V
His confidence continued to grow the next day. Although the village now went by the name Kariko, there were still those who knew where the old town lay. Unfortunately, what they said about Kariko was not so pleasant. Many people warned him not to go there, stating it was a dangerous place. Of course, these people did not know who they were talking to, so Link did not worry too much. That's not to say it was a pleasant place. Link was more than willing to leave the town as soon as he saw it, although he knew he could not. Houses were old, worn, and poorly patched. There was no sign of any vegetation anywhere; mud and dirt surrounded the place. A foul smell permeated the town, without any particular source. And the people, well, they were a far cry from the palace or even the other towns in Hyrule. They too looked worn, dirty, and all around disgusting. Fights and deaths seemed commonplace here, along with all sorts of crime. Zelda had described this as a peaceful, prosperous town. Obviously, things have changed.

Link walked down what appeared to be the main street, looking for someone who might give him some advice and ignoring the stares. Link could tell many of them were sizing him up, waiting for an opportunity to rob him, so he made sure his sword was quite visible. Thus, most of the more uncivilized people stayed away from him, which suited him fine. Yet he seemed to have no luck in his endeavors. Those he asked mostly shook their heads and declined to give any information, often in a quite rude matter. "Another bloody fool looking for some lost treasure," one said. "I 'ave no help to give you boy. Now leave me alone." This comment in particular saddened Link. Others? If others had already gone to look for it, it could very well be found already. He was still contemplating this thought when he heard a small voice behind him. "I can help you."

Link turned around to find himself face to face with a large and rather upset man. This was obviously not the source of the voice. The man was surrounded by cages, each with a small fairy inside. A crude sign announced that they were healing fairies, and that they were for sale. The voice spoke up again from one of the cages. "Down here."

Link crouched down, and stared at the fairy. He had met many healing fairies among his travels, but none that could talk. But it was clear that he was not simply hearing things. "What?"

"I think I know the sword you are looking for, but, well, I can't show you where when I'm in here." Another dilemma. This could be a scam of some sort, as Link certainly didn't trust anyone in this town. But the seller seemed agitated, and seemed to indicate that things were not going the way he would have liked them too. Besides, Link was fresh out of options. He sighed. Things were so much simpler when there was only Ganon. "How much for this fairy?"

"She's not for sale," the man said gruffly. His face had turned into a permanent scowl as he started to move that cage away from the main booths. Link glanced at the fairy and noticed her silently pleading to Link as she was being carried away, visibly afraid. It could be an elaborate ruse, he thought. But still, he couldn't take the chance.

"Wait," Link said. The man turned around and attempted to wave Link away, but he stood his ground. "I will have that fairy. Whether I pay for her or take her from you is up to you." The man merely laughed at the notion, amused that this strange kid could order him around, even with the sword. "Go away kid. Don't throw threats around so easily."

But Link was prepared to be rejected. The element of surprise can be a deadly weapon, and Link wielded it well. In one quick motion, he whipped out his sword and swung at the man's arm, slicing into it. The seller let out a shout and dropped the cage, which Link quickly rescued. As the man realized what had just happened, he let off a stream of curses and glared at his attacker, clearly thinking of murder. Time to leave, Link thought. "You are lucky to be alive. Remember that." Hoping that bit of advice would be enough to keep the man from trying anything stupid, Link pushed through the crowd that had gathered, many visibly disappointed that the slight scuffle did not end in death. Link was worried these people would gang up on him, but the fairy seemed to think otherwise. "He didn't have any friends, and most people wanted to do away with him a long time ago. I don't think we'll have much trouble leaving." But Link wasn't so sure. Even with his suspicions, though, he failed to notice a shrouded figure who followed him out of town and into the nearby woods.

The fairy's name was Reni. As they made their way through the deep woods, Link learned much about her. It seems the merchant captured her a few months back, unaware that she was not one of the normal healing fairies that populated the area. Thinking he could get a good price on her, he tried showing her off to some of the richer folk around town, but she made sure to be obnoxious enough so as to not get trapped as some fool's pet for the rest of her life. The merchant was getting more and more upset and started threatening her quite a bit. Fortunately Link showed up, and Reni decided he was her only chance. For rescuing her, she agreed to show him to an ancient blade resting in a stone. She cared little about the quest Link was on or anything else that went on in Hyrule. All she wanted was to get on with her life. And, as long as she showed him the sword, Link did not mind in the least.