Chapter 6: The Quest Unfolds

Link was face to face with Zelda, who was smiling. The scene faded, and soon Link passed out. About an hour later, he woke up, with Zelda still standing over him, still smiling politely.

"What just happened?" asked Link.

"You passed out. Tis to be expected, especially after you first grip the legendary blade you hold in your left hand. Are you going to be alright?" asked Zelda.

Link thought to himself, was his battle real? He felt the pain, he felt warm blood run down his arm and his leg, but how could it have been real? Link felt his left shoulder and felt no blood, but he definitely felt a gash. "It had to have been real," Link thought. "How else would I have gotten that gash?" Link slowly rose to his feet, favoring his right leg, still injured from his battle.

"Yea, I'll be fine, thanks", replied Link.

"Well then, I should begin telling you what your quest is. Link, are you familiar with the seven wonders of the world?"

"Yes, The Gardens of the Forest, The Cave in the Volcano, The Lighthouse on the Lake, The Temple in the Desert, The Underground Dungeon, The Tower on the Mountain, and The Floating Castle at the End of Charted Territory. No one knows how they got built, which is why they are wonders"

"Yes and no. They were built in Ancient Times by the ancient peoples. They existed for a purpose. They were the places where the seven guardian sages would stay and protect each area. The sages collectively protect the Triforce which lies in the Sacred Realm"

"Okay...but how does that relate to my quest?"

"There exists a man by the name of Ganondorf. He seeks the Triforce for his own evil purposes. And his only way to achieve his goal is to wreak havoc upon the wonders. You, you Link are the chosen one that will prevent this"

"How? I have never seen, or even heard of this "Ganondorf"

"No one knows where he is unfortunately. He will go to these locations though and attempt to weaken the force of the sages who rest in these wonders."

"So wait, let me get this straight. I have to stop him with no clue as to where he is?"

"You can do it Link, you were chosen. Fortunately, there is time. All the wonders still stand and Ganondorf is no where to be seen"

"So, what should I do then?"

Zelda looked outside and saw the sun on the western horizon. She stared at it for a moment, before looking back at Link.

"It's getting dark out. Come to see me tomorrow. I'll inform Mihalich that you will be visiting and he'll allow you in the castle"

"Until tomorrow, then". With those words, Link left the castle and began his trek to his house. All the while he was meditating over what had happened in the past twenty-four hours. His whole life was turned upside down. He learned that he would defeat the evil in this land. He learned that an evil man known as Ganondorf would pursue the Triforce at all costs. Link arrived at his house, still thinking about what happened. He made his choice to defend this land, but had he dug his own grave? Only time would tell, he decided. He put the Master Sword up against a corner, and fell into his bed, falling asleep immediately.

That night Link had another dream. This dream was different than his previous one. This dream involved Link fishing at Lake Hylia. He caught a fish on the line, but it wouldn't come up. Try as he may, the fish wouldn't come out of the water. Then the fish swam the other way, and pulled Link into the water headfirst. Link let go of the pole and came up for air, treading water. He looked around and saw that he had been pulled farther than he had imagined; he was in the center of Lake Hylia, far away from land. He began to swim towards the edge, and when he was about half way there, his left shoulder and right leg cramped up, right where he had been hit in battle. He couldn't swim with only one arm and one leg, and soon he was calling for help, but no one answered. Link felt an agonizing pain in his stomach, and was soon underwater, looking up at the water above him. Link felt a suffocating pain in his chest, and woke up with a sweat. He looked outside and saw that it was dawn.

"What could that dream have meant" Link thought to himself.

Link thought about the dream, and it seemed to push his worries about being the savior of the land out of his mind. He did his usual morning routine, and set off to Hyrule Castle. On his way he stopped by Lon Lon Ranch to see Epona, but she was no where to be found.

"Talon, where's Epona"

"Aye, me boy. Epona, she's in the barn. I just couldn't bring myself to look at her today"

"Why not?"

"Today, I am going to have to kill her"

"KILL HER? WHY?"

"Aye, you see, Epona doesn't let anyone ride her. She does nothing all day long, and she's costing me too much money to keep"

"Wait, I'll buy her off of you". Link fumbled through his pocket and found his pouch from the king yesterday. "I'll give you one hundred and fifty rupees for her!"

"I couldn't. It would be a waste of your money. I couldn't let a friend waste all that money"

"I insist. I'll feed her and take care of her"

"Hmmmm. Fine, I'll let you buy her for fifty rupees"

"Ok, that's perfect". Link took fifty rupees out of his pouch and handed them to Talon as he brought the reigns of Epona over to Link. Link grabbed the reigns of Epona and petted her. He hopped on Epona, and much to the surprise of Talon, Epona was tame.

"She likes you, Link".

"Thanks for Epona, Talon. I really owe you one"

'"Think nothing of it"

Link rode out of Lon Lon Ranch and towards Hyrule Castle. He dismounted Epona when he arrived and tied her to a pole just outside the castle. He approached the gate, and Mihalich allowed him to pass, instructing him that Zelda was in the courtyard. Link went to the courtyard to see Zelda.

"So, this whole saving Hyrule thing, it's really something I am meant to do", Link said to Zelda

"Yes, you are the chosen one", replied Zelda.

"So how should I begin my..." Link was interrupted as Mihalich came running into the courtyard, panting for breath.

"Princess Zelda. I just received word from McKay of the Forest. The Gardens of the Forest have been attacked by Ganondorf!"