XIII
The Pass was in fact open, as Aron and Link ran on, barely pausing for rest. As they ran, Link considered his options. Several scenarios wandered through his mind, but they all seemed hopeless. There were several entrances to the castle that few knew of, and he could certainly find a way in if the castle was under siege. But from there, his path became cloudy. Would he face Ganon directly, seeking him out? Or focus on getting Zelda out of danger's way? She had to be protected, had to stay alive. But as long as Ganon survived, she would be at risk. He had killed the rest of the royal family, years ago. And he would do it again. I have to stop him this time. Somehow, I must face him.

He wished he knew more about Ganon. The silver arrows were his only weakness, people said. He thought back to what Sefia said, about Ganon learning the secrets of immortality. Was he really centuries old? If so, where was he in the rest of history? Details of the past were sketchy, of course, but Link could not remember the name of Ganon appearing elsewhere in the history books. Unless he was the sorcerer and thief who attacked all those years ago. Not much was known of the Imprisoning War, except that a thief with unimaginable power nearly destroyed Hyrule. But most of the knowledge was legend, and facts were scarce. Was he that sorcerer? That evil man was sealed away somehow by some unknown power, and the knights of Hyrule fought him off using the Master Sword. Perhaps it was him. Then perhaps the Sword will be useful. Perhaps it can stop him.

They reached Rauru town by twilight. Tents and shacks were encompassed the village. Refugees of the war... Rauru was a safe haven for now. But it may not be for long. The two knights were greeted by a crowd, all asking questions and anxious for news. Was the attack successful? Did they win? Was the castle safe? Will they be attacking here? Link and Aron looked at each other in confusion, and all answers were quickly sorted out. It seemed that a militia was hastily formed in Rauru, formed from soldiers and other men willing to fight, and marched to the castle. Link and Aron were obviously mistaken for members of that militia. There were bound to be few leaders and knights in that group of men, and Link quickly decided it was their best option to meet up with them. Perhaps, if they could defeat his army, Ganon would be easier to stop. And Zelda and Hyrule would be safe.

Before they left to find the militia, Aron spotted a friend of his among the refugees. "Sorin! My family. Did they..." But Sorin shook his head. "I'm sorry Aron. They didn't make it out in time. I fear the worst." Aron closed his eyes and nodded. A moment later, he returned to Link's side. They left without another word.

The militia was camped in the forest outside the castle, or so the townsmen said. And they were still there a few hours later. Despite the darkness, Link easily spotted the soldier standing guard over what was surely the outer perimeter of the camp. He was well hid, and Aron could not tell why Link suddenly changed direction, but it was clear to Link. The man apparantly did not notice the two until they were almost on top of him. But when he did see two figures approaching him, he nearly panicked.

"Easy, sir. We are friends of Hyrule." The man was not convinced, holding his sword at bay and obviously wondering whether he should sound the alarm. "I am sir Link, a knight in the Queen's service, and this is Aron, a fellow soldier. We come to aid you in whatever way we can."

The sword dropped. "Link? The Link? But..."

"There is no trickery here. I am who I say I am, or you would be dead now and your camp would be infiltrated. Now please, direct me to the commander of this force, so I can report our presence and prepare for the upcoming battle."

The man nodded, still nervous. "The camp is directly west from here, about one mile away. I cannot leave my post, as I'm sure you know. But there will be no battle. At least that is what I have heard."

Link nodded, and he and Aron set off. No battle? Either the battle had already been decided, or this band would be of no use. Has the commander given up hope? They would find out soon enough. They were recognized and brought into the camp, and were led directly to the tent of the leader of this band of men. Link entered, and was shocked by what he saw. It was Roam.