Considering this chapter was half finished last week it's taken ages to finish! It's quite a long one - be warned! Don't forget to review! Reviews make me happy!!!
Chapter Nine – Dreams
Mali's POV
I arrived back in Ordona Village to find I'd been promoted in my absence. The only other thing I had wanted in my life, besides Link, was now mine. My father, now too weak and frail to govern the province, had requested that I take over from his duties. Of course, seeing my father failing saddens me, sometimes more than I can bear, but I am determined to remain positive. I've wanted to be mayor for so long and I am the first ever female in Hyrule's history to attain such a prize.
My moment of glory is clouded by the memory of the events in the castle. My beautiful dress has been carefully packed away. I will never wear it again, despite my mother's protests. I have reverted to my former attire of practical breeches and a tunic. I have even taken to wearing men's boots. I am a woman doing a mans job so I have to look the part.
The decision to give me the job of mayor was not unanimous. Several of the older men were not quite ready to give the traditional role of mayor to a twenty-year-old girl, who had not yet had the chance to prove herself. It is quite likely (although I have not heard it said myself) that the role of Mayor was to be granted to Link. That he is slightly my junior, quiet and sometimes shy did not seem to weigh with them. I just have to prove that I am just as good as any person to do this.
So far I am not doing badly.
I have resolved the issue of some stray goats, re-homed some wayward Cuccos and have even managed to renovate old Miss Beth's waterside cottage. I have even organised the farmers market better so that now we hold it every other week. I have rallied the villages of Ordon Province to work more closely together and I have planned a party to celebrate my father's good works. I thought it would be a nice touch to show how much he is loved before it is too late.
My next task is to do something about Link's ranch. For too long it has lain abandoned. The land is good, the buildings are stable and Ordona Village could do with a few more inhabitants. As nobody seems to want to buy the ranch in one piece, I am thinking of splitting it into lots. Perhaps the option of an acre of land and a nice little house will appeal more than a sprawling mass of buildings set in ten acres of overgrown fields.
Only occasionally do I wonder what Link would think if he knew my plans. Sometimes I even want to write to him at the castle and tell him. Only because I know it would upset him to know that life went on without him just fine, thank you very much.
Sometimes when I close my eyes I can still see the way he smiled at the Princess. The way he took her hand and raised it to his lips. A simple courtiers trick but somehow it disturbed me seeing my Link, born and bred to be a farmer, behaving like that. Zelda had taken everything away from him. For her pleasure his freedom, his land, his animals, his personality had been stripped. Surely he realised that, yet why did he treat her like she was the most important person in the world. I personally would have slapped her.
Link is too nice for his own good.
I suppose it doesn't matter anymore though. He is not coming back to Ordon. He said it himself and I've no reason to disbelieve him. I should just get on with my life and get over the feeling that my heart has been broken. My dreams were so close to being realised but they've been taken away.
Things are never that easy.
I still find myself wandering the path to Link's ranch at sunset. I come here nearly every day just to remember. Twilight is the only time I feel I can be myself for a moment. I can let the draping of happiness and burden of responsibility slip from my shoulders. Nobody else comes here. Markis and Erik spend every moment possible with their girlfriends. My mother spends all her time looking after my father and my baby sister Agitha. Tomas and Tobias, the younger boys have taken to exploring Faron Woods. This is the only time I ever allow myself to feel nostalgic.
I walk slowly around the old buildings. Since the storms last month, they seem to be in even worse condition. The roof of the cucco roost has blown off, the stable doors now hang askew and the wooden barns have holes in them. Surprisingly the farmhouse is still relatively in tact. I head there out of habit.
I push the door ajar and peek inside. The place is dusty, dirty and covered in cobwebs. The curtains are moth-eaten. The few pictographs Link had are browning with age, a couple of them are mouldy but the place is just as it was left. I can see beyond the dirt and neglect and picture him here. We used to come in some evenings and drink tea by the fire. I always pictured myself living here with him. This little wooden shed would have been our home.
Until I knocked it down and built something much bigger and brighter of course.
However, that dream is not meant to be and so I shall stop thinking about it. I will instead think about how I shall make him hurt just as much as I hurt when he rejected me. Usually my plans involve injuring the Princess in a fatal manner. I close the door to the shack with a hasty bang and shake my head. I don't wish to become vengeful. Link has had his choice made for him and I cannot change that. If I loved him as much as I think I do, I should just be working to make him happy.
Sometimes I think Varjo's words had more of an effect on me than I thought possible. "I will help you regain what you lost." That's what he said and that's what I cling to in my darkest hours. How he could know what I lost is beyond me but his words, filled with such cruel intent, give me comfort. Even though I know that plotting revenge is bad for me.
I turn around slowly and am surprised to see that a huge black horse has been tethered near the dilapidated cattle barn. I didn't hear that coming! I always carry a short sword around with me so I put my hand on its hilt and creep forward.
There is no sign of the rider so I suspect he is lying in wait for me. The horse watches me uneasily as I approach. Perhaps it knows that I am nervous. I can see it pawing the ground and try not to think of how painful a kick from one of those massive hooves would be. As I creep forward, I see it begin to toss its head. Damned horses always do that. I try to avoid it as best I can and am doing well until the blasted thing starts to whinny.
I quickly turn and run for cover, expecting the owner of the horse to chase after me.
I run smack bang into a wall of flesh. My short sword is drawn in a flash but I am not fast enough. My attacked grabs both wrists in a painful grasp with one hand whilst the other twists the knife from my grasp. I start to scream but then a huge hand smothers my face.
"Be still, Mali." I gasp in surprise and look up. How does he know my name?
Towering over me, wearing a black tunic, with black breeches and a black cloak is Varjo. What could he want with me? I begin to struggle to free myself from his strong grip but he doesn't let go. I am finding it hard to breath and I feel my body beginning to panic.
"Will you be still, sweetheart?" His voice is eerily beautiful in the twilight. I try to control my struggles, capitulating to a stronger will in the hopes that it will somehow save me, but my body still trembles with fear. His red eyes gleam as they reflect the setting sun, and his skin is deathly pale against his black clothes. He waits until I have myself under control; all the while his eyes are fixed intently on mine. I find it impossible to look away. It is like he has a spell on me.
"That's better." He whispers as he finally moves his hand from my mouth. His other hand is still clamped around my wrists though. I feel his fingers stroking my face and though I try to resist the thought that his touch is actually quite pleasant, I cannot help but close my eyes a little. "Well now, little Mayor Bo, have you been well?" He asks as he continues to stroke my face, his fingers are so light and gentle that it is almost as though he is tickling me. I nod, completely unable to offer any words in answer.
"I must advise you that you will soon be welcoming the beautiful Princess and her faithful escort to your village." He murmurs. My eyes flicker open at this. "Oh, you are annoyed." He chuckles. Still he continues caressing me. "This is good, very good. When they come, I want you to watch them closely, my dear."
"Why?" I manage to utter.
His finger strokes its way to my lips and there rests softly. I gulp. I don't know what it is about Varjo that reminds me of Link, but there is something there that is a similarity. I think that scares me although at this moment in time I honestly don't know what I am feeling – frightened? Fascinated? Confused?
"You, Mali, are the key." He whispers. "You shall help me."
I make a noise in protest. I actually don't want to be part of any plot. As nice and satisfying as revenge sounds, I'm not prepared to betray Link. I think that's what Varjo is planning.
"It's nothing bad." He continues in that smooth tone. Somehow it makes it very hard to believe him when he talks like that. "And whether you wish to or not, you are part of something much greater than you can imagine. You are going to help me help Link."
Helping Link I could maybe live with.
"You know that he and the Princess have become the source of gossip in the castle?" I didn't know that. "Link is in grave danger, he has many enemies." This is news to me too, considering Link is one of the nicest people I have ever met, I find it hard to believe that anyone could dislike him. Varjo explains that Link and Zelda are having a very illicit and very passionate affair and that unfortunately, the servants have discovered this.
"I-I don't believe you…" I manage to stammer halfway through this scandalous revelation.
"You should believe me." Varjo's hand slips down to my neck. I struggle to retain control over my senses but it's very difficult. "Your love is in danger. The King already suspects the truth. If you do not believe me, ask Link about his feelings. He will tell you exactly what I do, although I know he will deny any kind of immoral interaction between himself and her. He has to deny it, even to his closest friends. Admission of guilt would cost him his life." His stroking suddenly stops and his hand clenches around my neck. I force myself to remain passive and try not to think of the strength I can feel in his hands.
"Mali, Link's life depends on you. I am begging you as his friend to help him. You must listen to me and do as I say. Keep a close watch on them. Do not allow them any time alone. And if you see anything odd, report it to me."
I nod again and he releases me. I feel cold all of a sudden and stare at him in confusion. "Of course, you must not mention this conversation to anybody." He adds as an afterthought. He leans forward and kisses my cheek. I feel a jolt of electricity pass from my cheek right down to my toes and suddenly I feel very cold.
"Don't forget – you are far too pretty to be wasted on Link. I am here to help you." Whispers Varjo into my ear. He probably can feel the way I am trembling although I couldn't tell him if that was because I was frightened or attracted. "I will see you shortly."
With that he turns from me and in one swift motion, is back on his horse. He smiles at me as he wheels the horse around and the next instant he is gone. I don't know how long I am left standing staring after him. I don't know what I am feeling right now. Am I frightened of him or am I attracted to him? I don't even know if he likes me. What I do know is that I have never felt so cold before. I shiver as the sun begins to sink beyond the horizon and realise that I should prepare myself for the Princess's arrival. I don't want her to outshine me.
Varjo rode with them when they finally arrived. He was laughing with the Princess about something. Link led the party. It was a scene I had long imagined – him returning home on horseback. Coming home to me. I was the first to spot them; I had been on the lookout so I guess it was only natural.
If I was imagining my dream of his homecoming, this one was pretty close. If I could have somehow whisked his two companions away so he was alone, it would have been perfect. He rode his horse on a slack rein, allowing the horse to amble. He looked around, noticing the changes but smiling the whole time. I guess it is nice for him to come home. Then when he saw me waiting there for him, leaning against the village arch he just grinned.
That was my perfect moment.
It didn't matter that the word about Link's arrival had spread around the village like wildfire and that people were running from their houses to catch a glimpse of him. It didn't matter that they were realising that the Princess – the real Princess Zelda – was in their midst and they were rapidly dropping to their knees. It didn't even matter that Varjo was laughing at me again. All that mattered was that I was standing there, just like I always did in my dreams and Link was riding slowly towards me.
He was still smiling so I grinned and ran up to take his horse's reins. Just like a good farm-girl would. I even get as far as welcoming him to the village. Link jumps of his horse with cat-like grace and glances at the assembled crowd. His eyebrows rise a little in surprise. I suppose he doesn't realise the impact his return is having. After all, most people didn't believe me when I told them he was alive and working at the castle. They just took it as the ravings of a lonely and heartbroken little girl!
Well I've proved them wrong again!
Link raises his hand in greeting and even I can see that his sojourn in the castle has done him good. He looks far more relaxed than ever before. Being in a crowd used to really freak him out before he left. Now he is just smiling amiably and taking stock of the changes to his beloved hometown. He says "Hello" to me and there my dream falters.
He turns away from the crowd and quickly attends to the Princess. This is not part of my plan! I feel a pain in my heart and glance up to meet Varjo's eyes. Somehow I know that he can sense everything I am feeling. He knows my boundless hatred for her.
She is watching the crowd with a wary look in her eyes. Perhaps it is because Varjo urged me to watch them closely or perhaps it is because I hate her so much, I can see the way her expression softens as Link approaches. She smiles at him, showing her relief and allows him to lift her from her horse. I personally do not like the way Link's arms seem to rest naturally around her waist as she steadies herself. He whispers something to her and she nods. I am close enough to see her take a breath and blink, it's as if she is composing herself.
Why would a Princess be scared of meeting her subjects?
She has everything, beauty, power, riches, and even Link. She has nothing to fear…unless she is worried about them discovering her illicit secret. I watch them even closer and decide that must be the reason.
Her brown hair flutters around her face and her huge violet eyes widen as she looks around the village. I take it she has never been in a simple village before. I'll bet she's never seen poor people so close before either. I wonder how close she is to turning and running away. It wouldn't surprise me if she did. She looks so scared. I see Link looking at me and suppose he expects me to welcome her to Ordona. After all, I am the mayor. I suppose I should.
I take a reluctant step forward.
Zelda suddenly smiles. To be fair to her, she has the most beautiful smile. I know it is not my slight step forward that has pleased her. I know, when she glances at Link, he is the reason for her happiness. I see he has taken her hand and is leading her forward. Surely she doesn't rely on his strength so much that she needs him to lead her forward?
What a wimp!
Now is my chance to yet again outshine her. Just like at the ball I can prove to the world that I am everything she is not. And maybe, just maybe, Link will see that too. I stride forward, deliberately making sure she sees just how confident and comfortable I am. My smile is bright and my step bouncy. I bow to her when I am relatively close.
"Welcome to Ordona Village, your highness." I even manage to keep my voice as bubbly as ever.
"T-Thank you." She stammers. I cannot believe how nervous she is. This is brilliant! Now everyone will see just how pathetic she is.
"What brings you here?" I ask. I think my confidence is overbearing her. I see her hands clasp together nervously. But I also see Link is still holding her arm tenderly. If I could just get him to step away I could completely overawe her and destroy her. He is the only thing here she can hold on to and he is giving her strength.
"Um…we are travelling to F-Faron woods." She manages to say before she breaks and she looks at the floor. I grin and quickly repress the look, I know Link is watching me closely and I don't want him to suspect that I am being cruel.
"Faron?" I feel as though I am interrogating her and I feel rather good about that. I glance up at Varjo and see him smiling at me. He approves of my actions.
"Yes, We are travelling to Faron and I thought it would be nice to stop back at home and say hello."
Link has rescued her. Damn his chivalry now he has spoiled all of my fun. "That is alright, isn't it, Mali?" I glance at him and see he is frowning. It is not part of my plan to get him angry with me and I realise I must change tack.
"Of course you are welcome, we are just a little surprised to see you, that's all." I explain with as much grace as I can. "I doubt that we have suitable accommodation for the Princess though. We are still a poor village."
Zelda looks up at this and I see that she is surprised. Perhaps she can sense my hostility. "Oh I don't need much – just a bed would be fine." She says. "If you would accommodate me I would be most grateful."
I know that any number of villagers would be delighted to accommodate her and I can feel their annoyance with me like heat on my back. "But of course, and we must have a feast in honour of this occasion." I say. The villagers cheer. I suppose that even if I am not welcoming, they wish to be. After all it is centuries since royalty last visited Ordon Province.
Of course I ended up being lumped with the Princess staying at my house. My parent's insisted and the villagers expected it of me to invite her. I could hardly refuse.
She barely spoke to me as she rested after her journey. I gave up trying to communicate. She has little conversation. I don't know what Link sees in her.
It's easy to see that Link likes her. The way he treats her like she is a porcelain doll is quite painful to watch. He is always smiling when she is near yet his eyes always hold a kind of hidden pain. I have decided to discover why this evening.
I leave Zelda resting in my room and promise to return later to collect her for the party. I stroll to the village square and watch the activity for a moment. People are hanging lanterns and banners whilst women rush around cooking meals and decorating tables with flowers. It looks like a fairy wonderland. If I could forget my problems I would be able to appreciate the beauty of our village.
They are decorating a makeshift throne for the Princess in wreaths of flowers. I roll my eyes at this, I do wish people would see that she is a dull husband-stealing wench and she doesn't deserve this attention! All right, so Link is not my husband, nor will he ever be but you know what I mean! I wonder if I could slip a thorn onto the seat of the chair, just for her added comfort…
I make my way towards Link who is attempting to catch some fish in the old watering hole. It used to be one of his favourite pastimes when we were little and he is quite skilled at it. I sneak up behind him and watch as he attaches some hapless bugs onto the hook and casts the line towards a small shoal of fish.
Within a moment he has snagged one and then the battle begins. He toys with the fish, pulling the line one moment, letting it drop the next all the while dragging the poor fish to its doom. A few minutes later and with a deft flick of the wrist, the fish flies out of the water and is thrown into a basket of its flailing brethren.
"Enjoying yourself?" I ask as I allow myself to cast my eyes on his person. He is wearing an old-fashioned styled green tunic over a white shirt and tan breeches. He looks so cute!
"Mali!" Link turns and looks at me. The next moment I am in an all too familiar embrace and I feel myself, and my anger, melting. But then he lets go. "How is the Princess?"
Yet more fuel to the fire of my hatred! Doesn't he think of anything else but her? "She is fine. She is resting at the moment."
"I'm glad." Link smiles at me.
I'm glad that topic of conversation has exhausted itself even if it has proved that the man I love is getting obsessed with another woman. "So how's life?" I ask.
"It is good. I enjoy working at the castle." Link grins at this and adds, "I'd never thought I'd say that! I thought I'd always live here."
"With me?" The words escape my mouth before I can stop them. The smile on Link's face disappears and he frowns down at me.
"Mali…" He begins. He runs a hand through his hair and pretends to tidy his fishing line a little. I think he is wondering what to say. I hear him inhale deeply and then he turns back to me, "Listen – you and me…we were always good friends, weren't we?"
Well I was always more than your friend, Link but I shall nod anyway.
"Remember how I used to tell you stories of my ancestors? How the Link's that had been and gone before me always lived to serve Hyrule and the Princess?"
"Yes."
"I always knew that one day I would be called upon to serve her. I knew that when that day came I would leave everything behind and I would run to be at her side. It is the nature of our families. There is always an appetence between us. The Zelda's and Link's that have been and gone before and no doubt the ones that will come after us – they will always be…connected to one another."
I shake my head at this. I don't really want to hear any more but Link seems to want to talk and short of turning my back and walking away, I cannot stop him.
"This connection is undeniable and eternal. I always knew that, Mali, and I knew as soon as I saw her that I couldn't deny who I was – I am just another Link in the story of Zelda. And every Link in this chain of memories has the same weakness."
"Her?"
"Yes – the Princess. I cannot explain what it is about her that I love, I just know that I love her and I will love her for eternity." When he says that his eyes light up with hope and happiness and for once I don't feel so angry with him. I just wish it were me that he loved. "That is why for every Zelda there is a Link – there will always be one man who will fight, even to the depths of hell, for her. There is nothing I wouldn't do to protect her and guide her. I cannot stop myself from loving her."
"I see." I smile reluctantly at him. "So you always knew that you'd love Zelda even before you met her?"
He nods peacefully.
"How lame." I add. "To be forced into loving somebody you don't even like."
"I do like the Princess." He corrects me gently. "She is…lovely."
"She seems very dull to me." I shrug. "But maybe you like dull girls." I smile at him and take the basket of fish. "I take it you're done with these?"
"Yes and thanks for listing, Mali."
"No problem." I lie through my teeth and keep that smile plastered to my face. A thought suddenly hits me, "Hey if your ancestors always end up with the Princess, doesn't that make you all closely related? Wouldn't she be kind of like your sister? If so that's just plain wrong."
Link laughs at this. "Not at all. Perhaps I should warn you, Mali, that although the hero and the Princess may invariably love one another, the hero always ends up marrying a farm-girl."
"I see." Well if that was supposed to offer me hope he is way off. I couldn't imagine it would be fun to marry somebody who loved somebody else. I leave him to his own devices and wander off to find Varjo.
If I had my own way I would have left Zelda sleeping and we could have had the party without her. Unfortunately, there was no way anyone would have let me do this.
She arrived looking more beautiful than ever. She had been travelling in an expensive looking riding habit and I was hoping she would wear something similarly overdressed for the occasion. However, as seems to be happening a lot lately, she disappointed me. I don't know where she had got it, but she was dressed in a simple sapphire blue tunic and long white skirt. She looked just like a farmers wife. Only the gold earrings and simple tiara she invariably wore set her apart. That and the fact her blue tunic was made of the most beautiful soft silk I have ever seen.
Her hair has been pinned up into a simple style thanks to my mother. She seems much more composed now. Perhaps the sleep did her good or maybe she's been sampling some of our homemade wines.
She laughs as she sees the throne set up for her and shakes her head. She's been on the wine for certain! She chooses to sit on a bench in between Varjo and Link and says a few words in thanks for our hospitality. By this time the evening is late and we are all rather hungry and so without any further ado, I start the festivities.
It disappoints me to admit that the impromptu party is actually quite fun. Although I will always harbour resentment towards the Princess, I am trying my hardest to enjoy myself and not let my feelings ruin what is actually an excellent night.
I have just finished an energetic dance with Varjo. In comparison with Link, he is an excellent dancer. He learnt the steps with alacrity and seemed to enjoy himself. He is very strong and graceful. I wonder if I should transfer my affections to him… I could imagine his horror if I did.
Varjo's presence has much to do with my enjoyment of the evening. He keeps me laughing and somehow makes me forget that only a few hours ago I was scared of him. He is a very strange man but at the moment I like him.
He is seated next to me when Link finally persuades Zelda to dance with him. Varjo glances at me, and grins "Want to dance again?" He asks and before I know it he has whisked me off my feet. He manoeuvres so that we stand right next to the Princess. He is determined that we will not miss any private conversation between them.
"Zelda, have you ever actually seen Link dance?" Laughs Varjo as we arrive.
"Actually, I have." She replies. "But I thought I'd brave having my feet trampled on. I want to dance."
"You should have chosen to dance with me instead." Varjo's red eyes gleam with mischief. "I promise I wouldn't tread on you."
"Yes, but you couldn't promise not to say anything outlandish and make me blush." She replies calmly. "I can trust Link not to do that."
"You mean you can trust him to toe the line." Varjo sighs in mock disappointment. "And you can't trust me."
Zelda laughs at him and the fiddlers start off. I am soon feeling too dizzy to notice what is happening as Varjo twirls me around the fire in ever faster circles.
"You should look at our Princess." He whispers as he spins me out of his arms and then catches me again. I gasp for breath but heed his advice.
Suddenly I don't feel like dancing anymore.
Link and Zelda dance in a much more sedate manner so our ecstatic twirling. It is not the fact that Link is, for possibly the first time in his life, dancing credibly. Or the way that Zelda moves with such elegance that she appears to be floating. It is the way she is staring up into his eyes. I think the pair of them are completely oblivious to everything that is going on around them. I doubt they have noticed that nearly everyone is watching them in astonishment.
As they spin around, I realise I have stopped dancing too although Varjo's hand is still on my waist. I look up at him and see that his eyes are gleaming again and he is smiling maliciously. He is watching them like a hawk watches prey.
I see a soft smile on Zelda's lips as Link says something to her.
Varjo's words then hit me – Link could loose his life for this. My grudge is against the Princess not Link and I don't want to lose him permanently. I know I have to stop them. But how? I must think of something quickly. Something that will rescue him without embarrassing me!
Suddenly a shout erupts. The small band stops playing and Zelda and Link break apart.
"Quick! Quick!" A small boy runs into the centre of the throng, screaming in terror.
"What is it?" I ask, trying to calm him. My heart is beating uncomfortably fast. Varjo is still standing by my side, but I don't feel any safer with him there.
"There's a Z-Zora…" The boy screams before bursting into tears.
"A Zora?" I hear the cries of fear clearly. I hear Zelda gasp in panic and glance over to see how she is reacting. She looks terrified. Link, on the other hand, is frowning.
"Everybody to arms." I shout. It is my responsibility as leader of this village to lead them. If the Zora's have chosen this place as the site for their invasion of Hyrule we must do everything we can to stop them. "Varjo, you must ride to the castle…" I begin.
"If there is but one, I think I can deal with him alone." He mutters. I see his hand reach for the sword he habitually carries.
We have been at war with the Zora for years. They are dangerous fighters. They hide in our rivers and pick off hapless citizens one by one by flinging rocks at them. Just because only one has appeared in our village doesn't mean that there aren't more of them. They have the ability to melt into water. They are the most dangerous foe I know. I have never seen one but I know of their deadly skill. And I don't want Varjo to get hurt.
"Where is the Zora?" I demand of the small boy.
"F-fishing h-hole." He cries.
There is a Zora in the fishing hole. I stare at him incredulously for a moment. How could this happen? The enemy is so near. I feel terrified. I wish I'd remained clothed in my breeches. At least that way I would have a weapon at hand.
As it is, I am unarmed. I have to put my trust in the villagers who have by now picked up sticks and knifes from the table as weapons. The few who were wearing swords have drawn them. Not that any weapon other than a bow and arrow will be of use against them unless we can entice the foul creature out of the water. The only person who hasn't is Link. He is frowning still. I notice that Zelda has taken refuge behind his back.
"Follow me." I order. How I manage to control my nerves is beyond me. Varjo marches besides me. It is only a few metres to the waters edge.
There is no sign of the Zora when we get there. Of course the fiend will be hiding under the water. I indicate for a few more torches to be brought forward. The water looks like oil and it is impossible to glimpse into its depths, even with the torches. It is also known that Zora can swim at incredible speed and he might already have escaped.
There is absolute silence as we all focus on the water. A few scouts have gone to the far end of the village where there is a cave in case the Zora attempts to escape that way.
We are all watching the surface of the water. The only way to tell where a Zora lurks is to look out for telltale ripples on the surface. The water is as still as a millpond.
Either the Zora has escaped or it is holding its breath under water.
"THERE!" Someone screams.
Sure enough there is a ripple on the far side of the fishing hole. I feel my heart pounding in my ears. I cannot take my eyes off the water. Everybody is watching that ripple as it moves left and then right, with amazing speed. I wonder if any of our weapons will have enough range to hit it.
It is probably hunting for good stones on the riverbed so it can hurl them at us. It is heading for the rock at the far end of the fishing hole. Surely it is not planning to lift that ancient thing is it? In my panic I cannot remember the stories of their strength.
"Ready your weapons." I call. My voice doesn't sound so confident anymore but I know I am not the only one who is terrified. Out of the corner of my eye, I see everyone take a better hold of his or her makeshift weapon. I wish I had something to hand as well.
Suddenly the ripple disappears. This is it. The attack.
A pale silver blue head emerges from the black water. The moonlight reflects off the water on its body, making the creature shine.
It is not wearing armour.
"Get it!" I scream. The Zora's head disappears.
"STOP!" Shouts another voice. Confused the villagers obey the second voice.
A moment later the head reappears. I realise that it is too far away to hit anyway.
"Lower your weapons."
I stare in amazement at Link, who has issued this command. He is supposed to work for the King. Why is he not attacking this enemy? I feel the eyes of the villagers on me, awaiting my guidance. Link watches me steadily. Perhaps he is asking me to trust him. I look at the distant figure of the Zora as it bobs up and down in the water and finally I look at Varjo. He is staring at Link; I do not trust the slight smile I can see on his thin lips. He sees me gazing at him and turns his attention to me. He nods slightly and I obey him.
"Lower your weapons and step back." I instruct.
The Zora waits for a while before it moves again. I imagine it will just swim away, glad to get its escape. I am horrified when it suddenly dives into the water and with amazing speed swims towards us.
It swims with its arms behind it; it's body undulating in perfect harmony with the water. I cannot believe how fast it moves. I join the villagers as we step back further from the water. Only Link and Zelda remain by the water, although I think Zelda only stays there because she wants to be with Link. I can see the terror on her face as she stares at the Zora in the water.
Suddenly the body disappears from view. The Zora has dived. Varjo is not the only one who raises his weapon again.
The next moment, there is a splashing noise and the Zora dives out of the water. It rolls as it lands and then quickly jumps to its feet.
I have never seen a Zora before, let alone one so close. It is quite possibly the strangest and most serenely beautiful creature I have ever seen. It's sea green eyes look us all over calmly. It must know the peril it is in, yet it is quite composed. I can tell by the way its fins are rising and falling in a slow rhythm it is perfectly at ease. Although it is unarmed, it carries a long spear, so it probably can defend itself. Its pale blue body is muscular and naked, and covered in tattoos and it is wearing various golden bracelets on its arms and legs. It is also very tall. It fixes its attention on me.
I gulp and try to remain composed. These are Hyrule's most dangerous enemies. I cannot forget that. They all turned against the king years ago. They are traitors and are evil and I should not allow them in my village. Yet here I stand, staring at this beautiful creature, not knowing what to do. Perhaps I should just order someone to capture it.
"Where is Gustav's son?" It demands. Or I should say 'he demands' for it's voice, is male. It is very deep and soft. Gustav's son is Link and surely Link doesn't know a Zora? What is going on? Like everyone else, I turn to Link. The Zora follows the direction I am looking and his eyes light with relief as he sees Link walking towards him.
Surely he doesn't know this Zora? Link would not betray Hyrule? Would he?
Link stands before the Zora. He frowns as he gazes at it.
The Zora smiles slightly. "Link?"
"Rheyan?"
Hope you enjoyed this - don't forget to press that little review button!!
p.s. If your curious about the Zora's and Hylians at war, you'll just have to read the next chapter, won't you!