There was a scent of rain in the air now. Ever since the two witnessed the destruction in the temple of time, Link and Zelda had noticed a change in the weather. It always seemed to threaten rain, and no more did the sun show its face from underneath the blanket of clouds. The weather, however, was the least of their worries. From the small courtyard outside Hyrule Castle, the duo pondered the dire situation and how to go about ending it. Options were running short.
"If Ganondorf is as strong as we think, then I don't think that even the light arrows will help us now. But Sheik is a different story. I think that if we took Sheik on instead of Ganondorf it would…I don't know…weaken Ganondorf somehow." Link said, pacing in front of Zelda as he had done for the past hour as they contemplated Hyrule's current predicament. Zelda's face was lost in deep thought as was Link's. They needed to come up with something fast.
"We need someone wise to help. Someone who has been in existence for ages. Someone who can come up with a solution as though they've been working on it forever. A guardian for all life, the protector of nature and life itself. We need the Great Deku Tree." Zelda concluded, looking rather proud of herself thinking of the forest guardian so quickly. But Link already had a problem.
"The Great Deku Tree withered just before I left the forest. There is no chance of contacting him anymore, now that he's…gone…" He replied, but instead of looking crestfallen, a look of discovery played across the hero's face.
"Saria! She's spent most of her time listening to the Great Deku Tree's stories about ancient Hyrule. Surely Saria knows almost as much as the Deku Tree did! We need to go to the Kokiri's Forest right away." Link told Zelda. She smiled at him and readied herself to leave, relieved that they'd at last found someone who could help them.
"And where have you been all this time, Sheik? Were you doing anything important or were you merely hiding from me?" Ganondorf boomed at Sheik as he appeared in front of him, having finally returned after the incident with the Master Sword. He had not told Ganondorf where he had gone, something the Evil King resented.
"Always inquisitive aren't you? One to question and never be questioned, Ganondorf? I suppose it will not hurt to tell you where I've been." He paused for a moment, as if deciding what he should and should not tell Ganondorf, then continued. "Certainly you know that the would-be heroes would not think of challenging us unless they received advice from another? I have been searching for possible sources of information and…doing away with them. I had already destroyed the Gorons and the Zoras, a bit of lava and some ice did nicely, and have just been out dealing with the Kokiris. They were easy prey, convinced that if they begged for their lives then I would actually spare them! They are all dead, as is the sprout growing in the Deku Tree's field. From him I received a certain stone that will allow me to complete my plans," Sheik finished and looked triumphant and more maniacal than ever. Ganondorf actually looked afraid, but Sheik noticed and said,
"Coward! Shrinking before me when you should be honored to be in my presence! I released you and you show neither gratitude nor joy that you are free!" Sheik yelled at the King.
"I have been wondering while you were gone, Sheik, of how I am to assist in your plan? What was your purpose in setting me free if it seems you already have enough power to do everything yourself? Why have you not allowed me to leave and destroy the boy and girl myself?" Ganondorf asked. Sheik merely laughed and replied,
"I have a more worthy task appointed to you Ganondorf, just you wait and see. In time, you will have the power to conquer all and cover this land in darkness forever! I, however, must succeed in my plan first in order for you to rise." Sheik finished and walked off, leaving Ganondorf puzzled by the man's cryptic message.