Chapter 10 - Sooner or Later
Zelda … .
The time is now.
Zelda! Help us!
A fine sheen of sweat covered Zelda's forehead where she lay tangled in Link's arms. For all intents and purposes, she was as comfortable as she'd ever been, and yet her recurring dream had returned, more vivid than ever. She could see her parents' faces, knowing in her heart of hearts the images were true to life.
Yet they were difficult to see, both held within a magical sphere maintaining their slumber.
Zelda, stop him … !
Laughter punctuated her father's words, a new element of the dream she'd yet to encounter. The sound was malicious in tone with an imposing shadow of the King of Evil appearing above her parents, threatening both of their lives.
Zelda!
"Mother!"
Zelda's cry came as she jolted forward in bed, eyes wide and chest heaving. The abrupt movement jarred Link, who instantly sat up and grabbed her under the assumption that they were being attacked.
It wasn't until his fingers grasped the hilt of the Master Sword that he realized they were alone.
Letting a low groan, he released his sword and relaxed, taking a moment to gain his bearings before turning his gaze to the side of Zelda's face. Still panting, she looked shocked and deeply concerned, and he could only gather from the way she'd cried the word mother that she'd had another dream.
So he asked the most obvious question.
"Did you dream about them again?"
As if his inquiry had brought her back to the present, Zelda's concerned expression faded into sorrow, her eyes closing as she nodded and turned to him, resting her forehead to his. With her breathing returning to normal, she took a moment to collect herself before responding.
"It was much more vivid this time." Exhaling low, she lifted her head and pinned his gaze with the words, "Link … we have to go."
Underlying the sorrow in her gaze was a serious glint he couldn't ignore. Whatever she saw in her dream must've been dire to make her suggest leaving after they'd both agreed the night before to stay in the valley for another day.
That being the case, he inquired, "Right now?"
Sighing, Zelda let him pull her in close, just as reluctant to leave the bed as she knew he was. But after her dream, she couldn't help feeling somehow drawn to do so, and gave a slow nod with her answer.
"Soon. I don't think I'll be able to sleep again after that dream, anyway." More reluctantly, she added, "He was there."
Judging by the way she'd woken so abruptly, Link wasn't surprised that she was no longer relaxed enough to rest, but the words he was there drew his full attention—and he didn't need to tell her he understood who she meant. Zelda could tell by the look on his face, and also realized he now fully comprehended the source of her disquiet over the matter.
In response, he leaned to reach for the shudder covering the window and lifted it just enough to see the buildings across the street. With a clear, blue sky above, he took note of the angle and short length of the shadows the structures cast and realized it was about an hour or so after noon.
Realizing they'd both rested well, Link decided the timing could've been a lot worse. At least they'd depart without feeling as if they were dragging along—not that it helped his reluctance to get out of bed, particularly when she hugged him.
Wrapping his arms around her, the warmth of Zelda's body against his was simply too inviting to immediately get up, and he wasn't hesitant to return the kiss she gave him after tilting her head back. Their lips brushed slowly, skin pressing against skin as she let a soft moan with the worry her dream had caused slipping away.
Once again, she felt completely safe, relaxing against him as their kiss broke. His comfort was precisely what she needed to shake the bothersome images from her mind, and as she hugged him, a smile finally curved her lips when Link asked against her ear, "Feeling any better now?"
With a shuddered breath and a slow nod, she lifted her head to gaze up at him with a smile, finding security in the cradle of his arms. The dream still weighed heavily, yet she was no longer overwhelmed with concern, briefly wondering if it was wrong of her to feel so comfortable considering where the next step in their journey would take them.
More than likely, Myriad would direct them to depart for River Town to inform the revolt of the matters at hand, meaning a trip to the colder north of Hyrule, and the thought of it brought an idea to mind.
Noticing the consideration in her eyes, Link asked, "What?"
"I was just thinking we'll be traveling north soon, and it's too cold to wear the garments Nabooru and Masita gave me, not that I'd really want to wear those for anyone but … well, you."
She spoke the last with a blush lighting her cheeks, and Link smirked, knowing precisely where her thoughts had gone. Still, for all the fondness that came with memories of the previous night, thinking of it also caused disappointment in knowing it was probably the last time they'd have to be alone together for a while—not that it marred the experience.
And if all went well, they'd have a lifetime to build more of the same.
So he didn't dwell on it, and asked instead, "Do you need me to go out and grab the clothes you packed in the saddlebags?"
"Actually," Zelda started thoughtfully, "I was thinking about wearing the gown my mother designed for me, but … do you think it would seem out of place?"
"How so?"
"Well, it's rather dressy, and there's the possibility of fighting in the near future. But I've been itching to wear it for longer than a few minutes, and besides, it seems fitting right now. My mother wanted me to wear it for my coronation, and while we've yet to defeat Ganondorf, we've just weakened him significantly."
Understanding the symbolism behind her meaning, Link found himself smiling as he reached to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear and remarked, "I don't think it's too dressy. I think it's perfect, and it might actually give some of the revolt members hope to see the Princess dressed for the occasion, especially once they learn we're so close to our goal."
As a side note, he added, "Besides, I'd like to see you in it now that it's completed."
The comment put a smile on her face, and she agreed without pause. "Then I'll wear it, not that I'm in a hurry to get out of bed, mind you."
"Neither am I," Link concurred, leaning down to continue on a promising tone, "but there will be later."
Drawing her fingers across his cheek, she whispered, "I only hope it's sooner rather than later," just as their lips met in one final kiss before getting started. Long and slow, each brush of their lips was filled with love, the gesture standing as a testament to how far they'd come, and how far they were willing to go to ensure success.
If not for themselves, then for each other.
Not that they didn't attempt to steal more kisses from one another during the process of getting dressed. Because Zelda's gown was in the hammer bag—the box Bessa stored it in was too big for normal satchels to carry—Link had to go outside to get it, and her numerous kisses didn't make it easy to leave long enough to accomplish the task.
But he finally managed, allowing Zelda to take her gown—for the price of another playful kiss. The tactic had her laughing as she took the box to the washroom to change, giving him ample time to finish his own chores.
Thankfully, he'd cleaned his chainmail the day before, allowing him to immediately don it along with his green jerkin before looking himself over in the mirror. Everything fit properly, and his gear was ready for whatever challenges they might face in the near future.
Still, it wasn't perfect, and his lips pursed at the hole left in the garments from his impalement in the Spirit Temple.
Sadly, they had no time to wait for someone to repair it, and for as much as he hated the reminder of what his shadow had done, he was also grateful the damage wasn't enough to leave the items unusable. So he'd simply have to ignore it, unless … .
Tilting his head curiously, Link considered where he'd received the garments he now wore—from Myriad the day he freed the Master Sword from its pedestal. That event truly seemed like it'd taken place years ago now, and it was hard to believe the magical apparition he'd encountered there was an image of his own mother.
Considering the image had been nothing more than a translucent, bluish blur, it was difficult to recall the details of her face. He only knew he'd considered her beautiful, though he wasn't precisely focused on the matter at present.
Instead, he questioned the origins of the garments she'd given him. Had Myriad conjured them? Possibly using the Light Powers of the Sacred Realm? There was a chance, but perhaps it didn't matter. If the portion of power he possessed could mend injuries, could it also be used to fix items?
Continue to wield it, Link. You'll be intrigued by the results. Myriad's advice rang out in his mind as he lifted his hand to the hole and closed his eyes, focusing just as he had when healing a wound, or breaking a barrier.
By comparison, using such power to mend his clothing seemed petty, but at the same time, there was nothing to lose by trying. So he continued, and eventually opened his eyes to look down where the light billowed against his damaged garments.
Finally lifting his hand, the glow faded, leaving a perfectly mended jerkin behind.
"It worked," he remarked in surprise, checking to find that even the chainmail was repaired. A smile slowly curved his lips at the sight of it, and he didn't hesitate to call, "Zelda, it worked!"
"What worked?" she asked from the washroom.
Describing what he'd done, he suddenly felt like a kid who'd just discovered something they were eager to show a friend, but he couldn't help himself. Zelda seemed intrigued to hear about it as well, finally exiting the washroom with a smile on her face.
And whatever enthusiasm he had over his accomplishment faded the moment the door opened.
If Zelda was beautiful in the Gerudo outfit she'd worn last night, she was nothing short of gorgeous in her coronation gown. With midday sunlight filtering in through the window, Link found himself staring the same way he had the first time he saw it in River Town. Her golden pauldrons and circlet glinted in the light, reflecting off of her pink bodice with the white gown just brushing the floor around her feet.
It was just as regal as he recalled, but there were a few differences with the gown as well, such as the pink mantle hanging from a golden chain around her hips. Patterns were printed across it in different shapes, forming a frame around the symbol of the Triforce at the center.
Still, his favorite part was the amulet around her neck. It reminded him that this was the same woman he'd known all his life, and as she came to a stop before him and folded her gloved hands at her lower stomach, Link couldn't help thinking she simply looked as if she'd been born to wear such finery.
Ironically, that's when she mentioned, "I can't help feeling a little silly wearing this gown with a pair of boots instead of slippers, but I wouldn't want to wear slippers with where we're going anyway, so I suppose it doesn't matter."
"I don't know," Link started considerately, qualifying, "if we got into a tense situation, it might be funny to see you trying to run in a pair."
"Oh hush," Zelda retorted while shoving his arm despite a few snickers escaping her lips.
Chuckling, Link grasped her wrist before she could pull it away and drew her in for a hug with the words, "Sorry, but if you think about it, it would be a little funny."
"Not if something was chasing me," she argued, though her amusement came through in her tone.
Smirking, Link conceded, "True, but I'd never let you be caught."
Despite the playfulness of the subject matter, Zelda knew that was true as she lifted her head from his shoulder and asked, "Does that mean you're ready to depart, good sir?"
Smiling over the way she'd addressed him, Link looked around his room quietly, taking note of the last few items he needed, including his gauntlets and hat, mentioning, "Almost."
Zelda's gaze followed his to see the same items waiting on the bed, proving it wouldn't take long for him to finish preparing. So, without hesitation, she walked over to grab them and handed the silver gauntlets over while requesting his hairband before getting to work on fixing his hair herself.
Link tugged each gauntlet over his gloves in the meantime, and by the time he was finished, Zelda was lifting his hat to place on his head. Once done, she watched with a smile as he grabbed the harness for his sword and shield to fasten the straps across his chest before taking the weapons to store on his back, the metal glinting in the light thanks to the thorough cleaning he'd given them the day before.
With each item added, he looked more and more like the hero she knew he truly was, legend or no, leaving her unable to argue when he turned to her with his answer.
"Now I am."
Still smiling, she nodded and allowed her champion to take her arm for a proper escort outside.
Once they'd arrived on the street below and adjourned to their horses, Zelda asked, "Where is the Myriad Stone located anyway? I don't remember seeing it yesterday."
"It's near the entrance of a small canyon that leads to the Spirit Temple."
Nodding, that answered the question of why she hadn't seen it—Zelda hadn't traveled to that area, and she'd been unconscious during her first trip to the temple. So she didn't ask for more information and instead, once they'd checked their satchels to ensure they were packed, she changed the subject.
"Do you want to stop at Nabooru's to say goodbye on the way there?"
"We'll pass by it anyway," he informed her, but didn't say more while leading Epona to Frost before they started moving down the roadway, walking their horses for the time being.
That's when he glanced right to see Zelda giving him a thoughtful look, prompting the question, "What's wrong?"
"Well, we never told her about Ganondorf."
Her answer had him looking ahead again with a low sigh of breath. He'd spent a good bit of time thinking about that while he was alone the previous day, and told her now, "I know, but it's my responsibility to stop him, which means killing him. So I can't help thinking ignorance is bliss, and she doesn't need to know."
"Are you sure?" Zelda asked. "I mean you're right, and it would be easier for her, but you'll know the truth while she doesn't."
"I know, but if I tell her that her son has become a merciless tyrant who's killed countless innocent people just to further his own ends, it would hurt her, and I can't stand to see that."
Zelda pursed her lips, wishing that wasn't true, but he was right. Learning what her son had become would certainly be difficult, causing her to exhale a sad sigh.
"I suppose it's true then, and her son really is dead." Giving Link a considerate look, she suggested, "We could tell her that Dragmire killed him, and perhaps then she wouldn't make the connection. After all, you said she only knew him by the name Druno, didn't you?"
Link considered that, then shook his head. "I'm not certain, but we can ask, and if not, you're right. She'd never realize who her son's become and it would provide her with some closure on the matter."
Nodding, Zelda inquired, "What if she does know?"
After a moment of consideration, Link qualified, "Then we'll tell her Ganondorf killed him because that's just as true as saying Dragmire did."
Zelda could agree with that, and though they'd be twisting the truth, it seemed like the best course of action. No mother who'd lost a child wanted to hear that they'd grown up to be evil, and Zelda tried to keep Nabooru's feelings in mind as they carried on.
Still, Link seemed to be having mixed feelings because he suggested saving the visit to her place until after they'd spoken with Myriad. Perhaps he wished to discuss the matter with his mother, or just wanted a little more time to talk himself into telling Nabooru the story they'd concocted, but Zelda didn't argue.
Instead, she moved on with Link, eventually arriving at the Myriad Stone standing near the entrance of the canyon.
There, Zelda led Frost over to the glowing stone, placing her hand atop it without hesitation. Once a connection with the Sage of Light was established, she started their conversation by stating, "Myriad, we've successfully freed the Spirit Essence, meaning all of the Sage Powers have been released. So we need your guidance for our next step."
"My Princess," came the Sage's voice, and she sounded relieved to hear from her. "It is good to speak with you again, and to know the balance of power is now much closer to being restored. Link, are you both well?"
"We're fine, Mot—," he abruptly stopped himself, recalling his mother's advice not to address her with familiarity due to the chance of third parties listening in on their conversation. Until their fight was done, it was best if as few people as possible knew the truth of their relationship, so he quickly amended, "Myriad. Rested and ready to commence with the next step."
"Good, as I have recently convened with Lyonel who says all is fairing well with the revolt, meaning they are ready to aid their true Princess as soon as necessary. Their agents stationed in Hyrule Field also report that Ganondorf's minions have gathered in the palace, proving the King of Evil is well aware of the turning tides. This will make it much more difficult to gain entry to his stronghold."
Link pursed his lips, not at all surprised to hear of Ganondorf's tactics. Still, he had to point out, "That would make it harder for a large group to get inside, but he'd still allow Zelda and I entry, wouldn't he? I mean we have what he wants."
"Things would be this simple if Ganondorf did not fear you, Link, and that is the single truth he cannot hide from," Myriad returned. "You are the prophesied hero, the weight it will take to finally tip the scales, and he will do everything within his power to keep you contained, from abducting Princess Zelda to threatening those you love and wish to protect."
With that said, Myriad paused before continuing, and when she did, her voice carried an edge Link couldn't recall hearing before. She still spoke as the wise guide they'd come to know, but her words were also those of a mother passing on crucial advice that shouldn't be ignored, and it left a distinct impression.
"You are a potent threat to him, Link. Ganondorf has power, but power can be fickle, and courage needs none to do what must be done. No matter what happens, do not forget that moving forward."
Link took a deep breath, committing the sentiment to memory before solemnly returning, "I understand. But what about Zelda? There's still the matter of her parents, and he could use them to keep her contained."
"This is true, and it's why I'm advising her to stay behind once you make your way to the palace."
Immediately, Zelda turned a disbelieving look to Link, then gazed back at the stone, shaking her head. "I can't stay behind, Myriad. I … ."
Trailing off, she ceased her protest if only because the more she thought about it, the more she realized Myriad was right. She'd become so accustomed to traveling at Link's side she'd automatically assumed she'd be going with him to Hyrule Palace. But doing so would mean an encounter with her slumbering parents, giving Ganondorf the perfect opportunity to use them against her.
The thought prompted her to admit softly, "You're right, my lady. I can't help my need to fight for this kingdom, nor feeling as if my place is at Link's side. I also know I'll worry for him endlessly. But traveling with him will only complicate things."
"That it will," Myriad returned. "But do not fear for him, my Princess. This is what he is fated to do, and your fate will lead to the same destination, simply along a different path."
"I understand," Zelda replied, finding Link's hand coming to rest on her shoulder in a silent bid to offer comfort.
Reaching up to cover it with her own in response, she gave him a small but warm smile and asked Myriad, "So how do we proceed?"
Without hesitating, the Sage responded, "I know Lyonel introduced you to the teleportation stones, and now is the time to make use of them. There are only three markers left in Hyrule, and aside from the two you've already seen, the final is located in a grove of trees in the hillsides northeast of Hyrule Field, near the Zora River. This will provide a much safer route when making your way into the palace, Link.
"So you should deliver the Princess to the revolt so she can lead them as they provide support while you travel there. The details of this plan will have to be discussed with Lyonel before you commence, but once you return to River Town, you may consult me again with any questions that might arise."
"Consider it done," Link returned with confidence, finding the basics of their plan simple enough to follow.
Still, as he shared a look with Zelda, a strange sense of finality overcame him while beholding her warm smile. The sensation had him regarding his mother's Stone once more with the question, "This is it, isn't it? The final step."
"Not precisely," Myriad returned. "There is one more act which Princess Zelda must perform that bears significant importance, so you must listen carefully. You are the Seventh Sage, and with the essences released, you may now call upon a greater power than before. I'm sure you've felt it within you since you left the Spirit Temple."
Nodding, Zelda confirmed, "I have, just as with the previous two, though it's much more powerful now, and more balanced."
"Good," Myriad acknowledged, stating, "Then the time has come for you to use your position to further our cause substantially as only you can invoke … ."
Strangely, as Myriad spoke, her voice began to waver until she trailed off with nothing more coming through. It was as if the connection between them was failing, and Zelda's gaze darted to Link to see he looked just as confused as she felt.
During that time, Myriad continued speaking, though her words were disjointed and only a few came through clearly enough to be understandable.
"… comb-ned … s-mon spirits … light guardians … ."
"Myriad?"
Zelda's question was met by silence, prompting her to quickly add, "Myriad, we can barely hear you. You're … ," trailing, she shook her head. "You're fading away."
Sharing a concerned look with Link, she suggested, "Something's interfering, but I don't … ."
Still clasping Zelda's shoulder, Link looked between her and the Myriad Stone, ready to ask what could be preventing his mother's voice from coming through when, with no warning, the stone began turning black beneath Zelda's fingertips. As if a dark cloud was swirling inside the white sphere, its glow slowly faded, and Zelda's next utterance confirmed Link's unspoken conclusion.
"It's him."
"I know," Link remarked with a scowl. "He's preventing her from telling us something important."
"No, that's not what I mean," she rasped, and the urgent tone of her voice captured his complete attention as she added, "I can hear him … in my head."
Zelda squeezed her eyes shut, able to hear a low, malicious chortle of laughter as Link grabbed her hand to remove it from the stone—but it wouldn't budge. He could even feel Zelda's muscles tensing as if attempting to release the Stone herself, but an unseen force was compelling her to stay put, leaving Link helpless to do anything for her as the source of her distress was miles upon miles away in the courtyard of Hyrule Palace.
There, Ganondorf smirked down at his hand covering the Myriad Stone before him, the Dark Power of the Sacred Realm emanating from his palm into the object to block Myriad's voice.
As a result, they would be lost in the dark along the rest of Hyrule, and he would have a much easier time acquiring what he needed to accomplish his goals.
Starting with her.
—So, you're the Seventh Sage as well as a Princess.—
Zelda cringed, loathing that he'd overheard enough of their conversation to know she was anything more than a princess. But the damage had been done, and all she could do now was attempt to block his contact as his low voice continued.
—Sage, Princess, and possessor of the Triforce of Wisdom all in one. You're like a gift from the Goddesses themselves, proving I was right not to worry over losing control of the Sage Essences as you will simply bring them back to me. Then, all that will remain is the Triforce of Courage, which won't be far behind once that whelp comes running in a futile attempt to save you and this kingdom.—
Zelda's free hand balled in anger, still attempting to prevent Ganondorf from maintaining contact with her, but it was difficult. He was simply too powerful, even without the Sage Essences at his disposal, leaving her with only one option—responding the only way she knew how.
—When Link arrives at the palace, you'll only be sorry you ever provoked him.—
Another round of derisive laughter rang out in her mind, proving there was nothing she could say that would have any effect on the King of Evil. So she tried harder to block him, finding herself sweating with the effort.
At the same time, Link clutched her more tightly, his scowl deepening to feel her trembling against him. Whatever Ganondorf was saying to her had to be unpleasant, and his anger redoubled at the thought of his own helplessness to stop it.
So he asked, "Zelda, can you block him out?"
"I'm trying, but … ." Cringing, she rasped helplessly, "He's too powerful."
As she spoke, Ganondorf continued, and whatever he said had Zelda gasping as she clutched Link more tightly. The sensation left him whispering her name in both concern and uncertainty as it became a waiting game to see if she could break contact, or even tell him what the King of Evil was saying to her.
And Zelda didn't appreciate his message one bit.
—Don't be so certain, my lady. With the leash I have around your neck and Myriad unable to assist you further, you now have but one choice. I'm certain your precious hero has alerted you of your parents' survival and how my true father placed them in a deep slumber to be used as a means of keeping you behaved. It is here in the palace they remain, helplessly awaiting whatever fate I deem fit to bestow upon them, and I promise that fate will be a cruel one if you do not comply with my wishes.
Fortunately for you, I have but one command, and it's simple. Within the next two hours, you will either come to me alone without alerting that whelp to the situation at hand, or your parents will perish. Drag your feet if you must, but remember the clock is ticking. As I told Link, I will have my due sooner or later regardless of the cost, and your two hours start now.—
At that, the link between them broke, finally allowing Zelda to release the Myriad Stone, and after all her effort to block him from the start, the force of it caused her to fall against Link.
Catching her before she could hit the ground, Link called her name.
"Zelda! Are you alright?"
She wasn't certain she could answer his question truthfully, and not simply due to the mild headache she now had after attempting to break Ganondorf's connection. Instead, his demands had her worried, but she could say nothing of them without jeopardizing her parents' lives.
But how was she supposed to hide the truth from Link? He knew her better than anyone, and if he sensed something was wrong, he'd only ply her with questions—and how could she lie to him? Better yet, how could she tell him the truth knowing what was at stake?
If she did, he'd only insist on taking some alternative plan of action that could potentially cause Ganondorf to make good on his threat, and though she trusted Link explicitly, the risk seemed too great, the cost of failure too high.
So she finally provided the most honest answer she could give.
"I'm … fine. My head hurts a little, but it's not bad."
Despite her claim, Link could feel her gripping his jerkin tightly as a few tremors passed through her body, proving she was troubled by whatever Ganondorf said. So he started rubbing her back in the hopes of soothing her while asking, "What did he say to you?
Squeezing her eyes shut, Zelda didn't bother to lift her head from where it rested against his shoulder as she answered, "He now knows I'm the Seventh Sage, and said that meant I would restore the essences he's lost. In turn, he's blocked Myriad so she can no longer aid us."
Link glared at the now blackened stone, a fist balling in anger that he fought to tap down. There would be plenty of time to deal with this new development soon now, and he focused on the present situation, asking, "Did he tell you about your parents?"
Zelda's eyes filled with tears as she shook her head, knowing that by mentioning them, she'd have to explain Ganondorf's demands and put their lives at stake.
So she lied instead.
"No, he only said I'd have no choice but to give him whatever he demanded when I arrive which must mean he's intending to use them … ."
She couldn't continue. The guilt of lying had all but choked her, preventing her from saying more—and when Link hugged her tighter in a bid to offer comfort, the tears flowed harder. I can't do this … I can't lie to him.
Instantly, Zelda parted her lips to tell the truth, knowing that if anyone could make things right, it was Link. No matter what Ganondorf stipulated, her faith in her friend was unwavering—yet the words stuck in her throat at the thought of her parents' predicament.
The one thing she'd wanted her entire life was the chance to know her true mother and father, and that chance was literally hanging by a thread. She'd also witnessed Link perform heroic acts she didn't think possible, but rushing off to the palace to save the King and Queen with a two hour time limit?
Even with his track record, that was pushing it.
The notion proved she needed to consider things carefully. How could she ask him to literally save the kingdom in the next two hours? Skilled or not, it was impossible, and she felt selfish even considering putting such a burden on his shoulders.
During her thoughts, Link responded under the assumption that Ganondorf hadn't mentioned her parents, "I'm not surprised. In Engleton, he was disappointed you hadn't come along because he wanted to see the look on your face when you learned the truth. So he's waiting for you to arrive so he can enjoy seeing your misery."
"He's despicable," Zelda rasped with no lack of remorseful anger in her voice.
"You'll get no arguments from me."
As Link spoke, she opened her eyes to regard the blackened Myriad Stone. The sight of it reminded her that they were truly on their own from now until Ganondorf could be defeated. It was a daunting thought, and making things worse was the fact that the clock was already ticking, leaving her scrambling for ideas on what she could do to fix the situation personally.
That's when Myriad's final words came to mind, and as she released Link to stand on her own, she gave him a curious look and mentioned, "The last thing Myriad said before she was blocked was something about invoking spirits, or … light guardians."
"I just thought of that," Link admitted with a considerate expression, qualifying after a moment, "she also wants me to take you to the revolt to lead them, so maybe Impa knows something about it."
Zelda nodded, unable to argue with his suggestion. It definitely sounded like the best course of action to take, and if she could perform whatever act Myriad wanted to increase their chances of success, she was going to do it. Ganondorf was allotting her two hours, after all, and she intended to use them to do everything she could to assist those she loved in this fight.
It was simply a matter of procuring Link's flute once she was done in order to teleport to Hyrule Field using the stones. It wouldn't take long to reach the palace from there, and in a bid to save time, she suggested, "Let's go then, because I'm very curious to learn more."
"So am I," Link concurred, wasting no time returning to their horses to get started.
Zelda was quick to follow him, mounting Frost a moment later, and that's when her worries momentarily dissipated. Instead, her focus was snagged by a surprising amount of soreness as soon as she settled in the saddle. The sensation was centered between her legs, and she didn't have to think about it to figure out the source of her discomfort—last night's activities.
It seemed Link was right to be concerned about causing her pain, not that she'd experienced any aches until she was sitting with a saddle putting pressure on a sensitive spot. Cringing, she tried to adjust herself without drawing attention, hoping to prevent Link from noticing her discomfort, and not simply due to her need for haste.
It was also embarrassing.
Yet Link spied her fidgeting, and knew what was wrong by the way she pushed her legs into the stirrups to adjust her hips against the saddle. So, after guiding Epona over to Frost, he inquired without actually mentioning the reason for her discomfort, "Why don't you ride with me to the marker?"
She was grateful for Link's discretion, unwilling to spend time on the matter by discussing their night of love making at length. So she asserted on a shy whisper, "I'm fine, I just sat down too hard."
To prove it, she goaded Frost into a trot away from the Myriad Stone, but with each step her mount took, it became more difficult to ignore the way the saddle smacked beneath her, and she finally tugged on the reins to draw Frost to a halt with a low sigh. While it wasn't excruciating, the ache was enough to be distracting, and considering her current predicament, she simply didn't have the patience to deal with it.
Not to mention she could only imagine how bad it would be at a gallop.
So when Link stopped at her side and wordlessly reached out an arm, she didn't argue, lifting a leg to transfer to Epona's back. Once she was sitting sidesaddle across Link's lap, the ache quickly faded, allowing her to relax against him—as much as possible anyway given the circumstances.
That's when he asked, "Is that better?"
"Much," she returned, adding to keep him from worrying, "and it isn't really bad, just annoying."
Nodding, he related, "I'm glad, but still, do you want some potion?"
Shaking her head, Zelda kept her face downcast with her head tucked against his shoulder for reasons Link supposed were related to embarrassment over the subject matter as she related, "It's not necessary, and if I take any, I'd rather wait until we reach River Town instead of using ours."
"Alright," he agreed, deciding not to push the matter when it seemed to embarrass her so much. Instead, he took Frost's reins to lead the horse away, but just before he could get started, someone called his name.
"Link, wait up!"
Looking back, they quickly spotted Nabooru riding toward them, slowing her mount once she had their attention to trot over with the dust settling in her wake.
As soon as she was within earshot, she asked, "Are you guys leaving? Not without saying goodbye I hope."
There was a sheepish hint to Link's smile when he replied, "We were just about to get started, and I hadn't planned on it, but something's happened and … well, I kind of forgot."
As he spoke, Nabooru took note of the blackened Myriad Stone, her brows narrowing over her eyes as if upset by the sight, though she didn't ask questions. Instead, she muttered, "I see that. So it's a good thing I found you because I'm coming with you."
Link and Zelda exchanged a curious glance, though Zelda could sense something in the Gerudo that told her just about everything she needed to know over the reason why. She simply didn't get a chance to voice it before Link asked, "Are you sure you want to? I mean we're about to walk into a pretty big fight to put it mildly."
"Yeah, I know, and that's one of the reasons why I'm coming. But before I explain, I need to give you something."
Reaching into a pouch tied to her horse's saddle, she produced a key and handed it to Link. The object was made of gold and possessed a jeweled Triforce emblem at the tip with stones of red, blue, and green.
Link had no idea what it could've been used to unlock, but Nabooru began explaining before he could ask.
"Yesterday, we took a small group to the Spirit Temple to check it out now that you've eradicated the monsters infesting it, and one of the girls found a glowing light in the sanctum that turned into this key when she touched it."
Hearing this, Link suddenly realized he and Zelda had overlooked the gift of the temple after the final fight—not that he was surprised. Considering what had happened with his shadow, they were eager to destroy Dragmire's orb and depart as soon as possible, leaving only one question.
What did it open?
It was a question Nabooru answered by continuing, "It's a Master Key that can open any locked door, including those in Hyrule Palace."
Emphasizing the last, Nabooru smirked knowingly, and Link couldn't help but find the look infectious as he placed the key in one of his pouches, mentioning, "This will come in handy. Still, how do you know what it is?"
Still smirking, Nabooru admitted, "Two ways. First, your mother told me."
Now Link was truly confused, but again, Nabooru didn't make him wait for an answer to the question of how she knew who his mother was.
"I took the key to the Myriad Stone last night and asked her about it, and we had a long talk about several things." With that said, the Gerudo's smile faded in adding, "Including the identity of my son."
Instantly, Link and Zelda shared a concerned look, the latter asking, "What did Myriad say about him?"
"She told me Link had informed her of the way I brought him here to live as a child, and when she heard my name, she knew who my son was through the identity of his father. I don't know if you're aware of this, Link, but the man I mentioned to you, Druno, eventually became Dragmire, and he stole my son from me to twist him into Ganondorf."
Link let a low sigh, giving a slow nod of his head. "I actually found out when Zelda and I visited Zora's Domain, I just … I didn't know how to tell you."
Finally, Nabooru's smile returned as she offered an understanding nod. "I know, and I also realize you're fighting to end him. So it had to be difficult for you to know what to say. It was hard enough for me to even accept Myriad's story, but in my heart, I know it's true, and I can't sit idly by while my favorite kid in the world tries to save the kingdom."
Exhaling low, Nabooru's expression took on a somber quality it didn't normally possess when she next related, "I can't lie and say I don't want my son back. But when I think of my son, I think of the baby I held, and the man he would've become if I'd raised him, not whoever's sitting on the throne in Hyrule Palace. That man's a stranger, a fiend going by what Myriad's told me he's done, and you've been more of a son to me than he'd ever wish to be.
"So though I'd give anything if it meant turning Ganondorf away from the path he's now on, we all know that's not going to happen, and what Myriad said is true—Dragmire killed my child."
With a great deal of anger in her voice, she added, "Ganondorf wasn't even the name I gave him. Myriad said it's some forgotten moniker of a tyrant from Hyrule's history who caused an immense amount of trouble long ago, which just proves Dragmire's intentions to twist him from the start. She also told me it was more than Dragmire's influence that corrupted him."
Uncertain he understood, Link asked, "Like what?"
"She doesn't know," Nabooru returned. "She only said she can sense something every time he touches one of her Stones, something dark and twisted. It's him, but she knows there's more to it."
Briefly casting her gaze aside in thought, the Gerudo eventually shook her head and remarked, "Whatever it is, I only know that if I'd raised my son as the true King of the Gerudo, he'd never attack his own people, yet here we are, preparing to defend ourselves from this King of Evil because he's no longer one of us."
Sighing, Nabooru concluded, "Myriad also told me how she had to give you up because of Dragmire's threat, Link. So I owe it to her, and to myself, to help Princess Zelda claim the throne that's rightfully hers. By doing so, I'll at least be honoring the memory of the child I birthed, and supporting the Hylian who became my ward when he was seven years old."
Though her explanation was sad, Link and Zelda smiled at the conviction in her voice. Still, Link couldn't help feeling a certain amount of guilt over what had to be done, relating, "I'm really sorry about all of this, Nabooru. I … ."
He trailed when the Gerudo lifted a hand to stop him and remarked, "Don't be. None of it's your fault, and I've mourned my entire life, always wondering what happened while never really expecting an answer. But against all odds, I finally know, and even though it's not the story I wanted to hear, it means I can finally put my doubts to rest."
With that said, she turned her horse's reins to get underway, adding with a sudden prideful smirk, "Besides, there's something else you don't know."
"What's that?" Link asked, ready to goad Epona into a trot behind Nabooru.
Looking back, the Gerudo grinned and announced, "I'm the new Sage of Spirit. Top that, Hero of Legend."
With a loud laugh, she kicked her heels into her horse's flanks and took off riding.
Link's brows arched in surprise, watching the Gerudo ride away before glancing at Zelda to see her shrugging with a small smile. Nabooru's newfound status as a Sage was what she'd sensed of the woman from the start, and all she could think to say over the matter was, "She's definitely spirited enough to be."
"That's for sure," he returned with a smirk, then goaded Epona into a gallop.
Catching up to Nabooru only a few moments later, the group departed the Gerudo Valley to cross the desert to the oasis under an overcast sky. The entire way, each was preoccupied with their own thoughts, though all of them were focused on one thing—their impending fight to reclaim the kingdom.
Yet Zelda was filled with remorse, continually hugging Link while offering silent apologies for what she would be forced to do very soon, and guilt wasn't the only emotion driving her to hug him so tightly.
She was also afraid.
It was impossible to stop thinking of her parents while wondering what Ganondorf would do once she arrived in the palace. But no matter how bad it might be, she was grateful when they reached the teleporting stone in quick time.
Still settled across Link's lap, Zelda closed her eyes as he started playing the flute, listening to the soothing tones as its power washed over them. Soon, their bodies began to shimmer and fade from sight with a golden glow lifting up into the air to carry them in the direction they needed to go.
Sooner or later, Zelda thought as they went. Ganondorf said he'd have his due regardless of the cost, and perhaps it was true. Yet she also knew that sooner or later, everything would be set right.
It was simply a matter of doing what she must to ensure it.