Chapter 27
The sun rose over the sleeping town of Lon Lon, and the people stirred expecting to start their regular day of trading, feasting and carrying out chores. Some greeted this with optimistic enthusiasm whilst others grumbled, cursing the cucco that heralded the coming of dawn. But sadly for the townsfolk, this day was not like any other and some would see the sun rise for the very last time.
The town's gate cracked and then exploded in a cloud of splinters as the Morolak soldiers poured in, swords at the ready, eyes focused and dispassionate. The noise threw the town into panic, confused screams drowning out the cuccos' crows. The army spread through the streets, their dark purpose clear to all. Any who opposed them were cut down; men, women and even some of the braver children. Blood soaked into the dirt itself. The remaining townsfolk shut themselves into their homes, locking thick, metal bars into place across the doors and windows. There they huddled, holding on to each other tightly, listening to the wails of pain and fear.
Death Mountain was infested with Morolaks. They crawled in, out and around the Goron City, taking the residents by surprise. The Gorons rolled into spheres, hoping to make a desperate counterattack. But the soldiers held firm, using their longshields to dodge the assault, thrusting swords and firing spinning fire-soaked arrows. The prisoners were tied up and, with malicious grins, the generals handed out whips that were then used to flay the Gorons' hides, splitting their skins and drawing blood. The chorus of despair echoed around the ancient mountain as it stood silently witnessing its worst day and preserving the memories for those that would come later. If any ever would.
Zora's Domain was overrun. The soldiers marched in, throwing spears and harpooning the water people like cornered whales. They poured a thick, black liquid into the waters, poisoning its crystal clarity. One of the soldiers carried a flickering torch to the water's edge. Pausing to attract the attention of his fellows, he slowly dropped the burning stick into the depths. A wave of flame erupted, spreading its fiery fingers around the once beautiful realm. Those that resisted were dragged to high diving points and flung into the inferno below; their piercing screams lingering in the air.
In the Freelander palace at Narik's Rock, the Freelander King bolted upright as a shimmering light spread across the ceiling of his throne room. His mouth hung open as Morolak warriors dropped through the glow, landing daintily on their feet. One of them threw his sword and it curved towards the Freelander in a spinning arc. Ren was there in an instant, deflecting the blade with his own before it reached the King's neck. Uncle and nephew locked gazes, united in grim determination. Ren's smile curved into shock and he gagged as a dagger flew into his neck.
He dropped into the King's arms like a fallen tree. He looked up at his uncle's face, seeing the anguished expression etched there. The King held him tightly, lost in grief. He didn't see the Morolak soldier stride up behind him, didn't see the drawn sword and only realised too late, as the blade slid into his back.
Cyle stood on the pier leading to another of his Royal Ships, a wide grin splitting his face, Redstar Murden standing on one side, Chalance Vance on the other. The sorcerer's face was crumpled in concentration as the fingers of his right hand twirled and rolled through the air. His other hand held on tightly to a strangely carved staff that the King had never seen before. Vance muttered incantations under his breath as he opened portals all over Hyrule and the Freelander Emirate, giving the Morolak army easy access. The Gerudo's were overwhelmed after a lengthy battle, Kakariko and other similar places fell and blood ran in the streets of the Freelander's capital city.
"It is done, Your Highness," Redstar said from behind a smirk. "There is none left to oppose you now."
Cyle threw back his head and laughed, long and loud. So simple. It had all been so simple. His soul trembled at the thrill of victory and his head spun with giddiness. Any and all opposition within his own lands would now be quelled. He had his own army, comprised of those that had signed on to seek vengeance after the defeat to the Freelanders. But now the Freelanders themselves were nothing more than a footnote in the great scroll of his plans. With another treaty signed between him and Redstar, he had secured himself as the sole power of the world. He knew it. Knew it was his destiny to become Joined.
"I am grateful for your assistance, Redstar," Cyle said, unable to keep the drunk, gloating tone from his voice. He breathed in deeply, letting the tangy, sea air flood his senses.
"You are most welcome." Murden gave a short bow, his eyes twinkling. "Of course, I will be…ah…recognised as sovereign of Morolak in this new world order of yours?"
"Of course," the King replied with a smile. He turned to the young man. "How did you do it? How did you get the army to side with you without the permission of your King and Queen?"
Redstar gave a sly, self-satisfied shrug. "This is but a fraction of the armed forces my lands command. I only gave to you those that were disgruntled with their lot in the world."
Cyle nodded, content with the answer. He closed his eyes for a moment, listening to the calm waves slosh against the pier.
He turned to Chalance Vance, his Advisor still busy opening portals. "And Vance," he said. "You never told me you had such range in your power before."
The sorcerer turned, his fingers stroking his staff. He had a strange look in his eyes; possessive and defensive. "I've been…practising."
There was a commotion behind them and the trio turned. Two Hylian soldiers struggled with a pair of prisoners, kicking and resisting. The Hylians violently shoved them towards the King. With a swift kick to the back of their legs, the prisoners fell to their knees. Cyle recognised them both – the Gerudo, Nabooru and the Zora Princess, Ruto.
Nabooru glared up at him. "What's the meaning of this?" she spat. "We never reneged on our deal. We agreed my people would remain neutral."
Cyle smirked inwardly. Such pathetic naivety.
"Ah, my dear," he said, stroking the side of her face. "If you are not an ally, then you are an enemy. Or at least a potential enemy."
She jerked her heard away, snarling.
Cyle clicked his fingers and instantly a sword was handed over to him. He looked down at her, watched as the muscles clenched in her face, a mixture of fear and defiance staring back at him.
"Did you think I would trust the Gerudo?" he asked in a quiet voice as he swung the sword into position. "Those that spawned Ganondorf himself?"
His fingers tightened around the hilt.
""No!" Ruto whispered, her eyes enlarged.
But it was too late. The blade flashed down, striking the Gerudo's neck.
The corpse fell to the ground with a thud. Cyle sidestepped with a grimace of distaste, not wanting the blood to land on his boots.
"You monster!" Ruto cried, her face tightened in anguish as hot, salty tears flowing freely.
"You," Cyle said, scorn lacing his voice. "You're the one was always putting ideas into Zelda's head." His mouth curled in anger. "I wouldn't be surprised if you were the one that inspired her to betray me."
"Zelda didn't need me to tell her the truth. It was clear before her very eyes," Ruto answered, the fury in her voice matching Cyle's own.
He bared his teeth with a snarl and raised his sword.
"Wait."
Cyle flinched, annoyed at the interruption. It was Redstar who had spoken.
The veins in Cyle's arms were throbbing now, and he would have struck his ally down too, so great was his frustration.
"Let me have her," the Morolak said, licking his lips. "As a gift."
Ruto grit her teeth. "I'd rather die."
Cyle chuckled. Redstar might have some sick tastes, but he could not deny that this would be more delicious than simply killing her.
"She's yours," he said. The King motioned to the Hylian soldiers. "Take her to the Morolak quarters."
They nodded and dragged her away.
"Vance," Cyle said, wiping the blood off of his sword with a white cloth. "The Key."
The sorcerer gave a short, sharp nod. "All is taken care of, Sire. She will be…ah…winging her way towards us soon."
"Good," the King answered, no longer bothered by his Advisor's cryptic remarks. He turned to the young Morolak and placed a hand on the man's shoulder. "You're in charge in of Hyrule until we return. I trust that there will be no problems. Vance will keep…an eye…on you through his agents."
Redstar grinned. "I am honoured, Your Highness. You will return to find everything as you left it."
Cyle sighed, his gaze falling on his ship. "Then let us depart, Chalance Vance," he said, his tone thoughtful. "Let us go to the Gate."
*
Malon opened her eyes, letting the cries dissolve in her head. She sighed, steeling herself against the tears. She knew what her role entailed; she knew there was no place for weakness anymore.
Saria stared up at her, large eyes waiting expectantly.
"What did you see?" the Sage asked.
"The Enemy has made his most daring move," she answered, the words sounding foreign to her. She was never so eloquent with her words before, her farmgirl drawl always sounding so poor in the face of Zelda's elevated tongue. It was like she was a different woman. But then, death did that to a person. "The people are dying." She let the words roll in her mouth, tasting the bitterness of them. "Nabooru is dead."
Saria didn't flinch. "It's time you went to the Gate, Malon," she said, an encouraging child like smile warming her face.
The Counter Key closed her eyes, trembling as the burden of her responsibilities pressed down on her. A far cry from having just horses and cuccos to tend to each day. "I know."
"Lorfor has agreed to go with you," the Kokiri continued. Malon was once more astounded by the maturity that resonated in the little girl's voice. "You can take the Helpers too. They've dedicated their lives to serving the Counter Key, spent their entire lives preparing for it."
She felt the lines around her eyes tighten as she tried to keep her head from spinning. She should be nothing more than a helper on a ranch, living out her days pouring her love on to her animals and waiting for her knight to come. She shouldn't be the Counter Key. The fate of her world shouldn't depend on her.
She blinked as cold realisation hit her. She should be dead, that's what she should be.
"He doesn't have to do this," Malon said.
"He doesn't really have anything to lose."
Malon raised her eye at this, surprised at the clinical finality of Saria's words.
"How will we get there?"
"There's a ship prepared. Great Deku will speed it onwards," Saria said, taking Malon's hand in hers. "Don't worry. All will be well. You can do this. I know you can."
Malon gazed at the earnest look on the Sage's face and gave a small nod.
"We better get ready then," she said.
Saria smiled. "Say 'Hi' to Link for me. And tell him I'm mad that he hasn't come to visit me in summers!"
Malon shook her head, a sad smile trailing across her face. "No, I won't be seeing him." Her voice was soft, almost strained. "It'll be too painful for everyone."
She looked down at her companion, relieved to see the understanding shining in her eyes.
"I'll better go tell Lorfor to ready himself," Saria said, climbing down from the large chair with some difficulty. Malon thought it was almost comical.
"Okay," she replied, nodding to her friend as she left.
Alone in her chambers once more, she felt the creep of melancholy within her. She began to hum, the tune filling her with warm memories of sunny days at the ranch, of her Papa frying eggs, of Epona nuzzling her head against Malon's face, of laughter as she, Zelda and Link lounged lazily in a barn, talking of the past, dreaming of the future.
She heard a light, musical lilt and gasped as a little bird fluttered through her window and perched itself upon her hand. She raised it, a warm smile spreading naturally across her face.
"Well, hello there," she cooed, stroking its head. It was green and it bobbed this way and that, like it was performing a little dance. Malon giggled.
She caught sight of her own fingers and grimaced. The skin was wrinkled and hanging loose. She knew she was on borrowed time, knew that as soon as her task was done, she would depart finally to rest, to let nature take its course. The sadness was heavy in her heart, but she had learnt to accept it.
The Great Deku Sapling had awoken her from her slumber as her Helpers had kept Lorfor captive in their cart outside. The wise tree had stroked her forehead with his branch and something had passed into her. She knew. She knew everything, about the Key, about the Gate, about her friends, about who she was…and about who had tried to kill her. And it had made her weep so much that she had fallen to her knees, her heart tearing from the unfairness of it all, as Saria had cradled her, speaking soothing words.
She closed her eyes and, giving the bird a soft kiss, let it fly. She watched it float away into the distance, and then focused, opening her mind, searching.
There they were.
Their images flickered into her mind. She watched as Link, Zelda, the Key and their companions trekked through the old Freelander mines. She concentrated her attention on to the Key, feeling desperate pity for the girl. Then she shifted to Link and Zelda, still separated physically and emotionally by scars that they did not know how to heal. Malon ached for them.
Zelda was striding ahead, the Prince close behind her, whilst Link kept himself back, walking with Zayna, Tyron and Malon's fellow Lon Lonners. She saw the pinched look on Link's face, knew that he had come to a decision. She knew that he was waiting for an opportunity to tell the Queen about it. And she also knew that he had made the wrong decision.
"Link, my love," she whispered, her voice cracking. "Don't let her go. Please don't let her go."
*
Zelda trotted onwards, her feet feeling light as she let the cool air caress her face. She sniffed, smelling the musty aroma of the disused tunnels. Her eyes darted, scanning, though it was her hearing that she was focusing on more. One hand trailed against the hard, damp rocky walls, while the other gripped tightly to her wavering torch. The mines were a maze of old, crumbling tunnels criss-crossing this way and that. They had not brought a map with them, yet Zelda had managed to lead them, her ears hearing faint whispers that guided them aright. She did not know who or what the voices were, but they were gentle in tone so she trusted them. And her friends trusted her.
At other times, Chizan had stepped in, reading faded Freelander script that told of what was to come around the next bend or where to head next. He was trailing behind her now, his face a mask of concentration.
"We make a good team, Your Highness," he said with a light voice. She turned to him, seeing the grin she had expected. "Imagine what we could accomplish together."
Zelda fixed him with a look, finally tiring of the game. "Growing old while wandering around tunnels is not how I envisioned living 'happily ever after'."
He looked away, an amused glint in his purple eyes. "You wound me," he said playfully.
She sighed. "Look, Your Highness…"
He cut her off. "It does not matter."
They walked for a while in silence. Zelda ground her teeth, wondering if she had hurt him, before his voice cut into her thoughts, "So why is there a wall between you and the Hero now?"
The Queen closed her eyes as confusion overtook her, a needle of pain throbbing in her head. Link's contradictory actions bewildered her and yet, she had not had the time to confront him over it. She did not even know what she would say. Her heart floated, couched in a dreamy warmth as she remembered what he had done at the Freelander village, but then the image would always come back driving icicles into her soul. Up and down, up and down.
But it was not with Chizan that she wanted to discuss such things. She glanced over her shoulder at the Hero of Time. His face was pale, more worried than usual.
"What's the matter, Link?" she called.
He fixed her with a hollow look. "I don't like tunnels," he said simply.
Her eyes turned forward, a frown lining her face. Her mind turned back to the day at the Freelander palace, cornered in the corridor with Link. With a sinking feeling, she wondered if it had all been a mistake. Even if she hadn't witnessed his actions in the forest, what future did they really have together? She knew that if she ever got her Hyrule back that the Hylian upper class would viciously oppose any union between her and Link. And she relied on their support to help her rule – and she had to rule so that she could make certain that her people were happy, that her people were having all their needs met. She could not neglect them anymore than she could stop herself from breathing. Why should she sacrifice them for such a selfish emotion as love?
And what was love anyway? She had thought she had loved Cyle, thought that there would be no other for her but him. And Link – what did she really know about him now? What did she know about love? She knew of the love she had for her people, but had she known anything about two people bonded by love? She knew what the Hylian nobles would say. Love is just a passing fancy, an immature dream, it isn't important in a marriage. What was important was good breeding and a stable household.
Maybe they were right. Maybe she should just win favour with the nobility by marrying one of them and letting her live out her days fretting over the welfare of her dear people. She would die happy like that, she was sure. Maybe all she needed was a duke, a vice regent, a noble with good connections.
Or maybe a Prince.
She looked up at Chizan, his eyes peering into the dark ahead. "Here, hold this," she said, handing the torch over.
She slowed her pace, letting herself drop back until she was side by side with Link.
Fran noticed the gesture and put his arms around Zayna and Tessa. "How would you girls like to hear the story of how I once bagged a dozen boar in one night?" he said pulling them ahead.
Tessa grinned and Zayna scowled. "For the twentieth time, hunter?" she said.
Fran threw her a charming smile in response and looked over at Tyron, who hastily caught up to them. Chitz poked his head out from Tessa's travel pack and, seeing that they were still in relative darkness, bounced straight back in.
The hunter and the Queen exchanged glances and Zelda flashed him a grateful smile.
Her steps now in rhythm with the Hero's, Zelda glanced over to him. He did not look back.
Conflicting emotions churned within her and the dizzy confusion returned. She didn't know what to say.
"Link," she said calmly after a pause. "Is…" She swallowed, trying to push the apprehension away. "Is there something you need to tell me?"
He stopped short and spun round to face her. "Yes." His voice was cold. "I've been thinking."
She waited, not breaking from his gaze.
"I'm leaving," he said at last.
Zelda flinched. "What? Why?" she gasped.
"You said it yourself," he said with an empty misery to his words. "I would leave one day."
She shook her head. "But that doesn't explain why you have to leave now!"
"Not now," he said with a sigh. "As soon as this is all over. Once we've saved Zayna and secured your Throne." He paused. "Then I'll go."
"Why?!"
"Because I'm a danger to you and myself," he said, a sharpness cutting into his voice. It echoed around the tunnel. "I'll only cause you pain, Your Highness."
He moved to leave, but she snatched at his sleeve. "A danger? How?" she said, her mind whirling. He did not reply, only looked straight ahead. "What happened to you, Link? Tell me what happened!"
The Hero's face turned to her slowly and she shrank back from the sadness swimming in his eyes. "If I told you," he said, his voice soft. "You would think less of me."
Something deep within her acknowledged his admission, finally letting her know that something had gone wrong somewhere, but it was overshadowed by the spark of anger. She was sick and tired of all the games. Why were men so ridiculously childish?
"Don't be absurd!" she cried, exasperated "Of course I wouldn't!"
But then the image haunted her again. The moonlit butchery, up and down.
Her hand loosened from his sleeve. He noticed. "Yes, you would," he said and pulled away.
They looked up as a shout rang from ahead of them.
*
Zayna let herself be dragged along, not really listening to Fran's words. From time to time, the old hunter would pause to plant a kiss on Tessa's forehead. The girl would giggle in response.
Cute, Zayna mused, not having the heart to summon up her usual scorn over such matters.
She let her eyes wander, not wishing to think. Every time she turned inwards she felt that familiar taunt of hope. She could do without it, do without the disappointed expectations. Her shoulders sagged, feeling the defeat she felt almost a hundred times a day whenever she considered her fate. But every time the negativity came, she drove it away with a determination edged with ice. This was her life, all day, every day as she struggled to fight off the gaping hole of despair that yearned to swallow her. And sometimes, the invitation was tempting.
Besides, they had to fight past the dragon first and that would be no easy feat.
A flash of light caught her eye. Chizan stopped short, making Fran skid to a halt.
"What is it?" Zayna asked.
"A cavern of some sort," the Prince answered in a preoccupied voice. He waved his torch around, trying to get more light. "Strange," he mused. "There shouldn't be any such thing here."
"Well, are we just going to stand around here and gawp or shall we check it out?" she snapped, jerking free of Fran's grasp and pushing past the Freelander.
She walked ahead as the tunnel opened out into a tall, wide cave. She looked up, spying large outcrops of granite and winding paths that led up to them. Tiny shards of rock crumbled off of them, like a fine rain.
"This isn't a natural formation," she said, as the others caught up to her.
"What do you mean?" Fran asked.
"Somebody built this."
Zayna heard a faint trickle of water, and her eyes were caught by a glimmer at the centre of the ground. She moved onwards with cautious footsteps, scanning the ground. A pool appeared in her vision, the water clear, but seemingly glowing.
She crouched, unfastening her water pouch from her belt. "I could do with a drink," she mumbled.
Her hand reached forwards.
"STOP!"
She froze, turning to the sound of Tyron's voice. He scrambled up to her, his face flustered.
She heard the sound of running footsteps and saw Link and Zelda appear from the tunnel.
"What's happened?" the Queen said, panicked. "What's wrong?"
"I know this place," Tyron said, gently pulling Zayna's hand away from the water.
She looked at him, waiting for an explanation. He waved the others away.
"Don't get too close," he warned. "This is an Eye to the Ages."
Zayna looked around, frustrated. "Well," she said, sarcasm creeping into her voice. "That makes everything so clear."
Tyron threw her a look before turning to the others. "This is a vortex. It shows other places and other times. The past, the future. Anyone who touches it is sucked in and dumped in whatever era the Eye chooses."
Zayna swallowed, taking a step back. "How do we see all this?"
"By looking into it," Tyron answered gravely. "Though…it may not necessarily show our direct future."
Zayna was puzzled by the words, but she had no time to ponder them. Excitement caught her. Finally, her mind could rest. Finally, she would know for sure what was to happen. It did not matter to her if it showed her the worst. At least then, she could finally sleep at nights without being prodded by dread anticipation. She took in a deep breath and leaned forward on her toes.
Images swirled in the water as if someone had cast a stone, breaking its calm. Her heart caught, seeing her mother gazing up at her with large, kind eyes.
It shimmered and dissipated before being replaced by a vision that made her mouth go dry. Tall, ancient, crumbling. She thought her sight would begin to spin dizzily. It was the Gate.
Someone was standing there. A man, standing triumphant. She squinted, before it become clear.
Chalance Vance.
He had a knife in one hand, blood dripping from it. In his other he held onto a female, her head bowed low. Her arms were hanging lifelessly by her side. Zayna trembled, taking a step forward to get a closer look –
- and Link walked straight to the edge of the pool and looked in, no fear in his actions.
Zayna's images vanished and Link's took over. She blinked, disappointed.
A man appeared, old and kindly. It was dark, rain drummed in the distance.
"Link…" the man said. "Zelda is…"
Zayna frowned. She could see Link in the pool too, but he looked different. Younger, more innocent. Were they witnessing the past?
"…is your…"
She glanced over at the Hero of Time. His face was a tight knot of concentration as he hung on the apparition's words.
"…is your…destiny."
They all snapped to attention as a long, loud hiss rang around the cavern.
Zayna spun, drawing her sword. Her head snapped to and fro, but she saw no one.
"Keep close!" Zelda called.
Zayna stepped into the huddle they formed, her back to Zelda, Chizan and Tessa. Link, Tyron and Fran were standing either side of her.
"Do you remember?" Chizan said. "We heard the same at the camp in the forest."
Link nodded, and Zayna saw the Queen throw him an odd look.
"What is it?" she asked.
"We've been followed," Link answered, his voice tight.
Dark shapes flowed around them, red eyes gleaming. Zayna watched in horror as the very shadows themselves seemed to tear themselves off of the walls. The creatures moved towards them, black, curved swords waving menacingly.
"Shadow Wraiths!" Chizan cried, tension making his voice stretch. "Prepare yourselves!"