Chapter 4: The Boy

Chapter 4: The Boy

Ganondorf's arrival was met with much fanfare. Alec wanted his people to trust the Gerudos, and the Gerudos to trust him. Though the years of war were over, an air of wariness still existed between all races. Many younger Hylians were even unaware of the existence of other people. Alec hoped to end all that.

When the Gerudo king entered the market, he was escorted by much more than just his two guards. He was astride a black steed, decorated with ornate armor. He was surrounded by four guards who resembled those who had followed him before, but that was not all. Following him were about half a dozen more women, each carrying a satchel or guiding a horse that carried a pack. It looked as though this time he would stay longer.

Zelda watched this congregation approach the castle with wide eyes. When they reached the gate, however, she turned her mind to other things and raced out of her room. She was dressed in a traditional princess outfit today, for she would greet King Ganondorf a second time after he met with her father. There was to be a feast even, though not that night. At least within a week.

She raced down the stairs, stopped by nobody. The servants were used to her rambunctious ways and knew that even today they couldn't get her to be quieter. She raced toward the courtyard, greeting guards as she went. Turning a corner, she ran into her nursemaid.

"Take it easy," Impa said; stopping the princess from falling, "What's the hurry?"

"Nothing really," Zelda answered, panting.

"Well, what will you be doing today?" Impa asked.

"I'll just be in the courtyard," Zelda smiled.

"The best place to spy on the throne room," the nursemaid smiled knowingly, "I'll join you after I get done with the formalities. Then we'll see whether or not this man represents those dark clouds."

Impa left Zelda to go on her way. The young princess hurried on to the courtyard, wishing she didn't have to wear a dress. She burst through the enclosure's flowers and jumped up the three stone stairs. Catching her breath, she crouched down and peered through the aptly placed window. Two guards were placed on the other side of the room, but they wouldn't mind her. They never did.

She had reached the window just in time. No sooner had her breath quieted than Ganondorf was announced. Her father walked up to him, shaking his hand as though he were an old friend. They smiled their greetings pleasantly.

"I'm afraid I've brought a small party with me this time," Ganondorf smiled, "Nearly everyone wished to come to see your splendid city, but I just brought who I needed. Many were very disappointed."

"Well, why did you leave them behind?" Alec asked friendly, "All of your kind are welcome here. We have plenty of room in the front enclosure, and, if needed, they could even camp outside the city. That is, if they don't fear the children Stalfos."

"They are brave, sire," Ganondorf answered, still smiling, "I thank you for letting them come. I'll send a messenger to get them."

The two continued talking as they walked toward the door. Zelda watched them closely. Suddenly, she felt a tap on her shoulder. She jumped and turned around. There stood a boy dressed in green.

"Who are you?" she gasped in surprise, "What are you doing here? How did you get past the guards?!"

The boy stood silent for a moment, a dumbfounded look on his face. "I-I…well," he stuttered, unsure of himself.

Then Zelda noticed something fluttering above his head.

"Is that a fairy?!" she exclaimed.

"Uh…yeah."

"Do you, perchance, have a shining green stone with you?" she asked, excitement bubbling inside her.

The boy looked slightly amazed. "Yes, I do."

Zelda laughed and clapped her hands. "I knew it!"

The boy stared. He was a very quiet child.

"You see, a few nights ago I had this dream. All of Hyrule was engulfed in dark clouds. Then, from the forest, a green light appeared, dissolving the clouds. Then the green light turned into a figure with a fair and a shining green stone. I think you could be that person!"

The boy's eyes widened. "I come from the forest…" he whispered. Zelda could hardly contain her joy.

"You're the one destined to save Hyrule!!!"

His eyes widened even further. "Me? Save Hyrule?"

"Yes! And I know exactly how we can do it. Do you mind if I tell you a legend? It would really explain things for you."

"I don't mind hearing."

"Okay. This story has been past down in the royal family for ages. When the three great goddesses left the earth after creating it, the Triforce was made where they departed to the heavens. It is said that if a person with a good heart touches the Triforce, great peace and prosperity will reign in Hyrule. But if someone with an evil heart touches the Triforce, it will split into three, leaving that person only with the piece they prize most; either Power, Courage, or Wisdom. The Chamber of Sages was created to protect the Triforce from those who might want to use it for their own good. The Temple of Time was made as a key to the Chamber of Sages. Those who wish to enter must have the three Spiritual Stones and the Ocarina of Time."

Zelda stopped for a moment. "Did you understand all that?"

"Of course," the boy answered, pulling himself to full height.

"Oh my!" the princess exclaimed suddenly, "How rude of me. I didn't even introduce myself. I'm Zelda, princess of Hyrule. What is your name?"

The boy gulped then answered, "Link."

"Link…" she murmured, "It sounds strangely…..familiar…. Well, Link; you're probably wondering what I was doing at the window. I was spying."

She glanced in and saw her father and Ganondorf enter.

"That man in there…. I think he represents the dark clouds."

She moved out of the way, letting Link look in. Suddenly, he jumped and turned toward her, wide-eyed.

"What's the matter?" she asked in earnest, "Did he see you?"

The boy nodded silently.

"Oh, don't worry. He doesn't know what we're planning to do. Yet. That man is evil," she continued, furrowing her brow, "He pretends to be loyal to my father, but I don't think his intentions are good. His goal must be nothing less than the Sacred Triforce! Oh, Link, we must stop him! We must get the Triforce before he does. The Ocarina is a family heirloom, so I'll keep that safe. You must go find the other two Spiritual Stones."

She pulled out a piece of paper and began writing. "This note will probably help you get into less accessible areas. Here."

"Now got find the stones. One is atop Death Mountain and the other is in Zora's Domain. Go over to my attendant. She'll help you out. Ask her for a song, she'll know what to do. Good luck."

With that, Link went up to Impa and they soon left. Zelda stared after them for a moment, then turned back to the window. The throne room was empty. She gave a little sigh, thinking.

"Princess Zelda," came the voice of a servant, "Your father requested your presence."

"Yes, I'll be there shortly."

Taking one final look around the courtyard, she whispered silently to herself, "Good luck, Link…"

~*~*~

A/N: Mm… Sorry. I know that that was nowhere

near what is in the video game, but… I don't

happen to have that with me right now.

Thanks, Chia, for being my one and only reviewer!!!

-Ady