't do anything to you!"
"Grab his legs," Morus ordered two soldiers who stood by, "And whatever you do do not let go of him. Link, we'll take his arms."
"Where are we going to put him?"
"Right here on the shore until he calms down."
Lord Hur's fingers were bleeding now, red liquid running into the dirt. Knowing that he could hurt himself if they didn't stop him, Link lifted Lord Hur with the other soldiers. What they faced was surprising resistance as the Lord became hysterical. He was thrashing even more forcefully than when Link had first subdued him, and the Hero was nearly knocked to the ground as Lord Hur began screaming once again.
"No! I'm saving him can't you see? He's buried! He's alive! You need to let me go; I need to save him!"
"Pull him away!" commanded Morus, "Pull him away!"
"That girl...What has she done?" shrieked Lord Hur.
"Should we knock him unconscious, Captain?" inquired one of the soldiers.
"No, don't lay a hand on him yet unless he doesn't stop."
"She's a murderer! She's a murderer!"
"Can't we talk to him somehow?"
"No!"
The four men were interrupted as one of the soldiers fell onto his knee. None had expected Lord Hur to possess such strength.
"He had one while we were on the ship," Morus said to Link, "He was much easier to subdue, though. They seem to get stronger every time and I don't know why."
"He's buried alive! He's buried alive!"
"All right, men! Put him down!" shouted Morus.
The four men bounded onto Lord Hur, yet unlike the first time Link knew that they could not return Lord Hur to his normal state. The Hero turned to Morus, "He won't calm down for a while, but we can't just leave him here."
"Do we dare to row him back to the ship?" suggested Morus.
"If you need to, I'll do it, Captain!" volunteered one of the soldiers, grunting as he held Lord Hur down.
"And I'll go with him!" piped up the other.
"All right," agreed Morus before he waved over two more soldiers, "You five! Bring Lord Hur back to the ship. The King can't see him like this or Princess Zelda will lose a husband."
"Yes, sir!" yelled the four men bravely, though their faces betrayed fear.
Huffing and panting, Link and Morus left Lord Hur, who was still hollering the most gruesome things. Together, the Hero and the captain sauntered toward Fortune, hours away from the bit of chaos Reiza had promised Ganondorf.