Chapter 3: The Journey

Walking through the darkness, Eric and Terra were immersed in silent thought. They were worried about how their friends would react to their absence. As they were both orphans, the forest and their friends were all they had ever known and had. Now they had to leave both behind. Eric almost couldn't take that fact. However, as they stepped out of the tunnel into the morning sun, their regret for having left dissipated into the warm breeze that blew across the plains. The emerald grass and azure sky reflected the intensity of the bright, orange sun. The sounds of the brook and the birds in the nearby tree only augmented their elation further

"It's so beautiful," remarked Terra. Eric took these words in as he watched the birds soar through the sky and he let go of his anxiety for leaving home.

"From what I've read, we can make it to Hyrule Castle in about one and a half days. We can stop over in the town of Luray to rest. But we really don't have to rush do we?" asked Eric. Terra looked at him and instantly grinned.

"No, I guess we don't" she admitted. Eric laughed and ran to the shade of the nearest tree and called out:

"C'mon! It's time for lunch!"

Terra looked at the sky and said "But it's only 9:30!"

"So?"

"I guess I am a little hungry." Terra said grinning. And so they ate under the cooling shade of the tree. Gazing across the open fields, neither of them could fully grasp the fact that such a place actually existed. As they finished eating they stood up, stretched their limbs, and started on the way to Luray.

Eric and Terra decided to get to the castle quickly but no matter how hard they pressed on, they could not help stopping every few minutes to take in radiant beauty of the world around them. As the sun lowered in the sky, they watched as the blue abyss above them transformed into a celestial painting of red, orange, purple, and yellow. They watched in awe as they approached the stairs to Luray

Eric, yawning, said "Man, I could really use a bed right now. It has been quite a day." Terra, still feeling a bit of an "overhang" of the happiness of the day, agreed saying "Yes, the vibrant sights have brought us great joy today!"

"Shall we go then?" asked Eric as he started up the stairs. He stopped when he heard Terra's voice with a slight hint of fear.

"I think we are going to have to earn our sleep tonight, Eric."

Eric turned and said "What are you talking about? I'm going to go get some sleep." As he turned back to face the stairs he saw a wave of red eyes peering down at him.

"Oh, I see." Eric, knowing much of the monsters of Hyrule coolly answered, "Shall we earn it then?"

Terra nodded and tried to show as much courage as she could and drew her bow.

The battle commenced as Eric took the left side of the stairs and started slashing through the mob of Stalchild. Terra stayed where she was and started picking them off one by one. She looked over at Eric and saw a Stalchild creeping up behind him. She went to draw an arrow but her quiver was empty. Her shouts to him were lost in the commotion and she watched as Eric was wounded in his left leg. Eric screamed in pain, yet continued to fight. Holding his wounded leg with his shield arm, he did his best to keep the Stalchild at bay. They surrounded him and as he could not use his shield to defend himself, he was wounded in his left shoulder as well. Terra, shoving the Stalchild out of her way, reached him and listened to what he said.

"Carry me to that tree at the bottom of the stairs. The Stalchild will follow. Take my sword and finish them off."

Terra did as he said and carried Eric to the tree. She laid him with his back to the tree to rest. Eric was right. The Stalchild soon came towards her. She struck each one with all her might and as quick as she could because she knew the longer Eric did not receive aid, the worse his wounds would become.
She then felt a strange presence in her mind. A voice called to her:

"Terra, have courage. Eric will be fine."

Confused, Terra kept fighting wondering who was talking to her. She saw the last Stalchild coming towards her and she stabbed it in the chest with all her might. As it fell to the ground she turned to find Eric staggering over to meet her.

"You did well."

"Here, this belongs to you," said Terra as she gave Eric his sword back.

"Thanks. I guess we did have to earn our rest after all," Eric said as he fell to one knee from exhaustion.

"Here, let's get to Luray and get you to a bed."
"Alright," Eric said in a pain-filled voice.

Terra helped Eric to his feet and helped him walk up the stairs to Luray. Eric, holding his left shoulder and limping was filled with agony after each step. When they finally reached the top of the stairs to the walled town, Eric collapsed in exhaustion. Still conscious and wincing in pain, Eric tried to stand up, but couldn't find the strength left to do it. Terra came over and gave him some water, which he gladly accepted. Terra carefully picked Eric's fatigued body, and trudged the last few steps to the Inn
At the Inn, Terra brought Eric to a bed, checked them both in, and went to find a doctor for Eric. She found one named Lynn who knew much in wounds caused by the monsters in Hyrule field. When she came back she found Eric asleep which made Lynn happy.

"It's better when they are asleep. They don't have to strain themselves anymore than they have too," said Lynn.

She bandaged Eric's leg and his shoulder and gave Terra a blue liquid in a bottle. She told Terra to give it to Eric when he woke up. Terra thanked Lynn and said goodbye. She then sat down and watched Eric sleeping. She grew hungry and went to the door to get something to eat when she saw a dark figure standing before her.

"I want to see the boy," it said.

"Who are you?"

The figure stepped into the room, saw the fear on Terra's face and immediately apologized.

"I'm sorry I scared you. I am a Hylian soldier form the castle. I was making a delivery to the Inn here when I saw your battle from afar. It was quite a show."

"Thanks, I only wish I hadn't let Eric get wounded in the first place. He was so ready to fight but I held back in fear."

"Nonsense! If that was your first time against the monsters of the field then you did fine. Everyone is a little scared at one time or another and I'm sure the boy will forgive you."

"I guess so..." She murmured

Terra and the soldier talked long into the night. They both went to get something to eat and came back to watch Eric. After a while, the solider told Terra that he would watch Eric and that she could go to sleep. She gladly took this opportunity and rested until the morning.

To be continued…