Chapter 5
When Link awoke the next morning, he didn't remember where he was. Then he glanced around. He was still in Zelda's bedchamber. Her room was decorated with only purple and white, with gold accents here and there. The canopy above her head shielded them from the bright lights that were lit.
Zelda herself was lying next to him, rolled over on her side facing away from him. Her hair was messy and unbrushed: she hadn't even gotten out of bed yet, and the white sheets were pulled over her naked body, covering her.
Link stapped her shoulder. "You awake?"
"Mmm-hmm."
"How long have you been?"
She shrugged. "A few minutes."
After a moment of silence, he said, "I was thinking..."
"What?"
"Well..." He took a deep breath. "Could we still possibly bring the Temple of Time back to formation?"
Zelda contemplated this. She'd had the temple torn down for a reason. Link remembered. She had said to him, at just nine years old, that Hyrule didn't need that kind of power, so close and unwatched. It tempted people, she said, so she burned it, and later she told him that the flames were special flames, enchanted flames. For years that was all she'd said about it, and then when they were teenagers she explained that if a particular song was played on the Ocarina of Time, and all three Spiritual Stones were united again, then the temple would rebuild itself. The Sages' power would do it, she'd said. But Link didn't know the song, and now he wanted to.
She had also had the Medallions burned, but the Spiritual Stones remained with their particular races: the Emerald with the Kokiri, the Ruby with the Gorons, and the Sapphire with the Zoras.
"Well?" he prodded.
"It would work," she said. "But I don't see why we'd want to do that."
"You know." Link stared at the back of her hair. "If something happens, I...I'd like to know the song."
Zelda didn't say anything. She stood up, the sheet still over her body, and said, "I think you should leave."
"Zelda."
"What?"
Link stepped closer to her. His trousers were on; he'd put them on right after they had done the deed in fear that King Elion would come in and see them. "We're getting married," he reminded her. "We can't have any secrets. And I think I have a right to know anyway."
Zelda hung her pretty head. She exhaled deeply and said, "I know. And I'm sorry. I just wasn't sure who to trust."
"You know you can trust me," said Link. "I know you do. If you didn't, you wouldn't have made me Knight of the Realm.
She nodded. "Yes. That's true." A thoughful expression provoked her delicate features. "All right," she decided after a moment. "I'll teach you the song. But now I think you should hurry out the window before my father sees you. Then just go to the front door and I'll come and get you."
"Out the window?" exclaimed Link. "It's several stories high!"
Zelda shrugged helplessly. "Sorry?"
Link exhalped sharply in agitation and peered out her window. "Hurry!" Zelda said urgently. "My father's coming!"
Quickly Link slid out the window and down the wall, grasping the bricks for dear life. Once he was a reasonable distance from the ground, he jumped, and presently he bolted home to change his clothes.
He was sure he looked strange, walking the Castle Town streets shirtless, almost naked. Then he noticed that no one was in the market anyway.
That was weird. Squinting around suspiciously, Link searched for any sign of life. Nothing. Every table, stand and shop was completely abandoned.
What was going on?
The weather was pretty bad too. The winds were fast and icy cold. He looked up at the sky. The sun wasn't shining at all, for it was covered by pale gray clouds. It looked like it might rain.
Just like in the dream, a little voice inside his head told him.
Link shook his head as if to rattle the cobwebs. Then he hastily headed for home. Once he was there, he put on his green tunic and tied his sword at his waist. After stepping into his Kokiri boots, he stepped outside again. He was about to head back to the castle when he heard voices not too far outside the empty market.
Deciding to investigate, Link walked over to where the bridge that led to the rest of Hyrule was. There were two Gorons standing there, talking in hushed voices. Link didn't recognize either of them. "Excuse me," he said.
The Gorons turned and looked at him. "Hello," one answered. "Maybe you can help us. What's going on?"
Link shook his head dejectedly. "I wish I knew, but I was about to ask you the same thing."
"Oh." The Goron frowned. "You're Link, aren't you?"
"Yes."
"Good. You've travelled much?"
Link nodded slowly. "Yes," he repeated guardedly.
"Can you tell us the way to Termina?" the Goron asked.
Taken, aback, Link said, "Termina? Why would you go to Termina?"
"Well, it's a bit safer there, don't you think?" the Goron said dubiously. "Just tell us the way."
Link gave them directions, and when he had finished he inquired further. "May I ask why you're leaving Hyrule? I think my fiancee would like to know as well. Is there something going on that we don't know about?"
The other Goron spoke at last. "Something is happening near Gerudo Valley," he said in quiet, frightened voice.
The Gorons left and Link immediately went back to the castle Zelda was waiting at the door. "What took you so long?" she asked distractedly. She was looking up at the clouded sky, shivering from the cold. "Goodness, this weather. It was so warm yesterday..."
"Zelda," Link started, "I just talked to two Gorons and they're leaving Hyrule."
Zelda's jaw dropped. "What? Why?"
"They said something is happening in Gerudo Valley."
The princess's eyes became frightened and panicked. "Ganondorf," she murmured.
"It might be," Link said. "We don't know." Then, thinking quickly, he said, "I'm going to Gerudo Valley to see what's going on. If I see danger, I'll just outrun it and then come back here. Then we can decide that to do."
Zelda nodded her agreement. "Good idea. Also, if you see anymore races leaving, tell them to come here instead. I'll concoct some sort of magic spell to protect the castle. And Link, we need to get the three Spiritual Stones here. Now. Get those first, and hurry!"
"The Stones? But why?"
"We might have to bring the Temple of Time back. Trust me, just do it!"
Link hopped on Epona was off within five minutes. He went to Kokiri Forest first. Saria gave him the Emerald without question. Link left with instructions. "I highly suggest you use a spell to protect this forest, since you can't leave it. Good luck," he concluded, and was off, the Emerald tucked away in his rucksack.
The Zoras were in a panic was well, but for once Ruto was keeping cool. She handed Link the Sapphire without protest, and told all her people to gather their belongings and then go to the castle. "They'll be protected there?" she asked Link, worried.
"I promise," he said. "Thank you, Ruto."
His last stop was Goron City. Much of Darunia's people had left for Termina already. "I'm sorry, Link," he said. "There's nothing I can do now." The Goron was distraught.
"It's alright, Darunia," Link said, trying to raise his spirits. "They'll be safe there, but it would be great if you could get the rest of your people to go to Hyrule Castle. I expect they'll be some kind council meeting there, and we'll evaluate the situation and decide what to do."
"Very good," Darunia said. "We'll be there soon as possible."
Equipped with all three Stones, Link took them all to Zelda. She took thankfully, relief written all over her face. "Thank you, Link," she said, and she kissed him on the cheek.
"It was no trouble," he answered with a forced smile. "The Zoras and Gorons are on their way. I'm going to Gerudo Valley now...and Zelda?"
She looked up to meet his eyes. "Yes?"
"Protect the ocarina," he advised. "Protect it will all your might."
She nodded fiercely, determination in her eyes. "I will, Link. Whatever happens, the ocarina is staying with me."
They embraced, and Link set off again.
The ride was long but Link didn't give up. When he reached the bridge, he saw the darkest clouds he'd ever seen billowing over the valley. Exploring further, Link galloped into the Gerudo's Fortress. Only a few women were in sight, all of them running around in hysteria. The one closest to Link was crouched on the ground, sobbing. Link went to her side and touched her shoulder. "What is it?" he asked softly. "Tell me."
"He's back," she cried. "Ganondorf's back!"
Alarmed with terror, Link lifted the girl to her feet. Holding her in front of him by her shoulders, he said, "Listen. Round up your people and get them to Hyrule Castle. There will be food and protection and a council meeting. We'll all decide what to do there."
She nodded and wiped away her tears. "Go now," Link said. And then he climbed onto Epona again and was gone. He hoped that girl had enough sense to do what he said.
Back at the castle, the meeting room was nearly filled with races of every size and shape. King Elion sat at the head of the table, with Princess Zelda next to him. Everyone was talking, some were in a frenzy and others were melancholy in fear, just sitting, staring into space.
The king spotted Link first. "Ah, my boy!" he said. "What news do you bring?"
Link took a deep breath. "I only spoke to one Gerudo," he explained. "There was very few around, but the one I spoke to was very frightened. All she told me was that Ganondorf is back."
Everyone gasped in horror and shock. Hushes voices were abound all over the room. Fear was almost visible.
"Silence!" called Elion. "What did you tell her, Link?" he inquired.
"I told her round up what Gerudos she could and come here. I think she'll do what I said."
Elion sighed and rested his head in his hands. "Sit down, Link," he said. "For there is much to discuss."
During a heated discussion about which races should fight, Zelda went over to see Link, her cobalt gown rustling as she walked. "What do you think?" she whispered.
"Where's the ocarina?" he asked.
"I have it in a little bag by my chair. No one's seen it, and they never will. Besides, I'll only use it if I have to seek desperate measures."
King Elion had reached a conclusion. "Anyone who wants to fight, can," he decided aloud. "If you do not wish to fight and you want to flee, so be it, but we can use all the fighters we can get." Sadness was in Elion's eyes. Link could understand why. He was growing old, and his land was still suffering. "This is Hyrule's last hope for peace," he said sadly.
Darunia sood up. "Your Majesty, I would like to volunteer all the remaining Gorons to fight," he said. "We are strong and have good weapons."
Elion smiled warmly at his Sworn Brother. "Thank you, Darunia. Anyone else?"
Princess Ruto got to her feet. "The Zoras will fight too," she proclaimed loudly. "And the ones that protest will seek the consequences." Her eyes narrowed as she surveyed her race.
"What about the Hylians?" Elion asked, looking around.
"Count me in," Link said.
Many other men said they would fight too, and as time went by, more and more people were added to the assembling army. Zelda herself asked permission to fight too. "Please, Father," she pleaded. "I know some magic and protective powers, and if you wish, Link will put a defensive spell on me for protection."
After some silent debating, Elion agreed to let Zelda fight, but only after Link put Nayru's Love on her. Everyone had their hopes up, and things were looking good. People and races headed home to collect their fighting gear and armor. Link himself took his trusty Hylian Shield and the Master Sword. He lent Zelda his Biggoron Sword and she also had a small, sharp machete as a last resort. She also wore a shiny new Hylian Shield. She'd changed into a simple black gown and deep blue cloak. Her hair was tugged back into a style that resembled Epona's tail.
Link was getting edgy, and he noticed that no Gerudos had showed up. Elion was counting on them to come; they were solid fighters and excellent swordswomen. Link again travelled to Gerudo Valley to see what the hold up was.
But the entire valley was emtpy. Not a single Gerudo was there. Unsure of what else to do, Link headed to the Desert Colossus, seeking Nabooru.
He found her there, laying on the sandy floor of the Spirit Temple. There was a stab in her ribs, and blood dribbled out on the ground. Link rushed to her side. "Nabooru," he breathed, mortified at the sight of his friend and ex lover dying before him.
"Link," she whimpered, touching his shoulder. "You have...to defeat him."
"Defeat who?" he demanded.
Nabooru struggled for air and a tear trickled down her cheek. "Ganondorf," she wept. "He's...back. He...killed...my people. All of them..."
Her snivels turned into moaning hysterics. "Kill him...Link," she instructed faithfully. "Seek...revenge..."
Her eyes were opening and closing, and Link knew she was fluttering between life and death. An idea popped into his head. "Don't die, Nabooru," he said, hugging her. "Don't give in. I'm gonna take you to the Zoras, and they'll heal you. Just hold on."
He carried her back outside to Epona, and as they were about to set off on the journey back to the castle, Link heard a voice. A voice filled with malevolence and anger.
"You can't save her, Link," the deep, familiar voice of Ganondorf said in Link's ear. "She has been cursed with black magic. Soon the realms of evil will slay her to her death. And your Hyrule will be next!"
The evil laugh that came next sent chills down Link's spine. Nabooru's eyes were fully closed now, but he could feel her breathing. With Epona galloping at top speed, they reached the castle in almost no time at all, and Nabooru was still hanging on to her life.
He brought her inside, and King Elion stood up. "Link, what do you have here?" he demanded, a look of stun on his face. To his right was Zelda, and her bright eyes were wide with curiosity and worry.
Link explained what Nabooru had said. "We need the Zoras. They are the only ones that can heal her now. I hope."
Several Zoras, including the king, took the Gerudo into another room to begin the healing process. Link took a seat next to Zelda. He was exhausted now, and he sank into his chair. "What happened?" asked Zelda in a low voice.
Link shook his head. "Everyone has a right to know this," he said. He tapped King Elion on the arm.
Hyrule's king nodded. "Friends, Link has something to say," he called over the other voices.
Link got to his feet. "I went to Gerudo Valley to see what was going on and to find out why no Gerudos were here yet. But the entire fortress was empty. Ganondorf must have took them all. I didn't know what else to do, so I decided to see what Nabooru, our Spirit Sage, would say about this whole issue. However, I found her lying on the floor close to death. As we were leaving to come back here, Ganondorf's voice echoed over the land and he told me that she had been cursed with some of his darkest magic, and that seen evil would overtake her. And..." Link sighed. This was all too heavy, too sad, too much for him to handle for the second time...
"What is it, Link?" Elion prodded uneasily.
"He said Hyrule would be next," Link finally said.
The whole room was full of chaos. "Silence!" Elion bellowed. And everyone settled down right away.
"Ganondorf is not going to come for us," he announced. "Tonight we shall all stay here and get a good nights rest. Tomorrow we will get up early and seek revenge on Ganondorf!"
Everyone shouted and threw up their fists in support. The room was filled with hope, and Link was finally starting to feel it too.
"Ganondorf will die!" hollered Elion. "For the last time!"
The room broke into applause. Elion silenced them with a raise of his hand. "Gather your things and I suggest you wear your protective covering to bed. That way when we get up tomorrow, we won't waste time."
"What if he does come here?" someone asked. "Is the castle protected?"
Elion nodded right away. "Yes, quite so. Right now some food is being served, so if I lead you all to the dining room..."
After a meal of soup, bread with cheese, and wine for the Hylians, fish for the Zoras, and rocks for the Gorons, everyone sat back with a glass of ale. An hour later, a tall male Zora came out of the room Nabooru was taken into. Everyone turned and stared at him, waiting for the news.
"She is alive," the Zora announced. "She will live, but right now she needs to rest. But she wants to see you, Sir Link."
Link nodded and followed the Zora back into the spare bedroom. Nabooru's room was decorated with all red and gold, and her blankets and pillows were stuffed with feathers. She was lying down, but she was wearing the most clothing Link had ever seen her wear. Her eyes were closed, but when she heard the door close behind Link and the Zora, they opened. Usually they were a golden, honey color but now they were so bloodshot you could barely tell.
Link sat down beside her in a chair. "Link," she murmured, smiling. "I'm going to live."
"I know." Link patted her hand. "These Zoras are good doctors, are they not?"
Nabooru nodded. "Yes." She turned to the male Zora that had led Link in and said, "Thank you. Never again will I underestimate your people."
The Zora nodded. "As I will never again look down upon yours."
With that settled, Link and Nabooru got down to business. "Tell me what happened," Link said.
She squinted, trying to remember. "I...I was reading something. I can't remember what, but I heard thunder outside, and I remember thinking that it was strange, because it hardly ever rains in deserts. As I was getting up to go and see what was happening, I felt...something. I can hardly say what it was. Electrocution, maybe. And then one of the swords that was hanging on the wall came off the wall, and it frozen in midair. I looked at it, and it kind of hung there. The next thing I knew, it had stabbed me in the side and I couldn't really breathe or get up too well."
Link sighed. "Awful," he muttered. "I can't believe he's back."
Nabooru looked so sick and miserable in that moment. "So it's true? It is Ganondorf?"
Gritting his teeth, Link nodded. "I'm afraid so. But don't worry, tomorrow all of us are going to get rid of him for good."
Nabooru suddenly looked alive. "I must prepare!" she said, hopping out of bed.
But Link grabbed her arm and pulled her back down. "No," he said. "Nabooru, I know this will be hard for you to comprehend, but I think you are the only Gerudo left, and we can't risk losing you."
Nabooru sat down in shock. "Wh--what?" she breathed.
Link shook his head quickly. "I don't know if it's true, but when I went there I didn't see anyone around. If they're not dead then Ganondorf must have taken them captive.
Nabooru nodded. "Yes, I bet that's it."
"So you can't fight," Link told her. "Okay?"
"Okay," she mumbled. "If you think that's best, I will do it."
Link left her to rest after another minute. When he came back into the dining area, he saw that everyone had gone to sleep. All around him, the races had made themselves comfortable on the floor, with blankets and pillows. They slept soundly. Even King Elion slept there, but Link knew that Zelda had gone up to her room. So he headed up the staircase and found her snoozing lightly. He tucked the blanket over her, and then climbed into bed beside her and fell asleep.
When Link awoke the next morning, he didn't remember where he was. Then he glanced around. He was still in Zelda's bedchamber. Her room was decorated with only purple and white, with gold accents here and there. The canopy above her head shielded them from the bright lights that were lit.
Zelda herself was lying next to him, rolled over on her side facing away from him. Her hair was messy and unbrushed: she hadn't even gotten out of bed yet, and the white sheets were pulled over her naked body, covering her.
Link stapped her shoulder. "You awake?"
"Mmm-hmm."
"How long have you been?"
She shrugged. "A few minutes."
After a moment of silence, he said, "I was thinking..."
"What?"
"Well..." He took a deep breath. "Could we still possibly bring the Temple of Time back to formation?"
Zelda contemplated this. She'd had the temple torn down for a reason. Link remembered. She had said to him, at just nine years old, that Hyrule didn't need that kind of power, so close and unwatched. It tempted people, she said, so she burned it, and later she told him that the flames were special flames, enchanted flames. For years that was all she'd said about it, and then when they were teenagers she explained that if a particular song was played on the Ocarina of Time, and all three Spiritual Stones were united again, then the temple would rebuild itself. The Sages' power would do it, she'd said. But Link didn't know the song, and now he wanted to.
She had also had the Medallions burned, but the Spiritual Stones remained with their particular races: the Emerald with the Kokiri, the Ruby with the Gorons, and the Sapphire with the Zoras.
"Well?" he prodded.
"It would work," she said. "But I don't see why we'd want to do that."
"You know." Link stared at the back of her hair. "If something happens, I...I'd like to know the song."
Zelda didn't say anything. She stood up, the sheet still over her body, and said, "I think you should leave."
"Zelda."
"What?"
Link stepped closer to her. His trousers were on; he'd put them on right after they had done the deed in fear that King Elion would come in and see them. "We're getting married," he reminded her. "We can't have any secrets. And I think I have a right to know anyway."
Zelda hung her pretty head. She exhaled deeply and said, "I know. And I'm sorry. I just wasn't sure who to trust."
"You know you can trust me," said Link. "I know you do. If you didn't, you wouldn't have made me Knight of the Realm.
She nodded. "Yes. That's true." A thoughful expression provoked her delicate features. "All right," she decided after a moment. "I'll teach you the song. But now I think you should hurry out the window before my father sees you. Then just go to the front door and I'll come and get you."
"Out the window?" exclaimed Link. "It's several stories high!"
Zelda shrugged helplessly. "Sorry?"
Link exhalped sharply in agitation and peered out her window. "Hurry!" Zelda said urgently. "My father's coming!"
Quickly Link slid out the window and down the wall, grasping the bricks for dear life. Once he was a reasonable distance from the ground, he jumped, and presently he bolted home to change his clothes.
He was sure he looked strange, walking the Castle Town streets shirtless, almost naked. Then he noticed that no one was in the market anyway.
That was weird. Squinting around suspiciously, Link searched for any sign of life. Nothing. Every table, stand and shop was completely abandoned.
What was going on?
The weather was pretty bad too. The winds were fast and icy cold. He looked up at the sky. The sun wasn't shining at all, for it was covered by pale gray clouds. It looked like it might rain.
Just like in the dream, a little voice inside his head told him.
Link shook his head as if to rattle the cobwebs. Then he hastily headed for home. Once he was there, he put on his green tunic and tied his sword at his waist. After stepping into his Kokiri boots, he stepped outside again. He was about to head back to the castle when he heard voices not too far outside the empty market.
Deciding to investigate, Link walked over to where the bridge that led to the rest of Hyrule was. There were two Gorons standing there, talking in hushed voices. Link didn't recognize either of them. "Excuse me," he said.
The Gorons turned and looked at him. "Hello," one answered. "Maybe you can help us. What's going on?"
Link shook his head dejectedly. "I wish I knew, but I was about to ask you the same thing."
"Oh." The Goron frowned. "You're Link, aren't you?"
"Yes."
"Good. You've travelled much?"
Link nodded slowly. "Yes," he repeated guardedly.
"Can you tell us the way to Termina?" the Goron asked.
Taken, aback, Link said, "Termina? Why would you go to Termina?"
"Well, it's a bit safer there, don't you think?" the Goron said dubiously. "Just tell us the way."
Link gave them directions, and when he had finished he inquired further. "May I ask why you're leaving Hyrule? I think my fiancee would like to know as well. Is there something going on that we don't know about?"
The other Goron spoke at last. "Something is happening near Gerudo Valley," he said in quiet, frightened voice.
The Gorons left and Link immediately went back to the castle Zelda was waiting at the door. "What took you so long?" she asked distractedly. She was looking up at the clouded sky, shivering from the cold. "Goodness, this weather. It was so warm yesterday..."
"Zelda," Link started, "I just talked to two Gorons and they're leaving Hyrule."
Zelda's jaw dropped. "What? Why?"
"They said something is happening in Gerudo Valley."
The princess's eyes became frightened and panicked. "Ganondorf," she murmured.
"It might be," Link said. "We don't know." Then, thinking quickly, he said, "I'm going to Gerudo Valley to see what's going on. If I see danger, I'll just outrun it and then come back here. Then we can decide that to do."
Zelda nodded her agreement. "Good idea. Also, if you see anymore races leaving, tell them to come here instead. I'll concoct some sort of magic spell to protect the castle. And Link, we need to get the three Spiritual Stones here. Now. Get those first, and hurry!"
"The Stones? But why?"
"We might have to bring the Temple of Time back. Trust me, just do it!"
Link hopped on Epona was off within five minutes. He went to Kokiri Forest first. Saria gave him the Emerald without question. Link left with instructions. "I highly suggest you use a spell to protect this forest, since you can't leave it. Good luck," he concluded, and was off, the Emerald tucked away in his rucksack.
The Zoras were in a panic was well, but for once Ruto was keeping cool. She handed Link the Sapphire without protest, and told all her people to gather their belongings and then go to the castle. "They'll be protected there?" she asked Link, worried.
"I promise," he said. "Thank you, Ruto."
His last stop was Goron City. Much of Darunia's people had left for Termina already. "I'm sorry, Link," he said. "There's nothing I can do now." The Goron was distraught.
"It's alright, Darunia," Link said, trying to raise his spirits. "They'll be safe there, but it would be great if you could get the rest of your people to go to Hyrule Castle. I expect they'll be some kind council meeting there, and we'll evaluate the situation and decide what to do."
"Very good," Darunia said. "We'll be there soon as possible."
Equipped with all three Stones, Link took them all to Zelda. She took thankfully, relief written all over her face. "Thank you, Link," she said, and she kissed him on the cheek.
"It was no trouble," he answered with a forced smile. "The Zoras and Gorons are on their way. I'm going to Gerudo Valley now...and Zelda?"
She looked up to meet his eyes. "Yes?"
"Protect the ocarina," he advised. "Protect it will all your might."
She nodded fiercely, determination in her eyes. "I will, Link. Whatever happens, the ocarina is staying with me."
They embraced, and Link set off again.
The ride was long but Link didn't give up. When he reached the bridge, he saw the darkest clouds he'd ever seen billowing over the valley. Exploring further, Link galloped into the Gerudo's Fortress. Only a few women were in sight, all of them running around in hysteria. The one closest to Link was crouched on the ground, sobbing. Link went to her side and touched her shoulder. "What is it?" he asked softly. "Tell me."
"He's back," she cried. "Ganondorf's back!"
Alarmed with terror, Link lifted the girl to her feet. Holding her in front of him by her shoulders, he said, "Listen. Round up your people and get them to Hyrule Castle. There will be food and protection and a council meeting. We'll all decide what to do there."
She nodded and wiped away her tears. "Go now," Link said. And then he climbed onto Epona again and was gone. He hoped that girl had enough sense to do what he said.
Back at the castle, the meeting room was nearly filled with races of every size and shape. King Elion sat at the head of the table, with Princess Zelda next to him. Everyone was talking, some were in a frenzy and others were melancholy in fear, just sitting, staring into space.
The king spotted Link first. "Ah, my boy!" he said. "What news do you bring?"
Link took a deep breath. "I only spoke to one Gerudo," he explained. "There was very few around, but the one I spoke to was very frightened. All she told me was that Ganondorf is back."
Everyone gasped in horror and shock. Hushes voices were abound all over the room. Fear was almost visible.
"Silence!" called Elion. "What did you tell her, Link?" he inquired.
"I told her round up what Gerudos she could and come here. I think she'll do what I said."
Elion sighed and rested his head in his hands. "Sit down, Link," he said. "For there is much to discuss."
During a heated discussion about which races should fight, Zelda went over to see Link, her cobalt gown rustling as she walked. "What do you think?" she whispered.
"Where's the ocarina?" he asked.
"I have it in a little bag by my chair. No one's seen it, and they never will. Besides, I'll only use it if I have to seek desperate measures."
King Elion had reached a conclusion. "Anyone who wants to fight, can," he decided aloud. "If you do not wish to fight and you want to flee, so be it, but we can use all the fighters we can get." Sadness was in Elion's eyes. Link could understand why. He was growing old, and his land was still suffering. "This is Hyrule's last hope for peace," he said sadly.
Darunia sood up. "Your Majesty, I would like to volunteer all the remaining Gorons to fight," he said. "We are strong and have good weapons."
Elion smiled warmly at his Sworn Brother. "Thank you, Darunia. Anyone else?"
Princess Ruto got to her feet. "The Zoras will fight too," she proclaimed loudly. "And the ones that protest will seek the consequences." Her eyes narrowed as she surveyed her race.
"What about the Hylians?" Elion asked, looking around.
"Count me in," Link said.
Many other men said they would fight too, and as time went by, more and more people were added to the assembling army. Zelda herself asked permission to fight too. "Please, Father," she pleaded. "I know some magic and protective powers, and if you wish, Link will put a defensive spell on me for protection."
After some silent debating, Elion agreed to let Zelda fight, but only after Link put Nayru's Love on her. Everyone had their hopes up, and things were looking good. People and races headed home to collect their fighting gear and armor. Link himself took his trusty Hylian Shield and the Master Sword. He lent Zelda his Biggoron Sword and she also had a small, sharp machete as a last resort. She also wore a shiny new Hylian Shield. She'd changed into a simple black gown and deep blue cloak. Her hair was tugged back into a style that resembled Epona's tail.
Link was getting edgy, and he noticed that no Gerudos had showed up. Elion was counting on them to come; they were solid fighters and excellent swordswomen. Link again travelled to Gerudo Valley to see what the hold up was.
But the entire valley was emtpy. Not a single Gerudo was there. Unsure of what else to do, Link headed to the Desert Colossus, seeking Nabooru.
He found her there, laying on the sandy floor of the Spirit Temple. There was a stab in her ribs, and blood dribbled out on the ground. Link rushed to her side. "Nabooru," he breathed, mortified at the sight of his friend and ex lover dying before him.
"Link," she whimpered, touching his shoulder. "You have...to defeat him."
"Defeat who?" he demanded.
Nabooru struggled for air and a tear trickled down her cheek. "Ganondorf," she wept. "He's...back. He...killed...my people. All of them..."
Her snivels turned into moaning hysterics. "Kill him...Link," she instructed faithfully. "Seek...revenge..."
Her eyes were opening and closing, and Link knew she was fluttering between life and death. An idea popped into his head. "Don't die, Nabooru," he said, hugging her. "Don't give in. I'm gonna take you to the Zoras, and they'll heal you. Just hold on."
He carried her back outside to Epona, and as they were about to set off on the journey back to the castle, Link heard a voice. A voice filled with malevolence and anger.
"You can't save her, Link," the deep, familiar voice of Ganondorf said in Link's ear. "She has been cursed with black magic. Soon the realms of evil will slay her to her death. And your Hyrule will be next!"
The evil laugh that came next sent chills down Link's spine. Nabooru's eyes were fully closed now, but he could feel her breathing. With Epona galloping at top speed, they reached the castle in almost no time at all, and Nabooru was still hanging on to her life.
He brought her inside, and King Elion stood up. "Link, what do you have here?" he demanded, a look of stun on his face. To his right was Zelda, and her bright eyes were wide with curiosity and worry.
Link explained what Nabooru had said. "We need the Zoras. They are the only ones that can heal her now. I hope."
Several Zoras, including the king, took the Gerudo into another room to begin the healing process. Link took a seat next to Zelda. He was exhausted now, and he sank into his chair. "What happened?" asked Zelda in a low voice.
Link shook his head. "Everyone has a right to know this," he said. He tapped King Elion on the arm.
Hyrule's king nodded. "Friends, Link has something to say," he called over the other voices.
Link got to his feet. "I went to Gerudo Valley to see what was going on and to find out why no Gerudos were here yet. But the entire fortress was empty. Ganondorf must have took them all. I didn't know what else to do, so I decided to see what Nabooru, our Spirit Sage, would say about this whole issue. However, I found her lying on the floor close to death. As we were leaving to come back here, Ganondorf's voice echoed over the land and he told me that she had been cursed with some of his darkest magic, and that seen evil would overtake her. And..." Link sighed. This was all too heavy, too sad, too much for him to handle for the second time...
"What is it, Link?" Elion prodded uneasily.
"He said Hyrule would be next," Link finally said.
The whole room was full of chaos. "Silence!" Elion bellowed. And everyone settled down right away.
"Ganondorf is not going to come for us," he announced. "Tonight we shall all stay here and get a good nights rest. Tomorrow we will get up early and seek revenge on Ganondorf!"
Everyone shouted and threw up their fists in support. The room was filled with hope, and Link was finally starting to feel it too.
"Ganondorf will die!" hollered Elion. "For the last time!"
The room broke into applause. Elion silenced them with a raise of his hand. "Gather your things and I suggest you wear your protective covering to bed. That way when we get up tomorrow, we won't waste time."
"What if he does come here?" someone asked. "Is the castle protected?"
Elion nodded right away. "Yes, quite so. Right now some food is being served, so if I lead you all to the dining room..."
After a meal of soup, bread with cheese, and wine for the Hylians, fish for the Zoras, and rocks for the Gorons, everyone sat back with a glass of ale. An hour later, a tall male Zora came out of the room Nabooru was taken into. Everyone turned and stared at him, waiting for the news.
"She is alive," the Zora announced. "She will live, but right now she needs to rest. But she wants to see you, Sir Link."
Link nodded and followed the Zora back into the spare bedroom. Nabooru's room was decorated with all red and gold, and her blankets and pillows were stuffed with feathers. She was lying down, but she was wearing the most clothing Link had ever seen her wear. Her eyes were closed, but when she heard the door close behind Link and the Zora, they opened. Usually they were a golden, honey color but now they were so bloodshot you could barely tell.
Link sat down beside her in a chair. "Link," she murmured, smiling. "I'm going to live."
"I know." Link patted her hand. "These Zoras are good doctors, are they not?"
Nabooru nodded. "Yes." She turned to the male Zora that had led Link in and said, "Thank you. Never again will I underestimate your people."
The Zora nodded. "As I will never again look down upon yours."
With that settled, Link and Nabooru got down to business. "Tell me what happened," Link said.
She squinted, trying to remember. "I...I was reading something. I can't remember what, but I heard thunder outside, and I remember thinking that it was strange, because it hardly ever rains in deserts. As I was getting up to go and see what was happening, I felt...something. I can hardly say what it was. Electrocution, maybe. And then one of the swords that was hanging on the wall came off the wall, and it frozen in midair. I looked at it, and it kind of hung there. The next thing I knew, it had stabbed me in the side and I couldn't really breathe or get up too well."
Link sighed. "Awful," he muttered. "I can't believe he's back."
Nabooru looked so sick and miserable in that moment. "So it's true? It is Ganondorf?"
Gritting his teeth, Link nodded. "I'm afraid so. But don't worry, tomorrow all of us are going to get rid of him for good."
Nabooru suddenly looked alive. "I must prepare!" she said, hopping out of bed.
But Link grabbed her arm and pulled her back down. "No," he said. "Nabooru, I know this will be hard for you to comprehend, but I think you are the only Gerudo left, and we can't risk losing you."
Nabooru sat down in shock. "Wh--what?" she breathed.
Link shook his head quickly. "I don't know if it's true, but when I went there I didn't see anyone around. If they're not dead then Ganondorf must have taken them captive.
Nabooru nodded. "Yes, I bet that's it."
"So you can't fight," Link told her. "Okay?"
"Okay," she mumbled. "If you think that's best, I will do it."
Link left her to rest after another minute. When he came back into the dining area, he saw that everyone had gone to sleep. All around him, the races had made themselves comfortable on the floor, with blankets and pillows. They slept soundly. Even King Elion slept there, but Link knew that Zelda had gone up to her room. So he headed up the staircase and found her snoozing lightly. He tucked the blanket over her, and then climbed into bed beside her and fell asleep.
