Disclaimer:
The Legend of Zelda is property of Nintendo.
Author's Notes:
Well, I didn't update as fast as I should have, but I did finish a lot faster than last time. I'm getting awesome reviews in response to the author's notes last time, even if there haven't been very many. I think I've pretty much decided who I'm going to use in this story, but I'm not going to say anything. I'll let everyone figure it out for sure as the story progresses. And I might have another similar subject to talk about in the near future, but I'm not sure. I'm also once again thinking about changing the name of my story, maybe to something like 'Fallen Time' or 'Fallen Hyrule'. If anybody has any ideas about a name, please say something in a review, even though I may just keep the name the same.
As always, read, enjoy, and PLEASE REVIEW!
The Legend of Zelda: The War of Power
Chapter 22: Mysteries Revealed
Link slowly opened his eyes and sat up tiredly, raising his head to survey his surroundings. He smiled when he noticed Zelda sitting on the opposite side of a small fire, gazing into the flames.
"Hey," he said, yawning. Zelda's head snapped up and she smiled warmly.
"You're awake," she stated.
"How long has it been?" Link asked, "I feel like I've been sleeping for days."
"About ten hours or so," Zelda answered, "It's hard to keep track of time out here. The trees usually block out the sky." Link nodded and looked around once again.
"Where's Dek?" he asked, noticing the absence of the elf.
"He left to hunt for some food. He's only been gone about an hour."
"Man, I'm hungry," Link stated, almost to himself.
"You're always hungry," Zelda pointed out, "But I guess you deserve some nourishment after…after what happened." Link suddenly turned his eyes to the ground and sighed. The two sat in silence for what seemed like an eternity before Link spoke.
"I'm sorry," he said suddenly, "I let my emotions control me after the fight and now I've been a burden for the past day when I should have been protecting you."
"It's not your fault," Zelda comforted the boy, "You were exhausted. You needed rest, and if it weren't for you I wouldn't have survived that night. It seems I owe you my life once again." She smiled, as did Link, and the two once again became quiet as they stared into the flames.
"Link," Zelda began, looking into the boy's eyes, "I've been thinking, and I might know where all these threats are coming from." She paused, as if she didn't want to recognize the source of the troubles, but then continued. "I remembered my dream earlier today, and I realized that the best explanation is that the source of the attacks is the man from the dream. The new holder of the Triforce of Power."
"He must know you have the Triforce of Wisdom," Link said, "The wolves seemed intent on attacking you, as if they had been instructed to do so."
"I know," Zelda said sadly, "It seems as if someone is after my life once again."
"What about the Triforce of Courage? Does he know that I have it?"
"I don't think so. The wolves concentrated solely on me, not you or Dek. Though I don't understand how he could not know that you have it. He's somehow been watching us probably since this journey began since he knows exactly where we are, and I would think that he would have seen you use the Triforce of Courage back in Castle Town, and especially last night."
"Maybe he's not always watching," Link theorized, "That would give us some comfort. Or maybe he just mistook the power for magic. He probably discovered that you had the Wisdom Piece because you're the Princess of Hyrule, but I'm not exactly a likely candidate for the Triforce of Courage. He's probably looking to some high ranking moron in some other nation or something." Zelda laughed at this.
"I have to admit," she started, "You're not exactly what anybody would imagine when picturing the Hero of Time."
"Thanks a lot," Link said sarcastically, "And you're not exactly the meek little princess that everyone thinks you are." They both laughed as Link heard a movement from within the forest and immediately tensed up, looking in the direction of the sound.
"No need to get so anxious," a voice stated from behind the boy. Link leapt up and turned, his hand going to the hilt of his sword before the owner of the voice registered in his mind. The boy relaxed as he looked at his friend, laughing heartily as he held a pair of rabbits in his left hand.
"How the heck do you do that?" Link asked as Dek moved toward the fire.
"Do what?" Dek said as if he didn't understand the question.
"One second I hear you in front of me, the next you're behind me," Link said.
"A trick," Dek stated simply, "I just had to prove I can still sneak up on my old friend."
"Whatever," Link mumbled, angered that the elf had tricked him so easily.
"So, what have you two been doing?" Dek asked, "Besides the usual romantic crap, of course." Link lashed out his foot as Dek walked by, hoping to trip the elf, but Dek easily leapt gracefully over the outstretched limb and continued with his mocking. "No need to turn red, now Link," he started before he felt his legs swept out from under him by Zelda's foot. The elf fell to the ground, dropping the rabbits as his face made contact with the dirt. Zelda and Link immediately burst out laughing as the elf mumbled and rose to his feet, wiping the dirt from his face.
"Fine, you win," he stated sourly, looking at Zelda. The princess smiled innocently as Dek sulked toward the fallen animals and Link continued laughing.
"Man, she got you good," he taunted, "The high and mighty elf didn't even see that coming."
"Shut up," Dek said, placing the rabbits on sticks and turning them slowly over the fire, "This makes me wonder, though, just how much time have you two been spending together? You're having a bad influence on her, Link, so she must be getting a lot of you. Special late night trips where you sneak out to secretly see each other?" The elf asked mockingly as Link turned red and changed the subject.
"So," he began, "This doesn't look like much food. Couldn't the renowned archer find anything bigger than this?"
"It wouldn't matter if the renowned Hero of Time didn't gorge himself," Dek shot back, smiling.
"You're just mad because last time I did the hunting I came back with five of these in an hour," Link countered.
"Most of those ran into the camp and straight to you," Dek said.
"Alright, enough," Zelda stopped the barrage of insults, "As much fun as it is to watch you two go back and forth with your little jabs, it's not getting us anywhere. And by the way, Dek, you might want to look at those rabbits." The high elf followed the princess' gaze and swore as he looked at the roasting animals. He removed the burning rabbits from the fire and frantically blew on the flames to extinguish them. Link started laughing once more as the elf looked despairingly at the charred animals and sighed.
"So, who wants some?" he asked as the three burst into laughter.
***
"You wanted to speak with me, Miss Impa?" Alria asked uncertainly as she stood before the grim Sheikah.
"Yes," the woman said, then stopped as if she didn't plan on continuing.
"And?" Alria distracted the Sheikah from her thoughts. Impa looked at the girl with a penetrating stare and did not speak for what seemed like an eternity.
"I wanted to question you," Impa began, "about the Gerudo." Alria's heart jumped when the subject was mentioned, afraid that she would be accused as treason because of the attack of her former sisters. "Do not worry," Impa said, sensing her nervousness, "I do not question your loyalty to Hyrule. I wished to ask you about Obaru."
"Oh," Alria said; her voice saddening at the thought of her former mentor.
"I was wondering," Impa started, "Do you know when she began studying the black arts?"
"No," Alria shook her head, "I learned of her magic just today when she attacked me. Why?"
"Her dark magic was nearly perfected, I observed," the Sheikah said, "I got the impression that she has been studying for many years. I was hoping you knew when it began so that I could be prepared for what to expect in the future."
"I've been hoping that she won't return," the girl said sadly, "But that will never happen. A Gerudo does not so easily forsake her prey."
"That's what worries me," Impa said. The two stood in silence for a short while until the Sheikah spoke once again, "You may leave now. I have no more questions." Alria began to walk away, then hesitated and turned back toward the powerful woman.
"Miss Impa," she addressed the Sheikah, "There was something I was meaning to talk to you about."
"Oh?"
"It's about Amir," Alria began slowly, "I'm not sure if he can be trusted."
"Really?" Impa said, smiling as if she was amused by the girl's suspicions, "Why?"
"There are many things about his story that don't seem to add up. I could explain them to you if you will listen."
"Go ahead," the Sheikah said. Alria took a deep breath and relayed the details of her suspicions to the elder woman, and was surprised when the intimidating Sheikah smiled as she finished talking.
"I'm impressed," Impa said, "Your thoughts mirrored mine perfectly."
"You already suspected him?" Alria asked in astonishment.
"Yes," the Sheikah said, "I studied him carefully once before when he told us of Solatia's betrayal and I searched his eyes for any sign of falsehood. Although he was hiding nothing of Halberd's plot I sensed a hidden motive within him, and realized his story did not quite match up to the facts. I'm surprised that someone else noticed this as well."
"I'm sorry," the girl said, ashamed, "I've wasted your time telling you what you already know." Impa smiled slightly and shook her head.
"No," she said, "It brings me joy to see that there are others out there with such acute senses. You have a bright future, Alria, and I'm sure you will bring hope to people in the days to come." Alria stood stunned and could do nothing but stare at the Sheikah whose personality had seemed to change in an instant.
"Thank you," she managed to say.
"I look forward to fighting with you in the future," Impa said, "Continue to hone your skills and you will quickly surpass your teacher." Alria nodded and slowly walked away from the Sheikah, still astounded that the woman had spoken to her in such a kind way.
"What'd she say?" Malon said as Alria approached her, snapping the girl out of her thoughts.
"She just asked some questions," the former Gerudo answered, "About Obaru and her past and stuff. I didn't really know anything that Impa didn't already know. She even held the same suspicions about Amir."
"Is she going to question him?" the farm girl asked curious.
"I don't know," Alria answered, "She didn't say if she was going to do anything or not. I don't think Amir is any harm, but it would be nice to know why he's really here." Malon nodded as she stroked Epona's mane.
"Yeah," she said before her eyes lit up with realization. "Wait!" she exclaimed, "If Calatia really is against us, then Link and Zelda are heading straight into danger!"
"What are you talking about?"
"I can't believe I didn't realize this before!" Malon continued, ignoring the question, "The battle must have made me forget or something. This really isn't good."
"Slow down," Alria said calmly, "And tell me what you're rambling on about."
"Okay," Malon slowed her breathing, "Remember when I told you about Link?"
"Yeah."
"Well, he and Princess Zelda were heading to Calatia to seek aid," Malon explained, "They have no idea that they might be walking straight to the enemy." Alria listened to the explanation with a grim look upon her face.
"I wonder if Impa realizes-"
"Amir!" the former Gerudo was cut off by a booming command that reached the ears of every Hylian among the mass. She didn't need to look to the source of the voice to know that it was Impa that had bellowed the call.
"I would assume she does," Malon pointed out, smiling grimly. She looked around to see a startled Amir rising to his feet and approaching the powerful Sheikah who stood apart from the crowd.
"We should go over there," Alria said, "I want to get this all cleared up." Malon nodded and the two approached the Sheikah as well. Impa shortly noticed their coming and beckoned for them to continue forward as Amir arrived before her.
"Amir of Calatia," the Sheikah said, "I look forward to hearing the true reason for your presence in Hyrule." The abruptness of the statement startled the man, whose eyes flashed with a flicker of panic, though his voice remained even.
"What are you suggesting?" he asked, his face straight.
"Until now, you have not been true with your reason for being here," Impa said, "I would appreciate it if you revealed your true ambitions to us." As she was saying this, Hawehn approached the group and looked apprehensively at Amir.
"What is she talking about?" the woman asked. Amir sighed before speaking.
"I have no hidden ambitions of my own," he said, then paused before continuing, "Only those of King Tawahn."
"What do you mean?" Impa asked, a hard edge present in her voice.
"He ordered me to infiltrate Solatia and Hyrule," Amir began, "In the hopes of uncovering any weaknesses."
"King Tawahn is against us?" Impa said, her voice remarkably even considering the revelation.
"Yes," the man answered. Impa did not speak for a time and Malon and Alria stood in astonishment, surprised that their suspicions had proven true. Malon looked to Hawehn whose eyes seemed to well up with tears as she gazed upon Amir, hoping greatly that he was lying.
"Why did you obey?" Alria suddenly asked, "You don't seem to dislike Hyrule."
"I had no choice," Amir answered sadly, "The king…he took my family."
"He's using your family as hostages?" Impa asked.
"Yes, but it's not just my family. He's taken many who have publicly opposed his new Calatian order. The only thing that will appease him now is dominion over the nations of Ahras. He's changed from the honorable king he once was to a greedy, bloodthirsty ruler."
"He planned to wait until Hyrule was weakened by the Solatians and then invade," Impa concluded.
"That is likely," Amir said, "Although I did not report to him of the war in Hyrule, word has almost definitely reached him by now and he will be preparing for an invasion."
"Why didn't you tell us this before?" Impa said, her voice menacing and filled with anger.
"I feared for my family," Amir said apprehensively, "King Tawahn has ways of knowing things…I know not how, but he most likely already knows of my betrayal as I speak."
"So Link and Zelda are walking into the hands of our enemy?" Impa snarled, her control over her emotions slipping.
"I'm sorry," Amir said, "All I could think about was my family when I agreed to take them to Calatia. I knew that the king would not offer his aid, but I was never going to allow the princess to be delivered into his hands. However, I am prepared to receive a just punishment for my actions."
"No, Amir!" Hawehn suddenly yelled, running toward the man and clinging to him desperately, "It wasn't your fault!"
"She's right," Impa said shortly after gazing into the man's eyes, "And I see no sign of falsehood in your eyes. Your punishment will be to serve Hyrule until I release you from this oath."
"I thank you," Amir said, bowing, "But there is one more thing I must reveal to you."
"And that is?"
"King Tawahn," Amir began, "He will not begin his assault until he claims a power that he desperately seeks. He craves this power, and it has driven him mad."
"What do you mean?" Malon asked.
"The king seeks the power of the high elves. The power of immortality."
***
"So, do you have any idea where we are, Dek?" Link asked.
"Sure," Dek said apprehensively, then muttered, "For the hundredth time."
"Every time you answer you get less sure of yourself," Link pointed out, "Admit it, we're lost."
"We're not lost," Dek argued, "I just haven't been around these parts for a long time. It might take a while to refresh my memory."
"How many circles do we have to go in for you to refresh your memory?"
"If you two ever ventured out of Hyrule, then maybe you could lead yourselves," Dek argued.
"Zelda, he just insulted you!" Link said with false enthusiasm.
"I think I'm going to stay out of this," Zelda said, shaking her head.
"And there's plenty of exploring to do in Hyrule," Link returned to the argument, "I bet you'd get lost in a day wandering around there."
"It's a big field," Dek countered, "You'd have to be an idiot to get lost."
"Exactly."
"Alright, enough," Zelda said decisively, "I still don't understand why you two argue so much."
"Boredom," Link said as Dek shrugged his shoulders. Zelda groaned in exaggerated disgust.
"I need female company on this trip," she said, "I wish Malon was here so I could talk to someone and not have to listen to you two constantly."
"Don't worry, Zelda," Link said cheerily, "Dek's all the female company you need!" The boy winced as the high elf punched him in the shoulder, but continued smiling.
"You're an idiot," Dek said, turning back to study the area around them.
"He's pretending to know where he is," Link said quietly to Zelda as she nodded.
"Wasn't the sun in front of us just a little while ago?" she asked, catching a glimpse of the sunlight through the thick canopy.
"Yeah," Link said, looking up, "We're completely lost. Dek, do you-" the boy began but was interrupted by Dek motioning to him to be quiet. He watched as the high elf touched his hand to the bark of a large tree and then looked to the canopy overhead.
"I know where we are," Dek said slowly, "This place is my home."
***
"Immortality?" Malon said, confused.
"But the elves aren't immortal," Alria pointed out.
"They used to be," Impa stated, drawing the attention of the group, "Long ago, the elves possessed the power of immortality. Although they could be slain by physical means, they were unaffected by disease or time; they stopped aging once they had reached their prime. However, the elves grew weary of immortality and soon decided to remove the power from their being. They still retain many traits of their former states, as they age slowly and are immune to disease, but they do eventually pass away after time. The power of immortality is said to be held in their hidden city, the name of which is unknown even to the monarchy of Hyrule."
"King Tawahn, by some means unknown to me, has learned the name of the haven of the elves," Amir said, "He is searching for the lyrics of the song that will lead him to the city."
"Do you know how close he is to uncovering the secret?" Impa asked.
"No."
"If Tawahn claims the power of the elves, he could become incredibly powerful," Impa said, "He could easily claim Hyrule and any other nation he desires."
"How would the power to live forever make him that strong?" Malon asked.
"In the hands of the king, the power would do more than make him immortal," Impa explained, "If it was used by men, it would become corrupted and through Tawahn would forge a terrifying power. The king must truly have gone insane."
"He has," Amir said, "He cares for nothing but power now, and he has gone so far as to imprison his own son."
"The prince is in captivity?"
"Yes," the Calatian answered, "Prince Tawahn grew angered at his father's actions and opposed him. He was thrown in the dungeons with the rest of the resistors."
"If this is true," Impa began, "Then he will not hesitate to imprison or kill Princess Zelda when she enters the country. He will try to use her to his advantage, as he most likely knows that she is all Hyrule has left."
"I'm sorry," Amir apologized once again.
"The distance is too great for me to contact her with telepathy," Impa thought aloud, "Out of the sages, Saria was the only one whose powers of telepathy could span that distance." Malon thought back to the day that Link, in a shaking voice, had explained what happened that night that the forest was destroyed.
"Are you sure she's gone?" the girl asked, changing the subject.
"As sure as I can be without actually discovering a body," the Sheikah said, "I can no longer feel her presence in this world, and the same is true for Nabooru. This presents another problem." Impa suddenly proceeded to tell them the story of Zelda's dream, deciding that they had a right to be informed of what may happen in the near future so that they could prepare. "If this dream truly is a vision of the future," she began when she had finished the story, "Then the Hylians may truly be doomed. If another Ganondorf has arisen, it will be nearly impossible to defeat him without the aid of two of the sages. If both Saria and Nabooru are dead and the sages are incomplete, this new evil will be able to destroy us with ease."
***
"Is that a bad thing?" Link asked, confused.
"Of course it's bad!" Dek snapped, "I'm not exactly one of the most respected elves around. I've been looked down upon since I chose to leave."
"Wait," Zelda started, "Didn't you say that the city was impossible to just stumble upon?"
"It is," the high elf confirmed, "I think I was unconsciously following the song without realizing it. It's been so long, and I guess I just acted by instinct."
"So," Link began, "How do we get there from here?"
"An escort," Dek said, then spoke loud and seemingly to the open air, "Alright, guys; you can come out now!" Link and Zelda watched with awe as a multitude of elves emerged from the forest, some on the ground and others in the tops of the trees. Link guessed that the elves numbered at least fifty; each held a bow, the strings pulled back and the arrows ready to be released at any moment.
"Wow," Zelda said, in awe.
"Don't let them intimidate you," Dek said, then turned to the only elf whose bow was lowered. The elf seemed to only be in his late twenties, yet Link could sense something about him that suggested a far greater age. He had straight, golden hair that ended in the middle of his back and sharp, piercing eyes. "Greetings, Hamadir," Dek said, bowing slightly.
"What is your business here?" the elf asked sharply.
"Actually," Dek began, "As I'm sure you've heard while you were watching us, this was an accident. I had no intention of returning to my home. But now that we're here, I would be pleased if you allowed me and my friends to enter."
"They're not our kind," Hamadir growled, nodding his head in the direction of the Hylians, "They cannot be admitted into the city."
"Let me speak to Galdel," Dek said, "He will allow us passage."
"You have forsaken your heritage," the older elf said, "You have no right to be allowed passage yourself."
"Let me in," Dek said, his voice nearly a growl, "When Galdel finds out who these two are, he'll want to speak with them."
"And just who are they?" Hamadir asked, his eyes studying the Hylians.
"The Hero of Time and the Princess of Hyrule," Dek said. Hamadir visibly tensed, his surprise evident on his face, yet he refused to lower his guard.
"The heroes of the outside world do not concern the elves," Hamadir said, studying Link carefully.
"That's not true," the younger elf argued, "We are still part of this world, and thereby owe something to it. Galdel would want to see them."
"He does not look like much of a hero to me," Hamadir said, knowing that Dek's point was valid and modifying his argument, "Why should I believe you?" The elf walked toward Link, and the boy noticed as he stood before him that he was a few inches taller, though his imposing shadow seemed to add to his height. "What is your name, boy?" he asked.
"Link."
"You're lying," Hamadir snarled, his eyes showing his surprise, "You cannot be the Hero of Time. Show me your hand." Link held up his left hand, perfectly aware of the mark that the elf was looking for, and the Triforce emblem shone bright on his hand. "This cannot be," the elf said, stepping back, "It is not yet time."
"Will you allow us passage?" Dek asked again, seeing a break in Hamadil's defenses.
"Yes," the elf said after a long pause, "But I will take you directly to Galdel and the Lady Halthierien." He motioned for the archers to lower their weapons and began walking away. The three companions followed, Link and Zelda slightly unnerved as the many elves followed directly behind.
"Halthierien?" Link questioned Dek in a whisper.
"Yes," the elf answered, "the Lady Halthierien and her husband, Galdel, are the only remains of the glory of the first elves. They possess the power of immortality."
***
"Let's go," Malon said suddenly as she an Alria sat against a large pine and looked at the stars in the sky above. The camp was quiet, most of the Hylians having retired to sleep after exhausting themselves during another long day of walking. The two friends, though, had decided that they needed some time to think after the revelations of the day.
"What do you mean?" Alria asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Link and Zelda are both going to suffer or die if word doesn't reach them," the farm girl said, "Let's go to them."
"Are you crazy?" Alria asked, "We'd be heading straight into the hands of the Coshraks."
"I know," Malon said, disappointed, "It's just…" she left the sentence unfinished and looked back to the sky. The two sat in silence then, until Alria suddenly spoke.
"You know what's funny?" she said, not waiting for an answer, "That sounds like a great idea." Malon's head immediately turned to her left and she smiled happily at her grinning companion.
"You're with me?" she asked.
"Of course," the former Gerudo said, "I can't let you be crazier than me, now can I?" Malon smiled warmly as she and Alria rose and woke their horses from their peaceful slumber. Alria positioned her few bags on Strike, the black steed that she had used since their meeting at Lon-Lon Ranch, as Malon searched out the form of her father amidst the sleeping Hylians.
"Father," Malon said quietly, kneeling and shaking the sleeping Talon. The man surprisingly awoke at the touch and rubbed the sleep from his eyes.
"What's wrong, Malon?" he asked, sitting up slowly.
"Nothing," the farm girl said, fighting back the tears that threatened to overwhelm her, "Daddy…I'm going away for a bit. I…I have to help Link and Zelda."
"What are you talking about?" Talon asked, confused, "You can't leave. It's too dangerous."
"I know the dangers," Malon said, "But I have to help in some way. I can't explain it all right now, but I have to go. I'm sorry, Daddy, but I'm old enough to decide this on my own."
"I know," Talon said sadly, embracing his daughter, "And I trust your decisions. Even if I don't know the reason for this, I'm sure it's justified."
"I'm sorry, Daddy," Malon said, holding her father tightly as the tears came forth, "I can't promise that I'll return, but I'll try really hard. I need to do this."
"I understand," Talon said, his own tears forming in his eyes, "I understand." The two sat locked in each other's embrace for a moment longer, Talon stroking his daughter's hair, until Malon spoke again.
"Bye, Daddy," she said softly, breaking the embrace.
"You'll return," Talon said, staring at Malon as his eyes watered, "You must. But for now, goodbye dearest daughter." Malon slowly turned and walked away from the camp as her father stared after her. He stood there for the remainder of the night, making himself believe that he would see his daughter once again.
***
"So, you ready?" Alria asked, standing beside Strike and Epona, both packed with a small amount of food and water.
"Yes," Malon said, wiping the tears from her eyes.
"Are you sure about this?" the former Gerudo asked.
"No," the farm girl said after a pause, "I'm not sure at all."
"We don't have to do this," Alria said, "We could let Impa find a way to save Zelda and Link. She is a sage, after all, but we don't even have a link to the Triforce as she does."
"No," Malon said, the paused before continuing, "There was something I once told Link, a long time ago when he was in the midst of his journey to save Hyrule and he was in a pit of despair. He came to the ranch and tried to discover what he was doing; why he was thinking that just a lone boy could succeed where the greatest warriors in Hyrule could not. I tried to comfort him, and I told him something that I have never forgotten." She paused and breathed deeply, then continued, "Hope can be found in the smallest person, and with courage that person has the power to change the course of the future," she paused with a determined look upon her face, "Now it's my time to live up to these words, and I will not fail."