Chapter 23: The Warning
As time went on, Link learned more and more about the nature of the Four Sword. The Hermit taught him how to keep his bodies separated even when battle made him weary; he taught him how to keep his four selves in close contact, so that when one was in trouble, they were all simultaneously alarmed; he taught him how to use his connection with his other selves to benefit him in battle. Eventually, it became harder and harder for the Hermit to teach Link new things. Soon, when Link came for his next lesson, Uriel said that there was nothing more for him to teach. Link had mastered the Four Sword in only a couple of weeks, while it took the Hermit years to accomplish the same thing.
They sat on the Hermit's porch, gazing out into the black forest. "When will I be ready?" Link asked.
"Soon," the Hermit answered. "Now you can stand a chance against the Phantom, but I want to use the time we have to perfect your skills. I don't want what happened to me to repeat. again You'll have to teach yourself new moves from now on."
"But everyone's waiting for me," Link said. "Tetra has been unconscious for a long time now, and I have the means to revive her. Hermit, you have to let me go. If there is nothing left for you to teach me, then I must be ready."
Uriel shook his head firmly. "No, Link."
Suddenly the air turned misty and amorphous, almost surreal. A hazy form came through the shadows. Link rubbed his eyes and saw a ghost, refulgent in the darkness. It hovered in the air as a white ghoul, with ragged edges and two barren holes for eyes. We meet again, the ghost said.
Link stared incredulously. "Wirlin?"
The ghost nodded. Don't worry, Link. I am not here to kill you. Not yet. I am here to warn you. The town you left has been attacked, and soon the Phantom will enter the battle. I have heard whispers of the annihilation of your people. I suggest you find the Phantom before he enters the battle. For a moment he said nothing, and Link wondered why Wirlin was telling him this. That is all I have to say. The rest is up to you. Then the black spirit ripped through the frayed air, breaking the hazy clouds and opening up reality again. Link and Uriel looked through the quiet forest once again, but all traces of Wirlin were gone.
"It is time you left," the Hermit noted.
"But I thought you said it wasn't time yet," Link said.
The Hermit shrugged. "If your people need you, you must help them. There is nothing you can do. You are ready enough, I think."
"Thanks, Uriel," Link said, smiling. He ran up and embraced the Hermit. But then he looked up, remembering something. "But if I am to go to the Phantom, what about the town? What about Tetra?"
"Don't worry," the Hermit said instantly. "I will go revive her. I will go defend the town."
Link looked at him for a moment, unbelieving. This must be an unimaginably difficult thing for the Hermit to do. For years he had lived alone, separated from the village by his own will. He was embarrassed to return, knowing that he had failed. But now he was going back for Link. The Hero of Winds recognized the Hermit's sacrifice and was grateful.
The rest of the day they spent recalling everything Link had learned. He remembered all of his training, his lessons, everything. The Hermit informed him of the tricks the Phantom may try to pull on him, and told him not to repeat his own mistake.
"You must never pretend you have something you don't," the Hermit said. "I pretended that I had the power to defeat the Phantom. I was in it for the glory. But all along I knew I was no god, I was no savior. I know you are stronger than I was, Link, but you have limitations as well. In battle, you must use everything at your disposal. Do not pretend you have something you do not, for the Phantom will surely catch on, and you will pay the price. I know I did."
"Don't worry," Link assured. "I understand."
"Link," Navi said, resting on his shoulder, "I have watched you through your training, and I know that you are ready. There is something different about you now that you wield a sword that matches your abilities. It is time to come out of hiding and defend your new home! Gather your things, Link. It is time."
They walked out of the Hermit's cottage, but the forest stirred. Three figures presented themselves at the doorstep. One flew in the air, with thin wings and sharp claws; another walked with his arms to the floor, red and lengthy; the last floated in the air, shadowy and dark.
"I told you we'll meet again," Elsor said. "Did you not believe me?"
Link drew back, glancing from Uriel to Navi, wondering what to do.
The Hermit turned to him, nodding. "It is time to test what you have learned. Now draw the Four Sword and show these fools why you are fit to slay the Phantom."
