Sheik awoke about an hour before noon. Stretching out his cramped muscles, he thought about his report. He needed to get back out to Lon Lon as soon and as much as possible in the next week. Then he needed an opening to get out to the Gerudo desert and complete the Gerudo horseback archery trial. His parting jab at Malon had given him an idea of how to return to Lon Lon, but for the desert he would need Gerudo help.

Sheik left his room and walked towards the outer corridor. Once he could see the training grounds he noted Captain Ross commanding a battalion of men there. He had to admit, they looked impressive. Decked out in full armor, with glittering spears and unified movement, the troops followed Ross's commands into various formations. How different they were from the Gerudo! From what Sheik had seen in Kakariko, the Gerudo fought individually; they chose their own target and rarely worked together to take down a foe. However, all Gerudo seemed to have extensive training that could only come from starting young. Many, like Ruba, also seemed to have specialized and developed their own style. Though there was some standard. Dual blades seemed a common favorite and many Gerudo carried their recurve bows. And while the Hylians trusted in their armor and formations, the Gerudo were about speed and agility. Perhaps that's why Sheik felt more comfortable with their combat methods. He'd just reached the door that led to the dark outer corridors when he noticed Naoku again. She made eye contact with him, raised her hand, curling her finger to beckon him over.

Not being able to refuse a Captain, and still having time before his report with Captain Knuckle, Sheik made his way around the courtyard until he approached the elder Gerudo Captain. He gave her the Sheikah salute and bowed slightly.

"Is there something I can do for you, Captain Naoku?"

"Yes, you can tell me where you were last night."

"I returned to my village to retrieve my equipment."

"I suppose you did leave your home rather quickly, did you not?"

Sheik knew the less said about that battle and his words with Ganondorf the better, so he merely nodded.

"Many of my warriors were disappointed when the King called off the attack on Kakariko. It had been quite a while since they'd had a chance to spill Hylian blood."

"From what I have seen of our King's plans, there still seems to be plenty of opportunity for us to serve."

"Yes, I thought to console them with the little ranch in the middle of the field, but I hear you spoiled that as well."

"I did as my King ordered, and chose the most valuable course."

"Hmm. I doubt the value of such a pathetic little ranch."

"You may be surprised. I've heard the Gerudo appreciate fine horses. And I have the grudging word of Captain Ruba that Lon Lon's beasts are a superior breed."

Disgust crossed Naoku's face when he mentioned Ruba, and he was surprised by the strength of the reaction. There was definitely bad blood between the Captains. But why?

"I still have my doubts."

"Well, I will do my best to quell those doubts. I was on my way to my Captain and was going to bring up a matter involving Lon Lon Ranch. There is a particularly powerful horse there that the owner planned to present as a gift to Lord Ganondorf. I'm sure the second opinion of its worth by a member of his people would be welcome."

If Naoku was taken aback by Sheik's boldness, she didn't show it. She seemed to consider his words before answering, "If Ruba is right about the mare, it would be a sight to see. If not, then my warriors get their fun. In fact, I will fetch the Horsemaster herself. In one week, we visit the ranch and see its reported 'value'."

Sheik didn't miss the challenge she was issuing. She could easily undermine his first mission and, in doing so, his position. She obviously didn't want Sheik here, and he got the sense that she was already unhappy with how little she was in control in Hyrule. As a matter of fact, Sheik was picking up a lot of dissatisfaction from the Captain. The way she glanced at Ross's power display in the yard, the way she openly doubted her sister Captain, and her obvious desire for something to do. Sheik also had begun to question Ganondorf's lack of movement. What was holding him here in the castle?

"Very well, Captain Naoku, I will assure the ranch is ready for you visit. Now excuse me, I must report in."

Naoku's informants had no doubt informed her of which captain he'd chosen. So, with that last reminder of his victory in removing himself from the faction war, Sheik bowed and left.