Chapter 12
In an age not long ago, the leaders of Hyrule had tried to keep a spirit of exploration. They built a mighty fleet of ships and searched. They searched for people, they searched for land, and they searched for new stars. In the end it was a waste of time.
Nothing.
Not one piece of land was found, apart from the lands of Hyrule. It did not matter, for Hyrule was vast and contained incredibly unexplored regions. Stepping onto each new part was often like going to a New World entirely. The lands of Hyrule were often thought to go on forever, though was surrounded by a huge impassable dessert and impenetrable woods or mountains depending where someone was. It made sense that the Sea may also go on forever.
Perhaps another shore resides on the other side, but no one was ever able to cross there or back. It was true though, that when a person searched Hyrule, they always found something new. This satiated most Hylian explorers.
The fleet was long gone, but the Kings of Hyrule have always have always kept the tradition of owning a prize galley. A ship of considerable power and grace on the sea.
Link looked at the ship, most impressed by its size. "How does something that large stay afloat?" It seemed impractical to have such a big boat.
"This ship is one of a kind. Completely unsinkable," said Shusar. "It is the finest ship of our time."
"Well, it's much larger then that other ship I was on." Link was getting really excited about this voyage. Having a ship in the process was something that pushed his excitement even further. He never thought himself a sailor, though.
"Have you been on a boat before?" asked the wizard.
Link started to recall an event he wished he could forget. "One," he said slowly.
"Oh? Which one?"
"The Barge of the Dead..."
Shusar shivered a little. "The ship of souls? But where-"
"It was in the future, in the Temple of shadows. I'd rather not talk about it." he said quickly.
"Very... understandable," Shusar said slightly concerned.
The shadow temple was Link's most difficult challenge. Not for the challenging maze, but the fear that grew as he fought the taunting voices of the spirits. They picked on his weaknesses, and whispered from dark shadows in an ancient language.
He swore he could feel eyes watching his every move behind the walls. He couldn't remember how many times he stopped and stared at the red eyes, glowing in the skull pressed walls. Were it not for Navi, he may have broken down there and then. Riding the barge itself was difficult. He could still remember the sound of the bell as he called the ship, floating on a ghostly sea.
Perhaps it was a blessing he could not remember the future quite so well anymore.
"In any case, it is a very simple ship, Link," said the wizard changing the subject. "You will be glad to know it has magic in the wood itself, to make it easier to steer. All in all, a child could steer it with no worry."
"Great," Link laughed. Perhaps this would be easy after all.
"Yes... in any case, you still should at least know the basics of navigation. The stars will guide you, and you have a compass to know your position-"
"The Salesman said the winds will guide me," he thought.
"But surly, you don't plan to just set sail and leave it to the wind Link?"
"Seems like a good idea." He hadn't really thought much about the voyage. He always makes it to where he needs to go, no matter the obstacle. He was confident he could sail on this ship. The Island the salesman spoke of shouldn't be too difficult to find.
The wizard shook his head. "Young boy, the sea it huge. Greater even then Hyrule. You could be lost in the open sea forever without keeping track of the way back."
"I have the warp point. If I get into trouble, I can easily get back here." said Link.
"True. But not everyone has your particular talents."
Navi flew out of Link's hat. "And not everyone has me!" said the fairy, making her presence known.
"We could not forget you, my lady." Shusar laughed. "Come aboard. I am sure you will find the inside more interesting."
************
Link boarded the deck of the ship. It was cleanly polished to a brilliant shine. He felt a bit uneasy at the waves, as it bobbed the ship up and down. Still, he adapted far more then Shusar, who was actually holding on to the walls to steady himself.
The lower decks of the ship were not as clean, though manageable. Link was led down a flight of stairs, into the dark hold.
"Light" Shusar commanded. Instantly, his hands lit with a glow, illuminating everything.
"Wow. Can you teach me that trick?" asked Link impressed.
The wizard chuckled. "Get back here in one piece, and I will assuredly make you my apprentice. It will require study, patience, and a lot of time though."
"Oh. Well, maybe afterwards," he said disappointed.
"I can light anything for you anyway, Link" said Navi. She proceeded to use her light, aiding that of the wizards.
Various supplies became visible. Boxes, of many shapes lined the hold.
The wizard gestured to all the crates. "In here, you have foods to last- well, for just you, it can last quite some time. Perhaps, ten years even."
"You have all this food? Why?"
"A precaution. In case of trouble, the King could easily get away here with as many people as possible. The food was for at least thirty people to last a year."
"Well, I don't think I will be gone ten whole years."
"Let's hope not."
**************
"This is the captains quarters," said Shusar.
"Can't I stay at the Royal suite?" said Link. They past it briefly, and Link could tell it was luxurious beyond belief compared to this room.
"Well, this one is closer to the wheel. You do not want to be too relaxed do you? All the warriors say it makes them loose their edge."
"Well I don't know about that..." Link never thought of himself as a warrior.
"There are many things to do to run a ship, Link. Not everything runs by itself. Magic can only go so far."
"Have you ever run a ship?" asked Link.
"Um not exactly," he confessed. "But we have someone far better then I to instruct you. Our old Captain."
"So where's the captain?"
Suddenly the door opened.
"What's this I hear about giving my command of this ship to an infant!?" a voice shouted coarsely.
In stepped a large, uniformed man. Link had never seen this kind of uniform before. It was blue in colour, aside from the shoulder pads which were a more whiter colour.
"Link, meet Captain Lotch." said Shusar.
"I am no captain! Never call me that. Curse be the day the goddesses cursed us with this world!"
"Um what do you mean?" asked Link a bit confused.
"The sea, of course..." the captain calmed down, as his eyes gazed though the window, as if trying to make out something on the horizon of the ocean. "Many of us feel the pull of the sea. We want to search it. Find the prizes that await us. So many... but nothing is out there! Nothing!"
"Maybe we have not searched far enough..." said Link trying to help.
"Perhaps... there is some hope. I can not call this ship mine, as I have never commanded it. I haven't commanded any ship really for a long time. Besides, it belongs to the King. But even he has not used it." He sighed wistfully. "A ship without a captain is incomplete."
Link could see this man has skills he may never use. Why he bothered to learn them, he wasn't sure. He guessed he could not change what he was, just as he could not change being the hero of time.
Lotch looked back to Link. "I hear you are planning a little trip. Without a true owner, this ship needs a name. Have you named the ship yet?"
"I- haven't thought of a name yet."
"Gads boy! Naming the ship is sacred. In the mean time, I will teach you what I can. I hope you are a good student."
"He is the best," said the wizard frankly.
"Well boy, do you have any experiences of cold windy nights? Being alone with the stars, wondering where you would be heading next? Uncertainty growing with your every move?"
"Yes. Always," Link nodded solemnly.
The captain paused, then smiled. "Well then, you have what it takes to be a sailor! We will find a girl in every port for you soon enough!"
"I think he has that too," thought Shusar.
*************
The day proceeded quickly. Link learned more about the ship. Magic took care of most things. The most important thing Link learned was that there were magic markers placed on the sea while Hyrule explored. If they get lost, they could use these markers to find the way back to Hyrule. However, they did not extend very far, the farthest being over Fifty miles away. The magic that kept them on the same spot seemed to dissipate the further they went to Hyrule, as did all magic.
He asked, why not anchor them? The captain responded that the sea was too deep, perhaps infinitely deep. He said it was part of the _cursed_ world the goddesses created.
Link hoped the magic of Farore's winds could still work so far away from Hyrule.
Navigation proved to be easy, as he was used to navigating in a maze anyway. Quickly, he learned that running a ship was easy, as long as things went well.
************
"Well Link, I think that is about it," said captain Loche. "Is there anything else I can help you with?"
"Thanks captain." said Link. "I think I'll be fine."
"We all wish you the best of luck," said Shusar with a bow.
Link decided he should get going soon. He was feeling a little tired, but Navi worked her own magic so that he wasn't as tired as he would normally be. "Where's Saria? And Ruto? I thought I would say goodbye to them."
"I have not seen princess Ruto for quite some time," said Shusar. "Come to think of it, nor have I seen your other friend."
Link thought that was very odd. He did say he was going to leave soon, though their shared song. He thought she could at least say goodbye. Carefully, he played Saria's song again.
"She is not responding Link," said Navi quietly.
*Saria?* Link sensed she was out there. He could hear her thoughts join his, although she was trying to keep very quiet. She must be very upset that he was going without her.
The captain realised Link needed to say goodbye to his friends. "We will go find them. In the mean time, find a name for the ship. Please!" He employed.
Link nodded, as he watched the two adults leave.
*******
"Looks like it's me and you again Navi." He looked out the top deck. The peer was mostly deserted, with the fishing boats long gone for the day. He hoped he would get to see Saria and Ruto again before leaving.
"You're... not disappointed, are you?" asked the fairy, slightly insecure.
"No, never Navi." said Link.
"Link... Do you think we can restore the balance to the forest?" Navi was starting to think this journey had become far more difficult then she could imagine. A sea journey? It was going to be something new for both of them.
"We will Navi. I promise."
The fairy's colour changed to a lighter blue. "I was always your fairy, Link. I could tell even before we met. I think we will be together from now on."
"I wouldn't want that to change," said link.
"You... might change your mind, once you grow up." said Navi.
"I _am_ grown up Navi." said Link. "Perhaps not in body, but in mind. I didn't change my mind in the future, did I?"
"You are still maturing Link. When you do grow up fully, and you want me to leave, I will understand."
"That will never happen. Come on! Cheer up." Link tried to change the subject. "We have to name this ship before we go you know!"
"What shall we name it?" said Navi getting into the spirit.
Link tried his best to think of a name. Various memories and names came to light, but none of them seemed adequate. Finally, he had one. "I've been thinking, I want to name it after the person that made me realise just how great a friend you are. Do you mind if we call it Tatl?"
"Tatl. It has a nice ring to it. Tell me more about Tatl, please Link?"
"Tatl... the most bossiest, irritating, impatient fairy I have ever known. I didn't even know a fairy could have bad manners, you all seemed to have a tolerance beyond anyone. But she was the worst!" Link said amused by her antics.
"Didn't you get on?"
"Well... we got on fine, I suppose." Link thought. "But, she just made me think how I missed you. I was searching for you, and I actually thought I had found you at first. She didn't like being confused with someone else. I think she knew I was searching for you, but she didn't say anything."
Suddenly, the Mask salesman made his appearance on the top deck. He took a deep breath, salivating the moment in time.
"Greetings fellow adventures, sailors! Glory be to those that keep the sea clean! As you can see, I am fully packed and ready to go." He dropped his backpack with a strong thud, throwing out some of the masks.
Link stared at him.
"Pardon the masks, Captain Link." He looked at the scattered faces, and clicked his fingers. In an instant, they were all back in his bag.
"What do you want," said Link.
"No need for a fight, we're all shipmates now!" The salesman did a teleportation. When he reappeared, he was wearing a sailors uniform. "I've always wanted to do something like this, you know. Plus, you _do_ need my help."
"I don't need you at all. You're the one got me in to this!"
The salesman approached Link. "You say that. Deep down, you know you need me."
Navi fluttered, trying to Z-target the salesman. However, she could not get a lock. "I can't do it," she said frustrated.
The salesman glanced at Navi, in quiet warning. He decided to ignore the fairy. "Link, What I do, and what I did, is important. I can not explain it to you, but believe me. It _is_ important."
"You say that a lot," said Link distrustfully.
"True. Very True," he sighed, though suddenly brightened. "Ah, the winds are now here. I would prepare to disembark, if I were you."
"We'll go in a minute, I have to say goodbye to Saria and Ruto."
The salesman coldly looked to Link. "No. I mean we will go _now_." Suddenly glancing upwards.
The sails were blown fully by the unearthly force. The torrent of force was concentrated solely on this one ship. Everywhere else the breeze was quiet as if they were in an inverted eye of a storm.
"Stop! I'm not ready yet!" shouted Link above the noise.
"It's too late," smiled the salesman. "We should sing a sea song! Join in Link! Here-we-go, Here-we-go, Here-we-go!" He laughed again.
The rope that tied the ship to the harbour snapped, making it drift away from Hyrule. Link observed the rapidly disappearing coastline, trying to spot Saria. He couldn't see her at all.
"Don't worry, Link." the salesman placed an arm around his shoulder in comfort.
Link immediately pulled it away, not saying a word. His expression filled with anger.
The salesman appeared hurt. "Can we not be friends?" he wondered.
"I doubt it," said Link.
The salesman sighed. Of course, the best salesman can never have friends. He didn't care.
Not really.
*Who are you?* The voice spoke to him again. He thought it was gone. So familiar and comforting. Perhaps the one true friend he had. *But why did I have to do all this?... It was difficult... Yes. They have not escaped my attention.... Strange isn't is?.... I understand..... I have done it.... I wish...wish... I just-* No. He wished nothing. Why should he? Salesmen want for nothing, but the satisfaction. He was very satisfied.
"_I_ am satisfied"
***********
To be continued.
In an age not long ago, the leaders of Hyrule had tried to keep a spirit of exploration. They built a mighty fleet of ships and searched. They searched for people, they searched for land, and they searched for new stars. In the end it was a waste of time.
Nothing.
Not one piece of land was found, apart from the lands of Hyrule. It did not matter, for Hyrule was vast and contained incredibly unexplored regions. Stepping onto each new part was often like going to a New World entirely. The lands of Hyrule were often thought to go on forever, though was surrounded by a huge impassable dessert and impenetrable woods or mountains depending where someone was. It made sense that the Sea may also go on forever.
Perhaps another shore resides on the other side, but no one was ever able to cross there or back. It was true though, that when a person searched Hyrule, they always found something new. This satiated most Hylian explorers.
The fleet was long gone, but the Kings of Hyrule have always have always kept the tradition of owning a prize galley. A ship of considerable power and grace on the sea.
Link looked at the ship, most impressed by its size. "How does something that large stay afloat?" It seemed impractical to have such a big boat.
"This ship is one of a kind. Completely unsinkable," said Shusar. "It is the finest ship of our time."
"Well, it's much larger then that other ship I was on." Link was getting really excited about this voyage. Having a ship in the process was something that pushed his excitement even further. He never thought himself a sailor, though.
"Have you been on a boat before?" asked the wizard.
Link started to recall an event he wished he could forget. "One," he said slowly.
"Oh? Which one?"
"The Barge of the Dead..."
Shusar shivered a little. "The ship of souls? But where-"
"It was in the future, in the Temple of shadows. I'd rather not talk about it." he said quickly.
"Very... understandable," Shusar said slightly concerned.
The shadow temple was Link's most difficult challenge. Not for the challenging maze, but the fear that grew as he fought the taunting voices of the spirits. They picked on his weaknesses, and whispered from dark shadows in an ancient language.
He swore he could feel eyes watching his every move behind the walls. He couldn't remember how many times he stopped and stared at the red eyes, glowing in the skull pressed walls. Were it not for Navi, he may have broken down there and then. Riding the barge itself was difficult. He could still remember the sound of the bell as he called the ship, floating on a ghostly sea.
Perhaps it was a blessing he could not remember the future quite so well anymore.
"In any case, it is a very simple ship, Link," said the wizard changing the subject. "You will be glad to know it has magic in the wood itself, to make it easier to steer. All in all, a child could steer it with no worry."
"Great," Link laughed. Perhaps this would be easy after all.
"Yes... in any case, you still should at least know the basics of navigation. The stars will guide you, and you have a compass to know your position-"
"The Salesman said the winds will guide me," he thought.
"But surly, you don't plan to just set sail and leave it to the wind Link?"
"Seems like a good idea." He hadn't really thought much about the voyage. He always makes it to where he needs to go, no matter the obstacle. He was confident he could sail on this ship. The Island the salesman spoke of shouldn't be too difficult to find.
The wizard shook his head. "Young boy, the sea it huge. Greater even then Hyrule. You could be lost in the open sea forever without keeping track of the way back."
"I have the warp point. If I get into trouble, I can easily get back here." said Link.
"True. But not everyone has your particular talents."
Navi flew out of Link's hat. "And not everyone has me!" said the fairy, making her presence known.
"We could not forget you, my lady." Shusar laughed. "Come aboard. I am sure you will find the inside more interesting."
************
Link boarded the deck of the ship. It was cleanly polished to a brilliant shine. He felt a bit uneasy at the waves, as it bobbed the ship up and down. Still, he adapted far more then Shusar, who was actually holding on to the walls to steady himself.
The lower decks of the ship were not as clean, though manageable. Link was led down a flight of stairs, into the dark hold.
"Light" Shusar commanded. Instantly, his hands lit with a glow, illuminating everything.
"Wow. Can you teach me that trick?" asked Link impressed.
The wizard chuckled. "Get back here in one piece, and I will assuredly make you my apprentice. It will require study, patience, and a lot of time though."
"Oh. Well, maybe afterwards," he said disappointed.
"I can light anything for you anyway, Link" said Navi. She proceeded to use her light, aiding that of the wizards.
Various supplies became visible. Boxes, of many shapes lined the hold.
The wizard gestured to all the crates. "In here, you have foods to last- well, for just you, it can last quite some time. Perhaps, ten years even."
"You have all this food? Why?"
"A precaution. In case of trouble, the King could easily get away here with as many people as possible. The food was for at least thirty people to last a year."
"Well, I don't think I will be gone ten whole years."
"Let's hope not."
**************
"This is the captains quarters," said Shusar.
"Can't I stay at the Royal suite?" said Link. They past it briefly, and Link could tell it was luxurious beyond belief compared to this room.
"Well, this one is closer to the wheel. You do not want to be too relaxed do you? All the warriors say it makes them loose their edge."
"Well I don't know about that..." Link never thought of himself as a warrior.
"There are many things to do to run a ship, Link. Not everything runs by itself. Magic can only go so far."
"Have you ever run a ship?" asked Link.
"Um not exactly," he confessed. "But we have someone far better then I to instruct you. Our old Captain."
"So where's the captain?"
Suddenly the door opened.
"What's this I hear about giving my command of this ship to an infant!?" a voice shouted coarsely.
In stepped a large, uniformed man. Link had never seen this kind of uniform before. It was blue in colour, aside from the shoulder pads which were a more whiter colour.
"Link, meet Captain Lotch." said Shusar.
"I am no captain! Never call me that. Curse be the day the goddesses cursed us with this world!"
"Um what do you mean?" asked Link a bit confused.
"The sea, of course..." the captain calmed down, as his eyes gazed though the window, as if trying to make out something on the horizon of the ocean. "Many of us feel the pull of the sea. We want to search it. Find the prizes that await us. So many... but nothing is out there! Nothing!"
"Maybe we have not searched far enough..." said Link trying to help.
"Perhaps... there is some hope. I can not call this ship mine, as I have never commanded it. I haven't commanded any ship really for a long time. Besides, it belongs to the King. But even he has not used it." He sighed wistfully. "A ship without a captain is incomplete."
Link could see this man has skills he may never use. Why he bothered to learn them, he wasn't sure. He guessed he could not change what he was, just as he could not change being the hero of time.
Lotch looked back to Link. "I hear you are planning a little trip. Without a true owner, this ship needs a name. Have you named the ship yet?"
"I- haven't thought of a name yet."
"Gads boy! Naming the ship is sacred. In the mean time, I will teach you what I can. I hope you are a good student."
"He is the best," said the wizard frankly.
"Well boy, do you have any experiences of cold windy nights? Being alone with the stars, wondering where you would be heading next? Uncertainty growing with your every move?"
"Yes. Always," Link nodded solemnly.
The captain paused, then smiled. "Well then, you have what it takes to be a sailor! We will find a girl in every port for you soon enough!"
"I think he has that too," thought Shusar.
*************
The day proceeded quickly. Link learned more about the ship. Magic took care of most things. The most important thing Link learned was that there were magic markers placed on the sea while Hyrule explored. If they get lost, they could use these markers to find the way back to Hyrule. However, they did not extend very far, the farthest being over Fifty miles away. The magic that kept them on the same spot seemed to dissipate the further they went to Hyrule, as did all magic.
He asked, why not anchor them? The captain responded that the sea was too deep, perhaps infinitely deep. He said it was part of the _cursed_ world the goddesses created.
Link hoped the magic of Farore's winds could still work so far away from Hyrule.
Navigation proved to be easy, as he was used to navigating in a maze anyway. Quickly, he learned that running a ship was easy, as long as things went well.
************
"Well Link, I think that is about it," said captain Loche. "Is there anything else I can help you with?"
"Thanks captain." said Link. "I think I'll be fine."
"We all wish you the best of luck," said Shusar with a bow.
Link decided he should get going soon. He was feeling a little tired, but Navi worked her own magic so that he wasn't as tired as he would normally be. "Where's Saria? And Ruto? I thought I would say goodbye to them."
"I have not seen princess Ruto for quite some time," said Shusar. "Come to think of it, nor have I seen your other friend."
Link thought that was very odd. He did say he was going to leave soon, though their shared song. He thought she could at least say goodbye. Carefully, he played Saria's song again.
"She is not responding Link," said Navi quietly.
*Saria?* Link sensed she was out there. He could hear her thoughts join his, although she was trying to keep very quiet. She must be very upset that he was going without her.
The captain realised Link needed to say goodbye to his friends. "We will go find them. In the mean time, find a name for the ship. Please!" He employed.
Link nodded, as he watched the two adults leave.
*******
"Looks like it's me and you again Navi." He looked out the top deck. The peer was mostly deserted, with the fishing boats long gone for the day. He hoped he would get to see Saria and Ruto again before leaving.
"You're... not disappointed, are you?" asked the fairy, slightly insecure.
"No, never Navi." said Link.
"Link... Do you think we can restore the balance to the forest?" Navi was starting to think this journey had become far more difficult then she could imagine. A sea journey? It was going to be something new for both of them.
"We will Navi. I promise."
The fairy's colour changed to a lighter blue. "I was always your fairy, Link. I could tell even before we met. I think we will be together from now on."
"I wouldn't want that to change," said link.
"You... might change your mind, once you grow up." said Navi.
"I _am_ grown up Navi." said Link. "Perhaps not in body, but in mind. I didn't change my mind in the future, did I?"
"You are still maturing Link. When you do grow up fully, and you want me to leave, I will understand."
"That will never happen. Come on! Cheer up." Link tried to change the subject. "We have to name this ship before we go you know!"
"What shall we name it?" said Navi getting into the spirit.
Link tried his best to think of a name. Various memories and names came to light, but none of them seemed adequate. Finally, he had one. "I've been thinking, I want to name it after the person that made me realise just how great a friend you are. Do you mind if we call it Tatl?"
"Tatl. It has a nice ring to it. Tell me more about Tatl, please Link?"
"Tatl... the most bossiest, irritating, impatient fairy I have ever known. I didn't even know a fairy could have bad manners, you all seemed to have a tolerance beyond anyone. But she was the worst!" Link said amused by her antics.
"Didn't you get on?"
"Well... we got on fine, I suppose." Link thought. "But, she just made me think how I missed you. I was searching for you, and I actually thought I had found you at first. She didn't like being confused with someone else. I think she knew I was searching for you, but she didn't say anything."
Suddenly, the Mask salesman made his appearance on the top deck. He took a deep breath, salivating the moment in time.
"Greetings fellow adventures, sailors! Glory be to those that keep the sea clean! As you can see, I am fully packed and ready to go." He dropped his backpack with a strong thud, throwing out some of the masks.
Link stared at him.
"Pardon the masks, Captain Link." He looked at the scattered faces, and clicked his fingers. In an instant, they were all back in his bag.
"What do you want," said Link.
"No need for a fight, we're all shipmates now!" The salesman did a teleportation. When he reappeared, he was wearing a sailors uniform. "I've always wanted to do something like this, you know. Plus, you _do_ need my help."
"I don't need you at all. You're the one got me in to this!"
The salesman approached Link. "You say that. Deep down, you know you need me."
Navi fluttered, trying to Z-target the salesman. However, she could not get a lock. "I can't do it," she said frustrated.
The salesman glanced at Navi, in quiet warning. He decided to ignore the fairy. "Link, What I do, and what I did, is important. I can not explain it to you, but believe me. It _is_ important."
"You say that a lot," said Link distrustfully.
"True. Very True," he sighed, though suddenly brightened. "Ah, the winds are now here. I would prepare to disembark, if I were you."
"We'll go in a minute, I have to say goodbye to Saria and Ruto."
The salesman coldly looked to Link. "No. I mean we will go _now_." Suddenly glancing upwards.
The sails were blown fully by the unearthly force. The torrent of force was concentrated solely on this one ship. Everywhere else the breeze was quiet as if they were in an inverted eye of a storm.
"Stop! I'm not ready yet!" shouted Link above the noise.
"It's too late," smiled the salesman. "We should sing a sea song! Join in Link! Here-we-go, Here-we-go, Here-we-go!" He laughed again.
The rope that tied the ship to the harbour snapped, making it drift away from Hyrule. Link observed the rapidly disappearing coastline, trying to spot Saria. He couldn't see her at all.
"Don't worry, Link." the salesman placed an arm around his shoulder in comfort.
Link immediately pulled it away, not saying a word. His expression filled with anger.
The salesman appeared hurt. "Can we not be friends?" he wondered.
"I doubt it," said Link.
The salesman sighed. Of course, the best salesman can never have friends. He didn't care.
Not really.
*Who are you?* The voice spoke to him again. He thought it was gone. So familiar and comforting. Perhaps the one true friend he had. *But why did I have to do all this?... It was difficult... Yes. They have not escaped my attention.... Strange isn't is?.... I understand..... I have done it.... I wish...wish... I just-* No. He wished nothing. Why should he? Salesmen want for nothing, but the satisfaction. He was very satisfied.
"_I_ am satisfied"
***********
To be continued.