The horses were always uneasy when Link was around. As he passed their stalls, he could hear them whinnying and nickering nervously. Some of them bared their teeth and flattened their ears, and some stepped away from their doors snorting in agitation. Link paid them no heed, focusing on his goal.
At the far end of the stable was Diana's stall. Unlike the other horses, she stuck her nose out to greet Link. When she snatched his sleeve with her teeth, he pulled away, slapping at her nose. She pranced in place, eyes wild. Link grabbed her tack and outfitted her for a long ride.
When finished, the hero swung himself into the saddle with easy grace and kicked Diana harshly into a loping canter. The other stalls passed in a blur, and Link was soon riding out through the gates and towards his house, keeping a watchful eye out for Colin.
Sure enough, the boy came dashing through the streets, calling out for Link. As the swordsman yanked the reins back with excessive force, Colin panted out his news. "The Zoras are here, Link. They're waiting in the clearing beyond your house; Beth is with them, too."
"Thank you, Colin," Link answered curtly, spurring Diana back into her speedy pace, eager to greet the Zora legion.
When he reached the clearing, he was glad to see the mass of shining blue bodies gathered there. Immediately noticeable as the only human in the crowd was Beth, who at seventeen years of age had blossomed into a full-figured beauty of a young woman. Link might have looked closer at her if not for her insufferable idiocy—she was as airheaded as she had been as a child. Her husband, King Ralis, was a total contrast: he was silent and thoughtful where she was talkative and silly, and, though he was considered handsome among his people, Link could never bring himself to appreciate the slimy look of the amphibious creatures.
The hero approached the royal pair on horseback, leaping off when he was within feet of them. He inclined his head in a show of obligatory respect, and turned to Ralis. "Thank you for coming so quickly, Your Majesty. It is greatly appreciated."
Ralis nodded his head. "Anything for the Hero. Although, I must ask for you to excuse me and my people; we are dry and weary from our journey, and require rest and water." With that, he saluted Link, kissed Beth, and led the Zoras north to the Ordon spring.
Beth remained in the clearing with Link. When the last Zora had left, Link finally addressed her directly. "Where are the Gorons? I thought Malo had them eating out of his hand."
The girl shrugged her shoulders. "They're not coming. Malo's messenger told me that the Gorons were, like, too peaceful, or something. I guess they really don't want any trouble, 'cause Malo sure offered them lots 'a Rupees." She started picking at her fingernails.
Link passed a hand over his face. This was unacceptable. The Gorons had no right to refuse his offer, no right to keep him from his goal. They would have to pay.
"Change of plans. We march first on Death Mountain."
Beth shrugged again. "All right, Linky. Whatever you say goes. I'll tell Ralis now." With that, she ran off to her beau.
Link shuddered momentarily. 'Linky?' What in Din's name was Beth thinking? Not willing to waste any more time, he clambered back into the saddle and galloped towards Ordon.