Chapter 8: The Journey Continues

disclaimer: Zelda and all characters of the game are property of Nintendo. In no way do I expect to get paid for this.

Linkpresented the Pendant of Power to Impain the House of the Shiakah. "Well done, Link. You were successful."

Link put the necklace back on and pointed to the Goron warrior behind him. "This is Prince Darmani of the Gorons. He has pledged himself to our cause."

Darmani bowed his head at Impa. "Your next pendant to obtain is in the the Forest Temple of Kokiri Forest to the south of this village," said Impa. "Someone will be waiting for you there."

"Ay, my lady," said Link. "We shall make haste." The two warriors bowed to Impa and left the house.

As they left, a masked figure approached Impa. "My lady, why do you let the Goron prince join the boy? It is not written that the Hero had any companions."

"I sense some importance in the boy's union with the Gorons," said Impa. "I believe he can unite the races as they once were ages ago. This war can not be won by the boy alone."

Link mounted his steed, Epona, while Darmani rode on the back of a large ox. "Are you certain that ox can keep up with my horse?"

Darmani smirked at Link and pet his oxen. "He's a lot faster than you may think, brother. He will not slow us down."

Link laughed as Epona galloped across the village. Darmani's oxen began running swiftly behind Epona and they headed south for Kokiri Forest.

By nightfall, the two combatants set up camp in a grass field. Darmani smoked his pipe weed while Link found a nearby rock to sharpen his sword. Epona and the oxen fed on the grass by the camp.

Darmani began cooking some meat with a big pot over the fire, making a stew. "Tell me, brother. Was your father a great warrior?"

Link kept his eyes on his blade as he sharpened its edges. "He was a knight. He died in battle when I was very young. My uncle watched over me when he died. He was once a knight for the castle until the King released him from his service. When I came of age, he took me to the mountains of Romuli to teach me the ways of the sword and make me a knight. He also taught me the old languages of Hylia. I learned much from him."

"Did you and your father get along," asked Darmani.

Link took his gaze from his sword and smiled at Darmani. "Ay. He was the greatest man I ever knew. He taught me to be brave and to never give up."

Darmani stirred the stew once more and then poured some into two bowls. He handed one to Link and they began eating.

"Is this what Gorons eat everyday," asked Link. "It is quite good."

"We Gorons hold oxen in high regard. They make great meals, as well as good riders."

Link smiled at his comment. They finished their food and put out the fire. Link put his sword down and laid down on the grass, covering himself with his cloak. Epona laid beside him and Darmani continued smoking his pipe. Link drifted into a peaceful sleep and dreamed about his beloved Malon.

Link was awaken by a gentle shake from Darmani's huge hand. Link opened his eyes to discover the skies were bright orange.

"It is barely dawn," said Link with a yawn. "Do you not sleep at night?"

"Gorons are early risers, brother."

Link slowly got up and began to equip his weapons. Darmani was already packed for the long journey. They fed their animals and then mounted them, riding south to Kokiri Forest.

After two days of traveling, they finally reached the vast wood of Kokiri Forest, which rested at the foot of Mt. Avarice. They ventured into the forest at a slow pace, only stopping to hunt deer and set up camp for the night. The forest shined only dim light through the trees, and it appeared that no one lived in such a place.

As they ventured further into the wood, Link and Darmani heard a woman's laughter echo across the tall trees. They readied their weapons and searched the tree tops. There was no sign of the woman but her laughter continued to echo in their ears.

"Forest demons, show yourself," shouted an angered Darmani.

Link turned to his right and a bright light shined in his eyes, causing him to cover them. As the light faded, a thin figure materialized carrying a wooden staff in one hand and a bow in the other. Darmani raised his ax, ready to fight.

Link raised his hand at Darmani. "No, Darmani."

The figure walked closer to them and they took a closer look. It was a masked woman who wore a deer skin cloak. Her bow was longer than Link's and her navy blue staff stood taller than her. She had dark brown hair that reached the bottom of her chin. She wore a dark grey tunic with the mark of the Shiekah on her chest and white leggings. She carried a quiver of arrows on the right side of her hip and had small black-colored foot wear.

"Who are you?" asked Link as he grasped the handle of his sword.

"I am Sahashra. What business does a Hylian and a Goron have in these woods?"

Link let go of his sword. "I am Link, son of Tristan of Hylia. This is Darmani, son of Darunia of the Gorons. We have traveled here in search of the Pendant of Courage. Impa of the Shiekah sent us here."

Sahashra narrowed her green eyes at the knight. "You are the one who travels the path of the Hero of Legend. I am the one you seek in these woods."

Darmani kept a firm grip on his ax as she walked towards them. "She is a witch, brother."

"No, my friend. She is a Shiekah. She is no enemy to us." Darmani grunted at his remark. "Where can we find this pendant," asked Link.

"In the Forest Temple in the eastern part of the woods," said Sahashra. "I will take you there." She walked onward and Link closely followed. Darmani remained wary of their visitor as he followed Link to the temple.

As they journeyed through the forest, Link decided to socialize with the mysterious woman. "You live in this desolate place?"

"My home is not far from the temple, for I am its guard. Impa sent me here many years ago to take the place of my father, who died of sickness. I was trained by Impa herself to guard this place."

"Then why do you let us pass?"

"I saw the mark on your tunic. Impa is loyal to the Royal Family, and therefore, so am I."

"Why do you carry that staff? Is it a symbol of your title?"

"In a way. This staff is a powerful weapon that only the Shiekah can use."

"Then why bother with the bow?"

"My ancestors were skilled with a bow. I come from a family of archers and I honor them by using it in battle."

They continued their talk as they ventured through the forest until at last they reached a castle-like structure with vegetation spread about its walls.

"This is it, the Forest Temple," said Sahashra. "Inside you will face many dangers that will test your courage. You must overcome its obstacles if you wish to grasp the Pendant of Courage."

Darmani walked towards the doors of the fortress. "No, he must go alone," said Sahashra.

Darmani turned to face Sahashra. "He is my sworn brother. I will not leave his side."

Link approached the worried brute. "Brother, you must stay and watch over my horse. This is my burden, and I must carry it. You will have your chance to fight along side with me, but for now I need you to remain here."

Darmani glanced at Sahashra once more. "I don't trust her."

"That is why I need you to look over Epona for me. She will prove her trust by not attacking you."

Link walked towards the entrance and entered the temple. Darmani kept his sights on Sahashra, waiting for her to make her move.