"Who's this?" the Veteran asked as the search party and their quarry walked up to the group of Heroes.
"Don't know," the Champion said.
"He's been following us for several days," the Ranch Hand explained.
"We asked him why, but he can't talk. Figured at least here we could keep an eye on him."
"Hey!" The Hero of Wind beamed at the newcomer. "Are you from around here?"
The boy didn't look at him. He wouldn't look at any of them. He shrank back, leaning into the Champion and rubbing his arms again. He shook his head.
"Did you get lost?" asked the Veteran.
The boy hesitated, then nodded.
"Don't worry," the Traveler said with a warm smile. "We'll help you find your way home."
"Can you write?" asked the Captain.
The boy clutched his sleeves and crumpled to the ground. He didn't make a sound, but began rocking ever so slightly.
"Hey, hey," the Champion knelt down and rubbed the boy's back, soothing him. "It's okay. You're safe here."
"Yeah," chimed Wind, bringing a proud fist to his chest. "We're the best fighters in all of Hyrule! No monster's gonna get past us!"
Several of the group gave their assent. This only seemed to intensify the boy's panic.
From the back of the group, the Hero of Time stepped forward. Everyone quieted as he knelt in front of the cowering child. He studied the boy for a moment, then asked gently, "How old are you?"
The boy wiped his eyes and sat up just a little, still rocking. He timidly held up nine fingers, then went back to hugging himself.
"Hm." Time stood up, ignoring the sober looks of his companions. "You have a shield." A tiny smile lit across his face. "Do you know how to use it?"
The boy made a quick glance back at the Champion, then nodded.
Time drew his sword. "Let's see it, then."
The boy's shield was out in a flash. The Champion moved out of the way as Time pointed his blade at the small boy. The boy looked terrified, his eyes fixed on the old Hero.
"Should I go easy on you?" asked the Old Man.
The boy hesitated, then shook his head.
"Very well."
Everything happened in an instant. The Biggoron Sword swung down, the boy raised his shield, a mighty clash rang through the trees—and, to the stunned eyes of all who watched, Time's massive blade was flung to the side, wrenched completely out of his grip.
"That was a perfect parry," the Champion said, quietly breaking the silence. "Where did you learn that?"
"He can't talk, remember?" said the Ranch Hand.
"Right."
"May I see that?" asked the Smith.
The boy hesitated, then nodded and handed over his shield.
"Wow... I've never seen this material before. No magical properties that I can tell. It looks like you've taken very good care of it, though."
"Let me see it," said the Champion.
The Smith handed him the shield.
"I know what this is." The Champion gazed at the boy. "This is Sheikah stone."
The boy stared at the Champion's shoes.
"In any case, we should all get some sleep." The Hero of Time picked up and sheathed his sword. "I'll take the first watch."
The Ranch Hand placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. "Do you have a bed roll?"
He nodded.
"Good. Let's get you set up near the fire."
The Champion returned the boy's shield. The newcomer followed the Ranch Hand to an empty patch of dirt by the fire. "Here. This should be a good spot." He rubbed the boy's back. "Let us know if you need anything, okay?"
The young boy gazed into the fire for a while, then responded with a tiny nod.