The Hero's Path

by LuxDragon

A retelling and reimagining of Breath of the Wild with Age of Calamity elements added. Will be AU eventually. Pre-Calamity.

8. The Legend

Central Hyrule – Hyrule Field

Link kept up his good cheer in the wake of his victory at the Four Swords Tournament and in spite of Ammy's sudden departure. In the weeks that followed, he became an instant celebrity. He was a little embarrassed from all the attention, though, and requested patrols that extended away from Central Hyrule from the knight-commander. Taggart took it in stride and altered his patrols accordingly.

Liena didn't mind the extended patrols. In fact, she seemed quite happy that he had taken that initiative.

"I'm glad you're not letting fame get to your head," Liena said as they rode down the road towards a reported monster encampment. "The last thing I want to deal with is someone with an enormous ego."

Link tilted his head as an old memory trickled into his head. "Isn't that why Father asked you to be the one to teach me?"

Liena nodded. Suddenly, she looked pensive, a look Link caught.

He checked to see if the path ahead was clear. Usually, Ammy would warn him of any upcoming dangers, but that wasn't possible now. Epona would have to do.

"Something on your mind?" Link asked.

"It occurred to me that with your victory at the Four Swords, there's really nothing left for me to do for you," Liena quietly answered. "At this point, there's nothing for us to do. At least, nothing that you can't learn on your own."

It took a few moments for Link to grasp the full implications of her words. "Wait, so does that mean we're finished?"

His words shook Liena out of her errant thoughts. She looked up at him and nodded. "Yes, but only as knight and squire. Once you take the trials and pass, and you will pass, we'll be comrades, knights-in-arms, and peers."

Link frowned. "I don't know how I feel about that."

"I know what you mean," Liena murmured. "It's a complicated feeling. You're used to following my orders and my lead. Once you're made a knight, you'll have more autonomy in your actions. More freedom means more responsibility. It's natural to feel apprehensive about that."

"Is that how you felt?" Link asked.

She nodded. "A bit. It felt like there was more for me to learn under your father, but he felt confident I was ready. He pushed me hard and prepared me accordingly."

"And… do you think I'm ready?" Link asked.

"To be honest, I think you were ready years ago," Liena answered. "I think I stayed as your knight only because I was keen to see what else you could do. It isn't fair of me to keep you as a squire when you have such a promising career ahead of you."

Part of Link was conflicted. He didn't want things to change, but he also loved to do new things. He kept his gaze firmly on the road ahead.

"We'll talk about it when it's appropriate. Perhaps discuss it with your father or your family, if you like," Liena said softly. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bring this up so soon after…"

"It's fine, Liena," Link said. "I understand. But yes, later is better."

They road in silence for a time before Liena spoke again. "How is Aryll taking Ammy's departure?"

"She's still sad, but she's finally going back to music lessons," Link answered. "She's fidgety on the wagon, though. I think she's looking to see if Ammy is around."

"I'm sure Ammy's doing fine," Liena said. "You've taught her quite a few things."

"I know she's fine," Link said. "I just miss her, that's all."

Liena reached over and patted him on the shoulder. "Well, for what it's worth, I'm still here."

Link smiled. "Thanks."

~o~O~o~

After the day's patrol was done, Link parted ways with Liena—she lived in Castle Town, after all—and was preparing to head back to Mabe Village when he spotted his father sitting in a courtyard nearby.

Occasionally, Link would return home with his father, but the hours the Royal Guard had were more irregular. Sometimes Revan would report early in the morning, late in the evening, or even not at all. Then there were tasks that took him out of Central Hyrule, but it would only be for a few days before he returned.

Changing course, Link yelled out, "Father!"

Revan turned to see Link approaching and smiled. He patted the bench next to him invitingly. When Link sat down, Revan asked, "Done for the day?"

"Yeah, it was only the one camp," Link said. "We found Hinox tracks, though. They were a little old, but since none of the knights reported any Hinoxes in the area, we were concerned. We followed them for a bit but lost the trail. The recent rains washed it away. If Ammy were with us…"

Link trailed off and shook his head to dispel the feeling of gloominess.

"I know, son, I know," Revan said.

"Anyway, we made the report to the knight-commander. He'll pass the warning on for others to be on the lookout," Link said. "What of you? Anything you can tell me?"

Link wasn't really expecting an answer. Because the Royal Guard took their orders from His Majesty, they were often sworn to secrecy regarding their work unless told otherwise.

So it was a bit of a surprise when Revan said, "I have a mission up north. We're assembling a team and trying to find people that can handle it."

"Sounds special," Link murmured.

"Nothing so clandestine," Revan replied. "We just want to be prepared for any eventuality."

"How long do you expect to be gone?" Link asked.

"Months, Link."

"You have a posting?" Link asked. "I didn't think the Royal Guard were sent to other regions for so long."

"We aren't," Revan answered. For the first time in Link's life, his father appeared evasive. "We go when His Majesty has a particular interest in a matter. It's not a posting, Link. It's always a mission."

Link nodded. "And because it's the business of the crown, you can't reveal it to anyone, including family."

"Correct."

"Can I at least ask how long the mission will be?" Link asked. "Months sounds a bit vague."

Revan shook his head. "We were given a maximum time of six months. If we cannot accomplish our mission by then, we return and report our failure."

"You won't fail," Link said.

Revan smiled, though it seemed a bit strained. "I appreciate the confidence, Link."

Link looked down at his boots. "Liena said I'm ready to become a knight."

Revan's smile became a grin, and he put his arm around Link's shoulders. "And she's absolutely right."

"I think I'll wait, though, until Farore's season before undergoing the trials," Link said.

"Why wait—? Oh," Revan said before realizing. He smiled at Link again. "I would be honored to observe your trial… and naturally, we'll all be there during your knighting ceremony."

"Then I guess you had better succeed in your mission quickly, right?" Link asked hopefully.

"But of course, son."

~o~O~o~

Central Hyrule – Hyrule Field, Lake Kolomo

For the next few months, Link fell into a routine. His moment of fame had finally begun to ebb, and while people still occasionally congratulated him, life moved on.

Link's father departed on his mission not long after their talk, though to where was unknown beyond 'north'. While on patrol, Link asked Liena if she could hold off on her recommendation to promote him to knight until Revan returned, to which she agreed wholeheartedly.

"I'm certain Revan would never forgive me if he didn't get to witness your trial," Liena said. Currently, they were patrolling the southern part of Hyrule Field, west of Lake Kolomo, on the lookout for the Hinox they had spotted some months prior.

"What is the trial, exactly?" Link asked.

Liena shook her head. "I'm not allowed to tell you."

Sighing, Link said, "Fine. Be that way."

"Tradition, Link," Liena said. "You'll know soon enough, though."

Something on the horizon caught Link's eye. "Liena."

"Sorry, Link, but I'm not telling you anything."

Exasperated, Link reached over and flicked one of her ears.

Jerking in surprise, she turned in her saddle to glare when she saw what he was looking at. Dark, ominous clouds were on the horizon and rolling fast.

"Lightning storm," Link muttered. "Outrun it?"

Liena frowned and scratched Zephyria's head. "No, it's coming in too fast. The nearest stable is… oh, no…"

"Outskirt Stable, far to the south, and the route there is a bit complicated," Link finished. "We'd never make it. The Coliseum is past Aquame Lake to the west of us. Try that?"

Liena frowned. The distant sound of thunder could already be heard now. She shook her head. "Still too far. We'd have to circle around and cross Aquame Bridge to get there. If we're going to go north, we might as well make for the main garrison."

Link glanced at the approaching storm, consulted his mental map, and grimaced. "We won't make it. Exchange Post to the east? It's closer."

"There's nothing there that can shelter our mounts," Liena replied. "We can't leave Epona and Zephyria out in the open, and we don't have a lot of time."

"We'll have to search for shelter, then," Link said. "Mount Daphnes might have a cave we can hide in."

Liena considered it for just a moment before nodding. "Might be our best chance. Let's ride."

They spurred their mares into a gallop following their deliberations. Once at the fork, they rode off the beaten path and approached Mount Daphnes from the south. Coming up to the base, they saw some kind of structure built within an alcove next to the mountain.

"A shrine!" Liena shouted. The winds were picking up speed and howling across the plains now. It wouldn't be long before the rain and lightning would follow.

"What is it?!" Link asked.

"Nothing we can use!" Liena said. "No one's been able to open it!"

"I don't see any caves or options here!" Link yelled back.

Any further conversation was halted when a particularly loud thunderclap boomed around them. Epona's ears twitched, but she otherwise remained docile. Zephyria started cantering in place nervously, prompting Liena to try and calm her.

Link dismounted, murmured some soothing words into Epona's ear, and approached the shrine. He walked up to what he assumed was the door and pushed on it. It didn't give. He spotted a moss-covered console nearby that looked like it was related to Vah Medoh, the Divine Beast he had accidentally taken control of years earlier.

Well, it's no Guidance Stone, but what choice do we have?

He walked up to the console and touched it, just like he had done when he had been a boy. He jerked back in surprise when a faint blue glow shined from the console. He slowly backed away when the entire shrine started to glow. It was a faint golden light, but unmistakable.

"Uh-oh…" Link muttered, though it was stolen by the wind to be heard.

"What did you do?!" Liena shouted.

Link shook his head. "I just touched it!"

Just then, the barriers that were blocking the interior spread apart. It wasn't a door, not exactly. It was a multitude of thin bars that retracted into the structure itself. What was revealed was…

Nothing.

Link peered inside and frowned. It was a tiny room, not very big, but it would probably serve to place the horses within to protect them from the storm.

"Liena!" Link called out.

Liena dismounted. "It'll have to do! I'll gather some firewood! Bed down our mounts!"

"Got it!" Link said. He took Zephyria's and Epona's reins and led them into the 'shrine'. The moment he stepped inside, though, he and the mares were all shocked when the floor beneath them started to descend. Epona reared back a bit but calmed down at once. Link had to soothe Zephyria before she could hurt herself.

His calming voice served to still her, though she was still nervous, and Link couldn't blame her. The disc-shaped object was still slowly falling, and it was dark but not completely without light. Occasionally, there would be some kind of dim blue torch along the walls of wherever they were descending to. Except the torch was emitting a light that Link had never seen before. It wasn't fire, and it wasn't hot. If anything, it felt cold.

The tunnel they were traveling in suddenly opened into an enormous room. Link seized the horses' reins and pulled them tightly to ensure the horses didn't run off the floating disc until they reached the bottom—safely, he hoped.

The disc slowed and landed with barely a bump. Link led the mares off the disc and into what looked like an antechamber. It was dimly lit, and there was a locked gate ahead that he had no interest in opening.

"Well, we wanted shelter, and now we got it…" Link mumbled. Epona's whinny was the only reply he got, and he smiled in spite of it all. He led the horses to one corner of the room.

"Stay put, both of you," Link ordered. "I'm going back up for Liena. Don't touch anything, clear?"

Link made eye contact with both horses, and they seemed to understand his words. Nodding in satisfaction, he looked at the disc dubiously but stepped on it once again. It slowly started to ascend.

Link let the relief wash over him. There had been a moment where he feared that he would be trapped inside the shrine, but it appeared that wouldn't be the case.

After a few minutes of silent travel, he could hear Liena's voice echoing above, yelling his name over and over again. He shouted back once or twice, but it seemed that Liena couldn't hear him. With little choice, he waited until he was closer before trying again.

"Liena! Can you hear me yet?!"

"Link! Thank Farore! Where are you?!"

"Riding some sort of contraption! Should be coming up to you soon!"

In short order, Link appeared before Liena, no worse for wear. She ran up and hugged him before inspecting him. "Are you okay?"

Link nodded. "The horses, too. We have shelter. Let's get that wood."

"Wait, you're not serious, are you?" Liena asked.

Her question was answered by a deafening boom that had Link clasping his ears and hissing. Rain was coming down in torrents.

"Yes, I'm serious!" Link shouted. "Is the wood dry?!"

Liena nodded and produced a canvas bundle. Link lifted it into his arms.

"Let's go!" Link said.

The both of them stepped onto the disc, and it silently descended once again. Liena clutched his arm in surprise and looked around. Having taken the trip twice already, Link didn't bat an eye. He readjusted the wood bundles in his arm and patiently waited as they descended into darkness.

"How far down does this go?" Liena asked.

Link shook his head. "I don't know. It was too dark to gauge, and I can't determine the speed of this thing."

"Well, how long does it take?"

"A few minutes," Link answered. "We'll appear in some giant room, but we're locked in the antechamber. There's barely any light, so it's probably best that we don't go exploring. We'll wait out the storm, then head to Hyrule Garrison."

"Got it," Liena said.

Eventually, they appeared in the giant room. Without any light, it was hard to figure out how big the room was.

"Amazing," Liena said. "To think we're under Hyrule Field like this."

Link frowned. "I don't know if we're under Hyrule Field…"

"What do you mean?" Liena asked. "We went straight down."

"I don't know," Link muttered. "It feels like we're not in Hyrule at all… maybe it's the room or how it's constructed or something. Forget it."

The horses were exactly where Link had left them, so when the disc came to a stop, Link and Liena stepped off and began pitching camp. Link put together a campfire while Liena set up some bedrolls.

Once the fire was lit, Link put on a small pot to prepare a simple meal.

"I still can't believe you managed to get a shrine open," Liena said. She sat down nearby and watched as he got their soup going.

"I don't know anything about this place," Link admitted. "And I mean, at all."

Liena shrugged. "I'm not an expert, either. Just bits and pieces of what I hear and read about. They're ancient structures. You find them littered all across Hyrule. To date, no one knows how many there are."

"You called them shrines," Link said, "but shrines to what?"

She shrugged again. "No one knows, or at least, I don't know."

Once the soup was on its way to boiling, Link took a moment to really look around. The designs were foreign to him, but the feel of the place was familiar.

"I wonder what this place was for," Liena murmured.

"Does it feel like we've been in someplace like this before?" Link asked.

Startled, Liena looked closer as well, even going as far as tracing her hand along the smooth floor. "I'm not sure. It's too dark… but now that you mention it, it does seem familiar… Wait, isn't this place similar to Vah Medoh?"

"The Divine Beast," Link said. His memories locked into place. The impromptu flight test of Vah Medoh was the dominant memory in Link's mind, so he had almost forgotten the interior of the massive machine when they had followed Purah around. He took another look around. "I thought the console outside kind of reminded of me of Vah Medoh, but this architecture is much more reminiscent."

Now Liena looked a bit nervous. "This isn't going to fly, is it?"

Link was about to laugh when he saw that she was being serious. He looked around again thoughtfully. "We're underground, right? Or something like that."

"Then what if we start tunneling or something?" Liena asked.

Link shrugged. "Well, all we have to do is not touch anything… okay, I don't touch anything, and we should be safe."

That earned a smile. "You're probably right," Liena said. "I mean, if this place is meant to do something, then it has to be repaired first, right?"

Link nodded. He saw that the soup was ready and poured the contents into a pair of tin cups.

They ate in comfortable silence for a while. As usual, Link finished first. He got up to remove Epona's saddle and bridle, dug into the bags, and brought out some oats for her to munch on. As he let her eat out of his hand, she seemed to eye him questioningly.

"Oh, don't worry, Epona," Link said soothingly. "You'll be back to see Leo soon enough."

Sitting next to the firelight, Liena arched an eyebrow. "Leo?"

Link shrugged. "A stallion from Lon Lon Ranch. Epona is playing hard-to-get with him, and he's been doing what he can to vie for her attention."

Liena smirked. "You know, my father's name is Leon."

A laugh nearly erupted from Link's mouth, and he barely held it back, though it came out as a "pfft!"

Liena shook her head and crossed her legs. "So, Epona is looking to make her own foals, hmm?"

"Romani's idea," Link said. "She wants to ensure that Epona's lineage continues. She got the idea in her head after Ammy left."

"And your thoughts?" Liena asked.

Link kept petting Epona and refused to meet Liena's eyes. "I found myself agreeing. She's not getting younger."

Liena was thoughtful for just a moment before she got up and started stroking Zephyria.

Link chuckled, which Liena shared in.

"How about you, Zephyria? Want to see what lucky man gets to pick you?" Liena whispered.

The mare nickered and gave her an insistent push. Giggling, Liena took off the bit, bridle, and saddle before feeding Zephyria as well.

"Did you manage to see the storm before we went down here?" Link asked.

"Yes. It goes beyond the horizon," Liena replied. "We're likely to stay here till morning."

"Hmm. At least we don't need any rotations," Link said.

"Oh, that's true," Liena said. "Good thing you managed to open that door, then."

They looked up at the lone opening in the ceiling. There was barely enough light to see it.

"Can't imagine anything jumping down from up there and surviving," Link said.

"We're safe here," Liena said in agreement. After she fed Zephyria, she placed a pan filled with water for her to drink.

They whittled out the hours talking about nonsensical matters until they felt it was probably nightfall. Liena proposed they get to sleep and assess if the storm passed come morning. They used the last of the firewood and proceeded to tuck themselves into their bedrolls.

After a few minutes, though, Link spoke up again. "Liena?"

She turned in her bedroll to face Link. "I'm awake. What is it?"

"Do you remember after the Four Swords Tournament, when I celebrated my win with some of the competitors and was hungover the next day? And we had a talk about that later?" Link asked. "I wanted to know: why did you tell me that drinking is not okay?"

"Personal experience," Liena said. She shifted so that she was on her back, staring at the ceiling above. "I've seen what excess drinking can do. A lot of bad decisions are made under alcohol. Most of the time, it's funny, but on the off chance that you're not so lucky, bad things can happen. Really bad things. And if you're downright unlucky, you won't ever get the chance to see why."

"I'm sorry," Link mumbled. "Someone you knew?"

"An uncle, aunt, and two cousins," Liena said. "My aunt was the drinker. There was a fire and nothing more after that."

She didn't want to say it out loud, but she could feel that Link understood. His questions stopped, and he shifted in his bed again.

"It's a cautionary tale, but not a life lesson," Liena said. "I don't want to be the kind of teacher that tells you how to do things. I just show you, and you make the decision, okay?"

"I understand," Link said.

"Good. Get some rest. We're still on the lookout for that Hinox. Night, Link."

"Good night."

~o~O~o~

Liena was packing up their impromptu camp and was saddling the horses when Link came back down on the odd floating disc.

"Well?" she asked. "All clear?"

"It's clear, but it really was a bad storm," Link said. "Lightning strikes everywhere. Ran into some soldiers from the garrison on the main road. They're all out looking for anyone in need of help."

"Then it's definitely a good thing we sought shelter here," Liena said. She finished with her tasks and led the horses to the disc. "It's okay, Zephyria. I'm here now. Let's go."

Link took Epona's reins and led the way. Once they were on the disc, it slowly and quietly floated upward once more.

"We should probably report that we have an active shrine here," Liena said. She kept stroking Zephyria to keep her calm as they ascended. "I'm sure someone at the Royal Ancient Lab will want to look into this."

"Hinox first," Link said. "We wanted to go north to the Giant's Forest before we reported back to the knight-commander, remember?"

"Right," Liena said. "Looks like our patrol got extended."

"What happens if that happens?" Link asked.

"We get the next day off," Liena answered.

Finally emerging from the shrine, they were greeted with a clear, sunny sky with scant clouds here and there.

As planned, they rode to complete their loop of the western side of Hyrule Field before returning to Castle Town to make their report as well as alleviate any fears of their sudden absence.

As they made their way to Giant's Forest, Liena closed her eyes, took a deep breath of the fresh air, and sighed. "Nothing like a fresh rain to bring out the best scents."

The only reply she got was the sound of an apple crunching. She looked over to see Link happily munching away at a juicy red fruit.

"Where did you get that?" Liena asked.

"A tree behind us," Link replied with his mouth half full. He tossed one at her.

Liena caught it and blinked. "There was?"

"You were busy taking in the scents," Link cheekily replied. He swallowed and stuck his tongue out at her. "I was taking in the sights."

"Ha-ha," Liena muttered, but she took a bite of her simple breakfast anyway.

They weren't expecting to find anything once they got to their destination. Their Hinox sighting had been months earlier, and even then, it was an old set of tracks. Many believed it had simply moved on out of Central Hyrule.

So Liena was surprised when she saw a massive muddy footprint just at the edge of the tree line of Giant's Forest.

"That definitely looks fresh," Link muttered.

Liena dismounted and scanned the area thoroughly. "Looks like it was here to feed. There are animal tracks all over the place. It must have gotten a pretty good breakfast."

"So that means it won't eat us," Link said. "Just crush us."

"It'll also mean it will be asleep," Liena said. "Gives us a strong advantage."

Link dismounted and made sure he had his weapons ready. "I suppose we should have taken the name of the forest more seriously."

"More than you think," Liena said. "Hinoxes have been known to tear out entire trees from their roots and use them as weapons. Bigger trees mean bigger weapons. Giant's Forest has giant trees."

"Fun." Link looked around. "Have you fought a Hinox?"

"Twice," Liena said. "Usually, it takes a group of knights."

Link glanced at her. "And… are we going to call for backup?"

Liena smirked. "I am confident that the Four Swords Champion will protect me."

Link rolled his eyes and smirked. "Careful. I might get that big ego you dislike so much."

Once they were ready, they marched into the forest.

~o~O~o~

Central Hyrule – Knights' Garrison

Link was pleased with how their hunt had gone. He had only studied about Hinoxes from other knights and Master Impaz, so it was pleasant to know that theory fit reality.

The Hinox was a massive bipedal beast that was as tall as a flagpole and as wide as Talus. It had both muscle and fat, making it somewhat difficult to attack effectively. While it had an abundance of brawn, it was definitely a bit dim upstairs. Furthermore, the lone eye was quite vulnerable. It would take several arrows to actually penetrate the organ to permanently blind it, but a single arrow was sufficient enough to irritate and blind the Hinox temporarily, allowing for successive attacks. The feet were a good target, crippling its movement and making every step painful. The torso was another obvious target, though one had to cut through dense muscle and fat. Stabs were more effective so long as the weapon didn't get stuck.

Link and Liena were carrying several weapons the Hinox had worn around its neck as trophies, including a few weapons knights would favor. Thankfully, they were old and rusted, suggesting that it hadn't taken the lives of any knights recently.

Thanks to their efforts, it never would again.

After leaving their horses at the stable, they collected the rusty weapons and left them with the quartermaster. Their next stop was to the knight-commander to report in.

On the way, Link spotted someone he recognized and stopped to study the man in an effort to jog his memory.

"Link?" Liena called out.

"Cowan?" Link asked. He had to double-check if his memory was serving him. The old tracker still looked like he belonged to the outdoors. He was older, grayer, but still fit.

Cowan turned when he heard his named called, and his eyes widened, but not in surprise. If anything, they looked terrified. Link looked around to see what had frightened him so, but he couldn't spot anything of note.

"Cowan? Oh, it is! Cowan, it's us," Liena said. "Link and Liena, remember? It's been ages!"

Cowan looked around, as if debating if he should run, before appearing resigned to his fate.

Link waved and approached him. "Cowan, what's wrong?"

"Link… hello," Cowan hesitantly said. "I saw you in the Four Swords a few months ago. You looked good. And, Dame Serlut, hello again."

Link and Liena shared an uncertain look.

"Cowan, is something wrong?" Liena asked.

Cowan was doing everything he could to avoid making eye contact. Especially toward Link.

"Cowan, what's going on?" Liena asked. "Tell us."

Under her looming pressure, Cowan broke. "I found Gaebora…"

"Gaebora…" Link repeated numbly. Gaebora was his father's newest horse, one he had trained after retiring Kaepora and joining the Royal Guard. "Where?!"

Cowan winced and muttered, "The Lost Woods."

"That's to the… north…" Link said. Ice-cold dread filled his veins. "The expedition team! Where are they?!"

"I don't know," Cowan mumbled. He was looking at the ground now. "I just found your pa's steed and only him. I just made the report to Taggart… the expedition is presumed lost. That's what happens to anyone that goes into those cursed woods."

"Oh no," Liena whispered.

"We have to go," Link said. "We have to make sure they're okay."

Liena nodded. "Agreed. We'll ride out as soon as possible. Ready our mounts. I'll pack provisions."

Cowan's head shot up. "What?! No!"

Liena had already sprinted to the marketplace. Link ran for the stables. Cowan chased after him and grabbed his arm.

"Let go, Cowan!" Link shouted.

"I can't let you go, boy!" Cowan cried out. "Going there is a death sentence!"

"I don't care!" Link growled. He easily shook Cowan off. "I have to find him!"

"I won't let you," Cowan said. "I'll inform the Knight-Commander. You're under orders. It'll be dereliction of duty, abandoning your post, disobeying direct orders… Boy, you won't be made a knight! Please, don't go. Your father wouldn't want you to—"

"I. Don't. Care," Link said angrily. "My mother and my sister would want someone to search. And I need to know."

Link turned and ran for the stables without looking back.

~o~O~o~

Great Hyrule Forest – The Lost Woods

Cowan was right. There was a mandate handed down to everyone that the Great Hyrule Forest was off-limits, and the punishment for disobedience was severe. Such a law had been established because all that did venture into those woods were never seen again. For knights, soldiers, or squires, this was also in direct defiance of the royal family. Dishonorable discharge was the minimum punishment. Prison time was likely, though Liena would probably avoid that fate, since her family would be able to pay with rupees.

Link would not be so fortunate. But he didn't care. Thankfully, Liena made no mention of it as well.

Their pace was quick, and they pushed their mares as long as they dared, spurred on by desperation. Epona had little trouble keeping the long, hard pace, but Zephyria struggled on the latter half of their trek and required more breaks. Liena and Link allowed enough stops to let their horses recover before pressing on.

Traveling north past the Boneyard Bridge, Hyrule Forest Park, and Helmhead Bridge, they followed the road as it curved east past the Rauru Settlement. As difficult as it was, they didn't stop there and coaxed just a bit more effort out of their horses until they finally reached the Woodland Stable by nightfall. Liena suggested that they rest for the evening, but Link refused.

"We can't go running into Minshi Woods in the middle of the night, Link," Liena said.

"My father could have been missing for who-knows-how-long before Cowan found Gaebora," Link said. "Unless you're planning to knock me out and tie me to a post, I'm going the rest of the way on foot."

"Link, I know you're worried," Liena said beseechingly. "I am, too, but it's too reckless and too dangerous—"

"Liena, I will crawl on my hands and knees if I have to," Link said. "Come or don't, I don't care. I can make it alone."

Realizing there was little she could do to stop him, she brought an exhausted Zephyria to the stablemaster and paid top rupee for her care. She was about to do the same for Epona, except the proud mare resisted and trotted over to Link, where she stood by with steadfast conviction.

"Looks like Epona is coming with us," Liena murmured.

"That's fine," Link said. "She can wait outside the Lost Woods. For now, we can get the supplies off Zephyria and let Epona take the load. We'll both be on foot so she doesn't have to worry about the extra weight."

Liena nodded, and they got to work adjusting Epona's saddlebags and evenly distributing the load so she wouldn't feel encumbered.

Once packed and prepared, Liena soothed Zephyria, fed her an apple, and cinched up her bag.

"I'm ready," Liena said. "Are you certain you want to—?"

Link started walking. Epona trotted alongside him without needing to be led.

Sighing heavily, Liena quickly jogged to catch up.

A few Bokoblins were lurking in the Minshi Woods, but Link was quick to dispatch them using his bow with nary a thought. His gait was single-minded as he marched onwards to the Lost Woods.

The walk was only a few hours, and night had set in. They were forced to carry torches to see the path ahead, but they forged on.

When they arrived at the tree line, there was a fog that was said to permanently engulf the woods. It was omnipresent, day and night, and at all seasons.

"Why were they sent here?" Link wondered out loud.

"I heard tales of a legendary sword that slumbers within these woods," Liena said. "I always thought they were fanciful tales, but there have been rumors that the king has been seeking the blade for years."

"So he dispatched the Royal Guard to find it?" Link asked.

"It's just a rumor," Liena replied. "No one knows if the sword exists, and we have no idea why His Majesty has an interest in these woods to begin with."

Link brought his torch to the ground and looked around. "I don't see any tracks."

"The recent storm might have washed them away," Liena said.

"Do you think Cowan was mistaken?"

Liena frowned. "I don't know. But if he found Gaebora around here… there's nothing else of note this far north. We have the Eldin Mountains to the east, Mount Drena to the west, and the Thyphlo Ruins to the north."

"Maybe they went to the ruins, then?" Link asked.

Liena shrugged. "I have no idea if there's anything of value up there. It's as mysterious as the Lost Woods."

Link muttered a curse under his breath. He studied the thick fog ahead of them and readied himself. "Fine, I'm going in."

"We are going in," Liena said. "I didn't come this far to wait outside. We go together, Link."

He nodded. "Okay. Together, then. Here we go."

With one last check to see if they were prepared, they marched cautiously into the fog-covered forest.

~o~O~o~

"Liena!" Link called out into the dense mist of the woods.

How had their rescue mission gone so horribly wrong? Link shook the errant thought away. He refocused himself on the current predicament. He was determined to avoid the fate of so many others that had ventured into the Lost Woods. He had to keep his wits about him. Summoning his reserves of courage to keep fear at bay, he sought out his father, his mentor, and the other brave knights that had sought out the blade of legend.

The fog was murky, and it felt like he was walking through thick soup. Every attempt to breathe felt like it took more effort than usual, like trying to breathe underwater.

Within minutes of entering the woods, Link had led the way, only to turn around and see that Liena had vanished. There had been no sign of her: no footprints, no torchlight, and no sounds of her shouts. That had been hours earlier.

It had to be daylight by now, but the fog made it too difficult to figure out the time.

The sudden sounds of laughter prompted him to draw his Eightfold Blade and move the torch cautiously around him. His eyes tried to pierce the gloom around him, but even with the light provided, he couldn't pinpoint where he heard the sounds. Panning slowly, he started to put his focus on his ears rather than his eyes.

There!

He could hear the laughter again, accompanied by sounds of something rattling around. It was almost childlike, which did little to ease Link's nerves. If anything, the strange sounds raised his hackles even more in the foreboding atmosphere.

He remained on edge, taking careful steps. He had no idea why he was looking for the source of the sound. Maybe it was something to do after spending hours wandering lost, or maybe he felt his best chance at navigation was to follow the local wildlife that actually made their home in the Lost Woods.

It was only because he was so hyperaware that he finally saw something, near the ground, which caused him to stop short. The tip of his sword dropped as he tried to figure out what he was looking at.

It wasn't a monster, he didn't think. It was a being made of wood. That was moving. And talking. And… dancing?

"H-hello?" Link called out.

The little creature stopped whatever it was doing and turned to face him.

Link blinked as he studied the little wooden being. It was wearing a leaf over its face as if it were a mask. A pointy nose pierced the leaf, keeping the mask in place. Black, beady eyes were visible in the eyeholes. In its hands was a pair of twigs.

"Oh, you can see me?" the creature asked.

Link dumbly nodded, unable to speak after hearing it speak back.

"Wow! No one usually can see us!"

"W-w-what are you?" Link asked. His breathing had started to become rapid, and he forced himself to calm down.

"I'm a Korok!" it chirped. "Welcome to Korok Forest!"

Link swallowed to bring moisture back into his throat. "Hi. I'm looking for someone. Actually, more than one…"

"Oh, are you looking for that pretty lady?"

"Yes!" Link replied immediately. "Can you take me to her?"

The Korok nodded. "Follow me! There are others with her, but she can't see us."

"C-can anyone else see you?" Link asked. He kept his strides short to keep pace with his tiny guide.

"No, which is sad, because the pretty lady seems so scared," the Korok said quietly. "Those that enter the forest are doomed to become Stalfos. Stalfos, Stalfos, Stalfos~!"

Link sucked in a breath. "Could we hurry, please?"

The Korok did something akin to a nod and trotted along more quickly.

Mercifully, it didn't take long for Link to finally hear Liena's voice. She was alternating between screams and sobs, neither of which Link had ever heard from the calm knight before.

Muttering a small apology to his guide, Link forged ahead, easily outpacing the little Korok as he cleared the bushes and trees, homing in on the desperate cries for help until he finally found her.

Liena was surrounded by Koroks. Some were shuffling in place on the ground nearby, while others were floating in the air around her using some kind of magic leaf. All appeared distraught and unable to help her.

She was on her knees, her sword and shield laying in the grassy dirt nearby.

Link planted his torch into the notch of a tree. Slowly, he approached her while quietly calling out her name. "Liena? It's Link. Are you okay?"

She didn't respond. She rocked back and forth, shaking her head in denial against phantoms that only she could see and hear.

Link sheathed his sword and carefully stepped closer. He slowly placed a hand on her shoulder. "Liena?"

Like a whip, she whirled around and tackled Link with a howl of outrage. It was only due to their size differences that he was able to stay upright against her sudden charge, though he staggered several steps until his back hit a nearby tree.

The Koroks were startled at the sudden act of aggression and scattered into the woods. Link recovered, only to freeze when Liena scooped up her blade and pointed the tip at his throat. Her violet eyes held a wild, desperate look to them.

He held still, barely breathing, in contrast to Liena's heaving breaths and shaking arm.

"Liena, it's me," Link whispered. As he gazed into her eyes, willing her to recognize him, he saw something else he hadn't ever seen in his mentor before.

Pure, unadulterated, and uncontrolled terror.

"No-no-no-no… Link died. I saw him die. I saw him become one of the forest monsters…" Liena said, her voice cracking and on the verge of madness. "They've all turned into monsters. This forest… this… this fucking forest!"

Taking a chance, Link slowly moved his hand against the flat of her blade and gently pushed it aside.

Liena jerked back before brandishing her weapon threateningly.

"Liena, it's me. It's Link."

"No, it can't be…"

Again, Link gently moved her sword aside while stepping closer to her. With his other hand, he placed his palm against her frighteningly frigid cheek. "It's me."

She was taking deep, gasping breaths now. Link feared she might pass out when she suddenly let out a wail, dropped her sword, and engulfed him in a hug tight enough that it caused him to grunt a bit. Even so, he returned the embrace and held her close.

It was awkward for him, and he had little idea how to handle the situation. With Aryll, it was relatively easy. She rarely cried, and if she did, it was short-lived, and their mother had taken care of it.

Still, Link just followed his instincts, kept Liena close, and whispered assurances in her ear that he was alive and she wasn't alone.

After some time—it was hard to gauge in the foggy woods—Liena pulled back and rubbed her tears away, though she stayed in arm's reach.

"I'm sorry, Link," she warbled. "I-I thought…"

"No, it's fine," Link murmured. "Take your time. Gather yourself."

She nodded and took several minutes alternating between taking deep cleansing breaths, collecting her weapons and inspecting them, and tidying her appearance. Eventually, she was satisfied and stood straighter. "Okay, we need to get our bearings."

"We need to find my father," Link said. "I don't know if the Koroks can help me, though. They only mentioned you."

Liena blinked. "Koroks?"

Link nodded. He pointed at the tiny woodland creatures that had returned and surrounded them. "Yes, see?"

Liena looked around. Despite their obvious presence, she had no idea what he was gesturing at. "No, I don't."

Now it was Link's turn to blink. Fearing he was going mad, he walked over to the nearest Korok—he couldn't identify which one of them had been his guide, since they appeared so similar—muttered an apology, knelt down, extended a finger, and poked it.

Far from being offended, the little Korok giggled and did a tiny dance.

Liena whirled around, having heard the giggle, but couldn't find the source. "What was that?!"

"That was a Korok laughing," Link said. "Right here in front of me. I just poked it. It's right here."

Liena narrowed her eyes at the spot Link was pointing. "Link, I'm telling you, I don't…"

When she trailed off, Link looked over his shoulder at her. "Liena?"

Liena's eyes widened. "W-wait, where did these things come from?"

"They were here the entire time," Link said. "They looked like they were trying to comfort you, but you were too distraught to see them."

"Link, I didn't see them at all," Liena stressed.

"Must be the magic of the forest," Link muttered.

"Or the curse," Liena retorted with a light shiver. "Come. We must find Sir Revan and his party and leave at once!"

"Wait!" one of the Koroks shouted. Link turned to it, while Liena flinched before warily giving the creature her attention.

"The Great Deku Tree wishes to speak to you! Follow us!" the Korok said before using a leaf to hover into the air and float away.

"Let's go," Link said adamantly.

"Hold on, are you sure this is a good idea?" Liena asked hesitantly.

"They led me to you, and we can't afford to wander around more lost than we already are," Link said. He picked up his torch and handed it to her. "If this 'Great Deku Tree' can help us, then we need to take the chance."

Unable to argue against his point, Liena gritted her teeth and followed. "Fine, but I don't trust these things."

"We don't have much choice," Link said.

"That doesn't mean I have to like it."

Link shrugged and continued to follow their new guide.

The forest seemed to grow brighter the more they walked. Neither of them could tell if that was because daylight was shining through the mists or if there was stranger magic at work within the woods.

Link was calm throughout the journey, but Liena was skittish. Her hand kept straying towards her sword, and she snapped her head towards every sound.

Finally, she couldn't take the silence anymore. "Goddesses, Link, how can you stay so calm? Aren't you afraid?"

Link looked at her before turning his attention back on their surroundings to avoid tripping over any roots or rocks. "I… I guess so?"

"You 'guess' so?"

"Well, I mean, I feel something that's uncomfortable, but I can push it down or make it small, or just… ignore it," Link answered. "I don't know. It's hard to describe. I think the best way to put it is that I guess I'm afraid, but that doesn't bother me. Does that make sense?"

Liena studied him for a minute before shaking her head. "I suppose that means you've courage to spare."

"Maybe," Link distantly replied. "Watch your foot."

"Wha—?" was all Liena was able to say before the tip of her left boot caught on something and she pitched forward. Link's arm was there, and she latched on, just able to keep her balance. "Thanks."

"Sure thing."

They continued in silence, with only the Korok chatter to fill the void.

After minutes or perhaps an hour, they entered a clearing that wasn't covered in mists. In fact, it was bathed in brilliant sunlight. There was little doubt in their minds that they were in a very special place.

In front of them was a triangular stone dais. Within a pedestal, a sword was serenely planted, surrounded by the rare Silent Princesses—a delicate white-petaled flower.

The sword was nothing Link had ever laid eyes on. The blade was flawless, appearing as a cross between steel and silver, as if the metal was blended with materials beyond mortal means. Etched into the blade just above the ricasso was the Triforce, the symbol of the Goddesses. The grip and pommel were colored with a regal blue. The crossguard was in the shape of a pair of wings that bore some similarity to the crest of the royal family yet remained uniquely distinct.

And the grove they had entered felt… sacred. Link clamped his mouth shut, lest his words violate this holy ground. He wondered if he should drop to his knees and beg the goddesses for forgiveness for his trespass when he heard a distant voice speak.

"Well, well… it has been ages since we've had visitors."

Link and Liena stood slack-jawed at the enormous tree that that had spoken. Its height, diameter, roots, branches—everything about it appeared ancient.

And now that they were looking at it clearly, they could see it had a pair of massive branches that resembled eyebrows and a gap in its trunk that functioned as a mouth… that actually moved.

"Hmph, don't just stand there with your jaws open," the tree said. "Come closer."

The Hylians closed their mouths with a snap and timidly took several steps closer into the sunlight, but shy of the dais where the sword in the stone rested.

"Ah, so the time has arrived once more," the tree rumbled. "One hopes that the peace would last a bit longer."

Now that Link had gotten over his shock, he found that the tree—presumably the Great Deku Tree—had a pleasant voice. It was rather nice to listen to.

"Are you the Great Deku Tree?" Link asked. "I mean, I believe you are, but I don't want to assume…"

The tree let out a rumble that sounded like chuckling. "Indeed I am, young one. And you are?"

"Um… I'm Link Faron, and this is Li—Sortiliena Serlut," Link said.

Automatically, Liena dropped into a curtsy. When Link saw that, he hastened to bow.

"Now, now, no need for formalities," the Great Deku Tree said. "I abandoned those practices millennia ago."

Link and Liena shared an uncertain look but stood straight and tried to relax.

Taking a deep breath to center himself, Link said, "Great Deku Tree, we are here because we're searching for a missing expedition. My father was a part of that party."

"And yet, you find yourself here, at the crossroads of destiny," the Great Deku Tree replied.

"D-destiny?" Link repeated.

"There are many that would seek the Master Sword," the Great Deku Tree said. "That you would find yourself here means that you have been chosen to stand against the coming darkness."

Link looked at the beautiful sword before looking back up at the ancient tree. "M-me?"

"The Master Sword," Liena whispered reverently. "The stories really are true… it does exist."

"So, the expedition came to the Lost Woo—I mean, the Korok Woods to claim this sword?" Link asked.

"I cannot say what their reasons are, child," the Great Deku Tree answered. "Many have come to take the blade over the ages, and none have ever come close. The Master Sword chooses who can wield it and parts the fog of despair to allow one possessing unique, steadfast, and unwavering courage to arrive before me."

"But… what of the expedition?" Link desperately asked the wizened tree. He wanted to ask about his father, but the words couldn't get past the sudden lump in his throat.

The Great Deku Tree could only sigh. "I am sorry, little one… the forest guards itself from all who would enter, to protect us from the outside world. It does not discriminate. Those that enter are doomed. Their fates were sealed long before you came. I cannot express the sorrow I feel, knowing one such casualty was your kin."

"No, no!" Link shouted. "That isn't true! It can't be!"

"Link," Liena said desperately.

Link glared at the Master Sword. "I don't want it. That… thing just took one of the most important people in my life away from me."

"It is your sorrow that speaks, dear boy," the Great Deku Tree softly said. "Without the Sword that Seals the Darkness, you would doom many more. And render the sacrifices of those that brought you here moot."

Anger coursed through his veins. Link bared his teeth at the gnarled, ancient tree. Then, bravely or perhaps recklessly, he stomped up to the pedestal and gripped the hilt of the divine blade.

Liena ran forward and pulled him back. "Link, don't!"

"Take heed, child. The blade also dons the title of Evil's Bane. If you are not ready to draw the blade, it shall defend itself," the Deku Tree gravely said.

Link didn't care. His father had died in search of the sword. If he had what it took to wrench it out of the pedestal, then part of him wanted to throw it out to sea to be lost for all eternity. He shook off Liena's hand and grasped the sword once again with both hands.

Before he could pull in earnest, though, his father's voice echoed in his mind—heart?

"I can be a knight, or I can be a father. But I don't think I can be both at the same time."

All Link had ever wanted to be was like his father: a knight that sought out Hyrule's wrongs and corrected them. But one of the earliest lessons he had ever learned was that to be a knight required sacrifice.

He stood there, like a statue of granite, sword hilt in his hands, staring at the exquisite craftsmanship of the Master Sword. It truly looked like it lived up to the tales of yore.

Thoughts wrestled for dominance within him. The sudden and unexpected losses he was not prepared for. The learned lessons that death was something to be accepted as a cost for those that chose to fight for peace for Hyrule as the ultimate sacrifice in service to a greater ideal. The very same responsibilities he knew he would swear to uphold one day. And finally, the unspoken chance among his family that one day, his father would not come home.

That one day, Link himself would not come home.

Responsibility settled upon his shoulders. Through sheer determination, a trait that would make his father proud, Link squared himself and did not let the mantle bog him down.

Taking a deep breath, he tightened his grip on the sword and started to pull. Immediately, the blade shifted ever so slightly in its pedestal. Motes of light trickled out from where blade met stone.

He could feel it. The Master Sword was judging him, testing him, determining his worthiness.

It was a test he would not fail.

Another tug, and he was sure the sword moved another inch out. The light started streaming out now, blinding yet comforting.

One last pull was all that was needed, and the sword almost sang as it was freed from the pedestal.

"Oh, Goddesses of Light," Liena breathed out.

Link held the Master Sword in his hand. It fit there, like it had always belonged there. Everything about it felt perfect; the size, the weight… it almost seemed like it had been forged just for him.

But he couldn't feel any elation at all. Instead, he felt hollowed out. He almost wanted to walk back into the foggy forest and wander there forever instead.

The Great Deku Tree fell silent, as did the small population of Koroks that stood or hovered nearby.

Link numbly slid the sword into his belt and looked up at the Great Deku Tree. "He's really gone?"

If it could, the Great Deku Tree would have closed its eyes in sorrow. Instead, its wooden eyebrows stitched themselves together in sympathy. "I am afraid so."

Tears threatened to well up in Link's eyes, but he stubbornly held them in. He promptly turned around and started to leave. Liena called out his name, but he barely heard her. He kept walking, letting his subconscious lead him out more than his conscious mind.

Liena walked alongside him, held his arm, tried to get him to stop. She was saying something, but the words were incomprehensible to him. She tugged at him insistently, but as the fog swallowed them and separated them from the sacred grove, Liena fell silent and clutched his arm tightly to avoid splitting up with him again.

Within minutes, perhaps half an hour, they emerged from the Lost Woods—the Korok Woods. Epona was munching on some grass, but at the sounds of their footsteps, she perked her head up and whinnied.

Link patted her on the side of her head, but only as a reassurance that she was still there, before he took her reins and started walking the long road back to Hyrule Castle Town.

~o~O~o~

Central Hyrule – Hyrule Castle

Liena tried to speak to Link several times during their ride back. Link answered with grunts or one-syllable words. She eventually let him have his space, though she said that if he was ready to talk, she would listen.

Their pace back was measured, perhaps even slower. They rode until nightfall and camped out at Hyrule Forest Park.

There were a few monsters that stood in their way. Link fought them off with cold and ruthless efficiency using the Eightfold Blade rather than the Master Sword, which he kept wrapped up in canvas and tied to Epona's saddle.

They arrived at Castle Town by midmorning. Liena tried to get him to eat some breakfast, but he had no appetite and refused. When they arrived at the garrison, some runners had likely spotted their arrival and informed the knight-commander, because Taggart was standing there. Far from looking angry, he caught the haunted look on Link's face that told the tale.

"Link, I'm sorry," Taggart quietly said. "Your father was a good man."

Link nodded but didn't say anything.

Someone else then spoke. "This is the son of Sir Faron?"

Link and Liena turned to see an older man, grizzled, with thinning white hair on his head, a parted white mustache, and goatee.

Liena recognized him at once and snapped off a knight's salute. Link did not know him, but he also saluted, though it was slow and dulled.

"I am Auru, captain of the Royal Guard," the old man said. "You've been to the Lost Woods?"

Link listlessly nodded.

"Your father, as well as those that went with him, they were after something special," Auru said. "Forgive me for my trespass, but I must know—"

"He found it," Liena said at once. "He has it."

Auru was shocked and couldn't seem to fathom the news. However, he quickly gathered his wits about him. "That's… It is good news, though I wish the cost was not so high. His Majesty will need to hear of this. Come with me, right now."

Again, Link nodded. He collected the canvas-wrapped sword from Epona and followed behind Captain Auru and Liena.

~o~O~o~

Whatever was going on, it truly demanded the king's attention. When Auru told them to wait in an antechamber, he assured them that they would not wait long. And he was right. It took less than two minutes before a herald returned and asked them to enter the throne room. Whatever was going on must have been important, because as soon as they entered, the herald's introduction was brief and succinct, lacking the usual flair and pontification that an audience with the ruler of the realm would necessitate.

All the same, though, both Link and Liena knelt before the king.

King Rhoam Bosphoramus Hyrule was sitting on his throne, looking down at them. He immediately asked about the Master Sword and how they had acquired it.

As the knight, Liena was more or less in charge of the debriefing. Link was content to let her speak.

When she was done, His Majesty's eyes bore down on him. "And how old are you, boy?"

"Almost fifteen," Link answered dutifully.

"Merely a child, then," His Majesty said. "This is all that's left to us?"

Rage seethed within Link. The callous words spurred action, and he would not be denied. Standing up, he glared at the king. "Do not mock me."

From her position on the ground, Liena looked up at Link in horror. "Oh, Light. Please, Link, don't—"

Those in attendance were flabbergasted. King Rhoam himself was shocked that someone would speak to him with such insolence. "You would da—"

"I lost my father trying to get this damned sword of yours!" Link shouted to the ruler of the realm. A part of him wondered if he would be jailed, flogged, or executed for this breach of etiquette. He found himself not caring. If this man cared so little for his knights, then perhaps being a knight was something Link would not want after all. "I will not have you dismiss me like that; not after what he did for you."

"He knew the risks and their duty—"

"He and the other knights had lives and were not yours to squander as you see fit. Their sacrifice and their fealty were not unconditional, as is mine," Link said, his blood running hot in his veins. Link unwrapped the Master Sword and threw it on the ground. The metal clattering seemed louder in the grand throne room. "Here's your damned prize. I hope you choke on it."

Link gave a mocking bow, turned on his heel, and proceeded to leave without being dismissed.

Liena called out to him before stammering apologies to the king on Link's behalf.

The guards at the door readied their polearms at his approach. Already, Link's mind assessed the situation, and he mentally—instinctively—knew how to best the guards before him. Rage gave way to cold calculus, as he knew that he would not be able to leave freely, and he began to decide the best way to dispatch the entirety of Hyrule's castle guards that were going to stand in his way without permanently hurting them. He grimly smiled when he felt he was up to the task.

His eyes met the guards. He would win and leave. He knew it. They knew it. And they knew he knew it. His hand reached over his shoulder, and just as his fingers brushed the pommel of his sword…

"Link."

He didn't turn around. He was prepared to face the immediate threat first.

"Guards, stand down. Everyone, clear the hall," King Rhoam intoned.

The guards glanced uneasily at each other. "But, Your Majesty—"

"That is an order," King Rhoam said with finality. "I wish to speak to Sir Faron's son, alone."

At the mention of his father's name, Link turned, keeping one watchful eye on the guards, but the other on the king.

Liena was standing now, but she hesitated, her violet eyes indecisively darting between King Rhoam and Link.

"Leave, Dame Serlut," King Rhoam ordered. "What we speak about will be between us and us alone."

"As you wish, Your Majesty," Liena automatically said. She snapped off a knight's salute, then shot Link a look that was a cross between warning and pleading before she, too, departed.

Once the two were alone, King Rhoam descended from his dais until he was where Link had been. Kneeling, he tried to lift the Master Sword, but despite his physical prowess—his skill with claymores was renowned across the land—he could not move the Master Sword even a little.

"It is as foretold…" he uttered. Standing up, he regarded Link with an unreadable expression. "Forgive me, Link. I did not mean any disrespect to your father or the other brave knights and soldiers that lost their lives in search of this sword."

An apology from royalty to a mere squire was probably unheard of, such that Link was shocked into silence, but not inactivity. He nodded mutely.

"You are mistaken, however, with regards to the true worth of this weapon. This sword is not a prize," King Rhoam said gravely. "Its presence is a warning. We will need its power, and yours, soon. I fear time is running out… for all of us."

"What do you mean?" Link asked warily.

"This is a tale known only to the royal family of Hyrule and a select cadre of Sheikah," King Rhoam said. "Come. Let us speak in a more private setting. Reclaim your blade."

Link almost wanted to be churlish and leave the sword where it lay, but he knew he was already crossing lines as it was. At least he had righteous indignation before, but to push further would only be childish petulance. Huffing in annoyance, he picked up the Master Sword and slid it into his belt.

"This way. There is something you must see." The king left the throne room through a side door. Link hastened to follow, curious as to what King Rhoam had to say that was of grave importance that required such sacrifices.

~o~O~o~

Wherever they had gone, Link was already turned around. The palace's interior was almost a maze, and he knew he would be lost without a map of some kind.

Naturally, the king knew the layout of his home. In short order, they entered what appeared to be a private room. King Rhoam pointed at a beautifully detailed tapestry that adorned an entire wall. The main body and background were woven with a blend of browns, yellows, and oranges. Characters were displayed in black, but with hints of reds, blues, and other accented colors to highlight their importance.

"This is the tale of the Calamity Ganon," King Rhoam said. "Sit, and I shall tell you of the Princess of Wisdom, blessed with the power of the goddesses to seal away the darkness, aided by the hero that would wield the legendary sword who would defend all that would threaten Hyrule."

Link hesitated, but he eventually removed his weapons and sat down on the most expensive chair he had ever used.

"This tapestry chronicles the events that occurred almost ten thousand years ago," King Rhoam gravely said. "This legend speaks of an evil that has plagued Hyrule several times in the distant past. This is the legend of Calamity Ganon."

"I… I was told that this has happened before," Link said. "Before I drew the sword. The spirit told us a little, but no names."

Liena had slightly changed their story to be easier to tell. Both she and Link felt that telling the king that a talking tree had given them the Master Sword would not go down well.

At least, not sober.

"Once, in the distant past, there was a man that coveted power above all else," King Rhoam said. "His lust, his greed, his desires, nothing short of the power of the gods could sate him. Perhaps not even that.

"It is said that he managed to seize the essence of the goddesses for himself and used that power to bring ruin to ancient Hyrule. However, there were those that resisted his machinations. A princess, the daughter of the goddess Hylia, bearing the power to seal the darkness, and a hero, chosen by the goddesses to wield the Master Sword, would strike down this evil. However, the evil, Ganon, had amassed such enormous power that it was thought impossible to destroy him. As such, their only recourse was to seal him away.

"His power granted him immortality. And his rage… his rage would fester and burn, growing evermore until he would once again break free of the powers that had bound him so that he might exact his revenge upon Hyrule."

King Rhoam paused. He stood up and walked over to a decanter, where he poured himself a drink. In a show of benevolence and humility, he also poured a glass of water for Link and offered it to him.

Sitting down once more, King Rhoam continued his tale.

"Each time Ganon rises, destruction and calamity follow in his wake," King Rhoam said. He pointed at the tapestry again. "The last recorded attack made by Calamity Ganon was ten thousand years ago. This tapestry was woven as a record of that age."

Link turned to study the tapestry. However, he couldn't make heads or tails of what was depicted on it, at least not in the short time he'd had thus far. "What am I looking at?"

"The Guardians, the Divine Beasts, the Princess of Wisdom, and the Hero of Legend," King Rhoam answered. "They waged war upon the Calamity and emerged victorious. And now the time for the Calamity to return is nigh."

"How do you know?" Link asked.

"A prophecy made almost fourteen years ago," King Rhoam said gravely. "She told me of the coming darkness and that we must prepare ourselves accordingly."

"And who was this prophet?"

"My wife and your Queen," King Rhoam said. "The day my daughter, Zelda, reached her first year of life, Her Majesty had a powerful premonition. We sought counsel with the Sheikah elders not long after. They, too, feel that the time of the Calamity looms ever closer."

"How did they know?" Link asked.

"The signs were becoming stronger," King Rhoam answered. "The surge of monster attacks, the reports of the Yiga Clan assassins, and Zelda's birth. They spoke of other, more metaphysical signs that I do not claim to understand."

"So… what? I'm supposed to be this legendary hero?" Link asked, skepticism in every word.

"So it would seem," King Rhoam said, and he pointed at the Master Sword resting against the chair Link was sitting on.

"Are you saying that I have to fight some ancient evil?" Link asked in disbelief. "What about you? What about Hyrule's armies?"

"The truth of it is, Link, Hyrule will need you more than it will need me," King Rhoam said. "That you were chosen by the goddesses as their champion is proof of that."

It was all so much to take in. Link had so many questions but no way to turn them into words.

"You understand now? The preparations we have been making? The Guardians, the Divine Beasts, and the years of research conducted at the Royal Ancient Lab?" King Rhoam asked. "I have sent three separate expeditions of knights and Royal Guard into the Lost Woods over the years, hoping to recover the Master Sword in preparation for the threat that looms on the horizon. You and Dame Serlut are the only ones that have ever returned. Somehow you were entangled into this, to find and draw the blade without my knowledge, and even lacking of awareness of the events unfolding. These are signs that I must not ignore."

Link was afraid to ask and even more afraid of the answer, but the words tumbled out of his mouth anyway. "When will this happen? When will Calamity Ganon strike?"

King Rhoam shook his head. "I do not know. I truly do not."

It took a moment for Link to process that before understanding dawned on him. "You've been living in fear all this time? The last fourteen years?"

Sagging in his seat, King Rhoam nodded mournfully. "Every year, I keep asking myself, 'Is this the year that Calamity Ganon arrives? Is this the year that everything and everyone I know and love will wither and die? Will this be the year that my beautiful daughter perishes? My kingdom and the people within?' As you can imagine, it has been a hard existence."

"I-I don't know what to say," Link said, his voice thick with a mixture of emotions. "I'm sorry you had to burden all that."

King Rhoam was silent for a few moments before taking a deep, fortifying breath and looking back up at Link. "Thank you. However, I feel as if the worst of my fears have waned now. With your appearance, and that of the Master Sword, one large part of our preparations has been handled. Soon we will be as ready as we can be to fight the Calamity."

"What more has to be done?" Link asked.

"The Divine Beasts still need more work in order to maximize their efficacy," King Rhoam answered. "Also, they will need pilots; worthy individuals that will be able to bear the responsibility. Thankfully, we have secured two already. My daughter and I continue to debate on who the other two will be. And finally, there is the matter of Zelda herself. With you here, I am sure it is only a matter of time before all the pieces are in place. The one remaining fear I have now is that the Calamity will strike before we are ready."

"What happens now?" Link quietly asked.

"I continue my preparations," King Rhoam answered. "I do not have the answers. In fact, it is more accurate to say that I have no answers to offer you at all. It pains me to admit, but we know frighteningly little of Calamity Ganon. Even the depiction you see here could very well be the artist's impression and not its true form. All I know is that a grave threat comes, and I must do all I can to meet it. If it means that I, too, must give my life in service of Hyrule, then… like the courage that your father displayed, I must be ready to make such a sacrifice."

Link's head snapped up at his proclamation. "Wait, the stories I've heard. About you and all the sword training you've undergone…"

"I do what I can to prepare," King Rhoam said. "When the time comes, I too will ready my blade and meet the darkness head-on."

Link didn't feel guilty about his earlier harsh words, but he did have to reevaluate the king.

"You are welcome to do as you wish," King Rhoam said, his voice no longer thundering in his deep, authoritative bass. Instead, it approached something normal, even fatherly, though an undercurrent of stress was audible. "As I said before, I need you more than you need me. To punish you for enduring my desperate plans to fight the Calamity would be cruel and certainly no way to enlist your help. If you would be amendable, I would knight you and have you promoted to be among the highest echelons of Hyrule's military might: the Royal Guard."

Link frowned. It was the dreams of all those that aspired to be knights to join the prestigious Royal Guard. His father had been over the moon when he'd received such a promotion. The only time Link had ever seen him happier was when Aryll had been born.

"I'm barely fifteen—a 'boy', as you so bluntly pointed out," Link said. Decorum had long since passed, but there was no call for disrespect in the face of honesty, so he settled for respect reserved for his peers rather than a ruler.

Liena would have had a fit if she were present.

"Then you would be the youngest ever to join," King Rhoam said, unbothered by Link's attitude. "It is a pattern with you, I have noticed. Youngest squire, youngest tourney winner… and throughout your life, you were being groomed by some of the best Hyrule could offer. Both your father and Dame Serlut apprised me of your progress."

Link was a bit shocked that King Rhoam had been following his career. "You knew of me?"

"My wife… she held a passing interest in you at first when news of your talents reached our ears. She quietly observed your progress and told me little of why she held such regard for a mere child, talented as he was. She first observed your skills when you were… five? Six? You were sparring against soldiers and knights alike and emerging victorious. When I asked why she was interested, she finally said to us, both Zelda and I, that we should keep an eye on you, for surely you were marked by the goddesses," King Rhoam confessed. He sent Link a sharp look. "As you well know, she passed not long after, but… I was left with the impression she did so peacefully. She was confident Hyrule's future was secure, but not with my hands."

A part of Link was extremely flattered. Another part was still undecided. "Earlier, you mentioned… a Princess of Wisdom? Are we talking about…?"

"My daughter, Zelda," King Rhoam affirmed. "I am sure she possesses the power to seal the darkness, though her powers have yet to awaken. It could be that, like you, she is nearing her fifteenth year and is thus too young to wield such power. However, how often are we ready when the fate comes?"

Link looked away. He, and his entire family, had known and expected that his father might one day not come home. They had prepared, they had hoped, they had prayed, but even now, all of those expectations had done nothing, and the pain was still very raw.

"We're almost never ready," Link muttered. "All we can do is endure."

"Then perhaps you have some understanding of the depths of my responsibility now," King Rhoam said. "What comes is war, and with war will come sacrifice. I know I have never been ready, yet I try anyway. You and I are alike in this regard, I should think."

Link frowned. "If I'm knighted, and I'm not saying that I accept, but if I'm knighted, what would be my duties?"

King Rhoam nodded, and his voice—regal and authoritative—returned. "The Sheikah have learned of threats made against my daughter. They are certain the danger is real. I would assign you to watch over her once you've settled into your new station. I understand that will take time, and I'm willing to offer whatever you wish to secure your help should you accept."

"Me? You want me to guard her?" Link asked.

King Rhoam nodded and gestured at the tapestry again. "Neither of you can stand alone against the Calamity. It will take both of your powers combined to succeed. It will be in your best interest to learn to cooperate with one another, if only to increase our chances of success."

Link couldn't argue against that logic, so he nodded. "And her power?"

Frowning, King Rhoam said, "As I said before, I do not have the answers. What you see is an old man, fumbling around in the dark, desperately seeking any measure of hope against a threat unlike anything we can possibly imagine… or conjure nightmares of. However, my fear, my carelessness, means that I have committed a grave disservice to you and your family. No doubt it is likely I am harming my own daughter with my actions, but what else is left to me but to push her harder? The fate of Hyrule rests in both your hands, not mine."

Link couldn't bring himself to answer. In a way, he knew King Rhoam was responsible for his father's death, but now he understood why. At least, he thought he did.

"What if we fail?" Link asked.

A darkness clouded over King Rhoam's eyes. "Then all will be lost and we will be cast into shadow."

Immediately, Link's thoughts turned to his sister and his mother. "We can't let that happen."

At his proclamation, King Rhoam stood straighter and banished the chill away. He seemed to be talking more to himself now than to Link. "No, I cannot. But… at the very least, as a father, I would make sure Zelda is safe, but can I leave Hyrule to such a fate…?"

Link looked away. The king's words were reminiscent of his own father's words years earlier.

"I… I need time to think," Link said. "This is all too much."

King Rhoam snapped out of his thoughts and observed Link. "I understand. However, I would ask that you keep what we spoke of between us and only us. There are precious few others that know, and should you accept my offer to take a position as part of the Royal Guard, I will see that you are introduced to them. If the truth were to come out, the ensuing panic would make our task insurmountable."

"Even from my family?" Link asked.

King Rhoam's expression was sharp and grave. "No one, Link."

"Then what am I supposed to tell them?" Link asked angrily.

"The truth, if you wish, but you must not speak of the Master Sword, the Calamity, or your role," King Rhoam answered. "If you require, I can dispatch a messenger to your home to deliver the news if you feel unable to do so yourself…?"

Link shook his head. "No, it should come from me. I was there when… when…"

"I understand," King Rhoam interrupted gently. "Your courage does you credit."

Link merely nodded, though this time with respect.

"Rest assured, I will reveal the truth, at least some of it, to the public at large in due time," King Rhoam said. "Questions are already being asked why we are taking an interest in the Guardians and Divine Beasts, and I fear I cannot keep this secret for long. Soon news of the Master Sword will spread, and with it, the old legends. Much will change for you, Link."

"I can handle it," Link said. What else could he have said? Any other answer would likely mean doom for all of Hyrule if the threat was indeed real. "I'll be ready."

Link stood up, and habitually, he offered King Rhoam a knight's salute. When His Majesty inclined his head, Link collected his weapons and turned to leave.

"Link."

Turning around, he saw His Majesty looking forlorn.

"I did not have the chance to know Sir Revan as well as I could have hoped," King Rhoam said. "Rest assured, I will see to it that he and his knights will receive all the honors befitting of their sacrifice. It is the least I could do. You have the condolences of an entire kingdom… and my personal apology."

Link swallowed. He could only nod in acknowledgement. There was nothing he could say.

"I will not pressure you into a decision," King Rhoam said. "Take some time, gather yourself, and return when you have made up your mind."

"You'd really let me go my own way, if I so choose?" Link asked.

"What good would ordering you do? If you wish to disobey, how would Hyrule benefit if I imprisoned you out spite, pettiness, or fear?" King Rhoam asked rhetorically. "No, you must do this of your own free will. I cannot see how victory can be achieved if we act with malfeasance to our champion."

Link swallowed and nodded. "I'll return when I'm ready."

"May the Goddesses continue to watch over you, then."

~o~O~o~

When Link left the study, he almost ran headlong into a young Sheikah girl. She offered a sympathetic smile. "I'm here to show you the way out."

"Thanks," Link mumbled.

Her red eyes locked onto the Master Sword before looking at him. "I'm sorry. About your father."

Link nodded and said nothing further.

Realizing that it remained a touchy subject, the Sheikah girl quietly led him out of the castle. It still remained a complicated maze of halls and turns, but her steps were crisp and sure.

She didn't stop at the massive doors, though. She continued to lead him all the way down the gangway, past the guard towers and the walls, until they were finally back in the familiar cobblestones of Castle Town.

"I… I hope we see you again," the Sheikah said. "Hylia bless you and your family."

Link dully nodded and walked off towards the stables. The Master Sword was tucked into his belt again, but for any who saw it, they would assume it was probably a family heirloom or a blade forged by the royal family as a gift to him as the Four Swords champion. No one would ever know its true worth.

At least for now.

He returned to the garrison, where he spotted Liena waiting for him. She said nothing, but she ran up and hugged him tightly.

He felt too numb to return the embrace, though. He stood there, unmoving, until she released him.

"Are you okay?" Liena asked, her voice thick with emotion.

"No. But I'm not in trouble. The opposite, in fact. I don't want to talk about it," Link said. "I have to go home. Mother and Aryll… they don't know yet."

"Oh, Farore," Liena whispered. "I'm coming with you."

"You don't have to—" Link feebly protested.

"Link, I am coming with you," Liena fiercely said. "You will not do this alone."

He lacked the energy or the will to fight, so he nodded. They returned to the stables, had their horses saddled once more, and made the short trip back to Mabe Village.

~o~O~o~

Central Hyrule – Mabe Village

Link found himself profoundly glad Liena had come with him. Breaking the heart-wrenching news to his family was one of the hardest things he had ever done. His mother, who always seemed so strong, appeared to shatter before his very eyes. And Aryll, she hadn't had enough time with their father, and the reality was that there was no more time.

Ilia had run up to them as they rode in, happy to see that Link was alive and well after going missing for the last few days. However, when she saw the haunted look on his and Liena's faces, she stayed and offered what support she could.

Through it all, Link forced himself out of the haze he had put himself under and, for the moment, forced the entirety of what King Rhoam had told him out of his mind. He stood tall, strong, and became the anchor his family needed at the moment. He coordinated with Captain Auru regarding the funeral arrangements, the date and time, the number of mourners to pay their respects, and the location of where the monument would be.

A part of Link seethed and raged that there would be no body to bury. He wanted to burn the Korok Woods to the ground, Goddesses be damned. However, just as quickly as the anger flooded him, it would leave, and only grief remained that he ruthlessly pushed down, lest it overwhelm him.

On the day of the funeral, the sheer number of people that came to pay their respects was humbling. Link had had no idea that his father had touched so many lives. Marin seemed to know many of them, and she tearfully told Link that his father had saved their lives at one point or another in his career. Others were people he had trained. There were also knights and soldiers that Revan had worked alongside. And some childhood friends that wanted to see him off with the proper respect.

King Rhoam was as good as his word on any arrangements for Link's father. The High Priest Rauru had come to speak at the funeral.

Despite the honor, it remained a somber affair. Link wasn't one to wear black, but it was a necessity that day.

Once Rauru finished speaking, he led everyone in prayer before inviting everyone to say some words upon the monument. Some were vocal and tearful; others were silent and kept their heads bowed; and the rest murmured their thoughts to the gravestone, their voices too low to be heard.

That last group was one Link fell under. He stepped up to the monument, studied the words inscribed, and for a moment found that he had no idea what to say. For some reason, a promise Link had made months earlier made itself known. "I… I remember that I wanted to apologize for always jumping on you when I was younger, Father… Aryll has been doing that to me, and, well… now it's a lesson learned. Even though I haven't done it to you in years…"

The thought was so irreverent, so unimportant, that Link fell silent. A feeling of self-loathing trickled down his spine, and bringing with it, a sense that he was unworthy. A part of Link wanted to apologize. For not being there when they had needed it. For being too slow. For too many things. He kept those words to himself.

Once it was over, the monument decorated with medals and flowers, and respects were paid, the procession retreated back to Mabe Village.

Link was bit surprised that Rauru also tagged along. Then he realized that it was probably because of the Master Sword. He chose to keep his distance from the older man.

Marin had managed to hide her wounds and play the hostess, though it was difficult when Aryll remained completely distraught. Thankfully, the guests all stepped up to help in every manner they could. Some knights were toasting to Revan, exchanging stories of his heroism or adventures, to even some completely embarrassing moments that Link had never known of. It created the intended effect of cracking a smile out of him.

"Funerals are for the living, you know," a familiar voice said.

Some people might have been surprised and jumped out of their skin. Link was too hardened—or too numb—to react that way. He turned around and was about to bow when Master Impaz patted him on the shoulder.

"I'm here for you, child," Impaz said. "Not as a mentor. As a friend."

"It means a lot that you're here," Link said.

"My presence here is so much more complicated," Impaz said. Link was a bit shocked to hear her hesitate. She had always been as blunt as a Cobble Crusher. "In truth, I wonder if coming here would be an insult to you."

"No, never," Link said.

Impaz shook her head. She grasped Link's arm and led him away from the crowds.

Link noticed that her grandmotherly act that she'd had when they had first met was becoming less of an act now. Impaz really was using him for support, and she was leaning on her cane more than she had done years prior.

"Child, news has reached my ears of the events that occurred," Impaz said. "I am here because I care about you, but that does not change the underlying reasons that also drew me here."

It took Link a moment to understand, but when he did, he exhaled noisily through his nose. "King Rhoam said that the legend was one known only to the royal family and the Sheikah."

"I had my suspicions about you when you first appeared," Impaz said. "I didn't want to make a fuss, because Dame Serlut mentioned that she wanted you taught without ego or conceit. I agreed. And you were too young to understand, I believed."

"Not anymore," a male voice said.

Link looked up to see High Priest Rauru standing there in the side room Impaz had led him to.

"I am not here to speak about your upcoming role, the Master Sword, or any of the legends," Rauru said before Link could speak. "This is not the setting, and it would be wildly inappropriate. This is in honor of a man whom you looked up to and has shaped you into the man you are becoming. I find myself hopeful for the future, but the future is not here. We stay in the present."

"Thank you, High Priest," Link said. "It was a lovely speech, by the way."

"I meant every word," the old priest said. "And please, call me Rauru."

"I take it you two know each other?" Link asked.

"Not overly so, but Rauru is aware of the particulars of the legend," Impaz said. "We got to talking on the way here and came to the conclusion that we care about you. I know, I'm shocked, too."

In spite of everything, Link chuckled.

Rauru smiled. "This is a difficult time for you, my boy. I want you to know that I am always willing to lend an ear and help ease the burden you bear. As for… other responsibilities that may occur, know that I will remain at your disposal should you require any need of me."

"The same can be said of the entire Sheikah Clan," Impaz said.

Against Link's will, his thoughts returned to his brief meeting with King Rhoam, and he sighed. "Princess Zelda. She's the daughter of the goddess Hylia."

"Correct," Impaz said.

"So, your loyalty to the royal family and your devotion to Hylia…"

"Are one and the same," Impaz said. "Obviously, as a man of faith in service to the Great Goddesses, Rauru also faithfully serves the royal family in a more… spiritual capacity."

"Such is my calling," Rauru said.

"And according to the legend, I'm 'chosen by the goddesses', right?" Link asked bitterly.

Impaz offered a sympathetic smile. "As I said, child, I wanted to come here as a friend, but it does not change the complexities of what your life has become."

Link sighed, but he gave them both a grateful look. "It still means a lot that you're here. Both of you. Thank you."

Impaz patted him on the arm. "Know that you can speak to us about anything, and it doesn't even have to be about the Master Sword or any of that. Just… whatever you have on your mind that you feel you need to unburden."

Link nodded. "I should get back to my mother now."

"As should we all," Rauru said. "Come. Let us bask in the remembrance of Revan Faron. I know you feel pain, but it is important that you recall the joy he brought into your life as well."

Link's eyes met Impaz's, and he managed a weak smile. "Because funerals are for the living, right?"

"Indeed they are," Rauru replied.

Returning to the main dining room, food was being served. Once again, the food, the cooks, and the wait staff, all of it was provided by King Rhoam. Link almost wanted to be belligerent and refuse the offer, but when Liena offered to pay for the services, Link changed his mind and decided to take what he could from the king.

Link stayed as long as he could at the wake, keeping up a strong façade, even as his mother and Aryll occasionally broke into sobs. He was there to calm them, but at one point, he wanted to be alone. He waited until one of the knights was recounting a tale of Revan's mission in the Gerudo Desert to search for signs of a Molduga—Revan had already told Link the story years earlier—before making a discreet exit out the back way.

When he opened the door, he was shocked to see a little wolf cub… with markings to those Ammy had, sitting on his porch. The wolf cub looked up at him and let out a small, yearning whine.

Link carefully approached the cub with his hand out to show he wasn't going to hurt it. The cub tentatively sniffed his hand and made no hostile moves against him. Emboldened, Link carefully stroked the cub and learned it was female. After spending several minutes bonding with her, Link earned her trust enough to pick her up and cradle her in his arms.

"Where did you come from?" Link whispered. He looked around, studying the grounds nearby, until he finally saw something.

Tracks. The prints were too large to have been made by the cub, though. And there were two sets, one leading to the house and one leading away.

Link didn't know if Ammy had sent him a gift, but a part of him hoped it was so.

Suddenly, his chest started to heave. He quickly but gently walked away from his home, sought out someplace private to sit down, and began to sob.

He didn't want anyone to see him. The only one that would ever know would be the little wolf cub, who squirmed in his grip so that she could softly lick his face as he cried.