Chapter 25: The Heel of the Mountain

~~~As they rode through the Valley of Death Mountain, they spotted a fortification up the mountain. Since the torrent of rain, the mountains poured out its excess, causing many streams to run down the face of the mountain. As they came nearer to the fortification, it revealed itself to be the gate to Kakariko Village.

"This place seems as if it was battered by war," noted Mikau, who came from within the caravan.

"It is... Sixteen years ago, Kakariko Village became involved in an uprising against the King of Hyrule. The Sheikahs of Kakariko put up a near-indomitable fight, but the might of the Hylian military proved to be too much, even for them. Kakariko Village was overrun by Hylian soldiers, and its people suffered greatly," explained Zelda, looking solemnly at Kakariko.

Auru scanned the village. "The location of this village was strategically chosen, high enough to see most of Hyrule, while being protected by the terrain of the mountain. The Sheikah were truly masterminds of warfare," said Auru.

Zelda looked up the mountain, witnessing the grandeur of Death Mountain's immense scale. "With the addition of the Goron's civil war, getting the Goron Ruby won't be and easy task..."

They stopped in front of the giant gate that served as a gateway to the village. Five Sheikahs appeared before their convoy, dressed in similar attire to that of the Sheikah that Link and Zelda met yesterday. They approached Auru's caravan. "What business have you here?" inquired one of them.

"My name is Shiek. I have come seeking advice on my journey from the Village Chief." Zelda spoke.

One of the Shiekah's eyes widened, as he scanned through the convoy. The Sheikah that questioned them, made a gesture to one of the others, and the Sheikah disappeared. "Welcome, Shiek. The Village Chief will see you. I trust that you know the way?" he asked.

Zelda nodded. The sound of shifting gears began, followed by the opening of the gate. Auru continued the caravan into the village. Many houses spanned across the village. While the war's effects were visible on the outside of the village, the village itself was seemingly teeming with life, not bearing any scar of war. Many of the townspeople bore the Shiekan red eyes and white hair. They were going about their daily lives. They all took in the exclusive sight.

"Take in all you can. This is a rare chance to see the village of the Sheikah." said Auru to Mikau.

Ahead of them, a house that was built of wood lay.

"That must be the Village Chief's house," thought Zelda.

Link followed close behind the caravan that held Auru, Mikau, and Zelda. Even though he had never been to the village of the Sheikah before, he somehow felt familiar with it. He remembered what the Sheikah spy said to him:

'You may find that Kakariko Village is more of a home than you think.'

He couldn't help but think that he might have been on to something when he said that. Link had also noticed how people seemed to look at him as if in disdain, mainly the elderly.

"Why are people looking at me like this? Could the war have something to do with this?"

He noticed that the caravan began to slow to a stop. He rode his boar up to them. "Is this the place?" he asked.

"Yes, Link. Get ready." said Auru.

After they had parked their caravans, a Shiekan woman led them to the house. Based on how she was dressed, she was apparently a servant. She stopped them at the door. "Please everyone, I would ask that you'd take of your shoes before you enter," she said as she bowed to them.

Everyone did as what was commanded of them, and took of their shoes.

"Thank you. Please follow me." She led them through the house. Paper walls served as the boundary for rooms, and the floors were of tatami. Beautifully crafted vases and other such furnishings added an air of sanctity to the house. They stopped in front of the sliding doors that led to the main sanctum if the house. "Please, I would ask that you'd only speak to the Village Chief if he asked of you to." The servant slid the door open. Inside was a large open room with a mahogany wooden floor. Seven green cushions were placed adjacently on the floor in front of a man that sat on a cushion with his knees. He was a man that seemed to be of the age of fifty. He had long white hair, blood red eyes, and wore a robe that was blue and white in color.

"Please, sit." said the man, gesturing his hands to the floor cushions.

They all took to their seats.

"I am the Village Chief. I hear that you have something to ask of me. What is it that you seek?"

Zelda bowed before him. "Village Chief, I wish to council you concerning our journey to Death Mountain and a comrade of ours that is captive." she said.

The Village Chief narrowed his eyes, starring down Zelda. "You wish to retrieve the Goron Ruby from them?"

"Yes sir."

"The Gorons are in the middle of a civil war as we speak. Our knowledge indicates that a member of the Goron's council suddenly gained unprecedented powers about six days ago, being able to perform feats of magic not possible by the hands of the Gorons. He garnered enough support to create a faction that opposed the Tribe Leader. Within an hour, all of the tribe had been engulfed in war, lasting for half a day, before the faction retreated. They currently reside deep within the mountain. A day later, strange black creatures began appearing all over Death Mountain. They even began blocking the Goron trade route, destroying anything going out, or coming in. Small skirmishes have since occurred, but no major battles have been waged as of yet.

"The Goron Ruby is still in the Tribe Leader's possession. If you wish to have it, he may give it to you, likely after you have assisted him in taking back his tribe. The Tribe's leader and his party reside in the east side of the mountain. If you run into a Goron, it would be wise not to attack or approach until it is confirmed whether he is friendly or an enemy."

The Chief paused, closing his eyes for a moment. "As for your comrade, Darmani, he is captured by a group of Bulblins, employed by three strange men in black robes and strange tattoos on their faces."

Nid gasped slightly.

"They have apparently been keeping their camp at the base of Death Mountain, concealed within the wood line. Darmani has been tortured by them, as they questioned him concerning your whereabouts-."

"Darmani's been tortured?!" interrupted Link.

The Chief frowned at his outburst. "Link, please respect my house! I will not have you interrupt me when I am speaking!" he yelled.

Link became subdued. He bowed to him. "Please excuse my outburst."

The Chief nodded. "I would suggest that you'd wait a bit until we have further information on his situation. By later today, we should have better information on his situation. Until then, you will take residence in my household."

Suddenly, the servant that led them here appeared before them again. "Please follow me. I will lead you to your rooms."