Part Five
The King of Hyrule rubbed his temples. "So far, we have the help of the Zoras, Gorons, Shiekah, Gerudos and the Kokiri. The Zoras will attack from the water of course, the Gorons will be in charge of Death Mountain and the rocks."
"The rocks, Father?" Zelda asked, peering at her father over a map of Hyrule she had been looking at.
"They claim that they can do a considerable amount of damage by rolling rocks over the troops." The King resumed explaining the role of the races. "Our people are training as foot soldier and the knights are ready to fight now. The Gerudos are ready to do anything, so they'll be fighting with the nights and helping the Kokiri. The Kokiri are going to attack from the woods. How can the Sheikah help?"
Faylona sat straight and proud. "The Sheikah can fight in anyway. We can fight hand to hand, attack from the woods, assist the Gorons, anything is possible."
"Fine. Some will help the knights and Gerudos, some will stalk in the woods and the rest can help the Gorons."
Link remembered the point Malon had brought up. "What about those who can't fight, your Majesty? Where will they be safe?"
"They may stay in our village." Faylona answered for the King. "It is impossible to enter our village without a Sheikah to open the doors. Or without the will of the forest. No army will be able to get them."
The King nodded. "Good. When will be able to move our people to your village? Reports say Carnovan's army is on the move. They should be here within three weeks."
Zelda paled. "Are we prepared?"
"The Gerudos are ready, as are the knights and Zoras. Those armies are trained well enough to fight at anytime. The Gorons are almost done training. Our soldiers will be able to fight soon as well. And the Sheikah?"
"We can fight whenever needed." Faylona answered haughtily.
Link stood. "Excuse me you Highness, but I need to, ah, work on my fighting skills." He needed to leave. Now. If he stayed another moment in the stuffy room, Link knew he'd either go crazy or pass out. He bowed and hurried out of the room.
Zelda watched him leave with a pang of envy. She smiled at her father. "I do not believe we can accomplish any more today. Let us depart before we attack one another. Maybe you should check on the troops. As for myself, I've had a long day. I'm going to take a nap. I will see you both at dinner?"
The King sighed heavily. "You are right, daughter. Come Faylona, I will bring you to see our knights. And sleep well Zelda."
Zelda collapsed onto her bed. She had a tremendous headache. She closed her eyes and thought about all that had happened. What would her father do about this war? Would he send her to stay at the Sheikahs? She hoped not. She wanted to stay with her people. She wanted to help in anyway she could. But how could she? She fell asleep pondering.
Link sighed in happiness. He was back in his forest, back in the soothing cool green of the woods. He could only here the rustle of leaves over head. Perfect. No girls. No kings. No rules. Just him. He lay down on the soft carpet of moss. His pounding headache quieted, leaving his mind open for thoughts. Link wondered about the coming war. The King would probably want him to lead the knights or some such. Maybe he would have to protect the castle, or maybe Zelda. Eh, that wouldn't be so bad he smiled at the trees. Closing his eyes, Link dosed on and off for a while. Sometimes he would awake worrying about the war, other times for the lies of those he cared for in general. Suddenly, his peace was shattered. Saria came bouncing next to him.
"Link! Wake up!"
"Huh?" Link opened his deep blue eyes to squint and his best friend. "Saria? What's up?"
Saria giggled. "You should get up! Everyone else is working. They're building walls around Hyrule and setting up traps. Even the Kokiri are being trained. And what are you doing? Sleeping! That's what!" She stomped her small foot. "As Sage of the Forest, I command you to get up!"
Link stood up slowly, towering over the elf. "Command? You dare to command me, the Hero of Time?"
Saria stuck out her chin. "You better believe it!"
"That's it!" With a yell, Link dove at her and trapped her on the ground.
"You shall pay for that!" Saria wiggled out and climbed onto his back. "Take that foul fiend! And that!" She covered his eyes with her hands and whooped in triumph.
Link pretended to be blind. "I can't see! All is black! Is it night already?" He reached back and grabbed the Kokiri off his back. Holding her in front of him, he grinned. "A noble fight, Sage, but you lose again."
"Oh do I?" Saria smiled coyly and held out fairy ocarina. "Did you, uh…lose something?"
"Why you little...!" Link dropped her and she sped off laughing, still holding the stolen instrument.
"Just try to catch me!" She ducked through the trees, zipping across the woods her giggles muffled by the dense woods.
Link chased after her. He was faster, but her small size allowed her to get into small space he couldn't get to. His warrior eyes spotted her trail easily and he crept silently behind her, keeping far enough away so that she couldn't see him, but close enough that he kept her in sight.
Saria stopped, panting. Her keen elf ears picked up any sound, but she tried in vain to hear the steps of Link. She searched the woods, looking for him, to her surprise; she saw no sign of her friend. Saria felt alone and vulnerable. Her fairy had left not a week ago, claiming that all fairies were called to meet the Great Fairies. Saria had been worried. Didn't all Kokiri need a fairy? Not since Saria became the Sage, Rauru had calmed her. She would be fine, as would all the other Kokiri children. "Link? Link, where are you?"
Link ducked behind a tree. He smiled slyly. He kept his eyes on her body. Not bad. If he could hide from the Sage of the Forest, he could hide from anybody. Wait for it…he told himself. He waited for the perfect moment to grab her.
Saria strained her ears for any noise at all. She could hear the quiet whispering promises of the wind; the soothing songs of birds and the gentle hum of insects…all the regular sounds that she would come into the forest to hear. She turned around in the small clearing she had been standing in. Suddenly a movement caught her eye.
Link rushed out of the woods and picked up Saria in his arms. She screamed and dropped the ocarina. Still holding her, he grabbed it and tucked it away. Saria clung to his shoulders, gasping for air.
"You scared me so much! You are horrible!"
Link laughed and tossed her into the air. She shrieked with pleasure as he caught her again and threw her again into the sky. After a few more small flights, Link placed her onto the ground. "Again, I am the champion. And you are again the loser."
Saria chuckled. "Ok, this time you win. But it was a fluke, never to happen again." She reached and clasped his hand. "Come on, let's go home."
Silently they walked out the woods.
Malon tried to remain on Shadavelle's back as he bucked wildly beneath her. "Whoa! Calm down! Whoa Shadavelle!" The stallion ignored her pleas and arched his back in order to throw her off. Malon grabbed harder onto the saddle, refusing to be thrown off. The harder she held on, the harder Shadavelle bucked. He tossed Malon on his back, snorting and neighing in anger.
Gerudos ran around the ring, shouting words of encouragement. They grouped around in a circle and yelled curses at the horse and prayers to the goddesses. Suddenly they parted and Malon saw out of the corner of her eye that Nabooru had walked down. Malon cleared her mind, determined to stay on. She couldn't disappoint the leader of the Gerudos. Shadavelle reared again and again but Malon refused to let go. She let her body go limp and flowed with the movements trying to not her back. The ground spun and her mind darkened. She felt the ache of her body and her head pounded as if thunder boomed inside. As her world blackened, Malon lost her grip.
Nabooru gasped. Malon began to slip from the saddle. If the girl fell off, she could be killed. Shadavelle realized that his rider was losing and jumped again into the air. Nabooru hopped the fence. If she was quick enough, she might be able to catch Malon…
She didn't have to. Malon snapped back to reality. I am daughter of Deedra and Talon, best horse trainers in all Hyrule, she thought to herself. I can handle this! She pulled back violently on the reins. Throwing one arm into the air for balance, she held on to the reins with a death grip.
Nabooru stopped. The girl had caught herself! She smiled proudly. Truly, the girl had the Gerudos fighting spirit.
Shadavelle bucked again and again determined to free himself. His sleek black body was covered in sweat, his back ached and his head pounded, but he refused to give in. Soon, though, he grew tired. Malon was not letting go. He made a few half-hearted kicks. Finally, his body numbed. He hung his head in defeat and stood still.
Malon slumped onto his neck, drained of all energy. She panted for breath. Dimly she felt the arms of Gerudos lifting her off the horse. She saw them lead her stallion away and she began to speak in protest of the thought of someone else taking care of Shadavelle, but thought better of it. Closing her tired eyes, she felt her feet touch the ground. She raised her head and look absently at Nabooru.
Nabooru chuckled. "Take her to my room. Bathe her and put her to bed. She'll be spending the night here." She watched as Malon was led away. Shaking her head and grinning, Nabooru turned to head to the Castle.
Link listened to Saria's story. They were sitting in her small home, eating Deku nuts, just like old times.
"So then I said to Mido, 'but that is a Zora!'" She ended the last word with a twinkling giggle.
Link laughed along with her. He fell back, leaning on the wall. His blond hair fell into his eyes. He grinned at his friend. "Unbelievable! I can't believe he said that!" Link didn't mind laughing at the expense of one of his arch nemesis. Mido had always picked on Link when he had been small. But now Link stood feet above the head of Mido. They avoided each other at all costs. Link didn't mind that at all.
Saria sighed with happiness. It had been awhile since she had been able to speak with Link. All this talk of war…
Link's blue eyes focussed on the intense look on the young Saria's face. "What's up?"
She sighed and gave him a small smile. "So much has been happening lately…"
Link moaned and rested his head against the wall. 'Tell me about it. I can't sleep at night. All I can do is worry. I wonder if Hyrule will make it through this."
"We've made it through times of war before. And with you at our side-"
"But this time it's a whole army." Link cut her off, staring angrily at the ceiling. "I don't know if we can take on an army made of demons and the goddesses no what else."
Saria sighed again. "The Deku Tree is concerned as well. What if they kill him?"
"I don't know what will happen. And that's one of the problems." Link stood up. "In fact, I want to go find out what the King has to say about it."
Saria nodded, her eyes filled with sadness. "Good bye."
Epona trotted at a steady pace, she knew where she was going, allowing Link to let his thoughts fly. What if they lost? Would they have to release Ganondorf? What if he died? What if all his friends died? How could they survive? He was so lost in his worries; Link failed to notice the approaching rider. He still wouldn't have seen her if Nabooru hadn't smacked him on the back of the head.
"Link!" She leaned close and yelled in his pointed ears. "Link! Hello?"
"I...huh? Oh, Nabooru! You didn't have to yell!" He frowned and she laughed at his expression.
"What happened to the happy days of adolescence? Should you be out courting some lucky girl? Or spending time with your friends?" She laughed again, throwing her head back, filling the air with the happy sound.
Link frowned harder. He wasn't in the mood for Nabooru's teasing. "Now's not the time."
"When is it ever?" Nabooru burst into song. "When will our time come? When will you be mine?" She was horribly off-key, destroy the love song she was belting out. "When shall I hold you…in…my…arms?!" Her voice was deep and throaty, adding to the general din of her singing. "Oh, when will you be mine?"
Link covered his ears. "Enough!" He cried laughing. "I give in! Stop the torture!"
"Torture? How dare you say that to me! That's the last time I serenade you!" She stuck her nose up in the air in mock insult.
Link rolled his eyes and chuckled. "Not only were you off key, you had the words wrong. It's supposed to have another line in there." He cleared his throat. "Ready for this? After the arms part it goes…" He sang the last part as loud as he could. "My heart cries for your charms. Oh when will you be mine?"
Nabooru raised her eyebrows. "You have a decent voice. Sing the rest of it." When she saw him duck his head in embarrassment, she added, "I'll join in."
They reached the market place just before they started. "Maybe later." Link dismounted and Nabooru followed.
"So why are you going to see the king?" Nabooru asked Link as they climbed the steps to enter the castle.
"Link shrugged. "I want to know what's going to happen. I want to be prepared."
Nabooru nodded in agreement. "As do I. My soldiers are ready to fight of course. Still…"
Suddenly Zelda came running by. "Oh! How glad I am to see you! My father wants me to leave with him! Please! Help me explain to him that I am needed here!"
Link and Nabooru glanced at each other, neither wanting to pick sides with the royalty. They had almost reached the throne room and now stood at the closed door. "Zelda…" Link began carefully, "isn't this a personally matter that's between you and your father?"
Zelda calmed and inhaled deeply. "Link, you know of my abilities. I want to help in anyway that I can. I just need you both for support. I have to fight along with you."
Nabooru pushed the door to the throne room open. "Let's discuss this with the king." With her leading the way, the friends entered the presence of the King of Hyrule.
The King of Hyrule rubbed his temples. "So far, we have the help of the Zoras, Gorons, Shiekah, Gerudos and the Kokiri. The Zoras will attack from the water of course, the Gorons will be in charge of Death Mountain and the rocks."
"The rocks, Father?" Zelda asked, peering at her father over a map of Hyrule she had been looking at.
"They claim that they can do a considerable amount of damage by rolling rocks over the troops." The King resumed explaining the role of the races. "Our people are training as foot soldier and the knights are ready to fight now. The Gerudos are ready to do anything, so they'll be fighting with the nights and helping the Kokiri. The Kokiri are going to attack from the woods. How can the Sheikah help?"
Faylona sat straight and proud. "The Sheikah can fight in anyway. We can fight hand to hand, attack from the woods, assist the Gorons, anything is possible."
"Fine. Some will help the knights and Gerudos, some will stalk in the woods and the rest can help the Gorons."
Link remembered the point Malon had brought up. "What about those who can't fight, your Majesty? Where will they be safe?"
"They may stay in our village." Faylona answered for the King. "It is impossible to enter our village without a Sheikah to open the doors. Or without the will of the forest. No army will be able to get them."
The King nodded. "Good. When will be able to move our people to your village? Reports say Carnovan's army is on the move. They should be here within three weeks."
Zelda paled. "Are we prepared?"
"The Gerudos are ready, as are the knights and Zoras. Those armies are trained well enough to fight at anytime. The Gorons are almost done training. Our soldiers will be able to fight soon as well. And the Sheikah?"
"We can fight whenever needed." Faylona answered haughtily.
Link stood. "Excuse me you Highness, but I need to, ah, work on my fighting skills." He needed to leave. Now. If he stayed another moment in the stuffy room, Link knew he'd either go crazy or pass out. He bowed and hurried out of the room.
Zelda watched him leave with a pang of envy. She smiled at her father. "I do not believe we can accomplish any more today. Let us depart before we attack one another. Maybe you should check on the troops. As for myself, I've had a long day. I'm going to take a nap. I will see you both at dinner?"
The King sighed heavily. "You are right, daughter. Come Faylona, I will bring you to see our knights. And sleep well Zelda."
Zelda collapsed onto her bed. She had a tremendous headache. She closed her eyes and thought about all that had happened. What would her father do about this war? Would he send her to stay at the Sheikahs? She hoped not. She wanted to stay with her people. She wanted to help in anyway she could. But how could she? She fell asleep pondering.
Link sighed in happiness. He was back in his forest, back in the soothing cool green of the woods. He could only here the rustle of leaves over head. Perfect. No girls. No kings. No rules. Just him. He lay down on the soft carpet of moss. His pounding headache quieted, leaving his mind open for thoughts. Link wondered about the coming war. The King would probably want him to lead the knights or some such. Maybe he would have to protect the castle, or maybe Zelda. Eh, that wouldn't be so bad he smiled at the trees. Closing his eyes, Link dosed on and off for a while. Sometimes he would awake worrying about the war, other times for the lies of those he cared for in general. Suddenly, his peace was shattered. Saria came bouncing next to him.
"Link! Wake up!"
"Huh?" Link opened his deep blue eyes to squint and his best friend. "Saria? What's up?"
Saria giggled. "You should get up! Everyone else is working. They're building walls around Hyrule and setting up traps. Even the Kokiri are being trained. And what are you doing? Sleeping! That's what!" She stomped her small foot. "As Sage of the Forest, I command you to get up!"
Link stood up slowly, towering over the elf. "Command? You dare to command me, the Hero of Time?"
Saria stuck out her chin. "You better believe it!"
"That's it!" With a yell, Link dove at her and trapped her on the ground.
"You shall pay for that!" Saria wiggled out and climbed onto his back. "Take that foul fiend! And that!" She covered his eyes with her hands and whooped in triumph.
Link pretended to be blind. "I can't see! All is black! Is it night already?" He reached back and grabbed the Kokiri off his back. Holding her in front of him, he grinned. "A noble fight, Sage, but you lose again."
"Oh do I?" Saria smiled coyly and held out fairy ocarina. "Did you, uh…lose something?"
"Why you little...!" Link dropped her and she sped off laughing, still holding the stolen instrument.
"Just try to catch me!" She ducked through the trees, zipping across the woods her giggles muffled by the dense woods.
Link chased after her. He was faster, but her small size allowed her to get into small space he couldn't get to. His warrior eyes spotted her trail easily and he crept silently behind her, keeping far enough away so that she couldn't see him, but close enough that he kept her in sight.
Saria stopped, panting. Her keen elf ears picked up any sound, but she tried in vain to hear the steps of Link. She searched the woods, looking for him, to her surprise; she saw no sign of her friend. Saria felt alone and vulnerable. Her fairy had left not a week ago, claiming that all fairies were called to meet the Great Fairies. Saria had been worried. Didn't all Kokiri need a fairy? Not since Saria became the Sage, Rauru had calmed her. She would be fine, as would all the other Kokiri children. "Link? Link, where are you?"
Link ducked behind a tree. He smiled slyly. He kept his eyes on her body. Not bad. If he could hide from the Sage of the Forest, he could hide from anybody. Wait for it…he told himself. He waited for the perfect moment to grab her.
Saria strained her ears for any noise at all. She could hear the quiet whispering promises of the wind; the soothing songs of birds and the gentle hum of insects…all the regular sounds that she would come into the forest to hear. She turned around in the small clearing she had been standing in. Suddenly a movement caught her eye.
Link rushed out of the woods and picked up Saria in his arms. She screamed and dropped the ocarina. Still holding her, he grabbed it and tucked it away. Saria clung to his shoulders, gasping for air.
"You scared me so much! You are horrible!"
Link laughed and tossed her into the air. She shrieked with pleasure as he caught her again and threw her again into the sky. After a few more small flights, Link placed her onto the ground. "Again, I am the champion. And you are again the loser."
Saria chuckled. "Ok, this time you win. But it was a fluke, never to happen again." She reached and clasped his hand. "Come on, let's go home."
Silently they walked out the woods.
Malon tried to remain on Shadavelle's back as he bucked wildly beneath her. "Whoa! Calm down! Whoa Shadavelle!" The stallion ignored her pleas and arched his back in order to throw her off. Malon grabbed harder onto the saddle, refusing to be thrown off. The harder she held on, the harder Shadavelle bucked. He tossed Malon on his back, snorting and neighing in anger.
Gerudos ran around the ring, shouting words of encouragement. They grouped around in a circle and yelled curses at the horse and prayers to the goddesses. Suddenly they parted and Malon saw out of the corner of her eye that Nabooru had walked down. Malon cleared her mind, determined to stay on. She couldn't disappoint the leader of the Gerudos. Shadavelle reared again and again but Malon refused to let go. She let her body go limp and flowed with the movements trying to not her back. The ground spun and her mind darkened. She felt the ache of her body and her head pounded as if thunder boomed inside. As her world blackened, Malon lost her grip.
Nabooru gasped. Malon began to slip from the saddle. If the girl fell off, she could be killed. Shadavelle realized that his rider was losing and jumped again into the air. Nabooru hopped the fence. If she was quick enough, she might be able to catch Malon…
She didn't have to. Malon snapped back to reality. I am daughter of Deedra and Talon, best horse trainers in all Hyrule, she thought to herself. I can handle this! She pulled back violently on the reins. Throwing one arm into the air for balance, she held on to the reins with a death grip.
Nabooru stopped. The girl had caught herself! She smiled proudly. Truly, the girl had the Gerudos fighting spirit.
Shadavelle bucked again and again determined to free himself. His sleek black body was covered in sweat, his back ached and his head pounded, but he refused to give in. Soon, though, he grew tired. Malon was not letting go. He made a few half-hearted kicks. Finally, his body numbed. He hung his head in defeat and stood still.
Malon slumped onto his neck, drained of all energy. She panted for breath. Dimly she felt the arms of Gerudos lifting her off the horse. She saw them lead her stallion away and she began to speak in protest of the thought of someone else taking care of Shadavelle, but thought better of it. Closing her tired eyes, she felt her feet touch the ground. She raised her head and look absently at Nabooru.
Nabooru chuckled. "Take her to my room. Bathe her and put her to bed. She'll be spending the night here." She watched as Malon was led away. Shaking her head and grinning, Nabooru turned to head to the Castle.
Link listened to Saria's story. They were sitting in her small home, eating Deku nuts, just like old times.
"So then I said to Mido, 'but that is a Zora!'" She ended the last word with a twinkling giggle.
Link laughed along with her. He fell back, leaning on the wall. His blond hair fell into his eyes. He grinned at his friend. "Unbelievable! I can't believe he said that!" Link didn't mind laughing at the expense of one of his arch nemesis. Mido had always picked on Link when he had been small. But now Link stood feet above the head of Mido. They avoided each other at all costs. Link didn't mind that at all.
Saria sighed with happiness. It had been awhile since she had been able to speak with Link. All this talk of war…
Link's blue eyes focussed on the intense look on the young Saria's face. "What's up?"
She sighed and gave him a small smile. "So much has been happening lately…"
Link moaned and rested his head against the wall. 'Tell me about it. I can't sleep at night. All I can do is worry. I wonder if Hyrule will make it through this."
"We've made it through times of war before. And with you at our side-"
"But this time it's a whole army." Link cut her off, staring angrily at the ceiling. "I don't know if we can take on an army made of demons and the goddesses no what else."
Saria sighed again. "The Deku Tree is concerned as well. What if they kill him?"
"I don't know what will happen. And that's one of the problems." Link stood up. "In fact, I want to go find out what the King has to say about it."
Saria nodded, her eyes filled with sadness. "Good bye."
Epona trotted at a steady pace, she knew where she was going, allowing Link to let his thoughts fly. What if they lost? Would they have to release Ganondorf? What if he died? What if all his friends died? How could they survive? He was so lost in his worries; Link failed to notice the approaching rider. He still wouldn't have seen her if Nabooru hadn't smacked him on the back of the head.
"Link!" She leaned close and yelled in his pointed ears. "Link! Hello?"
"I...huh? Oh, Nabooru! You didn't have to yell!" He frowned and she laughed at his expression.
"What happened to the happy days of adolescence? Should you be out courting some lucky girl? Or spending time with your friends?" She laughed again, throwing her head back, filling the air with the happy sound.
Link frowned harder. He wasn't in the mood for Nabooru's teasing. "Now's not the time."
"When is it ever?" Nabooru burst into song. "When will our time come? When will you be mine?" She was horribly off-key, destroy the love song she was belting out. "When shall I hold you…in…my…arms?!" Her voice was deep and throaty, adding to the general din of her singing. "Oh, when will you be mine?"
Link covered his ears. "Enough!" He cried laughing. "I give in! Stop the torture!"
"Torture? How dare you say that to me! That's the last time I serenade you!" She stuck her nose up in the air in mock insult.
Link rolled his eyes and chuckled. "Not only were you off key, you had the words wrong. It's supposed to have another line in there." He cleared his throat. "Ready for this? After the arms part it goes…" He sang the last part as loud as he could. "My heart cries for your charms. Oh when will you be mine?"
Nabooru raised her eyebrows. "You have a decent voice. Sing the rest of it." When she saw him duck his head in embarrassment, she added, "I'll join in."
They reached the market place just before they started. "Maybe later." Link dismounted and Nabooru followed.
"So why are you going to see the king?" Nabooru asked Link as they climbed the steps to enter the castle.
"Link shrugged. "I want to know what's going to happen. I want to be prepared."
Nabooru nodded in agreement. "As do I. My soldiers are ready to fight of course. Still…"
Suddenly Zelda came running by. "Oh! How glad I am to see you! My father wants me to leave with him! Please! Help me explain to him that I am needed here!"
Link and Nabooru glanced at each other, neither wanting to pick sides with the royalty. They had almost reached the throne room and now stood at the closed door. "Zelda…" Link began carefully, "isn't this a personally matter that's between you and your father?"
Zelda calmed and inhaled deeply. "Link, you know of my abilities. I want to help in anyway that I can. I just need you both for support. I have to fight along with you."
Nabooru pushed the door to the throne room open. "Let's discuss this with the king." With her leading the way, the friends entered the presence of the King of Hyrule.