Chapter 2-An Alternative to the Accepted
The Grand hall was decorated in its greatest splendor in a way that rivaled most of the banquets held in it before. The castle's best tapestries and velvet red carpets were rolled out, and only the most delicious food that the realm of Hyrule had to offer was served in great quantities so that the tables groaned under the weight. Rock Sirloin Direct from Dodongo's cavern, Giant Berries from the Kokiri Forest, fish and crab from the shores of the eastern sea, hand-fished by the Zora, Fried Cucco from Lon Lon Ranch, it was enough to make one full for an entire week. At the same time, the many guests talked rapidly about current affairs, how nice the weather had been, or how well the Rock Sirloin complemented the sweet bread that had been made from wheat harvested from only the finest wheat.
And yet, despite all of this, one person was unmoved by the food or talk. Instead, he was tapping his goblet on the table and in deep thought. Link had many things on his mind. For one, the weird high priest Agunem. Another was to eat the fish or the cucco. But the one that was the most prominent and pressing was his impending dance with Zelda. He had totally gone ahead without figuring the details first! He didn't even figure out how the dance was going to go…would it be a big flop or a huge success?
"Link…?"
He nearly jumped a foot out of his seat. He spilled the contents of his goblet all over his empty plate.
"Zelda! Uh…" He became suddenly flustered. Princess Zelda was known for her vast array of magical and psychic abilities. And he had been sitting right next to her, too. Had she been reading his mind? He could hardly stand the thought.
"Link, you haven't eaten yet. You should eat. It is a celebration, after all. It would be rude not to eat at a celebration for our guests…" she said, motioning to King Hagris sitting next to her father. But Link was looking not at the Calatian King but at Akunem, who was delicately removing the meat from the bone of a cucco leg.
"That guy, Akunem."
"Yes, Link?"
"He seems…familiar, in some way. I can't quite place it, but I have the weirdest feeling that I've seen him before, somewhere. I can't quite put my finger on it. It's kind of like when you know something, but yet you don't know how to put it into words."
"Well, to be honest, I can relate. He also seems familiar to me. It's his presence. He emits a very peculiar aura."
"Please elaborate," requested Link.
"It's…difficult to use actual words. It's like…mud…or swamp water. I can't penetrate deeper. It's like there's something deep inside of him that's hidden. It could be that cloak. The red color distorts the aura, so I can't really tell if it's like that or not."
"Are you interested in Father Akunem?" asked King Hagris, butting into the conversation.
"Excuse me?" asked Zelda.
"Father Akunem over there. To be honest, we found him along the way to your land. His carriage had become stranded in some rocks somewhere in the mountains. He said he needed to get to Hyrule, so we decided to help him and let him tag along. He says he's here as a missionary, and that more of his disciples are on their way as we speak!"
"A missionary?" asked Link, "You mean he plans to convert the people here over to his…what was it called again? Gonosis…gososio…gonapis…?"
"Gonanism. I was flummoxed just as well as you, princess Zelda, I've never heard of it either. But he did explain a few things along the way. He said that his religion is a monotheistic religion that worships a God called 'Gonassir', or something like that. It's supposed to teach tolerance of all things living and dead, but that all other religion are null and void…"
"Null and Void?" questioned Zelda, "So he believes that our realm's central religion of Triforcism is heathen?"
"I would guess so. And Gods forgive me for saying this if I'm wrong, but it seems to be true! I mean, it's good to be tolerant of all things, right?"
Zelda suddenly became angry. "Tolerance of every single thing that comes a person's way is not the way of truth. If everyone accepted everything, they would end up accepting things that are wrong as well as right, and that would cause such a commotion that everything would fall to chaos! With the set laws and commandments of The Way of the Hero, there is no chaos, and no ideas that are dangerous in the way that it threatens lives! And another thing! The man who is sitting with me right now just happens to be the Hero, so there is all the evidence that I need!"
"Dear! Mind your manners! Said King Daphnes, "Such behavior is unbecoming of a princess such as yourself!"
Zelda composed herself, calming down. She brought herself back down into her seat.
"I'm dreadfully sorry, King Hagris. I should not have yelled like that." She said, bowing her head apologetically.
"Hmm," replied King Hagris, "Well, apology accepted. But that's good though, you are very defensive at your beliefs. That is the mark of a very good person, I say."
"Thank you." She said. She was blushing again.
"What was I thinking?" she said aloud, her face in her hands.
"You did quite well, I think," said Link. "If I'd had the chance, I'd have vouched for you."
"No, it's not that. I should have remembered that this is a diplomatic gesture, holding this banquet. Father is trying to make an alliance, not a war."
"Still, I don't think much of that religion of Akunem's just like you. Tolerance is, like you said, only going to lead to trouble. I think."
Zelda turned to Link. "Thanks."
"Hey, no problem."
Link turned back to his plate, which was still empty sans the liquid that he had forgotten that he'd spilt all over it earlier. He began mopping it up with a napkin, and then settled with picking up a cucco leg. Then he remembered that Agunem was eating Cucco, and he put it back to pick up the Rock Sirloin instead. He then turned to see what Akunem was doing then. As he looked in his direction, he was surprised to find him staring right back at him through his beady, pupil-less eyes. Could he see him even if he looked as if he was blind? And, had he heard what he and Zelda had been speaking of?
"Link?" said Zelda.
"Yes, Zelda?"
"You asked me to dance earlier. Do you want to…?"
Link had totally forgotten, with all the commotion, about the dance. He looked around. A few people had gotten up and began dancing to the orchestra of sages, which included a Zora named Laruto on harp and a Kokiri called Fado on his violin. He smiled, got up, and asked,
"May I have this dance, princess?"
Zelda looked up to him, smiled and said, "I'd love to." She brought her hand up. Link took it in his, and she got up. They both proceeded to the dancing floor.
"You have a beautiful daughter," said King Hagris, leaning over to King Daphnes.
"Yes," he agreed, "she is much like her mother, Farore rest her soul. But she has a fiery way of acting upon certain things sometimes. Besides that, she is a beacon to my people."
"You know, Daphnes, there is a way to change that fiery way of hers," he said, "If you let her talk to Father Agunem I'm sure she could see things the other way. Maybe she'll even let him go and convert a few people."
"Yes. That would be a wise choice…but is it really a good choice?"
"Whatever do you mean? Aren't wise and good one, much like how wheat and flour must be put together to make bread?"
"Even the wise, my fellow king, can learn from the foolish."
King Hagris could only give a short 'Hmm' of agreement as he turned to watch Link and Zelda dance.
* * *
Much later, when everyone had had their fill of food and talk, the members of each court filed slowly out of the Grand hall feeling content. The Calatian Royal Family had a tower reserved for them to rest in. Link was now lying in his bed. He had not changed into his bedclothes but was still in his tunic, facing the roof of the four-poster bed with his hands behind his head. He was thinking about the absolutely wonderful time he had spent dancing with Zelda. Every moment echoed in his mind like the vibrations of the plucked strings of a dulcimer. A wide smile was stretched across his face, and his eyes were closed, savoring the memories. He could still feel her in his arms, as she had held him and he had held her. He could still feel her head against his chest, and still smell the fragrance of her hair. This was almost as good as that time in the temple.
"Happy thought. My boy?" asked someone. Link's eyes darted open, and he sat up so quickly that the tip of his hat flung over his face. He pulled his hat off and threw it at the voice on instinct.
"Ow! What was that?" said the voice. Link heard the ruffling of feathers.
"Geabora? What in Nayru's name are you doing here? I though you finished looking at my maps!"
"I did, then I went flying to double-check. Your proportions of the landscape are a bit off. You drew up the mound that Woodfall temple is atop of taller then Snowhead Mountain. I was hoping to make it before the banquet ended. Is it over already?"
"Um, yeah. Sorry, Geabora."
"Oh well, I guess field mice will have to do again." He sighed. "I saw that there was someone not of the Calatian Royal family among the caravan. Who was that?"
"Some cloak. They said he was the High Priest of some bogus religion."
"And what religion what that be?"
"Some weird monotheistic religion called Gonanism. Zelda thinks it's a whole bunch of Dodongo droppings. I think so, too."
There was a weird silence.
"Geabora? Are you still there?"
"Yes. What was the name of that religion again?"
"Gonanism."
"Strange…I've flown around the world and back, but I don't think I've ever heard of such. Is it new?"
"Perhaps. I don't trust that guy Akunem though. He seems…I don't know. It's like he's hiding something, the same way he hides most of himself beneath that enormous red robe of his."
There was another silence.
"Red…cloaks?"
"Yes. What is it this time?"
"I remember seeing, while I was flying over Koholint Island, a barge that was docked there. It was filled with men, women, and even children wearing red cloaks and robes. There were some people coming aboard as well, having red robes put on them as well. It seems as if they're coming in the direction of Hyrule."
"I'm not surprised. The Calatian King did say there was more of his kind coming."
"Anything else?"
"Yeah. When the King first introduced Agunem to us, he said, that before he was through, the entire world would know the beauty, power and truth of Gonanism," said Link, picking up the mask he was planning to present to Zelda. He turned it over in his hands, rubbing a spot on it.
"Well, we can only wait and see what he does," said Geabora.
"Yeah…" agreed Link half-heartedly.
* * *
"Yaaaaaaahh!" cried out Kirk, "Link if you don't keep up, you're gonna get hurt!"
It was early the next morning, in the courtyard below the castle. Link and Kirk were practicing their swordsmanship. It was their morning ritual that woke them both up for the day.
"You're the one that needs to keep up!" yelled Link. "Heyyyyyyyyah!"
Link executed a beautiful jumping wall kick maneuver, and then did a vertical spin with his practice sword. Kick narrowly ducked having the wooden practice sword strike him between the eyes. He waited for Link to land and did a sliding kick to knock Link over onto his back. Then, Kirk bounded into the air and brought his own practice sword downwards in a jumping sword plant attack. Link rolled to the side and out of the way, and then did a forwards spin attack. Kirk used his sliding kick to avoid getting hit, and slid right behind Link. Then he did a spin attack of his own, catching Link off guard. The practice sword struck him between the shoulder blades. Link fell face down onto the courtyard floor.
"Owww…good one, Kirk…but your Parry attack needs work," moaned Link, getting slowly to his feet.
"One more, bud?" he asked.
"Well, why not. One more go."
They moved to opposite ends of the courtyard, and took their start positions. Then, Link said, "Hoi!" and they went again. Link moved towards Kirk spinning rapidly, while Kirk took a more forwards approach. He ran right at Link, yelling.
"Haaaaaaa!" he cried out, slashing back and forth, and then stopping Link's spinning assault with a vertical slice. He spun around and tried a low stab. Link jumped backwards, avoiding the blow. He did a sideways roll and did a defensive spin. Then he ran at Kirk. Kirk charged as well, and when Link was in reach, he began to swing. Then two things happened. Kirk realized that Link had left himself wide open. Then he realized he was doing it for a reason. Link was about to do his Master Swordsman's technique. He tried to pull out, but it was too late. Link did a well-executed roll that went right around Kirk, and while Kirk was still trying to pull out, Link pulled off a perfect rising spin attack, sending Kirk sprawling forwards.
"And that, my friend, is a true Parry attack!" said Link triumphantly. He went over to a pillar and sat down for a rest. Kirk hobbled over, laughing.
"You still gotta tell me how you do that!" he said, through his laughter.
"You just gotta know how to trick you opponent," said Link, breathing heavily, "So you can pull off that quick defensive-offensive. It's why it's the Master Swordsman's technique."
Kirk sat down next to Link. Both were now breathing heavily, and wiping sweat from their foreheads. Link took out a bottle of water and began to drink from it. Then, he passed the bottle to Kirk so he could drink, too.
"Thanks," he said, taking it. He took a swing.
"Kirk? You know that High Priest Guy, Akunem?
"Yeah, I saw him while I was coming down here. He was having a talk with Zelda in the north tower."
"At this hour? You think an old guy like that would at least wait until later."
"Yeah…"
They sat for a while, cooling down.
"Have you heard yet about that weird religion he teaches?" asked Link.
"Gonanism? Sure, there were some of the guys in my unit talking about it while I was doing my rounds last night. Why?"
Link got interested.
"What? What exactly were they saying about it?"
"They were saying stuff about it like, I like this idea or that idea and such. Come to think of it, I think I heard one or to of the ones who had become atheists saying that they were planning to convert."
"What!" Link exclaimed, bolting up.
"Yeah, they said they think it's a pretty good idea," said Kirk, "It has a lot of good ideas in it. That whole thing about acceptance sounds really peaceful, you know?"
"Kirk, please do not tell me that you're planning to convert!" yelled Link.
"Whoa, easy, Link! Don't worry; I'm a Triforsist as much as you. I mean, I'm a friend of the Hero, what choice would I have anyway?"
Link smiled. He was glad he had his allies.
"Thanks, Kirk."
"No prob! Say, how about we go to the grand hall. They'll be serving breakfast soon."
"Yeah, I'm starving!" said Link. He could use some good food to take his mind off Akunem.
They proceeded to the grand hall, saying hello to people along the way. As they made it to the Grand Hall, Link suddenly recalled Akunem staring at he and Zelda the night before. And they were meeting before breakfast why? Link found this very curious. He had to investigate.
"Uh, I'll catch up with you a little later, Kirk…I just remembered that I have to check on something."
"Sure, Link. See you!"
Link made for the north tower. As he did, his steps grew more and more hurried. What if they were in trouble? What if Zelda had become so mad that she'd try arguing with Akunem directly? He had to hurry. As he reached the steps to the north tower, he suddenly heard someone scream.
"What? Zelda, is that you?" yelled Link. He began to run. The steps flew by beneath his feet as he dashed up the stairs, calling, "Zelda! Zelda! Are you okay?"
Then he reached the top floor. There was a room at the top, and the heavy wooden door leading into it was ajar. Link pulled it all the way open and saw to his horror that Zelda was on the floor face down, and Akunem was leaning over her.
"Nooo! What have you done to her, Akunem? I demand to know right now!"
"What!" he exclaimed, turning around to face Link. "I have done nothing to her! She fell…tripped over the rug! I was merely checking for wounds!" He said defensively, holding up his arms as well. "I have not harmed her!"
Link sighed. Of course. It couldn't have been the alternative…
"Oh…I'm sorry…" he said, moving over to Zelda. He got on his knees. "Zelda, are you okay?"
Zelda was not getting up. Link took her shoulders and shook her.
"Zelda? Come on, Zelda, wake up, this isn't funny…"
Zelda moaned slightly, but that was all the noise she made.
"She needs medical attention," said Link, "I'll take her to her room, you go get someone to help!" He then picked Zelda up in his arms and carried her out, leaving Akunem to go get a doctor.
Moments later, Link was laying Zelda upon her bed, being careful not to wake her up. It wasn't long before Akunem, and King Daphnes came bolting in.
"Where's the doctor?" asked Link, flustered.
"That will be me. I will be the one to heal her," said Akunem.
"Is she okay?" demanded King Daphnes, "What happened?"
"Akunem says she tripped on a rug in the North Tower."
"She fell and hit her head upon the floor," said Akunem, "And has fallen unconscious. You have no need to worry, sire, all that she needs is some time to rest, and for the bump on the head to be mended. That's where I come in."
Akunem stepped over to Zelda's bed and placed one of his hands on the spot on her head where Zelda had hit the floor. He closed his eyes, recited a short chant, and then pressed upon the bump. It healed within only a few seconds.
"There. Now, give her until afternoon to rest. Now, I must attend to something else," said Akunem, turning to leave.
"Father Akunem, please wait one moment, I must thank you!" said the King.
"There is no need," said Akunem modestly, turning back to them, "I simply did what anyone would do in my place. Good day." And with a swish of his cloak, he left.
"Thank goodness father Akunem was there to help my daughter," said the King.
"Hey, I helped, too!" said Link, "Surely I deserve some kudos for this!"
"Oh, yes, yes indeed. Thank you very much, Link," he said, and then left as well.
"Oh well. You can't win them all," said Link to himself. He turned to Zelda. She was now sleeping peacefully. Link was thinking again. The question of why Zelda and Akunem had been in the tower was still unknown. Why had they been meeting, and why so early? If the King had asked Akunem to meet with her, he surely would have mentioned it at least. What was going on? Still confused and still trying to figure things out, he sat down in a chair to stew in his thoughts.