Hope everyone enjoys this chapter!
Chapter 29: The Trails of a Hero
"Link, you can't possibly be serious about this?" Faith said as Link and Ryder walked to the center of Kakariko Village.
"I've been through so much already, what do I have to lose? Besides, if I don't, think of how many people could die fighting a war in the desert," Link answered without looking at Faith. "This is what I have to do and I will do it."
Faith knew she couldn't stop him but she still thought this was a bad idea. "Good luck Link. And be careful!" She let Akiko lead her to the rest of the crowd so everyone would know Link was doing these tasks by himself. She wished she could help him.
"My fellow citizens, listen well. The Hero of Time has returned to us al last!" Ryder said once he and Link had all eyes on them. "If you still do not believe me that this man truly is the Hero of Time he has agreed to face three challenges of your choosing."
Three members of the audience stood. One was the woman they had met on the way into town. Another was an older man and the third was a young man just barely in his twenties. The woman looked to be the leader of these two by Faith's view but since none of them had spoken yet she could still be wrong. When the woman turned to face the audience first she knew she'd been right. "Fellow Hylians, if you believe this man to truly be the great Hero of Time speak now!"
Link felt slightly awkward standing before all of Kakariko. Never before had anyone ever paid so much attention to him. Few had actually called him the Hero of Time 100 years ago Having so many people acknowledge him as such was humbling. He didn't say a word to prove who he was. His tongue wasn't nearly graceful enough to convince so many people at once, besides actions spoke louder than words anyway.
"Put him to the tests! Make him prove he is the hero!" a man shouted from the back.
"How can they not see it's really him?" Faith whispered thinking no one would hear her.
"They have been through so much. They're afraid to hope he can defeat Dogan. If they get their hopes up now what happens it he disappears again?" Akiko said watching Link.
"They have to hope he won't. Besides if he does I'll finish what he started." Faith suddenly felt a lump form in her throat as she said that. He'd been the one who had done most of the fighting. How could she possibly measure up to him if that happened.
"You really have faith in him don't you?"
"More than I've ever had in anyone." It was true. Link had given her something no one else had, a reason to believe that good could rise again.
"It's settled. Tomorrow he shall face the first challenge!" The older man said stepping forth to dismiss the crowd.
"Be here at dawn pretty boy," the younger man said as he started to walk away. "The first challenge is mine."
Faith and Akiko approached Link and Ryder once the others had all left. "Do you have any clue what the tests will be Ryder?" Faith asked. She had a feeling she knew what they would test; skill, wisdom, and courage. She had no doubt that his courage would surpass anything that anyone here could expect. She also knew he was a great swordsman but even the greatest swordsman could be defeated. The test of wisdom was what she was really worried about.
"I have only as much of a guess as you. The question is; Link, do you feel you are ready for whatever they can throw at you?" Link didn't say a word. He simply looked Ryder in the eyes. Understanding, Ryder nodded. "A meal and rest might be the best thing to prepare for tomorrow. Let me fix you some stew and then I'll show you were you can sleep for the night."
---
Link rose a while before dawn and readied himself. Ryder, it seemed, had gotten up even earlier for there as a small breakfast ready and warm for Link when he woke. After eating quickly, Link washed his face and headed out to where he was to face the first challenge. He would meditate there until dawn.
---
The second the light of Dawn touched his closed eyes Link stood and opened them to find the young man coming toward him. "I'm ready."
"I see you came after all. Some of us doubted you would really show." The young man wore a thick cloak making him seem far larger.
"Well I'm here, so what is my first challenge?" Link said standing straight. His posture gave off an air of heroism. He wouldn't let any one think of him as one to back down.
"You will face me in a duel," the young man said as he threw off his cloak. This revealed golden armor and a sword strapped around his waist. Slowly other occupants of Kakariko formed a circle around the two of them.
Once again, Faith was standing next to Akiko in the back. "Please be careful Link!" she whispered into her hands. When she felt a hand on her shoulder, she turned. It was Ryder this time. "He will be fine. Owen is no match for Link." Faith nodded and took a deep breathe.
"So Link are you ready to begin?" Owen asked as he drew his sword. Link did not answer with words, he answered by drawing his sword and moving his shield to his arm. "Very well, the contest will be to first blood. The first to bleed looses."
"With all that armor on his opponent Link is at a disadvantage," Akiko whispered. "I doubt it will be much of a disadvantage though."
Owen and Link circled each other, neither of them wanting to make the first move. They both knew that the first move would most likely be the last. Link waited for Owen's guard to drop and Owen waited for Link to move close enough. Most of the crowd watched with their breath held as the two warriors eyed each other holding everyone in suspense. Finally, Link sensed a moment to act. Charging with his blade held tightly in his left hand, Link made the first move. Owen had swung at Link but found Link wasn't where he should have been aiming for. Link had leapt up and over Owen. With just the tiniest tip of his blade, Link nicked Owen in the face causing him to bleed lightly. "As you said, to first blood," Link said from behind Owen.
"You showed skill and more, I acknowledge my defeat." Owen felt the cut and it had already stopped bleeding. Obviously, Link did not feel that blood should be spilt lightly. Turning to face the crowd, Owen raised up his hand. "Link has passed the first challenge! Alden will be the next to challenge him." Owen put down his arm and turned to Link. "Good luck to you."
Link bowed his head to Owen is a show of respect as Alden stepped forth from the crowd. "Very well done, however the next challenge will not be quite so easy. Be here when the sun reaches the center of the sky. This gives you time to rest, and me time to prepare."
Link bowed to the older man. "I will be here then."
The crowd once again disappeared save for Faith, Ryder, and Akiko.
"Link you did wonderfully!" Faith said walking up to him. When Link did not even look at her, she began to wonder. "Link, is something wrong? You haven't said much at all since Ryder and Akiko found us."
Link's eyes were facing the very top of Death Mountain. "The cloud over Death Mountain is getting worse."
Faith followed Link's eyes and realized he was right. "We can't leave yet, not until you finish all three challenges."
"I know."
---
Noon came and the whole town once again came to the place of Link's challenges. This time, the setup of the challenge was different. There were three boxes and woman standing in the middle of them. Two young men were standing on top of two of the boxes but the third was empty. Slightly confused, Link turned to Alden for an explanation.
"This challenge is a riddle. Link, please stand on top of the final box," Alden said gesturing toward the empty box. Doing as he was told Link climbed on top and stood. "You will be facing these two gentlemen. Your feet cannot leave the box, and you cannot use and sort of item. Your goal is to touch the hand of the maiden in the middle of the boxes.
Link looked at the man in complete confusion. He was glad to see that the other two were at least having as much trouble.
"You may begin."
I wonder how many of you recognize the riddle. I saw it at a riddle site and when I was thinking of this chapter I thought it would fit nicely. Also I need to know, would anyone be interested in reading a Hyrule version of Deal or No Deal?