Chapter 1 – Savior

Only a week had passed since Link and Zelda's departure from Kakariko Village, but it seemed like a different place during their brief return.

Then again, it could've been due to the uncharacteristic commotion going on over the strange light seen above Death Mountain the day before. Several people were discussing it, and many had come up with theories regarding the source that were completely ridiculous.

Still, others told stories that were much closer to the truth—not that Link or Zelda confirmed anything. Instead, they merely informed those who asked that they'd seen the light, and weren't sure what to make of it.

Yet, of all the gossip flying about, Shamrock unsurprisingly had the best news—or worst, depending on one's perspective. Word had it another revolt was being planned, and while details were unavailable, his source was trustworthy, and it was hard to know how to feel.

A revolt wasn't entirely negative when considering it meant the people had no intentions of allowing their kingdom to succumb to the whims of a tyrant. But the information also suggested those planning such a resistance were nothing more than kids with high ambitions who didn't know what they were getting themselves into.

Link and Zelda could only hope it wasn't true, and that at least a few skilled people were involved. Otherwise, the entire situation would only spell trouble, and their plates were already full.

The last piece of news Shamrock related was that Nissa had departed Kakariko a few days ago in order to visit her own people. Evidently, the fairy had some important news to relate, though she didn't say what it regarded. She only asked some of the villagers to help keep watch on Mira's cuccos and garden until she returned.

Zelda was saddened to learn that she'd missed the fairy, but somehow knew their paths would cross again soon. So she didn't complain, and spent the rest of their visit preparing for the long journey to Lake Hylia.

Shamrock was more than happy to offer provisions, and they also stopped by the stables for extra grains where Tallor complimented Link on how well Epona was doing, then asked Zelda about Frost. Such idle chatting followed them throughout the village, and most of the people were sad to learn the Hylians weren't staying. But with evening close at hand and the uncertainty of problems their prolonged presence in Kakariko could cause, the two left as soon as possible.

That aside, the trip to Lake Hylia would take three days using the quickest route, and they were planning to avoid it if only because soldiers were more likely to spot them in such well traveled areas. Perhaps the danger of such identification was minimal because there were no wanted posters or any bounties on their heads—yet—but Link wanted to keep it that way.

So they took the long way around, and aside from a few encounters with monsters hiding in secluded spots along the way, they made decent time. The weather was clear, the sun warm during the day, and the ride gave them ample time to both reflect on recent events and also plan for the future.

Part of this planning involved starting Link's magic training which Zelda initiated by showing him how to light a flame in his palm and use it to set a fire for their camp after their first day on the road. It took him a few tries, but his determination never wavered, and soon a decent fire lit the small grove of trees where they'd settled down.

In the process, Link learned what she meant about magical energies and how they were exhausted. Because he'd never trained with magic, he didn't quite have the well of energy to draw that Zelda did, and after successfully casting his first spell, he knew he wouldn't be able to do it again for a while despite his ability to sense the magic within him.

It was strange in a way, but he didn't question it, knowing he'd figure out more with practice—and it was certainly easier the next night. Of course, he'd never be as adept with the skill as Zelda, but even a minor amount of talent was certain to come in handy.

The following days were spent practicing whenever he had the chance, particularly against any enemies they encountered, and there was no shortage of foes during their trip. Still, they made good time, and by the third evening, Link surmised it would only take another day or two to reach their destination.

Zelda was certainly glad to hear it—not that she minded camping every night followed by a long day riding. But the sooner they could reach Lake Hylia and fix whatever problems awaited them, the better.

That evening, after Link tended their horses while she worked to prepare a meal over the fire he'd started, he left their small camp to wash up in a nearby stream. She fully intended to follow suit once the food was prepared, unwilling to consider in depth just how long it'd been since her last full bath.

Thankfully, a distraction soon came in the form of faint music hitting her pointed ears.

Glancing up toward the trees, she easily recognized the source—Lyonel's flute. Evidently, Link had finished bathing and decided to try his hand at playing a few tunes.

Smiling at the thought, she turned the meat over in the small skillet Shamrock provided and listened to the melodies which, all things considered, were well played. As Lyonel said, it didn't matter that Link had never picked up a flute before because this instrument was enchanted and would learn to play him.

She assumed that meant it would play whatever was in his soul, and despite some initial stumbling, the songs quickly grew soothing and even upbeat. The notion made her wonder who'd given the musical instrument to Lyonel from the start. He said it had been passed on for generations, making it sound like a family heirloom, but perhaps it didn't really matter.

Instead, the bigger question was how it could help them on their journey.

With the meat fully prepared, she removed the skillet from the fire and covered it, then started the process of boiling water with the intentions of making tea. At the same time, she smiled when Link's music grew playful in nature, wondering if that meant he was in a good mood.

Now that she had some time, Zelda pushed herself up and walked in the direction the music was coming from to find her friend sitting on the ground with his back against a tree trunk. With one leg drawn up and his eyes closed, he looked so relaxed she couldn't help but smile. It was also difficult to interrupt, but the water would be boiling soon, and their food would get cold if they waited.

So she stepped over and asked, "Having any fun with that?"

The music ceased at her question, and Link looked up to watch as she sat on her knees nearby.

Nodding in answer, he regarded the instrument and said, "Yeah, it's a little strange, but fun all the same, and I just thought I should give it a try over here instead of going back to camp. That way, if I was bad at it, I wouldn't bother you with squeaky screeches and such."

Zelda chuckled, asking, "Do you even know what you're playing?"

Shrugging, he explained, "It just feels like I'm just playing what's in me, as if it knows what I'm feeling and it's putting it into song."

"That's what I thought it would do," she admitted. "So you must've been amused just now, or at least in a good mood."

"I was happy," he confirmed. "I also thought it was funny that I was playing so easily."

Smiling brightly, she waved her hands to urge him on. "Well go on, play some more. I want to hear."

Link uncertainly rubbed the back of his neck, asking, "What would you like me to play?"

"Surprise me. You can play something and I'll try to guess what it is."

Staring ahead in thought, he finally nodded and lifted the flute to his lips. Closing his eyes, he focused on the memory of a significant event and began to play. The tune started softly at first, but as he went, the notes came more steadily, as if he'd played the song a million times and knew exactly what note to hit next even though he'd never hit it before.

Soon, his music was filling the forest with slow, soulful tones that seemed to echo far beyond the trees. Each note struck a chord somewhere deep in his heart as he remembered one of the most joyful moments in his life, the memory guiding him to play as much as he was guiding the flute.

Through it all, he realized the act was relaxing somehow, like getting an emotional burden off of his chest without saying a single word. If this was how it always felt to play the instrument, Link knew why Lyonel did so every evening. The man seemed to harbor a degree of emotional strife over the events of his past, from losing his wife to becoming outcast after the former King and Queen were killed, and playing was a form of release.

As he continued, Zelda was nearly moved to tears. Something in the song Link played evoked a sense of yearning she couldn't describe. It was hauntingly happy, yet achingly sad all the same, and she completely forgot about trying to guess the source of such a beautiful melody.

Enthralled, each note resonated as if it came from her own heart, as if she knew precisely what he was playing without needing to be told. The song consumed her so fully it wasn't until the whistle of her kettle went off and the music stopped that she managed to snap herself out of her stupor.

"Oh," she started, glancing toward the camp. "I guess dinner's ready."

Nodding, Link gave the flute one last look before putting it away, then joined her in returning to their camp.

There, Zelda finished making her tea, and they each took equal portions of the meat and bread she'd prepared earlier and settled on the same side of the fire a few feet apart. That's when she recalled her intentions of guessing what Link was playing, and stared into the fire while trying to figure out what could've produced such a beautiful tune.

"So," Link started during her thoughts, "are you trying to figure it out? I'm not sure I did it right, but I know what I was thinking of when I played, and it felt right."

Silent for a moment, Zelda finally cast her gaze left at her friend and admitted, "It felt right to me, too."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm not sure," she drew out softly. "It just … sounded familiar, as if you were playing something I know, or something I shared with you."

Proving she'd guessed correctly, he smiled and answered, "I was thinking of the day I came back to Kakariko and met you again."

Hearing this, Zelda found herself unable to respond. Learning the beautiful song he'd played was because of their reunion was too touching for words, and her silence gave him the chance to continue, "I just remember being so happy and sad at the same time. There was the girl I'd always known was part of my life before I lived with the Gerudo, but … I just couldn't remember who she was."

He grew silent for a moment, trying to contain his emotions before concluding on a strained voice, "I guess that's why the song was so mellow instead of completely happy."

It was hard to know what to say, though she fully understood his meaning. Their reunion had been emotional for both of them, and when Link turned his gaze to her, she remarked with a sad smile, "It was beautiful, Link, and in a strange way, I think that flute describes feelings even better than words. As you played it, I just felt as if I was there with you again."

Sharing her smile, he finally turned his gaze back to his food and took another bite, allowing her sentiment to settle in before making a slight change of subject.

"Still, I wonder how this flute will help us in the future. Myriad said it would open locks and new paths, but … again, how?"

"I'm not sure, either," Zelda admitted, qualifying, " and I think Myriad didn't explain it because she knows learning too much at once could confuse us, and possibly even cause us to become lost."

"Sounds like a good reason to me," Link returned. "Things are complicated enough as is, and I've filled my quota of surprises for the entire month."

"Definitely," Zelda agreed before sipping her tea.

Smiling, Link continued with his meal, getting to the last bit of bread before admitting, "I'm still worried about Myriad though, and what she said about Ganondorf contacting her. I know she told us the best way to help her is to continue on our journey, but I just wish we could end this right now so he won't bother her anymore. She's been through enough."

"You're right. After all she's done, she doesn't deserve such treatment." Exhaling a low sigh, Zelda mused, "It makes me curious though. I mean she did everything she could to protect Hyrule, but what was she like before all of this happened? She could've been married or had family. Maybe both."

Nodding, Link sat his empty plate to the side and remarked, "Maybe we should ask her sometime, though … bringing up any family or a husband she might've left behind could upset her."

"True, so it would probably be best not to mention it," Zelda observed, setting her own plate with his before covering her mouth with a yawn.

Link found the groggy gesture contagious, rubbing his eyes with a brief stretch of his arms. They'd ridden a long way that day alone, and while it was only just after sunset, getting some rest sounded like a good idea. So he scanned the area for their blanket roll, finding it settled just within reach.

Grabbing it to untie the strings they were confined in, Link pulled the two thick blankets apart and turned to hand Zelda one of them when he noticed a brooding look on her face.

Concerned, he lowered his arm and asked, "Zelda? Is everything okay?"

Drawn from her thoughts at the sound of his voice, she looked up to see that he'd been attempting to hand her a blanket, but she'd drifted off so deep into thought she hadn't noticed.

"Sorry," she apologized, reaching to take it with the words, "and I suppose it is. I was just considering the situation, and my future as a princess."

Spreading his blanket out, Link glanced over to curiously watch as she made her own pallet, asking, "What about it?"

Once her blanket was neatly folded, she settled down upon it and answered, "Just trying to imagine what it might be like, and it's so much different than the life I'd envisioned as a child."

It wasn't difficult to understand her meaning. He wasn't a prince or any other type of royalty, but his own life was shaping up into something much different than he'd expected. Still, he was dealing with those changes now while she likely wouldn't see a difference until Ganondorf was defeated.

So he asked, "What kind of life did you imagine having?"

A fond smile curved her lips as she related, "Nothing special, I just thought I'd be married, maybe have a few children, and live in a nice little house with a garden and a few animals."

Considering it, he returned, "You can still have most of that."

Sighing, Zelda looked down at her lap and remarked, "Maybe, but it won't be the same. I'd have to put the kingdom before myself and wouldn't be able to spend my days teaching my children how to craft things, or just visiting neighbors and making sure they're well."

The more she spoke, the more he realized she was right. She'd be much too preoccupied with her duties regarding political affairs to have many chances to enjoy simpler things. Instead of helping people by making deliveries door to door, she'd be aiding them from court.

Perhaps it would be enough for her knowing she was helping the people, but it was questionable how much she'd enjoy doing so from afar.

Yet he didn't have a chance to formulate a response before she dismissed the topic altogether.

"Oh, don't mind me, I'm just tired," she related with a wave of her hand, then turned to lie across her pallet. Resting her head on her arm, she added softly, "Goodnight, Link."

"Goodnight," he started, adding as he regarded her figure curled up on the pallet with her bronzed blonde hair fanned out behind her, "Zelda."

Gaze drifting down to his lap, he found it strange that he'd wanted desperately to call her Mira, and not out of habit. Instead, using the name Zelda served as a reminder that she probably wouldn't have what she'd always wanted—and it wasn't fair.

His own duty to defend Hyrule was no small burden, and yet he had a choice. Once victorious, he could lay down his sword for good if he so chose, but the end of his duties meant the start of hers.

The notion of it made him feel as if he was only working to shackle her to the throne.

Still, defending Hyrule wasn't his only duty—he also had a duty to his friend that would never end. No matter how many foes he overcame, or how many dark orbs she destroyed, his relationship with the woman resting across from him now would remain the same. Protecting her wasn't a responsibility that came when he'd pulled the Master Sword from its pedestal—he'd felt the need to protect her since they were children, both physically and emotionally.

So whatever help she needed, he'd provide it without qualm.

At the thought, he finally relaxed, leaning back against the fallen tree trunk behind him with his hands folded across his lower chest. Eyes closing, he drifted off with a promise in mind—once she took the throne, he'd do everything possible to keep her happy, and not because of his growing feelings. No, he'd keep those quiet if only to avoid complications.

After all, if she was happy, it was enough.

Distant shouting drew Link and Zelda from their slumber.

The campfire nearby had burned out by then, allowing the chilly air in as Link sat forward and cast a somewhat groggy gaze in the direction of the sounds. Whoever was making them wasn't close enough to understand, but their voices were combined with the slow movement of horses, suggesting a few travelers—and he eventually spotted a covered wagon just beyond the shroud of trees surrounding their camp.

The vehicle was currently stationary, and the moment his eyes pinned it, the frightened gasps of a young woman hit his ears. Just a moment later, she was tugged from the back of the covered vehicle at the hands of a casually dressed man holding a torch.

The sight of it had Link's expression going stern as Zelda asked softly, "What are they doing?"

"I don't know, but stay here. I'm going to find out."

She parted her lips to respond, but he'd already grabbed his weapons and departed, leaving her to shake her head with a low sigh. Still, someone had to pack their things, so she pushed herself up and got started on the task with the intentions of joining him as soon as she was done.

Meanwhile, Link stuck close to the trees, quietly working his way toward the scene. Once closer, he could see the man more clearly thanks to the torch he carried, as well as the young girl with him. Dressed in a torn, dirty dress with long red hair crowning her head, she looked to be somewhere between fifteen years old, or perhaps his own age at the most, and cried out in fear when the man holding the torch pushed her forward.

Holding her there by the back of her neck, another, older man approached and looked her over—and his own clothing was even more soiled than hers. But that seemed to be due to the fact that he simply hadn't bathed in Goddesses knew how long if his unkempt hair and filthy beard were any indication.

Grinning down at the young woman perversely, he reached out and lifted a lock of her hair as she clutched her ragged dress against herself, cowering away from the both of them. Yet she didn't get far, and as Link drew in a little closer, he could see it was due to a shackle around her neck the man with the torch was holding her by.

"She's definitely innocent," the fat old man remarked with a perverse chuckle, then asked the one holding her, "How much did you say?"

"Two thousand."

"Two what?"

"You heard me old man! You said yourself she's innocent, and that's the price for it!"

Bile instantly rose in Link's throat, appalled by the mere notion that these men might be bartering for the virtue of a defenseless young woman. Proving his suspicions correct, the old man spit out, "You'd better let me see the goods if I'm paying that much!"

"Fine," the younger man returned, reaching for the girl's dress without hesitation.

As she whimpered the word no, his hand clutched the collar of her garment—just as an arrow cut through the air to pierce his wrist.

Letting an anguished yell, he dropped his torch and released the girl's shackle to clutch the arrow now pinning his left arm to the back of the covered wagon. Simultaneously, the young girl and the older man looked over in surprise, and only a moment passed before she realized this was her chance to escape.

Spinning around, she ran from the wagon as swiftly as her feet would carry her while the younger man fell to his knees in pain. But that didn't stop him from taking notice, yelling to the driver of the wagon, "Stop her! She's getting away!"

The driver looked back to spy the fleeing young girl and immediately jumped down from his seat to follow. Yet he stopped abruptly when a second arrow slammed into the side of the wagon right in front of him, snapping his gaze from left to right in attempt to trace the projectile back to the source.

Doing so, he saw Link emerging from the foliage that had camouflaged him a moment before, his bowstring taut with another arrow aimed right at him.

"Who the hell are you?" the driver demanded just as his partner managed to unpin himself from the wagon with a grunt of pain, cradling his arm while glaring in Link's direction.

"That doesn't matter," Link replied, adding seriously, "and I don't care who you are either. All you need to know is that I'm not letting you sell a defenseless girl into the hands of a pervert."

Indignant, the old man yelled, "You said no one followed you!" But his anger went ignored.

Instead, the owners of the wagon watched Link carefully, the driver responding to his claim by asking, "Oh really? And just how do you plan on stopping us?"

Glaring at them with determination in his eyes, he parted his lips to speak when Zelda emerged from the foliage nearby with the young lady he'd just saved. They moved in behind Link slowly, and he finally answered the question.

"I have several ways to stop you, or … ," he tightened the bowstring and went on, "I could just shoot all three of you now."

"Wait just a minute!" the old man exclaimed. "I had nothing to do with this!"

"Be quiet, you despicable old windbag!"

At the girl's angry yell, Zelda placed a hand on her shoulder with a gentle squeeze to get her attention, then gave her a reassuring nod.

Once she'd calmed down, Zelda stated, "Link, she told me they have more girls chained in the back of the wagon. As for you," she added, looking at the old man, "you were just bartering for her, which makes you as culpable as the men trying to sell her."

The old man glared at the three of them, but he did keep quiet, allowing Link to ask, "Where are the keys to the chains?"

In response, the younger men remained silent, and Link sneered. But there were ways to get them to talk, and he didn't hesitate to state, "You know, I'm a skilled archer, but I've been in so many fights lately that my arm is sore, and it's getting tired holding this arrow. So I might just loose it by accident. More importantly, my friend here is skilled with magic, and after learning what you're doing with those girls, I'm pretty sure she's itching to use it."

Instantly, the men glanced at Zelda with wide eyes, and she didn't hesitate to conjure up a flash of light in her palm accompanied by a low boom of sound that proved his claim.

Seeing it, the injured man exclaimed, "The keys are on my belt!"

Glad to have their cooperation finally, Link directed the driver to take them—slowly—and toss them over.

Despite some grousing, the man obeyed without question, and the metal key ring hit the ground near Link's boots a moment later.

Leaning down, Zelda lifted them as Link directed, "Take the lady and unchain the others."

"With pleasure," she agreed easily, unable to stop herself from inquiring, "but what are you intending to do with the men, Link?"

Though his gaze was still fixed on the men, she could see the purpose in his eyes when he answered pointedly, "Give them a taste of their own medicine."

Knowing precisely what he meant, she wasted no time freeing the other girls in the wagon—and the sight awaiting her inside the vehicle was both heartbreaking and stomach turning. Six girls were chained by their necks inside, the oldest looking to be about Zelda's age while the youngest couldn't have been more than fourteen. Each was filthy and probably hungry, but the worst part of all was knowing what those men intended for them.

As the redhead Link saved took the keys and started the process of unlocking their chains, Zelda couldn't do more than stare in a daze of lightheaded nausea. Was this the result of Ganondorf's reign? Had the evil now spreading across the land caused such corruption, or was it simply the lawless harboring no fear of punishment?

Perhaps it didn't truly matter, as long as the current leadership was dismantled and these women were freed.

Moments later, they were, and most gladly assisted Link with the task of chaining the three men by their throats in the back of the wagon. The other two simply waited at the front of the vehicle while Zelda took a reprieve to get a breath of fresh air and—hopefully—some control over her emotions.

They're close to my age. Steeling her nerves against the notion that she could've been shackled in the back of some deviant's wagon just as they'd been, she took a slow, steady breath.

For as long as she lived, she'd never forget what she'd seen that morning—nor did she want to. If the time ever came where she sat upon the throne, she'd keep the faces of those harmed by Ganondorf's tyranny close, and make certain no one ever faced such a horrifying situation again.

With the silent vow given, she finally felt well enough to return to the wagon, but not before grabbing her flask of water to be shared between the two girls sitting at the front.

Smiling as they took turns guzzling the water, she stood straight again when Link's softly spoken question hit her ears.

"Are you alright?"

After seeing how pale Zelda was upon leaving the wagon, he'd been concerned about her state of being. Yet those men needed to be chained, leaving him unable to immediately follow her and ask if she was okay. After all, seeing so many girls close to her age in such a terrible situation couldn't have been easy to handle, and he was having trouble coping with it as well.

Yet she didn't respond to his question before one of the girls called out her discovery of a stream nearby where they could clean up.

The two sitting nearby instantly looked in the direction of her voice with great interest, and Zelda turned to ask, "Could you keep a watch on the men while they all go wash off?"

"Of course," he returned, though his worry for her hadn't waned. Still, now wasn't the time—the welfare of the girls came first, then he'd worry about matters of a personal nature.

A short while later, Link was sitting on Epona at the back of the wagon, cleaning the Master Sword in plain sight of the prisoners so they'd know it was nice and sharp. Meanwhile, Zelda assisted the girls in their tasks, which included providing them food from the provisions they'd brought along from Kakariko.

Handing one a piece of bread, the girl eyed her curiously and asked, "What's your name?"

"I'm Zelda," she answered with a warm smile. "And you?"

"I'm Rika, from Mido Town."

"That's a pretty name," Zelda replied, qualifying, "I'm from Kakariko, so we're something like neighbors in a sense. But tell me, are you all from Mido?"

The redhead Link saved initially answered, "No, we're all from different villages. Those men have been traveling from place to place to kidnap young girls and sell them for rupees as … well, you know."

Looking down for a moment, she took a deep breath to contain her emotions, then raised her face again and extended a hand in greeting. "I'm Kiama from Engelton. They just abducted me yesterday, so I'm the luckiest, but Jada over there has been with them the longest, and she'll need the most help to recover."

Kiama motioned toward the trees, and Zelda turned her gaze to spy a girl her own age with long hair just a few shades lighter. Leaning against a tree, there was a vacant expression on her face as she stared off into the distance, her eyes dull as if her spirit had been broken.

As Rika went over to offer some of her bread, Zelda felt a tear roll down her cheek which she quickly wiped away.

Thankfully, Kiama didn't seem to notice as she mentioned, "I've already told her that if she wants to stay with me in Engleton, my father will care for her until we can find her family. He'll also do whatever he can to help the rest of the girls get home."

The news put a smile on her face at last, and Zelda related sincerely, "I'm glad, and I hope it helps you all to recover more quickly."

"If it weren't for you, we wouldn't have a chance to recover at all," Kiama replied, her eyes brimming with tears as she stepped in to give her a heartfelt hug.

Zelda didn't turn her away, finding the embrace welcome if only because it soothed her own nerves. Still, she was momentarily distracted from her distressing thoughts by Kiama's next question.

Stepping back, the redhead wiped her cheeks and mentioned, "I nearly forgot to ask, but your man's name is Link, right?"

"Um, yes, but he's not … ," she trailed, hoping her blush wasn't noticeable in adding, "my man."

"Oh," Kiama drew out, nodding. "Well, I was only wondering if I could tell him thank you, too."

"Of course," Zelda confirmed, getting the sense that Kiama was shy. So she encouraged her with the words, "Don't worry, you won't bother him."

Smiling, she first went with Zelda to help the rest of the girls get ready to go, and moments later, all seven ladies were heading to the wagon together.

Seeing them, Link sheathed his sword with a smirk and related to the prisoners, "Well, your wardens are back. So I'll be going now."

With no qualms handing their fate back to their former captives, Link dismounted Epona and took her reins to lead her away from the wagon.

"Link?"

Looking right at the sound of his name, he saw the redhead standing nearby with both hands drawn up to her mouth as if she were nervous, or maybe shy. So he asked as amiably as possible, "Yeah? Are you okay?"

Kiama nodded slowly, tears brimming in her eyes as she rasped, "Thanks to you."

He almost got the chance to reply and tell her he was just glad he could help, but as if a dam had burst, the lady suddenly threw her arms around him in a tight hug. At the same time, she thanked him so sincerely he couldn't stop himself from returning her embrace with a few comforting pats against her back, genuinely grateful for her well being.

"You're welcome. I'm just glad those degenerates can't hurt you anymore."

"Me too," she whispered with a sniffle, then stood back and released him, adding, "and I'm sorry, but I couldn't help myself. I told your friend what happened and how they've been kidnapping young women from all over the kingdom, and I just needed to say thank you for everything you've done."

"All over the kingdom?" he asked, appalled by the thought.

"Yes. They took me from Engleton just yesterday," she answered.

Considering their location in eastern Hyrule, that wasn't surprising. Engleton was on the way to Lake Hylia, and he'd stopped there once with the Gerudo several years ago. It was a small town filled with friendly people who all knew one another.

It was also close, a fact he related to Zelda by stating, "They can make it to Engleton before the end of the day using the wagon trail."

"We can?" Kiama asked hopefully. After spending the past day in the back of the wagon, she had no idea they were so close to her home, qualifying eagerly, "Then we can take those men there and my father will have them imprisoned. He's on the town's council, so he'll make sure they pay for what they've done."

Smiling, Zelda mentioned, "And you'll be with your family again in no time."

Kiama smiled brightly, her eyes still brimming with tears as she hugged Zelda once more with a small burst of joyous laughter.

Returning her embrace, Zelda could feel a weight lifting from her heart knowing they'd helped the suffering young women. Perhaps it hadn't been soon enough for a few of them, but at least they now had a chance to recover and carry on with their lives however they pleased.

Watching them hug with a smile, Link informed Kiama, "We'll lead you to the wagon trail, and all you have to do is follow it east until you reach Engleton."

Releasing Zelda, Kiama looked between them and asked, "You won't come with us?"

"We can't," Link answered. "It's a long story, but the wagon trail is too dangerous for us right now."

"Oh," she drew out, seeming sad that they would have to part ways. Yet she was distracted from asking questions when one of the girls called her name.

"I'll be right there," she replied, then regarded the Hylians once more and asked, "Do you think we'll see you in Engleton sometime?"

"We are heading that way, so it's possible," Zelda replied with a smile. "So go and let them know our plans, and we'll make sure our horses are ready for traveling."

As Kiama nodded and ran off with a renewed grin on her face, Zelda managed to find a smile of her own, and yet her heart was heavy.

Somehow, she and Link had to fix things soon to prevent more incidents like this from occurring.