Chapter 27: Resolve
~~~Link lay on his back in his bed, staring at the ceiling. He was struggling to come to terms with what he just heard from the Village Chief. "I can't believe that I am actually a Sheikah..."
He didn't know how to cope with the knowledge that his parents were both dead, because, as much as he wanted to cry, he couldn't bring tears to his eyes. "My parents did all of that to save me. I wonder if they actually knew who I would turn out to be,"
Suddenly, Link heard a tap on the door. He sat up and prepared himself for whoever was about to come in. When the door slid open, the maid walked in. "Excuse me sir, but would you like to take a bath in the hot springs to clean yourself off and relax?" she asked.
Link raised his eyebrows. "Hmm, that sounds good! Where is it?"
"Follow me,"
She led Link through the house and out of it through a way that he hadn't been through. They followed a path that was lined by all sorts of exotic and extravagant plants, until they passed through a line of trees. Within the trees, was a gigantic pool of hot water, the hot springs that the maid mentioned. Even without being in the water, Link was already being warmed by the steam that leaped from the waters surface. The maid handed him a towel and a white robe with bathing garments to go with it.
"Please enjoy the hot springs sir!" she bowed, and then walked through the trees.
Link quickly changed into his bathing clothes. "Finally, a little relaxation!"He stepped into the water, easing him in as he adapted to the heat of the spring. Once in, he lay back against a stone in the pool, and closed his eyes. As he lay there, he heard the noise of moving water, as if someone else had gotten in.
"Oh, no," He slowly opened his eyes to see the maid sitting in the water across from him. "Gaahh! What are you doing here?!"
She giggled. "This spring is open to anyone who lives here, not just you," she said, with a smile.
"But if you're a maid, aren't you supposed to be doing something?"
"Like what?"
"...Like maid stuff..."
"I only need to take care of you. There are plenty of maids around the manor,"
Link narrowed his eyes at her. "Really?" he said, sarcastically.
"That's right! But, that's not the real reason I'm here..." She lost her smile. "I overheard your conversation with the Village Chief. You are his brother's son, aren't you?" she asked, looking hopefully at him.
Link was somewhat confused as to why she wanted to know. "Yes, I am,"
"I knew it! You're Link, the one I used to be friends with when I was little!" she said, with a beaming face.
"She knows me?!" "I used to know you?" Link asked, becoming even more confused.
She began moving closer to him. "Yes, we used to be best friends. Just try to remember, I know you couldn't forget me!" she said. She stopped moving toward Link when she was within arms reach of him.
Link closed his eyes to think. He searched hard to remember her in his past. He could not even remember her name. Link opened his eyes remorsefully. The girls face fell as she saw his expression. "I'm sorry... I can't remember who you are,"
She looked down, almost as if she was going to cry, but then she looked up again, smiling. "Don't worry, we'll get to know each other again, and maybe your memory will eventually come back!"
Link smiled, and nodded at her suggestion.
After the hot springs, Link was called back to the Village Chief's sanctum for a continuation on their meeting. Zelda was present as well. Link once again, sat at his spot.
"Have you had good thought about what I told you, Link," he said.
Link noticed that a sheathed sword lay in his lap. "Yes, I have,"
The Chief smiled. "Good," he said, "I have one more thing concerning your father that I must tell you. He had a dying wish that he wanted me to fulfill the day that I met you as a man. He wanted me to bestow upon you the sword of our family, the Ogenbard,"
He momentarily paused. "That sword is the one I have in my lap. It is the final wish that my brother had. He said that he would pass on complete when he witnessed the day that his son would take up this blade for the good of all people," The Chief held the sword out in front of himself. "Chosen Hero of our people; take this sword in hand,"
Link was speechless. He did not expect to be held in such high regard as this by the Village Chief, or anyone for that matter. They had complete trust in Link. He was accepted as the one who would save Hyrule, even before he knew that he was the Chosen Hero. Link walked in front of the Chief and grabbed the sword from him. He noticed that the handle of the sword was a deep crimson color.
"Your father used this blade the day he died trying to save the village. The handle was soaked in his own blood, as he continued to fight, even through his mortal wounds. Unsheathe the blade,"
Link did as commanded of him and pulled the sword from its sheath. It was crafted of silver, and the emblem of the Sheikah was engraved in the blade. The scabbard was shaped like an up-turned crescent moon and was colored a deep purple.
"This sword is the finest of all Shiekan weaponry. It is the pinnacle of our craftsmanship. Do the blade justice and satisfy its need for duty."
Link nodded, and sheathed the sword, and took his place.
"I have one other thing to tell you," he began, "The Bulblins that are holding your friend, Darmani, are located down the path that you came. They make their camp at the base of the mountain. It is also reported that the three men who are with the Bulblins are preparing to torture him even more tonight, with horrible methods. We are preparing everyone we can to mobilize as soon as mid night, tonight-."
"Midnight?! But Darmani could be dead by then!"
"Calm down Link, do not doubt our abilities. We will see that he is safe."
"But how can you assure that?"
"Link, we will control this situation. You just need to let us help for once, is that clear?" he asked.
Link hid his frustration by pretending to be remorseful. "Yes, sir."
"Good, you both are dismissed."
Link got up to walk out.
"Link,"
He stopped walking.
"Do not go down the path of revenge. It will sadden your father and mother's spirits."
Link walked out.
