Chapter 2: The Demon, the Prophecy, and the Legacy

Swords clashed together with the resonant sound of steel against steel. Triyu backpedaled then thrust at his adversary once more. His opponent's saber was quick and favored agility, allowing him to deftly parry Triyu's weightier longsword, but the young swordsman used the other's defense to his advantage, using his deflected sword's weight and momentum to spin himself to his adversary's left side. The flat edge of the longsword met soundly with the saber user's unprotected backside.

"Oof!" The hit sent the other stumbling forward a few steps.

"A valiant effort, but I believe the match is mine," announced Triyu jubilantly, a smug smile displayed clearly across his youthful face. He was of slender build with short, dark hair that just barely fell below his long, pointed ears. Underneath his navy blue dress tunic he sported a fine coat of mail, worn on days he anticipated showcasing his swordsmanship.

"Let's have another go at it, Triyu," challenged his opponent, sounding defiant though evidently disheartened at his loss. "You can't win every time."

The youth brought his weapon up in a traditional Hylian swordsman's salute, the blade to the front and vertically parallel with his torso and head, signifying the acceptance of a challenge. "Prepare to be disappointed again, Tev." Triyu's sword was specially made by the smithies at Hyrule. He was told that they had learned their trade from the Gorons themselves, their knowledge of smelting and crafting metals paralleled by none. His sword was a long, thin blade that extended almost three and a half feet from an intricately-crafted hilt. The crest of Hyrule's royal family, the mark of the Triforce, was engraved upon the flat of the blade close to the hilt, fashioned after the traditional swords of Hylian nobles.

Tev growled out a response to Triyu's taunt. "I am Rhydale's best swordsman. I advise a little caution as a replacement for your arrogance."

Triyu allowed himself a look of feigned surprise, and he bowed in mock reverence to his opponent. "Then I stand advised, O great swordsman of Rhydale. Though, before we commence, I would just like to ask when you will actually give us reason to believe your claims." The remark earned Triyu a smidgen of laughter from those who had gathered to spectate. The fifteen year-old Hylian swordsman was Hyrule's rising star, and, if everything went as expected, he would one day join the ranks of the king's Elite Guard alongside his father.

Shows of swordplay seemed an ironic tradition when paired with peace negotiations. Nevertheless, the foreign entourages reveled in their chance to put the skills of their warriors on display at Hyrule's court, and Triyu was not one to back down from such an opportunity. Already, he had defeated three swordsmen traveling with the ambassadors from Calatia, and now he dueled with the soldiers from Rhydale. All who watched were amazed at his footwork and handling of such a long, hefty blade, considering his young age. The shorter blades that the Calatians used were no match for Triyu's double-edged longsword, and the sabers of Rhydale were certainly quick; however, swiftness of the sword mattered not to one as skilled as the young Hylian.

Tev fumed at the laughter that Triyu stirred up in the crowd, and he shot angry glances at members from his entourage. His peers merely shrugged in response.

Tev shouted in anger and charged the young Hylian, saber extended and held in both hands. He slashed powerfully at Triyu's frame, but the other needed only to step to one side. The Rhydale soldier, infuriated, followed the other's movements, in a semi-circle, slashing and jabbing with each step.

Finally, Tev forced Triyu to protect his head from an overhead swing, and he held his sword up and parallel to the ground in anticipation. The strength of the older man's strike caused the youth's footing to slide, but he held his ground. Tev had given up speed for power in that moment, giving Triyu just the opening he needed. The young Hylian reversed his sword and butted it hilt-end into soldier's jaw. His opponent stunned, he then moved in with a swift kick to Tev's stomach. The man fell heavily to the ground from the blow, and his saber was knocked from his grasp by the impact, left to clatter noisily across the flagstone.

"Is there really any need for further argument?" asked Triyu with a smile as he tapped the tip of his sword on Tev's heaving chest. He stepped forward and offered a hand to help the Rhydale soldier to his feet. Clapping ensued, and Tev, tired and defeated, allowed Triyu to pull him up. The applause began to die down, but one figure remained clapping. All present turned to look at the tall man in dark armor that had materialized near the back of the crowd.

"Well done, Triyu," said the newcomer. "What an impressive display of ability." He stopped clapping and folded his arms across his chest.

The crowd parted to give the two a clear view of each other. Murmured whispers spread unevenly through the gathering. "It's Ganondorf." "He's bigger than I thought he would be." "He fought the Elite Guard in the Fierce War and walked away without a scratch on him." "Is he really the only male among his people?"

"It's thanks to my father's training," stated Triyu loudly above the clamor. "So here we have today's guest of honor. All these people," he gestured to those around him, "have come from our neighboring countries to witness history in the making: the joining of your people with Hyrule's great legacy."

"And I am honored by their presence," Ganondorf replied with a slick grin. "Who would have thought that your king would make this into such a grand occasion? It's all very exciting." He unsheathed a thick-bladed sword that was strapped to his leg and hefted it, pointing it at Triyu. "I wonder, young knight. Would you accept a challenge from a foe turned friend?"

"You wish to duel." Triyu nodded. "How could I refuse such an offer?"

The tall man chuckled. "If your king is to accept me as an ally, it's only fitting I should prove I can hold my own against one of his best swordsman. Don't you think so?" Triyu brandished his blade, its smooth steel gleaming brilliantly as it caught the sun's rays. Ganondorf stepped up to Triyu and looked down at him. He quietly spoke so that only his opponent could hear. "You may be among the best in Hyrule, but you've never before witnessed the desert's fury."

Ganondorf struck first, catching Triyu bit off guard from the start. He barely achieved bringing his sword to bear, the Gerudo's blade striking harder than even Tev had managed. The attack had been quick and powerful, and it knocked Triyu straight to the ground. He immediately scrambled back up just in time to intercept another attack. He placed his sword's hilt firmly in both hands, held his blade aloft, and stopped the overhead blow. The force of it was so much that he nearly lost his footing again. The crowd began to whisper again amongst themselves. Some said that the battle looked to be unfair, the Gerudo clearly being the stronger of the two, yet many of them were also very anxious to see how the up and coming swordsman would fare.

Triyu pushed Ganondorf off his sword and came in for an attack of his own, only to have it neatly and quickly blocked. Though Ganondorf's weapon most certainly weighed at least three times that of Triyu's, the Gerudo could handle it as if it weighed no more than a feather duster. It didn't help that the youth was already tired from prior duels, and Ganondorf was proving to be more than his match in combat.

Triyu began pressing in on his opponent, hoping to see an opening somewhere that would give him the advantage. He watched Ganondorf's lightning-quick moves, focused on his techniques, and took note of his wide stance. He promptly took the last of his observations into consideration and deftly rolled between Ganondorf's wide-spread feet.

"Gah!" grunted the Gerudo as he began to turn to face the boy, coming to his feet behind him. He swung his heavy blade to his rear as he turned to face his foe, and brought the edge of his sword to rest right by Triyu's sharp, pointed ear. Triyu smiled unfazed by the blade's proximity, for his own sword had been quickly brought up to point directly at one of the weak points in Ganondorf's black armor, right beneath his ribcage.

Tev whistled in disbelief. "That's the closest anyone's ever come today to besting this boy!"

Triyu held his sword in place with one arm and wiped a trickle of sweat from off his forehead with the other. "Well met, Ganondorf. The desert's fury is quite intense."

A hush suddenly fell over the crowd in the courtyard. Everyone turned to see the double doors leading into the castle's Grand Audience Chamber swing slowly outwards and open. In the center of the arched entryway, there stood a regal figure, clothed in deep, velvety red robes trimmed in white fur. His shoulder length blond hair had the beginnings of gray streaks and was accompanied by a thick mustache and beard. A crown forged of pure gold sat upon his head, and the crest of the royal family, the Triforce, was engraved boldly onto its front.

To his right stood a tall, middle-aged Hylian male with short dark hair and a neatly trimmed beard of his own. On his face were the scars of battle, and on his back was slung a sword that looked exactly like Triyu's, though the handle was a little more worn. He wore a dark blue tunic that bore the seal of the royal family on its front, and he was geared as one going to battle, wearing thick leather boots, chain mail under his tunic, and studded leather gauntlets.

The king's companion held up his gauntleted hands and spoke to the gathering in the castle courtyard. "Ladies and gentlemen, citizens and visitors of Hyrule! I present to you Ignacio Percius Hyrule II, King of Hyrule!" All bowed in respect in the presence of the king—all except Triyu and Ganondorf, who were still locked in place, neither wanting to remove their sword's position. The Gerudo grinned at the youth and retracted his sword, sheathing it once more. Triyu warily followed suit, after which they both bowed towards the king.

The King raised then lowered his arms, signaling for everyone to stand up. "I welcome you, allies and friends of Hyrule," his voice boomed. "For years now, I have strived for a unifying peace that will end strife and hardship not just for the citizens of my country, but also for those who share our borders. By the end of the day, we will reach that goal.

"Ten years ago, a mighty war took this land by storm. Many souls were extinguished on all sides, and battles were waged that lasted months on end. As the fires of war died down, we rebuilt this kingdom in the name of peace. To finalize that peace, it was necessary to add one more name to our list of allies."

He extended a hand towards the man in dark armor. "Peace negotiations with Ganondorf, King of the Gerudos, are in their final stage. All present are invited to attend within the Grand Audience Chamber of the castle. We will commence this historic moment in exactly one hour. Following the proceedings will be a short recess, during which Hyrule's best chefs will prepare for us a fine banquet in order to celebrate our newest ally and friend.

"Thank you all for your support. The golden age long wished for by our forebears is close at hand. May the goddesses guide and keep watch over us all."

The small crowd's applause capped off the king's speech. Clapping, Triyu leaned towards Ganondorf. "Your continued presence will do me some good. It seems I still have a ways to go before we can rightly declare who between us is the victor."

"Heh," sneered Ganondorf. "Perhaps I will humor you again with another match someday, kid"

The king walked down the steps to meet with those gathered. His right hand man followed then made a line straight for Triyu. The youth nodded at the Gerudo, and turned to meet the approaching figure.

"Father, you missed my greatest duel yet!" said Triyu excitedly, once he was certain Ganondorf was out of earshot.

His father Ruhne laughed heartily and clapped the young man on his shoulders. "Well, now, it's good to see you too, son. A duel, you say?"

"With Ganondorf. He challenged me just before you and the king arrived."

Ruhne set his jaw and gazed wearily at his son. "Triyu, why would you accept such a challenge?"

"Oh, but I wish you had seen it. It was a true test of my mettle and skill."

"Your swordsmanship is not a badge of honor and pride; it is a tool to uphold your duty to the kingdom. I have told you this time and again."

Triyu's smile faded. "I…I thought you would be proud."

"And I am. But Ganondorf...that man…"

"Will be a powerful ally."

"Yes, son." Ruhne absently ran his fingers across the leather strap on his chest that secured his sword behind him. "He is to be our ally, but we must be mindful of this new relationship. This man has a black history."

"Is our own history so spotless that we should automatically discount the allegiance of another? How is it that we should be so quick to cast judgment?"

Ruhne looked intently at his son. "I am a warrior. I have fought in numerous battles, and I know when a man has bloodlust in his eyes. Ganondorf's eyes still carry with them the flames of battle. He has not forgotten his defeat ten years ago. Though he will swear his loyalty to our king today, the grudge he has held for so long remains, and I can't help but trust my judgment, be it fair or otherwise."

"If you have these feelings of dread around this man, why are you the only one who seems to take note? Why then do we make peace with him?"

"My son, were I the only one with these thoughts, I might practice more caution and hold my tongue. No…in this instance, we enter the realm of politics, a place in which the men of our family have no bearing. We are warriors by nature, skilled with the sword and in the art of fighting. Our king is the one who must decide what is right for our kingdom, and he believes this alliance will make us safer and stronger. I have placed my trust in the decisions of our king, as I see you have also done."

Triyu inclined his head. "I have, father. I trust our king. But that is also why I do not fear a simple sparring match with the Gerudo King."

Ruhne placed his hands on his son's shoulders. "It brings me joy to see that you are capable of making your own decisions—it is the sign manhood—but I also warn you to not throw caution to the wind. Be mindful of those around you, and you may uncover the true intentions of many."

"Of course, father."

They walked together through the throng of people in the courtyard. Ruhne titled his head slightly to his son and belatedly asked, "Well? Did you win?"

It was a draw! Ganondorf pondered upon the duel with the boy and was trying his hardest to suppress his anger. A mere boy, get the drop on me? Outrageous! And now he considers me to be practice! If only I had used my powers, I...of course, it would never have come to that. I should not let this worry me so, for soon my plans and ambitions will come to fruition. The kingdom of Hyrule will shortly bow down to me! He looked over to Ruhne and his son as they spoke and visited with the castle's guests. Yes, perhaps I will face that boy in combat once more, and, when I do, there will be no need to hold anything back.

"We have accomplished a great deal these past weeks, have we not?" The grating voice of King Ignacio II brought Ganondorf out of his thoughts. The Gerudo King replaced his usual scowl with a smile and turned towards the approaching figure. He greeted Hyrule's king with a fisted salute and a deep bow. Ignacio's bearded face was awash with pure joy; the Gerudo resisted the urge to conjure a dark spell that would melt the skin off his skull. "This is more than my people and I could have ever hoped for. I owe a great deal of thanks to you. Soon, our people will be able to come and go as they please without consequence or oppression. All will be free citizens under the banner of Hyrule."

Ganondorf offered a terse smile, but Ignacio seemed to pay it no mind. "I fully understand the need for peace, your highness. True, I may have been...uncompromising in the past, but I now realize that a true end to all hostilities is something that any ruler should strive for. Many of my own people have wished for nothing less than free passage through your beautiful country, and I would be remiss if I did not make their wishes a reality."

Ignacio nodded. "Ganondorf, I need to know something." The Gerudo King held his breath, noticing a sudden change in the Hylian king's demeanor. "I am no fool. Your people and ours have a history. Most days, I am behind closed doors in my castle, tending to the affairs of the kingdom, but I have heard what my people say about you."

Ganondorf's body tingled beneath his black-cast Gerudo armor, a dark, destructive spell beginning to form from deep within him. He maintained his composure, but let the magic roil beneath the surface. "Concerning what, your grace?"

"Apparently," he began, stroking his graying beard, "many have noticed that you often ride swiftly over the plains of Hyrule field, rushing off to all corners of the country. They say that you're searching for something."

"My good king, if I am searching for something, then let it be known that it is only to seek out the wonders of your kingdom, to survey the beautiful lands that you rule over. My entire life, I have dwelt upon the scorching earth of the Gerudo Desert and breathed in the winds of decay in the Haunted Wasteland; therefore, it is impossible for me to not be in awe of such a wonderful kingdom as this."

Ignacio allowed himself a smile. "Of course, that is essentially what I tell all who wish to speak to me of your travels. Let me remind you, however, that news of the ill deeds you perform does not go unnoticed either. This alliance is nearly complete; I can't allow you to run afoul of the deal before it is complete."

"I understand, your majesty. Many citizens of your kingdom still harbor ill will towards the Gerudo for the hostilities that we have shown them over the past ten years. Perhaps," he placed a hand on the Ignacio's shoulder, allowing a small amount of dark energy to flow into the king, "some intend to incriminate me by fabricating tall tales."

Ignacio's jaw slackened ever so slightly, and his once bright eyes clouded over. "It…it is hard to imagine why anyone would do that. I've told my kingdom that the Gerudo tribe has finally gained our trust. I wish…there was something more I could do."

"Do not blame yourself for the ignorance of a few." Ganondorf released his grip, but the king's eyes remained darkened. "People will believe what they want to, even when presented with the cold, hard facts."

The king's attention was suddenly drawn to a group of Calatian and Rhydale officials who were beckoning to him. "Excuse me," he said to Ganondorf. "We can speak more during the banquet tonight. I hope you like venison; our very best hunters, with my personal guard Ruhne as their guide, tracked and killed only the finest for tonight."

"I am most gracious for your hospitality. I would extend the offer to you, would you ever consider visiting my own homeland, but I'm afraid all that is available is leever; the beast is quite dry and not nearly as succulent as venison." It's more likely I would feed you to the leevers.

The Hylian king chuckled once and patted the Gerudo's shoulder in parting. Ganondorf remained pensive as he watched King Ignacio II saunter over to the dignitaries from Calatia and Rhydale. Perhaps when my conquest of Hyrule is complete I'll expand out to their lands as well. Once I finally locate the royal family's most sacred treasure, the Triforce, this and more will become possible. But first, I need to get those three stones...and then that ocarina.

The guests slowly filtered into the Grand Audience Chamber. Yes, the Ocarina of Time. I have searched the castle high and low, but have found nothing. Someone must be keeping it with them at all times...but who? Not Ignacio, no. My influence over him would have revealed it by now. Even he must be oblivious to its location. Could it be Impa, Zelda's Sheikah guardian? No, it has to be a member of the royal family, one of pure blood.

The princess…it must be!

"Shhh, did you hear that?" Link asked Malon, looking upwards. She followed his gaze and smiled.

"That's the biggest owl I've ever seen!" she exclaimed with glee.

"Well, if it isn't Kaepora Gaebora!" shouted Link, recognizing the humongous brown owl sitting atop a tree on the side of Castle Road. Link still wasn't certain what manner of being the owl was. Some rumored that he was the reincarnation of an ancient sage, or that it was the spirit of one of Hyrule's old kings, come to watch and survey the land that he had lovingly ruled over in the early days of the kingdom.

"Ho ho ho hoot!" laughed the bird. "I'm surprised you pronounced my name correctly, and, what's more, you remembered it! You're a quick one, you are."

Malon squealed, spilling some of the rupees from her bucket. "Oooh! It can talk! Hey! Mr. Kapra Goober!"

"It's Gaebora," repeated the owl.

Malon ignored him and continued. "How come my cuccos can't talk? They're birds too!"

"Hoo hoo hoot! She has a point, I'd say. She's just as sharp as you, Link, if not more so."

Link scratched his head. "Kaepora, we were just on our way to the castle to find her dad, and I have some business with Princess Zelda."

"Hrrrmm." The owl sat there for moment, twisted his large head from side to side, then turned it upside down, an odd trait of his that always managed to creep Link out a bit. Malon, not the least bit perturbed, giggled at the owl's antics. "Well," the owl finally said, "the grounds just outside the castle gate are being patrolled heavily by guards right now, so I doubt both you and your friend would be able to squeeze past them very easily."

"Well, you have a point. I was alone last time I snuck in."

Kaepora turned his head back to its upright position and stretched it out as far as it would go, his skinny featherless neck revealed underneath. "You've...done this before? When? How? Hoo hoot!"

Link then realized that he was going to confuse everyone if he kept talking about things he had done that hadn't occurred yet in this time. "Kaepora, I have a lot that I need to explain to...well...to everyone. But, really, I should talk to Zelda first."

"Hoot! But of course! It is your destiny after all. She has been awaiting your arrival for some time now."

Link looked at the bird and smiled knowingly. He knew that he needed to tell of his past as the Hero of Time, how he had fought Ganondorf in the future and saved the fate of Hyrule. Though, how he was going to go about it was an entirely different matter. More importantly, he needed to relate his story to Zelda, and maybe...just maybe she would believe him.

An idea suddenly sprang to mind, and his eyes came to rest on the large talons beneath the giant owl. "Hey, Kaepora."

"Yes, young one?" he answered.

"What do you say? Can you carry us past the guards?"

Malon's face suddenly lit up. "Seriously? Grasshopper, this is the best day of my life! First the castle, then Mr. Goober…"

"Gaebora," the owl reminded her.

"…and now we're going to fly?" She began hopping up and down for joy as she had earlier when Link had suggested she come with him to the castle. Link looked from Malon and back to the owl and simply shrugged.

"Hoo hoo hoot! An owl carrying two children over to the castle? Don't you think that will be a bit...conspicuous?"

Link shook his head. "We've already got her thinking that she's going to fly now," he said, gesturing to the ecstatic little redhead. "C'mon, I know you can do it. Besides, let's not crush the girl by telling her that you won't take her for a quick ride."

Kaepora began flapping his immense wings and slowly descended from the top of the tree. "Ho ho hoo hoo hoot! Oh, alright, but hurry. Let me gather you up in my talons before I change my mind, you two." He hovered a few feet off the ground, during which the children ran to his outstretched talons. He grabbed Link's torso in one and Malon's in the other. Once secured, they ascended high above the road in a matter of seconds.

"Oooh!" yelled Malon, extremely excited. A few more rupees dislodged themselves from her bucket, but she didn't seem to notice or even care, for that matter. "The castle looks even prettier from up here." A few seconds later they were directly over Hyrule Castle, and Link could see the grounds below very clearly.

"What's going on down there?" he asked the owl above him.

"Right now?" hooted Kaepora. "Today are the final peace negotiations between the King of Hyrule and Ganondorf. Nobles and dignitaries from Hyrule and the bordering nations have come to witness the event."

"Looks like I'm going to have to crash the party," said Link.

"I thought you needed to see the princess," countered Malon. "Besides, we need to find my dad first."

"Yes," agreed Kaepora. "The princess is your priority, Link."

Link nodded and, a little annoyed, said, "I know, I know. It's my destiny and all that." He scanned the castle grounds and noticed a figure lying down by some wooden crates near the castle's side-entrance. "Hey, Malon, I think I see your dad."

"Oh, yay!" she cheered, but then she hesitated and glared down at her father below. They were descending towards him now, and Malon could clearly see that not only was he was lying down, but he was also fast asleep. "Are you kidding me?" she yelled at the top of her lungs.

"Whu...what in tarnation?" her father sputtered as he awoke to the loud voice of his young daughter.

Kaepora set Malon on the ground, and she immediately ran over to her dad, stood before him, and placed her fists on her hips. "Sleeping? Really? Do you know how long I've been waiting for you back in Castle Town?"

Talon rubbed the sleep out of his eyes and let out a big, loud yawn. "I'm...I'm sorry, sweetheart," he apologized. "I reckon I lost track o' time, an' I fell asleep after I delivered these crates."

"Ooooh, you are so going to get it when we get back to the ranch," she fumed. She grabbed him by his blue overalls and began to drag him back down the path towards town. She then looked back at Link and Kaepora and gave them both a big smile. She shoved her bucket of rupees into her dumbfounded father's arms and said, "It was nice to meet you, grasshopper. And thank you for helping me find my dad, Mr. Goober."

"Gaebora," the owl persisted.

"Good luck with the princess, and don't forget to stop by and see me at Lon Lon Ranch sometime. I'm going to need your help if we're ever going to teach my cuccos to speak like proper birds." Satisfied, she returned to scolding her father as they walked away.

Link looked back up to Kaepora Gaebora, and the owl was shaking with laughter. "Hoo hoo hoo ho hoot! I think I was right, Link. She is definitely sharper than you."

Link shrugged. "Who knows? Maybe seven or so years from now, we'll find out for certain."

"Well, Link. I must take my leave of you and Navi..." The owl stopped in mid-sentence, and Link shuffled his feet nervously at the sudden realization that the large animal had made. "Navi!" exclaimed Kaepora; the fairy that he had seen with Link upon their initial meeting was now missing. "This...this isn't right! Part of Princess Zelda's prophecy is that you will appear to her with a fairy by your side!" The owl was becoming frantic, and Link nervously clung to one of the delivery crates that Malon's father had left. "Where is your fairy? You can't go and see the princess without her. As the Oracle of the Goddess and the guide to your destiny, I cannot allow you to go any further until we've sorted this out."

Oracle of the Goddess? Which Goddess? Nayru, Din…Farore? Was there another? Who exactly was this bird, and why exactly would he try to keep me from trying to see the princess without a fairy partner? Link brought his hands up. "Whoa, whoa! So that's what you are! An oracle? A guide to my destiny?" Let his arms down, exasperated. "Look, Kaepora, I appreciate all you've done for me. You're really a huge help, but, regardless of whether or not Navi is with me, I really need to see Zelda."

"But where is Navi? She's supposed to be with you, Link. Otherwise, Zelda will not recognize you as the boy from the forest."

Link shook his head. "That's where you have it wrong. I think all she needs is to recognize this." With that, he held up his left hand, the back of which he turned to face the owl. "If you really are the Goddess's oracle, then you'll know exactly what this is." To say Kaepora's reaction was one of surprise would be underselling it.

"Oh my goodness, oh my goodness, hoo hoo hoo hoot!" He rose up on his talons and flapped nervously, hooting and screeching the entire time. Link was almost afraid that he had given the old bird a heart attack. After a moment, Kaepora settled down somewhat, then brought his large head close and took a good long look at the symbol on the back of Link's hand. "It's...it's...oh my, Link, you are marked by the Triforce of Courage...it...does it reside within you? It does, doesn't it?"

Link nodded at the great bird. "It did…and I believe it still does. Now, do you see why I must see Zelda immediately, despite what prophecy dictates? My destiny has changed quite a bit. And don't worry about Navi...I...she'll be fine."

Kaepora Gaebora nodded in comprehension. "Oh, young one. I can see the concern on your face, and I know the burden of knowledge that you bear."

"Burden of…what?"

Kaepora chuckled with a series of soft hoots. "You believe yourself to be the only one who knows of your situation, but I must tell you that I completely understand the will of the Goddess. I know that you are Hero of Time returned—you're the one who can travel through time's flow at will."

"How...so you know that about me, huh?" asked Link. "You called me the 'Hero of Time'. So...all this time...even the first time around…you knew?"

"Hoo hoot! The Goddess reveals things to me directly, and I use this knowledge to aid he who she has chosen as her champion.

"Indeed, I knew from the beginning that you were destined to be the Hero of Time, and I knew also that once your initial task was complete that they would send you back to regain your lost years...seven years, if I am not mistaken. Your experience shows in your eyes...I can see that now. The Triforce mark on your hand explains much." He beat his wings downward and rose off the ground.

"You must see Zelda. You were right: a new destiny awaits you now. The princess doesn't know it yet, but she soon will. Farewell, hero!" A moment later, Kaepora Gaebora flew out of sight, an awestruck Link left behind to ponder all that the old owl had revealed to him.

Zelda watched intently through one of the side windows of Hyrule Castle's Grand Audience Chamber. From her position in the castle gardens, she could see her father sitting on his throne at the head of the hall with his bodyguard Ruhne standing stoically behind him. The many foreign dignitaries that had arrived from the surrounding countries were filing into the chamber, as well as some formally dressed Gerudo women, and they stood off to the sides to keep clear of the space in the center of the expansive hall. Ganondorf walked down the center of the chamber towards the king, head held high, prepared to swear his so-called loyalty and allegiance to Hyrule.

A sudden noise from behind made her jump. At first, she imagined it might just be Impa, but she instantly thought better of that. She knew that her handmaid never made a sound while walking the castle grounds.

No, it was someone else. Slowly, she turned, and the first color her peripheral vision caught sight of was green. Then she turned entirely, her breath caught up in her throat. A boy about her age, clad in a green tunic and hat, stood a few meters in front of her. He gazed at her intently, his sapphire eyes full of purpose.

Is it him? she thought. Is it the boy from my vision? Though, if it is, where is his fairy? But wait…there's something else!

There, on the back of his left hand...