Sweey: Well, here's the next chapter! :D And the last for about a week. Yes, I'm going to camp.
Link: Aw redeads…
Meta: What? That's your bummer line?
Sweey: Bummer line? Really MK?
Link: I'm pretty much confused now.
Sweey: He just made fun of the whole, aw redeads thing.
Meta: That's exactly what I did.
Link: Well, at least it's better than, STARS OF DREAMLAND!
Meta: Butterfly kisses! How original.
Sweey: You guys… are… so… AWESOME!
Meta: And you're scaring me.
Link: I CALL THE THINGY!
Meta: Link and anything officially Zelda related belongs to Nintendo. Anything you have never heard of such as a village where horsemen live, belongs to Sweey. There, said and done.
Link: Aw redeads…
…
~Ch3. Modification in Strategy~
Link woke up early the next morning. A light layer of dew covered the ground, shining his boots as he trod through the grass. Epona stood up when he approached her, nickering softly to her master.
Link walked over and threw the saddle blanket on her back along with the gray Kokirian saddle. He then tied on the rest of the harness and slipped the bridal on her head. When she was ready he went up to his house and packed his saddlebags. He packed a large sack of roasted pumpkin seeds, salted goat meat, some goat fur for trading, and about three cans of strawberries, and a small jar of bee larva, along with three fish he had caught earlier that morning. In the other bag, he placed a rag and a bar of soap, a comb, an extra set of cloths in case they were needed, dishware for two, his cloak, a book or two, and a small pad of paper and a pencil. He smiled, satisfied with his packing. Before he left, he grabbed some bedding to throw on the back of the saddle. Once he secured the saddle bags and such, he set out to find Colin.
He found him sitting on the porch of his house waiting for him. He had only packed one saddlebag. Link grinned.
"That's what I call light packing!"
Colin looked up and smiled, "Well, I only brought what I truly needed."
"Well we better get going." Link said, "Say good-bye to your parents, I'm gonna go stop by some of the villager's houses and tell them my whereabouts."
Colin nodded his understanding and Link turned his heal to go to the Mayor's house. Mayor Bo, being the big man that he was yelled for Ilia to come down in a loud, booming voice.
Ilia came the curving stairs in a rush.
"Sorry Link, I nearly forgot!" Ilia smiled, "I made you something! To go along with your horse call."
She handed Link something that looked like hawk grass.
"You can now call that hawk wherever you go!" she explained.
Link grinned, "Thanks Ilia."
"Well, it's time you be off now Link." Mayor Bo finally said. The two youngsters were merely staring at each other happily at the moment.
Link turned to the door,
"Be careful Link! Don't do anything reckless!"
Link turned and smiled at her, "I would never do that!" Then he opened the door and left.
In he distance he saw Colin walking towards his house. Link dashed forward to catch up with him.
"You ready to go?"
"Yeah." Colin answered heartily.
Link laughed, "Well, let's go!"
...
The sound of a horse's hooves echoed throughout the forest of Faron. Link looked around suspiciously at the darkened trees above. He could've sworn he had spotted a pair of fiery eyes staring at him. For a second he thought he'd seen Midna.
"Link, so where are we going?" Colin asked from behind pulling Link out of his thoughts. They were riding double in the saddle. They would be until they reached the Village of Rohorana.
"To the village of horsemen," Link replied, "Where we will be getting you a horse."
"Oh yes," Colin laughed, "I don't know why, but I forgot."
Link smiled slightly, but he still wasn't off his guard. He allowed his gaze to glance at Epona's ears making sure she wasn't giving him any warning. He had placed his scabbard on his right side on his saddle so when he pulled it out, he wouldn't hurt Colin in the process. His hand rested upon it hilt.
Epona warned him that danger was near and instantly Link's eyes caught sight of what it was. There were two lizofos standing, guarding the pass near Faron Spring. Silently he dismounted, telling Colin to stay close.
The two swordsmen looked beyond some bushes at their enemy. Link's eyes widened when he noticed Coro trapped in a cage with a monkey. He wasn't about to sit here and do nothing. He nodded to Colin to follow.
"We'll take them head on; watch out for the axes on the tip of their tails. Navi will go with you, they don't like bright lights. She'll help distract them for you." Link ordered. Navi and Colin nodded their understanding.
Quietly, the three made their way ever closer to the two lizofos. One caught sight of Colin and Link jumped out and struck it down for Colin's advantage before taking on the next one.
Colin held his sword and shield up, ready for action. He thrust a stab at the giant lizard and managed to hit it. The lizofos jerked then lunged forward. Colin wasn't ready and was knocked helplessly over. Navi came to the rescue.
"Hey! Listen you big jerk! Back off!" the little blue fairy fluttered around the head of the big lizard. It began to stumble with dizziness. Colin took the opportunity to knock it over and finish it off with a swipe of his blade. He glanced over to see how Link was doing.
Link had no shield and was in desperate need of one. The lizofos had managed to cut a gash into his calf, just below his hamstrings, inches away from laming him. He winced each time he stepped on it. He waited for the opportune moment to strike. Then it came, the lizofos jumped forward and Link swiftly jumped to the side, rolling around to the backside of the lizofos. As he came up he spun around in the air with his sword knocking over the monster. When he landed, he took another jump, despite the immense pain, and dropped down upon the dark creature letting his sword sink deep into its chest. He stood up, pulled out his sword and then stabbed it into the grassy ground to clean off the black blood stained upon it from the lizofos.
Colin stared at him in amazement. "Link, that was incredible!"
Link paid no mind but instead went straight for Coro and freed him and the monkey as well.
"Hey! You're that Ordian! Hey! Thanks! Stop by my place for some free lantern oil anytime! I sure was in a sticky situation there!" Coro cheerfully thanked Link. Coro saluted clumsily then turned his heal to leave.
Link nodded slightly then limped towards Epona and reached into his saddlebag. Ripping a strip of cloth from his extra pair of pants, he wrapped the wound on his leg. He smiled in assurance at Colin then mounted the fiery mare. He extended a hand out to Colin who took it and then Link hoisted him atop the mare.
Before they left Faron Woods, Link dropped by Coro's shop to refill his lantern and an emty bottle. Coro waved to the two travelers as they stepped onto the path to Hyrule field.
…
A pair of eyes watched the two warriors, one in particular.
"He's exactly what we're looking for."
A shady smile appeared on the shadowy figure's face. Then it disappeared among the shadows of the trees, soundless as a shadow. For indeed it was a shadow, wasn't it?
…
Link squinted in the bright sunlight of Hyrule field and he heard Colin sighing happily to be in the bright Hylian sunshine. Urging Epona to a smooth canter, Link guided her to a pathless road. In other words, he knew where he was going.
Colin looked around in confusion. They were going back into the woods, just a different section.
"But, I thought we were going to the village." Colin spoke his thoughts.
"This is the village." Link said, and right on cue, a horse neighed in the distance as they passed a sign that read: Rohorana Village; Land of the Horses. Epona neighed in reply to the other horse, and more horses chorused to her.
Link urged Epona to a fast canter and they arrived to the finally to the actual village. Colin looked around at the horses in the pastures like a child in a toy store.
Link grinned, "I can't afford all of them!"
Colin was too awestruck by the beauty of the horses to reply. There were dappled grays, bays, pintos, roans, and horses of the purest white. He watched, in search for his steed.
"Master Link!" a gruff loud voice called out merrily. Colin turned to find a burly, hairy man trotting towards them. He was tan and sported a thick brown-black beard that ran down to his chest like the mane of a lion.
"Horse master Doblin!" Link chuckled as he dismounted, "It's good to see you!"
"Horse master?" Dolbin laughed, "My you're still the same since first we met. What can I do for you, Master Link?"
"Well, my comrade and I are going on a long journey. He's in need of a horse, one that can keep up with Epona." Link explained.
"Well, let's see what we can find." Dolbin said, gesturing for Colin to follow along.
Just as Colin dismounted, a group of boys pulling a cart full of hay ran past Epona, smacking her square in the haunches, leaving behind a large gash.
Link's eyes widened. He rushed forward to his horse to calm her. She quivered with fright and he led her forward. She limped horribly a few feet then refused to move onward anymore than that.
"Boys!" Dolbin bellowed at the group of mischievous young men. "I think you have some explaining to do to myself and Master Link."
"We didn't mean to, honest!" the obvious leader of the group declared.
Dolbin scowled, "The hay cart isn't supposed to go that fast anyhow."
"Well Sepac was controlling it." he affirmed, pointing at the red head in the back.
"I don't care who did it!" Dolbin growled. "Modon!"
A gruff wrangler stepped forward. "Yup?"
"Take these boys and give them a little exercise for me." Dolbin ordered.
"I'll make sure they run harder than they were a moment ago when they hit that lovely mare over there." Modon replied casually. Then his voice boomed as he yelled for the boys to follow. They stumbled forward and followed him to the woods.
"How does she look?" Dolbin asked Link.
Link looked up, his face distraught. "I don't think she'll be able to travel."
The gruff man stood stoking his beard in thought. "Tell you what, I'll nurse her back to health and in return for not pressing charges, I'll lend you a horse and give you another, free of charge. How does that soothe your worries?"
"I need a horse of endurance, speed, and fearlessness." Link answered. "In fact, I need two."
"Alright, I think I might have what you're looking for." Dolbin gestured for the two to follow him to the stable. He led them to two horses; a sandy buckskin mare and a gelding the color of snow. They were built for endurance. They had sturdy, strong legs and powerful haunches. Alert and gentle. They were perfect.
"These are two of my finest horses; descendants of horses stolen from the east lands. The buckskin's name is Alarune and the white, Ablen." Dolbin's voice was proud as he talked about his prize animals. "They're yours."
Link smiled gratefully, "Thank you, I can assure you we will take great care of them."
Dolbin nodded, "I'll go get your saddlebags and well, their tack is over there. Help yourself."
Link nodded and took Colin through a lesson of horsemanship as they tacked up, waiting for Dolbin to arrive with the saddlebags. Soon enough he returned with their things and he handed them to Link who secured them to the saddles.
"So where's it your heading?" Dolbin queried.
"Hyrule Castle," Colin answered.
"So I see…" Dolbin stood for a moment in thought, "Could you do me a favor Link?"
"Sure, what is it?" Link asked.
"Could you deliver this message to a soldier named Vixon? He's the captain of the guards on the west wall. What do you say?"
Link nodded, "Of course."
Dolbin handed Link a packet, "Here, give this to him. Tell him, I sent you and that you're a friend of mine."
"Will do." Link grinned.
Colin mounted the dusty mare and she stood firmly waiting for his command.
"I think it's time we get moving Link." Colin said, more interested in riding than in getting to their destination.
Link nodded, "Farewell then horse master Dolbin. And thank you."
"Godspeed Master Link." Dolbin answered quietly as the two warriors rode off in the distance.
…
"Are you sure? Are you sure it's him?" a voice asked the shadowy figure.
"Absolutely, Gundar! First of all, he lives in Ordon but has poited ears, he's also going to see the Princess, and he defeated many dark foes that crossed his path. He also rides the fiery horse, Epona and is followed by a blue fairy! I mean, how unsure could I be when I have all the facts?"
"And his name?"
"Link." The shadowy figure answered.
"Just like the name of the hero of our ancestors…" Gundar's voice trailed off. "You must reach him! He's the only one who can save our land. Go my friend! Go help him seek us out."
The shadowy figure nodded, then disappeared into the shadows of the room. The shadow was on a mission, but first, a visit to the Twili.
Black clouds of Twilight danced in the faded orange sky. The figure, cloaked in shadow, made its way towards the throne room. Seemingly paying no mind to the stern eyes of the soldiers and the steely gaze of those the figure passed by. The shadow was there for a reason.
Climbing the final staircase, the figure came towards the throne of Twilight. Midna stood up in disbelief.
"Dove?" Midna spoke in shock. "What are you doing here?"
"I need your help." Dove said quietly.
Midna looked at him uncertainly for a moment then decided it was fine. "What with."
"My home is in danger. We need the hero that you found."
"I don't know where his whereabouts are in Hyrule." Midna sighed.
"I do," Dove answered, he paused when Midna looked up at him angrily. "I've been watching him. I know who he is."
"Then what do you want me to do?" Midna asked, rather annoyed with the conversation.
"Curse me. The same curse that Zant put upon you. Turn me into an imp." Dove answered, completely serious.
"You want me to what?" Midna looked at him in disgust. "Why on earth would you want that?"
"He trusts you; I need him to trust me quickly. I don't have time to make him trust me. If I look similar to your likes, I'll be more believable." Dove explained patiently.
Midna thought about what he had said for a moment. "Dove, what are you planning?"
"Look, my land is in danger! I don't have time to answer all questions! I'm your friend! You trust me, I need him to do the same, but I haven't the time to build a relationship on this status! You know how long it takes to make someone trust a shadow like me!" Dove's patients ran thin.
"Look, don't get all oppressive and such, I'll help you." Midna answered in a low voice.
Dove let out a sigh of relief. "Good. Now, shall we?"
"Yes, of course. Zant!" she called.
"Yes your majesty?" Zant rushed forward.
"Clear the room. But stay present." The Twilight Princess ordered.
"Everyone listen up! Clear the room! Private quarters! Out!" Zant ordered those who remained in the room. Once everyone was clear of the room Zant turned to the princess waiting for more orders.
"Come." Midna said sternly. Like a dog, Zant came to her side.
"Do you remember the curse you placed upon me? To turn me into an imp?" Midna asked the sorcerer.
"Yes, regretfully." Zant replied.
"Please, do the same to my friend."
"Really? But?" Zant started to resist.
"Now Zant." Midna growled.
"Very well, please, step back princess." Zant appealed.
When she cleared he began chanting a strange tune then struck Dove down. Then it was over.
Dove sat up, now less than half his size he looked at himself. "Well done, Zant. My thanks to you princess."
"Anything, anytime." Midna replied.
"How do I look?" Dove asked. "Do you think he'll trust me?"
"I should think so." Midna answered, "We look quiet alike."
"Good. Very good indeed." Dove smiled revealing the new found fang in his mouth. "I thank you Twili. I am forever in you debt."
"When war brews again, we shall call for you. As a warrior, you are useful to us." Midna smiled.
"Fare thee well then Twili!" Dove said as he left the hall. "And thank you again!"
Midna giggled, "No matter how many years pass, he never fails to surprise me. He's usually not this enthusiastic!"
…
Sweey: Well, this is my last chapter for about a week. hope you guys are enjoying this story as much as I am!
Link: Wow that was fun.
Meta: I'm sure it was.
Sweey: I'm going to camp tomorrow. I'm not looking forward to it…
Link: Why not?
Sweey: Well, there's a certain person I don't want to see… one of my least favorite letters in the alphabet, my X.
Link: Oh… I see.
Meta: Moron.
Link: NO I'M NOT!
Meta: Not you! Sweey's X!
Link: Oh…
Meta: Moron…
Link: You already said that.
Meta: No I didn't.
Link: No, I'm pretty sure you did.
Meta: No, that was for Sweey's X.
Link: That was cold.
Tiff/Fumu: HEY! That's my line!
Navi: HEY! That's my line!
Sweey: Okay! Let's CALM DOWN! Okay readers! First of all, I have a couple announcements! As I've said a few hundred times before, I'm going to camp for a week so I won't be updating during that time. Feel free to go read my other story The Past of the Masked Knight. It's my best work so far! Please if you do! Review. You're also welcome to check out my profile! Not that it's that great… well, now it's time for you to show how much you love me and my story! :D I expect to see LOT'S of review when I get back from a week of camp! SO REVIEW! I command you! ….Please?