Karzad and Nayru rode till it was almost sunset, and then they reached a dirt path going up a hill. There was a sign that pointed up the path and read, "Gerudo Valley" the sign was scorched and battered, as was the path, and all surrounding it. They proceeded up the path with caution. They came to a stop before a huge crude gate. It was made of hundreds of tree trunks stood up and bound together, plastered with mud, and spiked at the top. They seemed to be no way around, and no way up. At the top along it, some gerudo soldiers prowled. "How will we get across?" Said Karzad, looking up at the towering walls. "Hold on…" Said Nayru looking over at the rocky walls around them. She dismounted her horse and began to feel up and down the rock walls, looking for something it seemed. She did this for a moment, until she found something, while squatting low near the ground. "Aha!" she cried. "What?" Said Karzad, dismounting his horse. "Here, the rock is weaker in this spot, Karzad, do you have any bombs?" she asked, "Umm, let me see," He began to rummage in his satchel until he found something. "My bomb bag," He said. He looked in, "Only one left," "Okay, well I hope it'll be enough to work," she said as he handed it to her. She lit the fuse and set it on the ground. They both stepped backward, and the bomb exploded, revealing a small tunnel. "Yes!" she cried. She bent down to get a better look. "Well," she said, "We'll have to crawl, but we can fit I'm pretty sure." She said. "I'll go first and see what's on the other side," Said Karzad, "don't come in until I tell you it's safe," "Alright," Said Nayru, "but be careful," "I will," Said Karzad, kneeling, and slowly shimmying into the small passageway. He disappeared into the little tunnel and emerged a few moments later. "It opens up into a small tunnel leading up into the light, on the other side of the gate," he said, "Okay," Said Nayru, "I'll follow you in," She said, and he struggled back in. She gave the horses an affectionate nudge, "Back to the farm," she whispered, and then followed after him. The little tunnel soon opened up into a larger one. It led up and out into the sun. "I'll check it out," Said Novur softly, popping up out of Nayru's pocket. "Okay," Said Nayru. Novur flitted off into the sunlight, and a moment later returned. "It opens up into a dirt plain. It's rocky and steep, but the boulders could provide cover. There aren't many guards, and the few that are there aren't really paying all that much attention, because they don't think anyone can get past the gate." She said. "Okay, thanks Novur," Said Nayru, and Nover disappeared back into her pocket. Nayru crept forward slowly, and Karzad followed right behind her. They came up to the opening squinting in the reddish sun.
*****
Nayru gasped, she had visited the valley on several occasions before when she was young, but she remembered nothing like this. The red clay soil was upturned and uprooted. Huge boulders were unearthed from the ground and the sky was clouded in ash and smoke. The sun was blocked out, and not a single plant or wild creature could be seen. The land was parched, and scorched with fire. A makeshift hut of clay was in the corner of the field, and they guessed that's where the guards were. A mammoth sort of red mound rose up behind the desert plains. It appeared to be molded from stone and clay, and the air rippled around it, sweltering. Greasy, black smoke billowed form its many misshapen towers and turrets, and all of the few windows were barred with rusted iron. Hot ash and rock, crumbled and sprayed from it's high tower, and flashes of red lighting streaked across the bloodstained sky. Black bats that were engulfed in flame themselves, circled the high tower, screeching evilly. They stood aghast at the land before them. "Hurry!" cried Novur, snapping them back to reality, "The guards have only left for a minute, now's our chance!" They dashed across the plain, darting between boulders, making their way towards the huge building in the distance. They made their way across to a barricade of upturned boulders, in the way. There were several large crevices and Nayru looked until she found one that was rather large. They both slid in and then slumped on the hard clay ground. It was cool and dark and they both shut their eyes, for they were weary, and it was nearly midnight. The land around them never slept though, and thunder crashed and shook the ground. "I am afraid Karzad," Said Nayru softly, "Of what?" Said Karzad, "Of this land, or of what you will find in it?" there was a pause. "Both, I suppose," she said, and then they fell silent. "We need to rest," He said after a moment, "We should be safe here tonight, and then we can decide what to do in the morning," "Alright," mumbled Nayru sleepily, he head leaning against his muscular shoulder, "Sleep well," He murmed, stroking her hair, and they fell asleep.