Epilogue:

Resolution

"But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you." ~ 1 Peter 5:10

The point of the Master Sword drove into the ground with ease, and the strong hands on the hilt held fast. A ginger breeze wafted over the tall prairie grass of the fields of Faron, stirring up pollen into the face of the single figure who stood over the erect sword. The man gazed for a few moments up at the lazy clouds before sinking down to his knees.

"God…" he said aloud, voice sounding empty over the vast plain. He swallowed a lump that had formed in his throat, and continued. "So much as happened… I know You were with us through it all, but… I can't help wishing it were different. Not that I'm unthankful, not in the least. Everything in my life has been a blessing from You. But… I have come before You to beseech You… Let this cup pass from me. Before, when I was in Ordon, it was easy to accept what You called me to do. But now… It threatens the safety of my family, Lord. The responsibility You have placed in me, while I don't resent it… I do not wish to put them in further danger. Please, I beg of You… break my bonds to this sword."

For the longest time, there was no answer. And yet, Link listened. He listened with patience; an answer would come. It always did. The wind howled over the prairie, the only sound in the wilderness for minutes – perhaps hours – on end.

Then, it came – a soft whisper on the breeze. The Hylian could never be sure whether he was truly hearing it aloud, or if it was simply a tug on his spirit, but it was there all the same.

Take the sword to the Hall.

"Time Hall?"

Time Hall, the very one.

He stood to his feet, lifting the precious blade from the earth and turning back to Epona, who stood grazing a few paces back. Once he sat comfortably in the saddle, he spurred her on in the direction of the Sacred Grove. It took mere minutes to reach the woods, and soon, the looming structure of Time Hall came into view amidst the reaching branches. Shafts of light streamed between the leaves, giving the location an unearthly appearance.

Link swung off his steed, boots thumping softly on the ground, and headed up the steps to the doors of the hall. He nodded to the sentries, and pushed inside. The great door swung shut behind him. And he was alone again.

The tugging came again. Put the sword in its place.

Without a second thought, he approached the Pedestal of Time and, with a strong thrust, drove its point back into its slot, firmly. Satisfied that it was steadfast, he stepped back once more.

Because of the calling I have placed on your life, your hands will forever be bound to this blade. You have been blessed with courage and integrity beyond the common man. This is the part you were meant to play. In obeying my commands, and following my guiding, you have pleased me, and become the hero you were meant to be. Because of this, you are blessed, my son.

But because you have asked me… Because you have asked… The remainder of your rein as king shall be a peaceful one. While you, and many of your descendents, are bound this sword and its purpose – to vanquish evil – they shall trouble you no more while you occupy the throne. Heroes to come will now bear the weight of evils also yet to come. Go now, and be merry – sorrow no more.

Link instantly felt a comforting presence surround him, and a smile spread over his face. He gave the Master Sword one last long gaze, before turning around and heading back out into the fresh air of a dawning spring. He had gone in weighted down by his troubles… and he exited with a spring in his step, burdens gone, and a fresh outlook to the coming days.

Everything was going to be all right.

THE END