XIV
"Link? I did not expect to see you here." Link remained motionless, staring intently at the man who had nearly killed him a week ago. Roam glanced at Aron. "You may leave us now." Aron looked confused, wandering what was going on between the two. But he obeyed, and soon Link and Roam were alone. "You may take your hand off your sword, Link. I will not harm you here."

He didn't even realize he had grabbed the sword. It was instinctive, grabbing the sword at the first sign of danger. But he let go, willing to trust Roam on this. But how do I know he won't attack me again? It may have been Sefia's spell that drove Roam to his deed, but could the effects still be there? Still he remained motionless, and did not speak. Let Roam make the first move.

And he did. "I understand your concerns. I do not know what you want out of me, and frankly I do not care. Although Sefia tried to... control me, I cannot lay all of the blame on him. You may hate me if you wish, but we must deal with this later. We have more important things to worry about now."

"I do not hate you, sir," Link said, relaxing a bit. And he didn't, really. He was simply being cautious. Still, Roam was right. They needed to focus on halting the siege and helping Zelda. "We were told by the people of Rauru that we could find you here. May I ask what the situation is?"

Roam looked down. "We were too late. Our spy, a former darknut from the Village of Outcasts, returned an hour ago, stating the castle had already fallen. Ganon has complete control of the castle. Even worse, our Queen is to be executed at dawn."

"No..." Link couldn't believe it. It wouldn't happen, would it? He imprisoned her last time, why the change? The Triforce, he realized immediately after. Zelda hid the Triforce of Wisdom from him last time, and so he must have kept her alive in case he could not find it. But not this time. He had to save her immediately. "We can't do nothing. I'm going to try to get in there."

"I know. And I am going with you. I have already ordered this army back to Rauru, to attempt to defend the town in case of an assault. Link, if you are to come along, we must move quickly. Our task is difficult enough already."

But Link shook his head. "Sir, I do not believe it is wise for both of us to attempt to rescue Zelda. You must protect the people of Rauru. If a battle is to be waged, we need a strategist like yourself there. I can sneak into the castle by myself, if necessary."

"No, I am coming with you. I will not fail Zelda again. Do you not see Link, my presence at any battle would merely be delaying the inevitable. Ganon must be stopped, for as long as he is alive he can revive his army. We need to strike at his heart, and keep the Queen alive. And yourself." Roam turned away, embarrassed to face Link. "A few days ago I was willing to kill you because I thought it was best for Hyrule. Now, I would sacrifice myself for you for the same reason. Link, with that sword and the Triforce, you can be the only one to stop Ganon. I cannot let you go alone."

You can't put all that faith in me, Link thought. Ganon has the Triforce now, and I do not know how powerful the Master Sword is. But if not me, who else? I have to try, even if it means my death. And so Link nodded. "I understand. Let us move quickly then."

As the two left the tent, Aron came forward to greet them. "Sir Link, what is going on? These people say they're returning to Rauru town. What happened at the castle?" Link filled him in on what apparently happened, and on his and Roam's plans. "I'll come with you," Aron stated when Link had finished.

"It's too dangerous. Stay with the rest of this militia and protect Rauru."

But Aron would not be sated. "Please sir, I have nothing left to live for. My family is dead, killed by Ganon's men. I wish to fight at your side, even if that means my death."

Link sighed, and looked at Roam. The general nodded and invited Aron to come along. Three soldiers, sneaking into their own castle. Link was used to fighting alone, looking after no one but himself. He did not know if his company would be a help or a hindrance. Slowly, under the cover of night, the three men approached the spires of the North Castle.