Navi rode with them, seated in the horses mane. At least, Zelda thought she was seated. For all she knew, the fairy was flying at top speed, hovering steadily between the animal's tall ears.
One thing that Zelda did know is that the fairy would remain with them until Link's safety was ensured. And unfortunately, there was no guarantee of that. The young man slouched forward against the mare's neck. His breathing was steady, but he was not using his own strength to remain seated. His body swayed, only remaining on their ride with Zelda's assistance.
The sun was setting, and Zelda feared the danger that lurked at night. Maybe it was her imagination, but she thought she saw shadows of men along the horizon.
She willed the horse to stop.
"We should find somewhere to hide," Zelda said.
Navi flew high above them only to return to her original post.
"There is no need to hide from your own people," Navi said.
"What?" She narrowed her eyes, seeking clarity.
"You are safe now. Go to them."
Navi turned to face the south, towards Kokiri Forest.
"You will not be staying with us," Zelda said. It was not a question, but a realization,.
"My goal has been met, but I will never be too far. Please, take care of him, as you always have."
Tears threatened to spill from Zelda's eyes, her exhaustion finally getting to her. "I will."
And with that, the fairy seemed to disappear, flying faster than Zelda could perceive.
Tightening her grip around her knight, Zelda urged the mare forward. As they broke over the hill, she was met with the sight of heavily armed Hylian soldiers. A few directed their arrows at her, poised to strike, not recognizing the princess in the darkness.
"Fall back," Zelda commanded.
Some of the soldiers wavered, eventually lowering their weapons. At first, they were probably only taken aback by the sound of a woman's voice. But as she continued to ride toward them, they fell to their knees. In respect or awe, she wasn't sure.
"Princess Zelda," said a gruff voice.
The princess recognized the man as a general, and she nodded in acknowledgement.
"I have returned from Gerudo Valley with the antidote for the king's recovery. And I bring news of Lord Ganondorf's involvement. Please, escort my knight and me to the castle so I can do what needs to be done."
Silence fell, and Zelda's stomach knotted. This was not the response that she had expected from the men. She attempted to conceal her dread, sitting tall while pulling her knight to her. This time, it was more for her comfort than for his security.
The general cleared his throat. "Of course, your highness. As you wish."
They paraded through an empty Castletown, soldiers surrounding her horse on all sides. When they reached the castle gates, she slid off the mare's back and placed a hand on Link's arm. He was unconscious. If their journey had not disturbed him from his slumber, he would most certainly require assistance immediately.
"Take Link to the palace infirmary," Zelda told the soldiers. She turned to the general, whose eyes wouldn't;'t quite meet hers. "Take me to Impa."
He nodded and cleared a path to the main door. He did not have to take the princess far. It seemed that Impa had already found them, alerted by the commotion.
The older woman stopped several feet away, her stern expression melting into one of relief. Her normally alert posture relaxed.
"Princess," she breathed.
Zelda bowed in apology. "Impa, I journeyed to Gerudo Valley and received the antidote that could save my father's life. Please, I will accept any punishment that waits for me, but we must administer the cure as soon as possible."
"Oh, Zelda . . ."
Impa walked towards the princess, who raised her head. The nursemaid placed her hands on either side of the princess' face.
"I'm afraid that there is nothing we can do," Impa said.
"What do you mean?" Zelda's voice broke.
"The king . . is no longer with us. He is dead."