Chapter 13

Dreadful News with a Guilty Conscious

The tunnels leading to different parts of the room were long and unending. Not much happened after that encounter with the mace thrower, but as I just continued to bite down on my fears and swim through another path, and another path, I thought I was recognizing some of the rooms I've been to before.

Could that be possible? Was I going in circles, or just going crazy? Who could tell? These rooms all looked the same. But shortly after that, I saw the empty chest, and then passed by the same message in the wall with the same mace thrower against it.

Somehow, I was backtracking…

I must have spent hours looking for an exit, even if it was the door I came through, but I just came across the same places of the room. I followed the roads I didn't think I've taken before, but I then found out I've taken them several times. I was beginning to lose hope of ever getting out of there!

I'm still not sure what I did different, but I found myself standing in front of a door I have never seen. For some reason, there were no vines keeping it in place, so I swung it open, and my heart sank.

It looked like the exact same room I have been in for hours now… A tall stone wall blocked my view of the rest of the room, and the ceiling was so tall, I could barely see the top. A deep pool of water buried itself in the floor, and waited for me to dive in the long and warping tunnels. Well, I couldn't just stand there and expect to move forward. I jumped into the water and followed the passage. It split and I took to the right, where it led to another portion of the room.

With an empty treasure chest next to the pool.

Now this was all too familiar, but there was nothing I could do! Is this the very same chamber I was in before?! I sighed, but jumped back into the water and swam to the left. I then swam through one more passage and what I saw confirmed my fears. The mace thrower was still lying unmoving by the wall, and a familiar message was carved into the opposite wall. "Decisions should be left open for those who wish to take it." What does that mean!? I was starting to become quite worried by this point. I can't leave this room, but I was unable to move forward as well. What was I supposed to do? Was this the end?

I took some more passages until I came by the door. I reached for the handle, and pushed it open just to reveal the same chamber once more! How do I get out of this? I hesitated to enter and instead took a seat on the floor. I felt trapped, and I didn't even know where the guardian was. Water collected around me from my wet tunic, and I realized for the first time how quiet the chamber was.

I had to find a way out! But was there a way? Maybe the message I kept seeing was important. I read again and again in my head. What "decisions" was it talking about? Was I supposed to leave something open, or has it a different meaning? But the more I focused on the matter, the less sense I made from it. I was tired from my trip in the swamp, too tired to focus much at all. I felt like I've never spent so much time in a dungeon.

When I sat down, I was exhausted enough to fall over and sleep right there on the floor.

My eyesight was almost parallel with the floor, making the stone look close. And I could also see the overwhelming tall ceiling with its vines like green veins trailing in random patterns up there. At first, the sight of the temple scared me until I remembered why I was here. I must have slept deeply, because my head was still tired, but my thinking felt new and fresh.

I sat up and remembered the puzzle I was trying to solve. "Decisions should be left open for those who wish to take it." Perhaps I looked at too much. "For those who wish to take it" I stared at the door that led in the repeating chamber. Could that mean a way out? If it was, perhaps the rest of the message will make more sense. "Decisions should be left open". If the way out was open? If it was open, I won't be trapped running around in circles! I sighed, but what if "Decisions" was a literal door?

What if it was right in front of me all along? With a clear head, but a half-asleep mind, I accepted the frivolous idea, stood up and opened the door. The same chamber I have been all over waited for me to step through. I turned around and without much thought about such a crazy idea, I stepped backwards through the entrance, and as I stood in the beginning again, I saw it. Within the door, the chamber image began to change like magic. It changed to a new room I have never seen before. Who would have thought that I just had to go back to the beginning?

There was nothing much in this room, as it was only big enough to have a treasure chest sit in the center and was just wide enough to pass it so I could then go to the door behind it.

I was excited to be done with the chamber that trapped me. I didn't hesitate to rush into the door and open the box. What I saw in it was quite a surprise for me. It wasn't a key, a weapon, or even rupees. What sat was a pair of heavy metal gloves. They didn't look like they've been there very long, but obviously, they must have. The metal was not rusted and was a dark gray. I brought them from the box to take a closer look. They looked really strong, I thought as I fitted them over my hands, and removed my sword from its sheath. The metal texture held onto my blade tightly, and I brought the weapon before me in smooth and solid sweeps. But I didn't know what other purpose it had. I just hoped it would help me to find the guardian.

The door behind the chest led to the beginning of the temple, and I saw the elevator was still waiting for me on the wet, and green, floor. I turned behind me, I had emerged from the same door I went in. What magic! I swung it back open out of curiosity, and the repeating room with the aqua tunnels was in view once more, just like the first time I went in. I closed it shut again and turned to the final door that I haven't been in, but it was still locked. And I still didn't have a key. What must I do? I then remembered that there was one other room that I was in, but couldn't figure out what to do. I didn't really want to return to that one, but maybe I didn't have a choice.

After sliding past the still sturdy door. I saw the treasure chest still sitting in the cracked built-in room. How could I reach it? The switch didn't help me at all, and I didn't have anything that could keep it down. I felt like screaming aloud. If I only brought my bombs! I should have never left them at home. The wall looked weak enough, one bomb would have broke it open.

So now, I guess I was stuck again! I just stared at the cracked wall, wishing I could do something about it. It was then when I realized that I still held my sword free from its sheath. My grip was more powerful, and my anger was already beginning to rise. Instead of putting the sword away, I, like the last time I was here, struck and stabbed the cracked wall.

When the new gloves prevented the sword from slipping, I took my hits with more purpose. I held onto the sword with both hands and moved the tip to a small crumble. As I jabbed the blade forward, it didn't slip and I struck the wall hard! It began to fall somewhat, and I continued to attack the weak spot. Finally, the rest just fell all at once! The air was filled for a moment with the dust cloud that was released.

The treasure chest was now reachable! I shook away the dust from the air I breathed, and walked over the crumbled wall to open the chest. This time, just as I hoped, there was a silver key sitting lonely within the chest that kept it there for many years. I took it and eagerly ran out of the room, back to the beginning.

Without another look around, I ran instantly to the locked door, and pressed the key into the lock. I heard a click, and the door creaked loudly as it swung open. Plants and mud engulfed this sloping passage. It looked quite steep, and it may be slippery too, so I had to be careful. I stepped slowly onto what was once stone, but by the second step, I had already slipped!

I fell on my back, and the mud willed me down the rest of the way quickly! My scream echoed through the plant filled slide, and I rolled over bumps and hills in the way. I tried to stop myself by grabbing onto the green vines, but I only brought them along with me. Suddenly, I was on flat ground again as I tumbled out from the passage and fell to a stone floor. I was covered in the mud and vines, and I tried, in a poor attempt, to brush it off.

This room was different from what I've seen, but it resembled the chamber with Horsehead, and I knew then that this must be the guardian's room, because I saw the statue of the man with the hollow in his forehead.

Not a moment later, I heard clunking footsteps. I used the shield spell and waited for the second guardian to show its face. The creature that approached me was Helmethead. He looked like an ordinary ironknuckle, but this guardian was also quite tall, and I knew this fight would hold different tactics. I took another minute to cast the jump spell as well. "I've been waiting for over a thousand years for this fight." He said in a low voice. He held a sword and shield, and was covered in heavy armor that was well taken care of.

I didn't reply. Instead, I inspected the armor from where I stood. It looked really tough, but the helmet looked… Loose? I decided that the head would probably be the best to strike. I took my position and steadied myself as Helmethead came closer. And when he was close enough, I jumped into the air! The spell allowed me to easily reach the helmet, and as I flew to the armor, I took hold to the shoulder and already had my chance to strike the head with my sword.

I then jump back down and stumbled as I landed, almost falling to the floor from still not mastering the spell I had, but I was learning how to control it better than I did. The loose helmet knocked harshly at the monster's face. He fought back by vigorously swinging his weapon, but a small opponent would be hard to hit. Now that he was aware of my strategy though, depending on how smart he was, it would be harder to follow up on it. When I saw the slightest opening, I jumped again to reach the shoulders. But I was too far away.

It was then that I realized how dangerous that move was! I fell straight down while the monster stood mostly in one place while he tried to find me with his sword. Luckily, I somehow missed the swinging sword and landed safely on the ground. Looks like if I plan to jump, I need to make sure that I'll make it.

Once he lost me again, I ran behind him, and jumped up again! I landed on his shoulder, and before he could react, I attacked the helmet once more. He then quickly turned and the force shoved me from my position. I tried to right myself, but didn't have the time! I landed on the old stone, but I wasn't as harmed as I would have been, thanks to the shield spell.

Still lying down, Helmethead looked even taller than before, like I was in danger of being stomped upon. I had to look far up to even see his face! "Aaugh! I've had enough of you, pipsqueak! …Where are you now?" He called, his voice rumbling through the chamber. I stood and ran to his left, before leaping up again, but as I flew back up towards him, he saw me.

He didn't have enough time to strike with his weapon, so he tried to shove me with the fine armor on his shoulder. I also saw what was coming and reached out to hold onto the arm. But the steel smashed my face, and the impact left me hanging on with only one hand. I was able to pull myself up even though my vision was hazy and I felt like dropping down from the pain. I climbed up on the shoulder where it was my turn to attack! I completely knocked the helmet right off this time, and it fell all the way down to the floor, but underneath the head armor was... another helmet!?

I stared breathlessly at the sight with my jaw to the ground, and Helmethead took advantage on my hesitation and brushed me off like unwanted dust. I knew the jump spell would absorb the shock, but I still had trouble with the landing. The fallen helmet sat quite still on the cold floor. I stood up, and turned my focus back to Helmethead, but I was once again distracted by the helmet on the floor…

It was moving…

It slowly lifted up in the air and righted itself. I brought my sword and shield up as it floated towards me. Then, I was confused and jumped from shock when it suddenly released a burst of flame on me! Luckily, my shield fought against the blazing red and orange. This fight just became more difficult with the attacking helmet. I was reminded of the dragons called gleeok I fought many years ago. After decapitating one of the multiple heads, it would float around and attack me. I had to fight the real monster while, at the same time, avoiding the ghost heads.

When the fire became exhausted, I ran rather than fought it, thinking it to do me no good. But now Helmethead knew where I was because of the flames. He tried to stomp on me as I ran around him. The floor cracked and rumbled loudly with every pound, and I knew I was being followed by the fire-breathing helmet. Without stopping, I jumped when I was close enough to the side of the monster. I brought my sword up and attacked the second helmet before I even landed! The armor knocked vigorously like the last one, and I dropped back to the floor.

As I hit the floor, I had to roll quickly to the side, and the fire-breathing helmet just narrowly missed me. The blazing flame roared dangerously close! When I came back up, I realized I was near Helmethead. His foot lifted in the air and attempted to pound me into the floor once more. I ran just in time when the room shook from the heavy impact, and deep rumbling and the whoosh and crackle of the fire filled the chamber. There was danger in every corner. I had to focus on finishing this battle!

I jumped when I was close enough again and as I attacked the helmet, this one too, fell off. I watched it fall for a moment and sighed when it began to float in the air. I looked back to the monster, expecting to see yet another helmet, but this time, the face was unprotected. He looked almost human, but he had a stern look that resembled more of a creature. He had dark gray skin and eyes that looked like slits. I jumped back to the floor as Helmethead started to thrash angrily, but then I had to deal with two fire-breathing helmets! They tried to form a strategy on cornering me between them, but I didn't stop running.

Whenever I tried to ready another jump, one of the flying armor would hover in my way. I waited for the second one to approach me, and as I turned, the one in my way was preparing a burst of flame. I darted to the side and jumped onto the monster's shoulder again. I was surprised that they pursued me up here and could do nothing but duck low when they prepared their attack. At the same time, two lines of fire rushed forward, forming a greater burst!

Right into the monster's unprotected face!

He started to yell and tried to put the devouring fire out, but I took the moment to attack him back. The two helmets dropped to the floor first, and then the monster himself began to sway. I dropped back down and he fell with an overwhelming thud!

Well, I thought, that wasn't too bad. The second guardian has been defeated, and that means there are only five more to fight before I can come home with the Triforce. Feeling proud, I failed yet again to dust of my hands and tunic. I was covered enough of the mud, vines, and other unpleasantries that it was like I was being swallowed by the essence of the swamp. But in the moment, I didn't care.

I didn't give Helmethead another glance as I left him to reach the statue by the set of stairs. I removed a single sparkling and clear gem, and reached up to insert it into the perfect hollow. The crystal sat quietly for a moment, but then began to shine. The white light filling the dark and cold chamber with welcoming warmth, and I walked up the stairs, leaving the gem and statue behind.

Both of my spells wore off by the time I reached the top of the stairs, and like before, the world began to shake and pull the old temple further in the ground. Vines snapped under the pressure of holding it together, and the now released walls fell in on each other. When the palace could no longer be entered, the shaking stopped, and was replaced by the normal calls of insects. I stood there for a moment looking at the pile of ruins, and thought of its destruction as a shame… It has been here for so long, and became the home of many creatures… I thought of the old building, too, as a reminder, a connection, of the long forgotten past, of the people who built it and their wishes for the future. It has served its purpose, though, from what the old scroll said, it was a long ago king that built these as a challenge for myself.

It was then when I felt the sticky heat again, and it hit me that I was in the swamp and had to travel more hours until I can reach the road again. The dank view of the sky was seeping from morning into day. Was I really in Midoro palace that long? It was just becoming dark when I went in, but I did fall asleep. Suppose it didn't matter, the only importance is that I keep going. The sooner I leave the swamp, the better.

Of course, this was the biggest swamp in all of the kingdom, and knowing how horrible it was, this was one of the few places in Hyrule that I never bothered to explore. And here I was, dragging my feet in the muck, just wishing to soon reach the end back to the plains.

The journey through the miserable wetlands was uneventful beyond the usual attacks, but after I walked for what seemed like forever, something happened that sent me in waves of shock and guilt.

"Link!"

I heard the call and turned to find the source, but was surprised when that source was a moblin. All the way out here? They were that desperate to kill me? I slid my sword free, but this moblin wasn't here to attack me. It was odd, but I recognized this one. This was Tog, a moblin I befriended years ago back in a cave. He helped me to find the temples with a map back then. "What are you doing here?" That was the only response I could find in my confusion.

He stopped and didn't even give the sword a glance. Instead, he was bowed down, breathing hard and trying to recover his voice enough to speak. He then suddenly stood and exclaimed. "Link, you must do something! His Highness, the prince, has been kidnapped!"