A Link to the Heart Chapter 15

Hyrule Castle rose before them, its white walls aching bright in the brilliant sunshine. Those walls were not painted stone but built from rare white granite, that glittered with reflected sunlight. It looked like a child's image of a castle, with many towers and flags flying from the blue roofs. Yet that impression was deceptive, for it was a formidable fortress in its own right. The walls were thick and well placed and rounded towers squared off the corners, dappled by many arrowslits to allow defenders to rain down fire.

The castle proper sat in the middle of a splendid garden, with commanding views of the approaches. Beyond that garden dwelt a walled town. It was the largest settlement in all of Hyrule, with hundreds of homes and places of industry. Bakers, butchers, carpenters, brewers and tailors, masons, priests, thieves and whores, all lived within the broad sweep of the outer walls. All told there must be fifteen thousand people living in castle town, the densest concentration of living souls in all the land. To protect this mighty edifice the town was ringed east, south and west by a high wall, as formidable as the Castle itself and the town nestled into the crook of two mountains, making an approach from the north impossible. As if that wasn't enough a narrow river ran before the wall, creating a moat and bringing water to the wells of the city at the same time. To consider attacking castle town was a laughable idea, which was why refugees had flooded here in droves.

Link looked over the vista from the seat of his cart and was dismayed by the sight that awaited him. Between himself and the river were a vast crowd of refugees, thousands of people squatting in the fields. They looked dishevelled and forlorn, many of them bearing ugly injuries and sooty clothes. They sat and stared into the distance with eyes that bore hidden horrors, having seen their lives torn down before their eyes and their loved ones crushed under the hooves of cruel raiders. They clutched their meagre belongings as they eyed each other nervously, wary of their fellows taking what little they had left.

Link swallowed in dismay, for he had not expected so many folk to arrive before them and he gasped, "There must be thousands of refugees."

"Aye," came the voice of Tarren, "Ten thousand, if not more. And these are the lucky ones, Goddesses alone know how many dead bodies lay scattered across the lands."

Jortan agreed, "The Gerudo attacked everywhere, they hit every one. It makes no sense."

Link glanced down at the Knights, who were walking alongside his cart. Behind them came the rest of the refugees from Lon Lon Ranch, those the trio had escorted safely to the town. Link had counted them a sorry bunch, with no hope and little property but compared to the crowd they seemed hearty and in good spirits. The despondency on display made even the act of putting one foot in front of the other an achievement. The convoy was heading up the main road, closing on the town and soon would reach the edge of the vast crowd.

Link leaned over and whispered, "Keep your swords close to hand."

Tarren nodded in agreement and said, "This lot are desperate and afraid. People in fear do terrible things, half the crowd will mug us if we show the slightest weakness and the rest will pickpocket us while they do it."

The convoy was almost to the edge of the crowd but Link saw a man on horseback riding towards them, a blue banner flapping from a pole set in his saddle. He wore the uniform of a Hylian knight, thick armour, chainmail skirt and helm of one about to join a battle. He was an impressive sight and the refugees came to a halt before him. The Knight cantered up to them and cried "Halt! Where do you think you're going?!"

Link drew back on the reins then called, "Good sir, we make for castle town."

"No you don't," the Knight snapped, "We've already got more refugees than we can handle. The gates are barred against any more."

Tarren stepped forward and called, "M'lord, these people are hurt and tired."

The Knight blinked in surprise under his helm and said, "A fellow knight… no two. Who are you and what are you doing among this sorry lot?"

"Tarren and Jortan," came the reply, "We saved these people from the Gerudo and escorted them here. We intend to join the muster, Sir…"

"Targo," the Knight stated, "Commander Targo and you two are late. Report to the billet muster at once."

Link scowled as he asked, "And what of us?"

This Targo retorted, "Take your carts left and set up camp at that abandoned homestead, someone will be along later to sort you out."

Tarren frowned as he asked, "You abandon them outside the walls, have you no pity?"

Targo snapped, "What I have is ten thousand refugees to sort and feed! Everyone must be patient. Rest assured the King hears your woes, he is opening the granaries and storehouses, until some more permanent solution can be found. Thanks to the foresight of Princess Zelda we are well stocked, our silos are bursting with grain and dried fish bought from the Zoras, and tents are being distributed to the masses. Soon the King will call up all able-bodied men to join his army and drive the Gerudo out. Trust in the Royal Family, they will see us through this crisis. Now, do as I command."

Tarren turned to Link and sighed, "It seems we part ways here, shame I could have used your sword and bow at my side. Still the king will be drafting all able-bodied men, I may see you on the battlefield."

Link nodded, "I shall look for you, but do one thing for me. Send a message to your masters, tell Princess Zelda that Link has returned."

Jortan blinked in shock, "You're… you're serious?"

"Completely serious," Link affirmed, "See my name reaches her ears and she will reward you."

Tarren and Jortan looked at each other then said, "I can try, but to be frank, it's not going to happen. Any message we say will be laughed at, she will never hear anything we say."

"Oh," Link sighed, "There isn't any other way to…"

"Not a chance," Jortan stated, "With the town in lockdown nobody will be seeing the Royal family."

Link was disappointed but said, "Then I shall make my own arrangements. Fare thee well good sirs."

"May Fair days bless you," Tarren replied as they turned and followed their commander away.

Link sadly turned his cart left and led the refugees away, heading towards a crumbling homestead. It was a one-story affair, with a mouldering roof and ivy grown walls but promisingly it had a stone well. Link pulled up his cart and jumped down calling, "Ingo! Ingo where are you?!"

From the column Ingo and Malon appeared, asking, "What shall we do?"

Link ordered them, "Get everyone settled down and unpacked, set a watch of men armed with pitchforks, lest some thieves come a calling."

Malon eyed the town and asked, "Couldn't they have sited us closer to the river."

Link however said, "Better this way, there's a well here. Clean water, untainted by effluent."

Ingo frowned, "What does that matter?"

Link muttered, "When dysentery starts sweeping through the crowds you'll understand. Trust me, I once saw a whole army broken by disease. A tyrant's ambitions brought crashing down because his men couldn't get out of the latrine, the runs is an enemy no sword can halt. A shaman told me it was because the soldiers shat in their water source, but nobody believed him, except me. We should set up a latrine as far from the well as we can."

"Tosh and balderdash," Ingo scoffed, "Everyone knows disease is spread by night imps. We need to hang brass wind chimes, they can't stand loud noises."

"Don't argue," Malon snapped, "We'll sort it out, but where will you be Link?"

Link replied, "I will be looking for an old friend."

With that cryptic remark he turned and walked away. He left the crowd behind and walked to the old homestead, disappearing from sight behind its mass. He looked about but saw no one, he was alone and unobserved. Link reached to his belt and drew forth his Ocarina, the small blue instrument given to him by Princess Zelda. There was unfathomable magic bound within this artefact, ancient power of mysterious origin, yet that was not why he prized it.

Zelda had gifted it herself and he treasured that memory. Her joyful smile had stayed with Link throughout his travels and her bright eyes had never faded in his memories. She had been beautiful, even as a child and she had owned wisdom beyond her years. Link had felt drawn to her from the moment they had met and the adventure they had shared through time had only deepened their connection. Link felt a brief stab of guilt as he remembered Malon's intentions towards him, but it was impossible. He knew he was not meant to be with Malon. He had always known he would see Zelda again someday, she had prophesied it.

Link lifted the Ocarina to his lips and blew a short tune. It was quick and jaunty but it echoed in strange ways. Link felt magic stirring as he played and knew the echoes would be resonating in realms unseen. This simple magic called out to those who knew how to listen and he was certain it would be heard. The Sage of the Forest had taught it to him and promised the song would be heard, no matter where he was.

Barely had the notes faded when there was a fluttering noise, as if huge wings were being ruffled behind him. Link carefully lowered his Ocarina and turned around. He was surprised to find Rauru standing calmly, as if the Sage of Light had merely been lurking around the corner and quietly stepped out. The ancient sage looked no different but his lip was set in a small smile as he said, "Greetings."

Link frowned as he questioned, "Rauru? How did you get here so fast?"

Rauru scoffed, "An odd question, coming from the Hero of Time."

Link scowled as he retorted, "I thought Saria…"

"The Sage of the Forest has many concerns but she would have set them aside, had I not asked to come instead," Rauru explained, "I said you had only to call us and I would come. Yet you do not seem pleased to see me."

Link eyed Rauru suspiciously and dared, "When last we spoke I did not ask you the most important question: did you know Navi's fate before I left?"

Rauru's eyes grew sad as he confessed, "Yes, I knew the fairy had expired."

Link growled, "Then why didn't you tell me?"

Rauru replied honestly, "Because you were not ready to hear it. You needed to grow and make your own choices, you had to mature before you could accept the truth."

Link bit down on a retort and drew in a deep breath to declare, "I need you to speak to Zelda for me, tell her I have arrived and need to see her."

Rauru's smile faded, "That… will be difficult, we are not on good terms."

Link was shocked to hear that and blurted, "The Sages war among themselves?"

But Rauru shook his head as he explained, "No, no. We share a common purpose and conviction. But that doesn't mean we agree on everything. There have been… arguments."

"Over what?" Link pressed, "What have I missed?"

Rauru smiled sadly, "Ethereal concerns. It is as much my fault as hers. I lost my ties to the mundane world long ago and dedicated myself to higher affairs. As the Sage of Light I protect the harmony of the realms. Save for the Chosen Heroes I haven't spoken to a living being in centuries. Zelda however is both the Sage of Time and Princess of Hyrule, her dual roles draw her in conflicting directions. We disagree on how she uses prophecy to order a single kingdom."

Link barely followed that and spluttered, "But... but surely she bears the Triforce of Wisdom."

Rauru snorted, "Life is not beholden to Wisdom alone. If you look only to tomorrow you will never be living in the moment. Much of the joy of life is found in the unexpected, many of the most important lessons are learned in failure. A man who never makes a mistake has no need to grow. You are the bearer of the Triforce of Courage, you should understand this better than any."

Link's head was starting to throb as he tried to follow this and he moaned, "I didn't call you to discuss philosophy."

Rauru smiled softly, "Forgive me. It is the province of the old to lecture, as it is the privilege of the young not to listen. I shall offer you whatever aid I can."

"Then you will carry my message," Link pressed.

However Rauru cocked his head and asked, "Are you certain this is the path you choose?"

"Of course," Link stated with confidence.

"Then I shall do as you ask," Rauru replied flatly, "I shall tell Zelda you have arrived."

Link stepped back in satisfaction, as Rauru turned and stepped around the corner of the building. Link didn't follow him, knowing the old Sage wouldn't be there when he rounded the edge. There was only the sound of many feathers ruffling and then from the corner of his eye he saw a brown shape emerge from the other side of the building. Climbing into the sky as it soared in the direction of Hyrule Castle and disappeared into the brilliant blue.

Link was content his message would be delivered and the prospect made him giddy. After all these years of wandering, he was finally going to meet Princess Zelda again. Long had he imagined their prophesied reunion and he felt his heart grow light at the prospect. For a moment he forgot the woes and grief that had dogged him, forgot his long journey and the sorrows he had endured. He felt like a child again, sneaking into the castle for the first time and a feeling of infinite possibility filled him once more.

Filled with excitement he turned and walked back to the refugees but as he did so he failed to notice the icon on his hand beginning to shimmer. Glowing faintly with an inner light as destiny drew the Triforce together once more.