Chapter Twenty-Four

The journey down Death Mountain had gone much more smoothly than the journey up, though Link had had to coach Jos down a few trickier climbs. They had made good time, though, and despite Renado's offer, chose not to wait out the remainder of the afternoon and night in Kakariko Village. They gathered their horses and headed out into Hyrule Field.

They rode in silence for a time, something Link did not mind in the slightest. He enjoyed hearing the rustling of the grass and leaves, the birds calling from high in the air, peaceful sounds, unlike the echoes and creaks in Hyrule Castle. He took a shaky breath and led Epona to the Bridge of Eldin. While on his quest, he had gone out of his way to avoid the bridge, even after he and Midna had repaired it. It did nothing but remind him of the first battle he had fought against King Bulblin, where he had nearly fallen to his death.

"I can't believe they were actually able to fix this," Jos commented as he rode alongside Link, carrying the royal banner. Link had wanted to be inconspicuous, but the nobles had assured him no one would dare to harm those riding under the protection of the Queen. Link breathed a sigh of relief when they reached the end of the bridge, and continued northward toward the Lanayru Province.

They rode in peace for a time, until they encountered a female traveler, appearing injured. Jos had noticed as well, and had carefully adjusted the banner before dismounting. Link followed suit and approached the woman, leaving his sword with Epona, so as to appear non-threatening. "Are you all right?" he asked, once they were in speaking distance. The woman jumped in surprise. Link studied her carefully, noting her dark skin and flaming hair, wondering why a Gerudo would be so very far from home, and frowned when he noticed the bow on her back.

"I'm fine," she assured. "Just got sprained. Be careful," she warned. "Monsters up ahead." Link frowned deeply at that. Most of the monsters had disappeared after he had defeated Ganondorf. Those that hadn't had retreated into hiding, or lived peacefully among the citizens of Hyrule.

"Where are you headed?" Jos asked. "We could escort you there. The roads aren't safe for a woman traveling alone." Link turned to face him, wondering if the boy knew the Gerudo were a group of warriors. Still, if they were to escort her, they could find out why she was in the Lanayru Province instead of the Gerudo Village.

"Thank you," the woman said, Link was relieved that she had not been offended by Jos's comment. "I'll be fine though. I've gone this way before." Link started to protest, but she held up a hand to silence him. "You two should carry on your way."

Link, despite his instincts to help the woman, decided to heed her wishes, and re-mounted Epona, motioning for Jos to re-mount his horse as well. The boy hesitated, but followed the Hero's lead. He led Epona at a walk, not wanting to go much faster, not with the feeling in the pit of his stomach that something was off. He could have sworn he had seen the woman look him over while they were talking. He wouldn't have normally found that odd, but her eyes had lingered just above his tunic, where his mail shirt showed through. "Come," he said to Jos, who rode at his side.

They had only traveled a few feet, maybe a few yards, when Link heard the familiar thwump of a bowstring being released. Jos had heard it to, Link assumed, based on the look the squire gave him. "Run!' he shouted, and the two pushed their horses harder, pushing them to run. The arrow flew past Jos's head, landing in a nearby tree. Link glanced back and swore when he saw the presumably injured woman aiming directly at him. He pulled Epona back behind Jos's mount to protect the boy and reached for his own bow, though he wasn't quick enough.

Everything seemed to have happened in slow-motion. He had reached for his bow. He had heard another thwump, and he hadn't had time to dodge the attack, not if he wanted to keep the young squire safe. He cried out as the arrow pierced his leg. He lost his balance on Epona, and the ground came closer and closer until everything faded to black.

Link had slept late into the morning, though that was normal for the boy. His mother had always encouraged him to sleep in while he could, that he wouldn't be able to when he was a grown man with responsibilities. He stretched and frowned when he did not hear the familiar sounds of his home, of his mother shuffling about the floor below, cleaning and preparing the meals for the day. Frowning, he climbed down his ladder and searched for her.

He found it odd that she was still asleep. For as long as he could remember, his mother had always been an early riser, something she had even bragged to him about. "Mom?" he frowned and shook her shoulder, trying to stay calm when she did not move. "Mom, it's morning," he said, his voice rising in pitch against his will, but she still did not move.

He remembered what she had always told him, that if something were wrong he was to run to Rusl's house and tell him what was going on, what was happening. He sprinted as fast as his young legs would carry him. A few of the villagers had tried to stop him, but he ignored them. He needed to find Rusl. Rusl would make everything better, would make his mother wake up.

"Link?" Uli frowned when she opened the door and saw the boy. "What's wrong?"

"She won't wake up," Link cried, though he did not wish to. "Rusl needs to wake her up." Uli looked down at him, pity in her eyes. She took the boy's hand and led him inside the house that was to become his new home.