Chapter 11: A Hero Reborn
disclaimer: Zelda and all characters of the game are property of Nintendo. In no way do I expect to get paid for this.
"It is time, Aghinim," said Ganondorf in his throne room of Death Mountain. "You will lead the attack on Hyrule Castle."
Aghinim smirked at his master. "At last, we will crush our enemies and rule the land."
"See to it that no one survives. Leave no man, woman or child alive. Burn it to the ground, and do not return until they are all dead."
"As you wish, my master."
Link and his friends searched the Lost Woods for two days. The closer they were to their destination, the more light would shine from Link's pendants. The forest was dark and foggy. A great mist spread across the woods and very little light shined from above the tall trees. They finally saw something shine from the distance. As they got closer to the light, they were able to see what was shining so brightly. They saw a large stone pedestal and what looked to be a blade of some kind locked in the stone and partially covered with vines. There was an inscription below the shining blade written in the ancient Hylian language.
Link looked at the inscription and read it aloud. "It reads: Only one free of evil's grasp and carries the three sacred jewels may grasp at the handle of the Blade of Evil's Bane. May the Hero of Legend wield the Master Sword and use it to destroy evil." He saw three engraved spaces upon the stone below the inscription.
He stood up from his kneeled position and removed the three pendants from his neck. He then gave the Pendant of Power to Darmani, the Pendant of Courage to Sahashra, and the Pendant of Wisdom to Mikau. Link then went around the pedestal and looked upon the blade that rested upon the stone. Its color was a dark grey from the handle to the blade itself. His friends placed the pendants upon the engraved spaces. When that happened, the jewels shined brighter than they ever shined, causing Link's friends to shield their eyes. The vines covering the blade untangled themselves from the sword. Link grabbed the handle with both hands and pulled with all his might.
A moment later, the mists cleared and light shined from the tree tops. The three companions uncovered their eyes to see Link holding a shimmering sword in his right hand. The handle was now a royal blue color and the blade shined a bright white light. The pendants became part of the stone with the separation of the sacred sword. Link's friends kneeled to him out of respect of their new found Hero. Link walked away from the pedestal and drew out his other sword. He then drove it into the soil in front of the pedestal and turned to his companions.
"Come, my friends," said Link. "We ride for Hyrule Castle."
The three combatants stood up and smiled at Link. He smiled back and they mounted their noble steeds, making haste out of the Lost Woods and riding south east to the castle.
Zelda looked upon the fields of Hyrule from her balcony. In the distance, she saw four figures on horse back riding swiftly from the west. She immediately ran out of her room and made her way to the throne room to meet with her father.
"He has returned, father." King Daphnes stood up from his throne and smiled at his daughter.
Link and his friends entered the throne room minutes later and gave their respect to the King.
"Rise. Were you successful in your quest," asked the King.
Link drew out his new shining sword and held it high in the air. The King smiled as he gazed upon the weapon of legend. "Well done, Sir Knight."
Link sheathed his sword and gestured to his companions. "This is Prince Darmani, son of King Darunia of the Gorons. This is Sahashra, priestess of the Shiekah. And this is General Mikau of the Zoras. They have joined me in my quest as a symbol of Hyrule's union with the races. You know have true allies in all parts of the land."
The King's smile grew even bigger. "This is most excellent news. But what of the goblin horde? Have more arrived?"
"The goblins have made attempts to take over many parts of the land. They are ruled by some one by the name of Aghinim."
Daphnes changed his expression from enlightened to outraged. "Aghinim? That treacherous whelp!"
"With your permission, my lord, who is he," asked Link.
"Aghinim holds the claims to Death Mountain in the north. He was awarded them for his services to the crown. About a year ago, we were at war with the goblins until Aghinim gave us information on the whereabouts of their general. After we disposed of the general, I gave Aghinim the claims upon his request. Now, that lying bastard is leading the rest of them under my very nose. He must be stopped at all costs for his treachery. He shall pay with his life for what he has done!"
He pounded his arm rest and then stood up from his throne. Zelda walked towards him. "Father, we know not what awaits that mountain. Small attacks like the ones Sir Link mentioned can only mean that they are preparing to invade us. We must be wise in our attack. Let us send out riders to our new and old allies so we can prepare for war. We must act now."
Daphnes calmed down and nodded at the Princess. "So be it. We will send riders to request the armies of our allies and prepare for battle. Go, make haste my daughter. War is upon us." She quickly left the throne room and Daphnes sat back down in his chair.
"I know I have taken you away from your home to take part in a quest you undoubtedly do not fully understand," said the King. "I know you must miss your loved ones. In spite of this, I ask you to remain here, Sir Knight. For I shall have need of your sword in battle if our enemies reach these gates."
Link closed his eyes and sighed in disappointment. He wanted to go home and be with Malon, but being the fact that he was a knight he had to obey his King. He didn't say a word. He just nodded and left the throne room, followed closely by his companions. The King felt terrible for doing that to Link, but he had no choice. He had to defend his city at whatever the cost.
Link leaned his back to a wall in a hallway, thinking about how much he wanted to go home. His friends tried to comfort him by remaining by his side.
"My friends, I need one of you to do something for me. I need one of you to ride to my home in Lake Hylia."
They knew he had a loved one back home. Mikau stepped forward. "I shall find your loved one."
Link was surprised at his cunning assumption. "How did you-"
"I know that face very well, Link, for I too have a loved one awaiting my return. What is her name?"
Link smirked at his aquatic friend. "Her name is Malon. You will find her at Lon Lon Ranch in the western side of the village."
Mikau placed his hand on Link's shoulder. "I shall not delay."
"Thank you, Mikau." Mikau nodded and left the hallway.
Darmani and Sahashra smiled at Link. "You're full of surprises, brother. Not only are you a great warrior, but you're a softy as well."
Link laughed at his joke. "When you find someone of your own, Darmani, you shall understand."
An army of seven thousand goblins in thick armor marched the fields from the north, making way to Hyrule Castle. Leading them in front was Aghinim clad in a thick metal chest plate under his blood red cloak. He rode on a pitch black horse with hundreds of giant bores and ogres joining the army behind him with one thing in their minds: to destroy the city and kill every man, woman and child that stands in their path.