To Travel Through Time

To Travel Through Time

Chapter Four

Note: I must say that it is due to some persistence (a.k.a. reviews ^__^) that this story continues. I was afraid no one enjoyed the last chapter. It seems someone did, so here's more. I am sorry if this tends to go slowly. I have many things going on at once.

~

For the first time since his arrival, Link was allowed to walk down the hall using his own feet. He wasn't dragged or shoved. Sarea walked beside him, however, keeping a close eye upon him. They still didn't trust him.

He was still dressed in his green tunic and leggings. He'd refused to change his clothing, although Sarea had persisted. It had taken a great deal of bickering, but he'd finally been able to pull it off.

He had, however, agreed to take a bath and comb his hair in return, which had been a struggle. Sarea had not wanted him to be alone in the bathhouse while Link had refused to have a woman there. So, they'd agreed to have guards at both doors, outside, allowing the Hero some privacy, inside.

Now, the two were walking through the elaborate halls. Gerudo guards stationed in the hall watched them pass, peering at them discreetly through their thick veils.

Link remained silent, trying to mark the path they took. He was determined to learn all he could about the labyrinth the Gerudos called a fortress. It could be of some use, later on.

Stepping up to the great oaken doors, Sarea addressed the guard who stood before them. After a brief exchange, the woman nodded, drawing back. Another guard opened the door.

Sarea allowed Link to enter first, yet she followed close behind. The Hero, for the first time, was able to see the splendorous interior that he'd missed before. His awe was cut short, however.

"Oriole," Nabooru's voice stated, from across the room.

Link lifted his head and saw her standing beside the throne, which was empty. The room itself, however, was teeming with Gerudo women, who sat cluttered around the main table. Whatever conversation had been going on before stopped abruptly on his entrance.

The Second descended the dais, coming down to meet him. Link stood up straight, trying to appear as dignified as possible in his well-worn tunic. All the eyes in the room rested upon them.

Nabooru gazed at him, silent for a moment. Then she spoke. "You surprised us today, Hylian. Your actions were completely unexpected," here she paused, "yet," she started, slowly, " they were, and still are, greatly appreciated."

Link remained still, allowing her to continue. But she didn't. The room was silent. Or at least until the Hero's voice broke the silence. "May I ask how your young prince is faring Mistress?"

A scarlet eyebrow rose, sharply, with this comment. Pressing her lips together, Nabooru glared at him, coldly. "Why do you ask?" she remarked, her voice neutral.

"It is only a simple question," Link stated, choosing not to answer her inquiry. He didn't know the answer himself anyway.

"That it is. But an odd one from a Hylian." Silence fell for a brief moment before the Second spoke again. "He isfine," she stated, hesitantly, before quickly turning to face the other women.

"What do you say we do for this boy, Sisters, in return for his services? No doubt he has the keen senses of a warrior, in order to perceive this disaster."

The women in the room started to speak together, quickly, in their native tongue. Too quick for Link. He stood, staring at Nabooru's back. Sarea shifted behind him, seeming anxious.

The Hero's blue eyes remained locked on the redhead before him, but his mind was elsewhere. There had to be a reason why Ganondorf wasn't present. From what he gathered in the earlier days at the Fortress, Nabooru never left him alone. It was odd that she should do so now. Was it that the boy wasn't fine? Or did it have to do with him?

Whatever it was, it was starting to drive him crazy. How he despised secrets, although he himself was carrying a large one on his shoulders everyday. Especially now, living in the past.

"Oriole," Nabooru started, turning. Link blinked, surprised by the sudden movement. Their eyes met, and they remained that way for sometime, no one backing down. "We have decided to allow you to become a member of our sisterhood. An honorary male. No longer will you be held in hiding like before. You are allowed full, and free access to everything given to a common Gerudo."

Link smirked. She had to add the common Gerudo part. He just had that feeling when she'd started speaking.

Recalling the manners he'd learned during his seven-year rest, he bowed, floppy hat extended. "Thank you, Mistress." Righting himself, the hat found its place again. "I am sincerely grateful."

"No," the Second commented, "we are." Raising her hand, she addressed the seated women. "You are dismissed. Thank you for your time."

The women stood, filing out of their seats, Sarea ducking out of the room before them. Link was about to follow her, but a hand clamped down on his sleeve suddenly, pulling him away from the door. No words were spoken as the women left, bowing before the Second. And, in the same motion, to Link also.

For it was the Second who held the Hero back. It wasn't until all had left, that he found out why.

As soon as the door closed that he was released. Link spun around to face his captor. She stood behind him, a threatening look upon her lovely face. "Hylian, I have one thing to say," she remarked, quietly. "Not all things are open to you. If I ever see you near the prince, I swear you'll regret it."

Link didn't reply. He only stared at her in amazement. That was completely unexpected.

Giving him one last look, the woman turned on her heel, crossing the room to where the throne stood. Over her shoulder she called, "You are dismissed now."

Link stared at her a long moment before following her orders and leaving.

*

The village was bustling; women were taking down the auction platform while others continued to patrol the grounds, still wary. Link stood in the doorway of Sarea's housing complex, watching them.

It was only the day after, yet the women all seemed to regard him as one of their clan already. News most likely spread fast. He had also been given his own room. It was in the same complex as Sarea of course, but that didn't matter. It was nice to have some privacy.

As Link stood in the little shade afforded in the complex, he pondered about many things. First of, why he was there. Everything had a reason; this he'd learned during his trials. But what was this one? There was nothing he could do about Ganondorf. He was nearly untouchable. Almost. Surprise assassins could kill anyone if undetected.

But, who was that assassin? No one in the fortress spoke a word about it. Whenever he asked, they either didn't reply or gave him an odd look. Had it been planned? Or where they just sore about not noticing it? He'd thought of asking Nabooru, but the Second was said to be in the private royal chambers and, naturally, he wasn't allowed there. She'd made that loud and clear.

That was another thing. What was up with her? She hadn't been very kind towards him, even after what he'd done. It wasn't as if he'd expected for them to fall down at his feet in praise; he hadn't the chance to expect anything, actually. But, Nabooru had been so cold. She had been worse than before.

Something had to be happening at the Fortress. Perhaps he'd been sent back to discover whatever it was and solve it? Perhaps it would change things in his time? He would have to look into that prospect.

Yet, at that moment, he had something else to do. Advancing from the shadows, he addressed the nearest woman. "Excuse me, but where can I learn about yesterday's auction?"

The woman stopped at the sound of his voice, placing the basket she'd been carrying on the ground. She looked at him, baffled. "The auction? What do you want to know?"

"I want to know who bought my comrades."

"And why would that be? Gonna steal em back?"

"No. I wish to see how they are."

The woman stared at him a moment. Seeming satisfied that he was telling the truth, she shrugged. "I think the record keeper has em. You can find her in the library, I s'pose."

"Thank you."

*

Link opened the door to the library, walking in. It was actually quite bright in the below ground dwelling. His nose caught the musty smell of aged books. He liked that smell for some reason. It just seemed to go with him.

It had taken him forever to find the room, with both him, being the idiot and not asking for direction, and the Gerudo woman, for being so kind in not supplying any herself, being at fault.

At least I found the damn place.

"Greetings, visitor!" an elderly voice called, from somewhere to his left. "I'll be right wit' ye, hold a minute!"

So Link waited. Soon, an older woman came shuffling out from behind a bookshelf, coming towards him. She was slightly plump and short, but she still stood with her spine straight, which was more then Link could say for himself. Her skin was a dark bronze, her bright amber eyes hiding in a mess of wrinkles. Creases formed about her mouth when she smiled, upon seeing who her visitor was.

"The first Hylian Gerudo, tis! What a pleasure, son," the woman stopped in front of him, her smile widening. "Come to see ol' Kameko, I reckon."

Link gazed at the woman with surprise. She was the friendliest Gerudo he'd seen so far. "Y-yes..."

"What is that ye search for, boy? I'm sure that this is no personal visit, seeing that I don't know ye, and thou does not know me," she remarked, studying the boy keenly.

Link nodded, slowly, opening his mouth to speak. However, the old woman snatched his arm instead, pulling him after her.

"Methinks that ye search for thy friends, correct?"

"Yes."

The woman pulled him over to a table. "See, I keep the records. Everything that happens ere, I write."

On the table, there sat a large book, which was opened to a half written page. "Thy comrades' new homes are written ere. I am not sure if their new wives will readily allow ye to see em, but ye can try."

Link leaned over the book, scanning it quietly. One name jumped out at him: Nanthal. The Hero quickly put his whereabouts in his memory, before turning to face the woman. Kameko stood a ways back, scrutinizing him with her eyes.

"Are ye finished?"

"Yes. Thank you."

"Oh, don't ye worry about that, lad. Just come a visit gain. That'll make ol' Kameko ere happy. I haven't seen such a creature as ye are in many years," the woman said, with a teasing smile.

Link smiled in return, cautiously. He wasn't sure if she meant seeing a Hylian or something else. But that didn't matter. He actually felt somewhat comfortable around this woman. "I will. Thank you again." With that, he turned and left.

*

Walking along the hall, Link counted the doors. After having asked the guard for the residence of Tanaka, who was written to be Nanthal's new wife, he had made his way there. Now all he had to do was find the right door.

"Fivethere it is!" Pausing before the door, the Hero remained silent, listening to see if could hear anything through the door. He didn't want to interrupt something. Satisfied that it was safe, he knocked.

"Coming!" a young voice called.

Link waited again. They were lucky that he was a patient person.

The door swung open suddenly. A young woman stood there, dressed in a robe. Her long red hair was swept back from her face and her face was free of makeup, making her look a bit plain, but nonetheless beautiful. Her feet where bare.

The woman's purple eyes widened. "Oh!" She stepped back, slightly. "Who are you and what do you want?"

"I am here about Nanthal, a friend of mine. I heard you bought him."

"Yeah, so?"

"I was just wondering if I could speak to him a moment, to see how he is."

Tanaka's eyes narrowed. "I know who you are." She smiled, suddenly. "You're Oriole, aren't you? The prince's new protector."

It was Link's turn to be amazed. He blinked, an almost comical blank expression on his face. "What?"

"You are Oriole, right? The man who saved our Prince."

"Yes, I didsave him. But I had no idea that I was his newprotector."

"Everyone thinks you are. They say that Second Nabooru decided it would be best if the Prince had two protectors. After your actions the other day, she chose you to be the second one. No one would ever suspect it."

Why don't I know this? Link asked himself. Guess I have to talk to Nabooru later. "Umcan I speak to Nanthal now?"

"What? Oh, that. I don't think it would too much trouble. Come on in." Link followed her into what appeared to be a small sitting room. "I'll get him. Wait here."

Yet again, Link waited. That seemed to be the thing that day.

After a few minutes, what was suppose to be Nanthal shuffled out of the adjacent room. He wore a robe similar to Tanaka that seemed to have been hastily thrown on. His hair was matted down, as if he had just woke up, and large bags had formed under his eyes.

"Link?"

The Hero stepped forward. "You don't look good, Nanthal."

The man stared at him a moment, then began to chuckle. "Oh, I'm fine. Just tired, that's all. I've been worrying for days. It catches up on you."

Link raised an eyebrow. "And I'm sure last night didn't help either, did it?"

Nanthal looked at him with amazement. "Well, it seems the little boy has learned something from this experience," he smiled. "Yes, you could say that."

Link nodded, his lips curling up in a small smile. "So, are you arehappy?"

"As of now, yes. But I think I'll be traumatized forever after yesterday," the man shuddered. "It was awful."

"I saw."

"You did, didn't you," Nanthal's smile faded. "I saw you too. What was going through your head then, I don't want to know."

"Instincts, I guess."

Nanthal frowned. "Didn't I say I didn't want to know?"

Link shrugged. "So I told you anyway," he paused, briefly, "Well, I can see your doing fine here, so-"

Nanthal made a move to grab his arm before the Hero could turn away. "Wait! How did you know where I was?"

"No one is impossible to find, Nanthal. I simple looked at the records."

"Where'd you find those?"

"The library."

Nanthal raised an eyebrow. "This maze has a library?"

Link nodded.

"I would have never guessed in a million years."

Link shrugged. "They have to keep records somewhere, don't you think so?"

"Yes, but-" the man let the statement fade.

"As I was saying, I'm glad to see you're doing fine."

Nanthal nodded, dropping the other conversation. "I am. It's not as bad as I thought. Thanks for coming, though. Come again?"

"Perhaps, now that I'm free to do as I wish."

Nanthal shook his head. "I'm not even gonna bother. I'll learn soon enough, right?"

Link nodded. "I have to go now. There is someone I have to talk to."

Nanthal smiled. "Busy boy you are. Goodbye."

Link bobbed his head in reply, before leaving. As he closed the door, he could hear, faintly, "Finally, he's gone. Come back to bed, Nanthal."

Link only shook his head.

*

His footfalls echoed through the empty halls. The guards who stood against the walls were like silent statues, barely glancing up as he passed. His footfalls were probably very familiar to them by now.

Although it was now night, he was on his way to ask about Nabooru. He had planned on doing it early, but had been sidetracked by Sarea's call to dinner. One never skipped a meal if that woman could help it. Never. She was the most persistent person he'd ever laid eyes upon.

His footfalls alerted the guards up ahead. Two moved from the walls to black his path with their towering spears. Before any could speak, however, Link cut them off.

"I know, I know. No one is allowed entrance to the royal quarter. I am only here to ask if your Second in Command has the time to speak to me, if only briefly."

The sentinels didn't let their guard down at all. One did answer, though. "No, she is occupied. Now go."

Link sighed. "When will she be less occupied?"

"I do not know. Now leave!"

The Hero felt his teeth grind together in annoyance. "Thank you for your time," he growled. Turning on his heel, sharply, Link strode down the hall. Behind him, he heard the clanging of metal as the guards went back to their posts. He had the urge to run back and see if he could get past them. But he didn't. That would be foolish.

So he walked away instead.

He'd really wanted to know what Tanaka had been talking about before. Now it seemed he'd have to go unanswered for the day. Unless

An idea struck him. He could ask the record keeper, Kameko. She would probably know. She seemed to know many things when he'd been there before.

Besides, he could use the company. Sarea could get to be a bit too much.

*

For the second time, Link found himself before the library doors. It was now dark, but he thought he could see the flicker of torchlight peeping out from under the door. However, to be courteous, he decided to knock. He brought his fist up and hit the large door once. The sound echoed through the hall, nearly making the young man jump.

No one answered. Link didn't even try waiting. Cracking the door open, he slipped into the dark room. There was no moon that night, so the only light in the room came from the soft glow of torches set around the room.

Moving quietly, Link walked towards the table Kameko had led him too earlier. As he came out from behind one of the bookshelves, he heard someone speak.

"Do you believe such things, Kameko?"

It was a child's voice. It was slightly muffled, but, with his acute hearing, Link could tell. Before he could process whose voice it was, however, another spoke.

"It does not matter if I believe or not, child. All that truly counts is if ye do."

"You said that before."

" Tis the truth! You do not believe ol' Kameko?"

"No, tis not that, it is just that"

Link, without realizing it, had continued his advancement during the conversation. He now stood at the edge of the little circle of light. Familiar red eyes were now locked on him, although he was still cast in shadows.

"You!"