Chapter 5

The Road Ahead

The morning came, and Zelda was already breaking bread and having words with Impa in the main living quarters of her home. Paya would be back home any moment from gathering ingredients to prepare for their breakfast, while Link was still soundly asleep upstairs thanks to the strong lingering effects of the Lunar Tear Potion.

"So sorry for your table, Impa," Zelda said bashfully as she reminded her of what happened the night prior with Link.

"It is quite alright. I needed a new one anyways. That other one was far too cumbersome and large for just me and Paya," the old woman replied with a grin. The two of them sat next to her new table, which was considerably smaller and noticeably not as grand in its crafting. Dorian had given it to her earlier that morning, a temporary solution until they could get a proper replacement. "Now, I won't have to shout just to have her hand me the bread basket. Shouting at table doesn't make for good conversation, either, and these old lungs of mine are tired as it is. So, I would say it was a blessing in disguise, and we'll probably keep it."

Zelda smiled to her as she reached over for a loaf of bread. She knew she was only saying that so she wouldn't feel so bad for the ruckus caused the night prior. Their knees were practically touching as they sat opposite from each other at the table. And, just as she was about to inquire when Link should be waking, Paya came barging through the front door and interrupted her train of thought.

"Phew! All ready, now. S-sorry to make you wait, princess," the Sheikah girl said as she made her way to the kitchen.

"It's no problem, Paya. Link has yet to wake, and it is still quite early," Zelda replied, stretching her arms against the table. "His rest is far more important than continuing our journey, for now. So, I will wait for as long as he needs."

"Oh…I'd say the effects of the potion should be worn off by mid-day," Impa chimed in. "He should feel much better once he wakes, so you may continue your quest. The realm cannot wait your highness."

As Impa said those words, Paya lit up the wok and cracked four cucco eggs over it. No sooner had they touched the hot steel, sizzling and popping and giving off their succulent aroma, the door upstairs swung open with a loud bang. Link was awake and ready for the day.

"You were saying, Impa? Mid-day, was it?" asked Zelda, trying to hold back her laughter by covering her mouth. "Ha Ha, it's barely nine o'clock! Never underestimate the sheer will of Link's stomach. It could break through any conjurers trick, spell or potion for that matter!"

"Good morning. Sorry to keep you all waiting," Link greeted those in the room. He smiled over to Zelda, who glanced back at him with a cute grin. She patted the pillow beside her next to the small table where they gathered, ushering him to come and have breakfast. As he lowered himself to sit next to them at the table, he sheepishly turned to look at Impa. "Don't worry, I won't break this one."

"Break as many as you like, you earned your pardon many times over for what you have done for us all...the only thing I ask of you is to not break my pottery. Not that I think you would, but please spare my pottery," Impa said as she let out a faint chuckle.

"Oh yes, Grandmother does love her pottery. Ugly things they are. I don't know why she insists on keeping them. They just take up space and are good for absolutely nothing, " Paya chimed in as she started to bring some platters of food to the table.

"They have been in our family for generations, wonderful works of hand-crafted art they are, that is why!" Impa defended herself, shaking her head at the wayward child.

"Oh yes, you're right. My mistake, grandmother, forgive me," Paya bowed her head apologetically but as she turned away from her and made her way back into the kitchen, she rolled her eyes. Zelda caught a glimpse of Paya's moment of rebelliousness as she walked away, and giggled at their family quarrel.

Turning her attention back to Zelda, Impa took in a deep breath. "Now, princess, as you both make your way to Zora's Domain, we will let you know if and when we hear word back from Greater Hyrule to the north. Any day now, Houses Draene, Illiastar, and Tarble should be answering the call of the crown. Then we can continue with our plans of clearing out the Capital, and finally restore this great kingdom."

"I hope they do answer the call," Zelda responded with a deep sigh.

"They will. They are loyal. You will see," Impa said as she smiled, squeezing Zelda's hand across the small table, as tight as an old woman could.

In just the few short minutes they were talking, Link had already cleared three plates, each with a mushroom omelet. He also managed to devour two bowls of left-over stew in that same span of time.

"Well, that was great! Thanks, Impa, " Link declared when his meal was finished, proud of himself.

"Don't thank me, Link. You should thank Paya, the chef," Impa replied, smiling and pointing over to Paya, who continued to fumble about in the kitchen, busy as a bee.

"Thanks...Paya," Link said as he turned to her. She stopped at the sound of his voice mid-step. She spun around to face the three of them, performing another reverent, over-the-top tilt of the head.

"Y-You're welcome! May I be excused?" Paya said. Her face went cherry-red as she quickly retreated to the safety of upstairs.

"I'll go prepare our horses for the journey too, princess," Link spoke to Zelda, rising and also excusing himself from the table. With a humble bow to the both of them, who were still seated, the knight proceeded out the front door.

Zelda and Impa were now alone. But before Zelda could leave to gather her belongings from upstairs, Impa stopped her with a simple question.

"You love him...don't you?" Impa queried, sternly. Her words jolted Zelda. It caught her by surprise, rendering her speechless. All she could do was stand there, lost in thought on how to respond back to the wise woman.

"I...uh...what makes you say-" Zelda began to make her excuse, but was shortly interrupted.

"It is alright if you do," Impa clarified with a grin. "We cannot control what our heart desires most, nor can we choose the ones we love. What we can choose, however, is whom we will be with. The law-"

"I know the law! I have been told it my entire life!" the princess responded bitterly, ducking her head away from Impa. "Always I have lived my life as if it was for someone else, everyone else! What about what WE want or...what I need? Am I not allowed happiness, too?"she said back to her as she lifted her hands up to her lips fighting back the quiver.

Tears also began to well up in her eyes at the confession, and she was glad to have hidden her face from Impa.

"I know dear child, and I don't want to upset you," Impa continued, her voice kind but firm. "Even so, my role as your advisor requires I guide you to become the best ruler you can be. It is forbidden for you to take a commoner as your betrothed, Zelda."

"Impa, I know you are just trying to do what is right. I'm sorry for being short tempered with you. It's just, can't I just have these few months with Link without the worry of what is to come? I don't want to ponder on it anymore. Surely, there must be a way out of it."

"Your grace, I will do all that I can to help you find a solution. I promise I won't bring up the matter again until the eve of your eighteenth birthday. In the meantime, you must be prepared for what may come, if it should come. You have a sacred duty to your kingdom."

"I know..."

And with that, Zelda slowly turned and headed up the stairs.

By the time mid-morning arrived, Link had finished preparing the horses with packs and saddles. Zelda made her way out of the house, escorted on either side by Impa and Paya. When the princess reached her horse, Link boosted her into the saddle, shortly climbing atop his own mount afterward. Instead of a prolonged farewell, the two travelers kicked their horses to trot, and waved their goodbyes as they headed toward the village entrance.

"Worry not about what we spoke of earlier, dear princess!" Impa called to Zelda, her warm smile apparent even with the growing distance. "All will be right in the end! You will see, soon enough!"

Though the princess had been glum at the thought of being forced to let go of her affection for Link by her eighteenth birthday, Impa's words always had a way of cheering her up, no matter the circumstance. Like the flickering flame of a particularly tenacious candle on a dark night, Impa's guidance seemed to light Zelda's way, no matter how lost she might feel.

The pair of travelers galloped into the canyon that led north toward Zora's Domain. As Impa and Paya watched them vanish into the distance, the wise woman chose to break the silence.

"She loves that young lad," the elder Sheikah stated bluntly, her face reflecting her thought on Zelda's last conversation with her.

"You think so?" replied Paya, who hunched to better hear her grandmother's words. "Are you certain? I had my suspicions, but..."

"Oh yes...The princess may deny it with her words, but her face can tell no lies," Impa stated, turning to face her granddaughter. "I could not bring myself to tell her the truth. I had every intention of doing so...but then I thought better of it."

Impa's eyes had grown downcast at the statement, and the old woman looked solemnly at the ground in contemplation.

"What, grandmother? What truth do you mean?" Paya asked, her eyes wide in worried anticipation.

"He has the sickness…," Impa boldly replied.

Paya's voice shook with gut-wrenching fear at the answer. "No...No, it can't be! Are you certain?"

"There is no doubt. He has the fever that has been reported across the countryside, of late...Malice Fever. He was exposed to extremely high levels of Ganon's dark magic and influence, more so than anyone after all. The princess must have been spared this horrible fate because she was shielded by her sealing power. Link had no such protection during his battle against the Calamity."

"But you said it was just him having night terrors! That business with the Lunar Tear Potion...helping one to sleep...that was all just a lie?!" Paya accused, her tone getting angrier with every word.

"Yes, Link is still remembering his past, that part of it is no lie...but the true purpose of Lunar Tear Potion isn't for restless nights. It is the only substance we know of that can stave off the deadly effects of the fever temporarily. But Link has the last vial, and its ingredients are extremely rare. Who knows if we could procure another vial in time...but I couldn't simply tell the princess the potion's true purpose. It would break her heart to know the truth-"

"If you do not intend to tell them, I shall!" Paya interrupted, face hot with self-righteous anger. "They deserve to know the truth! Link deserves to know!"

The girl seemed ready to bolt away and fetch her own horse to chase after them. Impa gripped her shirt firmly before she could, the sheer strength of the hold belying the woman's advanced age.

"You will do no such thing!" Impa commanded, her voice firm and powerful.

"But I care for Link! I-" Paya said but was quickly interrupted.

"As do I! We all do! But you must understand that the kingdom is more important than all of us...even Link," Impa own voice began to shake with sadness at the admittance. "If the princess had known the truth today, she would never have left Kakariko. She'd have stayed by Link's bedside while his health decayed, day and night until his very last breath, in hopes of him healing. She'd have shirked all duties and responsibilities to the realm in its most dire hour."

"H-how, how can you say that!? How can you be so cold, grandmother?! Were it not for Master Link, there wouldn't even be a kingdom!"

"I say hush, naive child! You think I do not know that?! Regardless of our feelings, the realm is too important! Link would understand, he would want to do what is right for her and the people...even if it means paying the ultimate price, and laying down his life. If the princess learns of this, all that he has fought so hard for, everything he and his companions sacrificed up until now would have been in vain, if she were to lose the kingdom now."

"...how long? How long...does he have?" Paya pleaded with Impa.

"From what the best physicians say, several months, maybe a year if he is lucky…but Link is strong, no doubt blessed by the goddesses. If anyone could survive this horrible illness, it is him."

Impa looked toward the sky, questioning her own judgment as her thoughts raced. Eventually, she turned to face her granddaughter again and continued. "When the potion runs out, the truth will reveal itself to the princess soon enough. Why ruin any sort of hope they have being together now?"

"When the truth does come out, she will not forgive you for keeping this a secret from her...I don't forgive you, for that matter!" Paya declared harshly, stomping on the ground once to emphasize her protest. "You will lose her, if you go through with this..."

"Then, that is a sacrifice I am willing to make, if it means securing her reign and the peace and stability of this kingdom! I am duty-bound to follow the princess in all things. If she were to know of this now, I would be forced to help her in making all the wrong decisions. That is why I must remain silent on the matter, for the time being."

"Grandmother...this is the wrong decision. No good can come of such secrets..."

"I know you care for the boy as well, child. I know of the feelings you hide in your heart. You're not so talented in the ways of secrecy as you may think. Besides, I have already sent word to my sister and Robbie for their help in this matter. If anyone can help to develop a permanent cure for this illness, it's them. Perhaps, science may succeed where the apothecary's potions and treatments failed. Until then, you will say nothing. While I yet live and breathe, I am chief of this tribe, and you will obey me. When I finally pass into the realm of our forefathers for my eternal rest, then and only then will you oversee this tribe."

Her final decree on the matter spoken, Impa turned and walked away, leaving Paya to stand outside, alone and confused.

After making it out of the back of the canyon and over to the other side of the mountain, the princess and her knight dismounted their horses to take a short break. The horses set about grazing on the meadow grass, while Link and Zelda took the time to talk and cool off with a drink. They relaxed from a spot on a plateau overlooking the inner part of the kingdom, and could even see the capital and castle from where they stood. It was a magnificent view. Though it was a warm day, a pleasant breeze blew, carrying with it the sweet scent of freshly blooming flowers. Hyrule was indeed healing, slowly but surely, and Zelda saw that as a sign of good fortune.

The princess approached the ledge of the cliff that overlooked the heart of the kingdom, standing next to Link as she withdrew the Sheikah Slate and looked over it curiously.

"Well, at least the map still functions well enough...we won't be getting lost anytime soon, haha," she said smiling toward Link. "We'll make our way to Zora's Domain. It looks like...Divine Beast Vah Ruta stopped working? Let's investigate the situation..."

As Zelda lowered the Slate to her waist, her face became solemn. "Mipha's Father...I believe he would like to hear more about her. The least we can do is to visit him and offer him some closure..."

She paused for a moment, lost in thought about her longtime friend, and of the sacrifices that the Mipha had made. She believed in her heart that they were not in vain, and that they would honor her memory well. As the thought of that filled her mind, something else stirred inside of her, a feeling of peace in her soul for the Zora princess. As it filled her, she stood taller and lifted her head high, hopeful for the new day.

"Ganon may be gone for now, but there is still so much more for us to do…and so many painful memories that we must bear. I believe in my heart that if all of us work together, we can restore Hyrule to its former glory...perhaps even beyond. But it must all start with us. Let us be off."

The princess turned then, pushing past her knight to return to the horses. She stopped mid-way to them, as if something compelled her to do so.

"I can no longer hear the voice inside the sword...and I suspect it may mean that my power has dwindled over the past one hundred years," Zelda spoke slowly, facing her knight. His eyes were fixed on hers, and as she looked at him, she swelled with a warm feeling of peace and serenity. Looking at him, standing strong as ever before her, she knew in her heart that all would be right in the end, just as Impa had said. She gave Link her warmest smile, the type a briight-eyes child might give upon their birthday. "I'm surprised to admit it...but I can accept that."

Link, too, was filled with hope, and he followed her toward the two stallions. There, they mounted up and continued their quest down the mountain trail lead to the main road and, eventually, to the great city of the Zora people.

After traveling many miles along mountain roads and hillsides, the princess and her knight entered the territory of Zora's Domain. Hylian roads gave way to ancient Zora architecture. The craftsmanship was different and of pristine quality, for the Zora were skilled in the art of carving Luminous Stone, which they used to fashion most of their structures. Masters of archways they were. The stone also had a natural glow to it, which illuminated their bridges that spanned across the rivers, both large and small, that flowed from the mouth of the Domain. Because of the power of these magical stones, they could be reliably viewed from far distances at night.

The sound of rushing currents of water could be heard in between the clip-clop of their horses' hooves against the hard-carved stone. A faint, cool mist surrounded them as they made their way toward the Domain. Link, taking notice of his princess' cheerful disposition because of the laughter they had enjoyed along the road thus far, decided to strike up a more serious conversation with her as they made their crossing into the territory of the Zora. They would be at the great city in no time.

"So, I was wondering about what Impa said earlier...who are these three greater noble houses?" Link asked as he trotted alongside her on the bridge.

Caught off guard by the question, Zelda waited a moment to think about what she should say to him. She pulled the reins of her horse closer to her chest, slowing him to a trot so that she would be able to better concentrate on her thoughts.

Does he really not remember the three Great Houses of Hyrule? she thought, considering the implications carefully. What other things has he not remembered from one hundred years ago? It seems I will need to find out the scope of his lost memories. But...didn't he say he remembered our times together? Perhaps it's only the trivial memories he cannot recall? Does that mean I'm of importance to him?

The princess smiled at the thought of her being of high importance in his mind.

"Oh, you don't recall them? Let's see… maybe I can jog your memory. As I said before, the old histories were never my favorite subject. Nevertheless, I am a Royal daughter and I know this much about the lines of nobility of the Kingdom," she spoke as she turned her head toward him. Prepared to give a long diatribe, so she took in a deep breath.

"Actually, there were once six Great Houses that watched over the Realm of Hyrule, one for each of the Maidens of Legend, who served the Royal Family since a time long forgotten to myth. Seven houses in total, if you count my own Royal House of Hyrule, which reigns over them all. For their invaluable service to the crown, their family lines were granted titles and territories to govern. Three of the houses no longer exist, their family lines and histories all lost when the original Calamity ravaged this land. It was a terror from a time long before even the Calamity of ten thousand years ago.

"The Kingdom would have been lost entirely if it weren't for the brave sacrifices of the Hero and of his men, the Holy Order of KNIGHTS, who were once the sworn guardians of the Sacred Realm and the Royal Family. They alone were able to beat back the original Calamity. Valiantly alongside the Queen of that age, they sealed away Ganon, though it cost them their lives and an end to their sacred KNIGHTS bloodline. I must admit, most of this is legend, and I cannot be sure if there is any real history in it. I have forgotten all the important names, including those of the lost Great Houses. As for the three actual Houses that do remain...

"House Tarble rules over the Marshlands and guards the inland 'sea' to the northwest, which is more of a large lake, really. They are mighty ship builders, and they keep watch at the Lakeland Fortress.

"Then there is House Illiastar, richest of the three. They rule over the land of Bountiful, for their soil is rich and they have never seen a bad harvest. Known also for their skill in the mastery of horses, they keep watch at the Crystal Citadel.

"Lastly, there is House Draene, rulers of the Stonelands and the largest of the three. They are the most loyal to the Royal House of Hyrule, and are renowned as masters of hand-to-hand single combat. They sit upon the Serpent's Keep, formerly known as the Turtle Rock."

Her speech ended, the princess smirk happily at her knight from atop her horse. She felt proud of how easily she recalled her lessons of heritage from one hundred years ago.

"Well, that's sure a lot of highborn to remember. I'll just make sure to bow if fancy-dressed folk come my way from any of those distant lands. Just to keep things simple," Link said with a smirk towards Zelda.

"Indeed!" giggled back Zelda.

Suddenly, as Link and Zelda made their way around the last bridge cross into the Domain, a familiar face appeared up above them from a ledge.

"Ho, there! Welcome, friends!" the Zora man waved to them. And, in a stunning display of acrobatics, he leapt high into the air, spinning down at them through the sky. He landed just in front of the pair of surprised travelers as if it were an eloquent dance. It was none other than Sidon himself, Prince of the Zora.

"We were wondering just how long it would be until we would see the 'Great Link' come again and visit our waters! And I see you have brought a guest with you. Could that be...?" he asked, squinting at to Zelda for a better look. "It is! Link, you dog, you did it! You saved her royal highness from the monstrous Ganon after all! I knew you could do it! Never doubted you for a second, my friend! Where are the naysayers now huh?!"

The Zora ribbed Link jovially, throwing him a wink and a shrug of his elbow.

"Ha ha, oh my, and what a tall and handsome prince you have grown up to be Sidon! Mipha would be so proud of the man you have become," Zelda said, cheerfully smiling at him even as her horse attempted to pull away after his leaping stunt.

Sidon moved in closer to the pair, swinging out his hands and and flexing his arms in grandiose fashion. He grinned widely at Zelda, his sharklike teeth on full display. "Ha ha, yes indeed! I should think that Link, too, has managed to become quite the handsome knight, dear princess!"

"Indeed," Zelda giggled again, looking over to Link, who just fidgeted nervously from atop his horse at their compliments.

"And you, my fair princess, have grown even more beautiful than my memories can recall!" Sidon proclaimed with a reverent bow of respect.

"Ha ha, you were just a small tadpole then! I think may perhaps your memory fails you, for you honor me too much," Zelda replied with a bashful yet pleased smile that lit up her face.

"Come, come, the both of you! You are most welcome here in the Domain! My father will be well-pleased to see your safe return to us once again, Princess of Hyrule!" Sidon said, ushering them to follow him up stone walkway leading to the entrance of the great Zora city. "Both of you shall be our honored guests for as long you desire to stay with us!"

"Regrettably, we cannot remain long. We still need to visit the Gorons, Rito and Gerudo before the help we so desperately need arrives from Greater Hyrule. But, with that being said, Divine Beast Vah Ruta has gone dark on the slate, and we would like to investigate that matter before we leave."

"I see. Well, regardless, please feel free to stay with us as long as your quest permits! And any help with the Divine beast, you may need, I will assist you of course…It's not too far off now. Follow me!"

With that, he led them up the grand bridge and into the heart of Zora's Domain.

After following alongside Sidon, Link and Zelda were eventually greeted by the curious faces of the Zora who watched the two Hylians come into their view from afar. A hush fell over the city as they made their way up the walkways and past the grand terraces and fountains. Adult stopped in partway through their work, and children halted mid-play to gaze upon the mysterious visitors being welcomed into their home. Silence followed by mumbled voices could be heard as the princess and her knight continued their march alongside Sidon into the great Hall of Kings.

"Don't worry, they're just curious. We haven't had too many Hylian visitors since the Calamity, and I'm sure they all have heard plenty of stories about the Hylian Hero and the fair Princess of Hyrule," Sidon remarked to them both with another shark-toothed grin.

"Halt! You two! I'm afraid your horses will have to wait here. The great hall is no place for stallions," one of the sentries spoke toward the pair of travelers following behind his prince. His face was as serious as Sidon's was playful.

"Haha, very good, Yoru!" Sidon shouted, clapping. "You almost had me convinced there! Almost."

Sidon gave an exaggerated wink toward the sentry, who stood very nearly as tall as the prince, though clearly younger and leaner. "You'll make a fine guard one day! I just know it!"

Sidon then spun back around to face Link and Zelda. "He is right, though. The great hall is no place for horses. But don't worry! This young lad will take fine care of your beasts for you, won't you, Yoru?"

"Y-Yes, my prince. Of course," the sentry nervously replied as Sidon glanced toward him.

"But next time, Yoru, learn who visitors to the Domain are before you shout them down. You never know if a princess might come your way. And it's never a good idea to shout down a princess. You never know what she might be capable of doing to you. Fair enough?"

At Sidon's raised fishy eyebrow, Yoru slid past his prince to get a better view of Zelda, who dismounted her horse. Instantly, his face filled with distress at the realization of what he'd done. As he dropped his spear, he gulped audibly, falling to his knees in prostration. "Forgive me! I had no idea!"

"Sidon! You're frightening the poor boy!" Zelda scolded the Zora prince. She smiled kindly as she walked over to the young Zora sentry, signaling with her hands for him to stand. "Don't worry about him, I think you already are a great guardsman," She said with a wink, cuffing her hands to speak directly to the young Zora man.

"Ha ha, just a bit fun! Relax, Yoru, you're fine. Should have seen your face though…you're too serious all the time!" Sidon laughed. Link remained quiet as ever throughout the exchange, unloading his gear from the horses before he and Zelda were to be granted their audience by King Dorephan.

"Well, this is it…You both ready?" Sidon asked, looking over his shoulder toward Link and Zelda at the bottom of the staircase. Link turned to Zelda, offering her an encouraging, sweet smile. She held her head high, and took in a deep breath, facing Sidon, who prepared to lead them into the grand hall.

"Ready," she said, her face lit up like a beacon of hope.

"Alright, then! Together, let's fix the kingdom, shall we?" Sidon proclaimed as he ushered then past the stairs to greet the King.

Authors Note- Sorry for the smaller chapter. I felt this was a good pause for what is to come next. Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Also, if you haven't already yet, please remember to leave any sort of feedback, it really helps me gauge how my readers are liking the story or not. I greatly appreciate it. So with that being said, I hope you do enjoy the story. It really makes my day to see if you are reading or not. Thank you again!