All of my life
I was in hiding
Wishing there was someone just like you

The Order of the Broken Blade
Chapter Two

Link was very well aware of the existence of the Three Golden Goddesses, perhaps more than most for he'd been told the tale by the ancient guardian of the forest, the Great Deku Tree, before it had passed on. That had been years ago, depending on how you looked at the situation, it was more or less.

But at this point, the Hero of time was growing fretful and restless. He wasn't sure as to the real reason he was here, and a sudden fear for the queen had overtaken him. No matter how hard he tried to convince himself of what he'd once believed, that he and Zelda had just drifted apart, he couldn't. Not anymore.

Farore sat with him now, silent and yet comforting. Her deep eyes were fixed on him, though he refused to look at her. He was afraid he'd see more truths there, and this one was too hard to face for his own liking.

Din had disappeared a few moments ago, and neither had questioned this. Link didn't seem to mind, his heart was too clouded, his mind too fearful. He closed his eyes and tried to forget who and where he was.

Time had passed before Farore finally spoke. "My sister returns." she breathed. Link opened his eyes and looked up to see the dark-haired harpist picking her way through the crowd. Her expression was flat, but that gave no hope to the hero.

She was at their sides a moment later, Din having reappeared, and looked up at Link. "Things are not well at Hyrule Castle, good sir." was all she breathed. She motioned for her sisters and together the four of them set off across Hyrule Market to a small inn. There was a numbing bit of chaos as they slipped up to a room and arranged themselves on the floor and bed.

"Pray tell me, what has happened? Is the queen..." Link trailed off, not knowing how to finish that sentence. Nayru kept her gaze down.

"I did see the queen, Link, for a brief moment." she began. She seemed heartily interested in the tankard that Din had handed her. "Hero, Zelda is not what she had been... Goddess, her eyes were lifeless orbs, her whole demeanor screamed that she was unwell. The guards acted normally, though, so this is not a new condition." She hesitated and Link feared for his old friend's health.

"She's taken ill?" he asked. Nayru shook her head.

"Not physically, no." she took a breath. "There was, however, a tall man cloaked in black at her elbow, whispering in her ear. I fear this man is the reason that Zelda's spirit has gone into hiding. I only hope we can find out for sure."

Link's heart clenched. A tall, black cloaked man? His immediate thoughts were consumed with the King of the Gerudos, but no, Ganon was long sealed. He was not to be feared anymore. He fought an inner battle, blaming himself. If he had not backed off when Zelda began acting differently... but no. He could not have known. Reluctantly he let his anger at himself go.

"What do we do? We've enough troubles without this, dammit!" Din cut in. Her eyes burned with a concealed anger. "Honestly, Din, I don't know. We can't allow that man to influence Zelda anymore, and we can't leave our previous troubles unguarded. It's a paradox." Naryu sighed, rubbing absently at her temples to force away the dull ache that had formed there.

"I can't let Zelda stay in danger, not a second longer than I have to!" Link exploded. He shot to his feet and turned to leave the room, but Din stepped in front of him.

"I'm deeply sorry, hero, but you are not leaving. We have need of you and your talents." she growled and Link was deterred.

Nayru glanced up. "I'm sorry, Link, I really am. But there is no choice now..." she trailed off. "Tell me, what do you know of the Master Sword?"

Link was weary as he sat. "Only the Hero of Time can wield it. It's a holy sword that no evil may touch." he hesitated a moment. "That's about it." he conceded.

Farore dropped her eyes at this point and Nayru nodded. "I expected as much. Few mortals do know it's truth. For the Master Sword is the holy sword that is the key to the prosperity of Hyrule. When it stands in the Temple of Time, Hyrule is safe from attack."

Link furrowed his brow. "But how can that be? Hyrule fell into darkness during the seven years that I slept."

Farore took a shaky breath and spoke. "The blade was no longer in it's place. It had taken you into the Chamber of the Sages and laid with you there for seven years. Only when you were old enough to wield it did the light begin to return to Hyrule." she explained softly.

Link closed his eyes. Again, he realized how unnecessary his actions had been so long ago. "I know there is more to this tale, miladies, or you would not have told it to me." he prompted. Nayru nodded and glanced up at Din, who sauntered forward.

"The sword... the sword is no longer protecting Hyrule." she stated. Her eyes were saddened. She reach her hand, palm up, towards him and a red light formed there. It cleared to show a piece of steel. The sight of it sent chills down his spine.

"That... that's not the-" he began, finding it hard to form words.

"It is." Din confirmed gently. "This is the last piece of the Master Sword... the only piece we managed to find." she added heavily. Link felt that a piece of himself had melted when he saw the sword. His knees were weak. That sword had been more than a weapon to him, it was a part of him. He'd missed it since he'd sealed it in the Temple again.

"Dear Goddess..." he breathed. He reach out but fond he couldn't bring himself to touch the blade. "What- what did that?"

Din wasn't about to answer, so Farore jumped in. "We don't know. The temple was untouched, except the stone doors were shattered and the blade was gone, obviously broken." she took a careful breath. "And ever since a darkness has begun to creep into Hyrule."

Link stared at the blade, then forced his eyes away. "I've not noticed it."

Farore smiled sadly. "The answer to that is simple. You've spent the time since this happened here, in the Market. Naryu has a spell on this place, to keep it safe."

Link stood. "Now what? Zelda's in danger, and so is Hyrule, obviously."

Nayru finally spoke up again. "I've decided. Din and I will go to the castle, and try to get Zelda alone. If the dark man stands against us, we've enough power to kill him, I hope. Farore, you'll have to take Link to where you last sensed the evil. He should be able to seal it... I hope." she added softly.

Farore looked startled. "But-"

Nayru smiled at the youngest sister. "I have faith in you, little sister. You'll know where to lead him."

Link and Farore exchanged a glance, then Link turned back to Nayru. "Only if you swear to me that you'll save Zelda. If you fail, I'll come straight back!" he insisted, tone distraught at the least.

Din smiled cockily. "Don't fear, hero. I'm sure I can handle one evil advisor. I've done it before, after all."

Link was not so sure.