CHAPTER FOUR
Rusl collapsed, breathing hard.
Epona whinnied, stomping her hooves into the ground as she tried to ward off the surrounding Lizalfos.
Rusl did not ever imagine them to be so big, so strong. They used to be simple warriors, easy to kill. But now, it seems they have grown stronger- much stronger.
"We'll eat the horse, but capture the man!" A Lizalfos hissed.
"Touch her and die!" Rusl gripped his sword, trying to regain his footing, but the Lizalfos near him kicked him back down to the ground.
"Stay put."
Rusl let out a cry, rolling aside even as the creature's foot was pressed to his chest. He regained his footing, and jumped onto Epona's saddle. He took the reigns and pushed her into full speed, but even with her amazing acceleration, the Lizalfos were still right behind. Their speed, despite their bulk, was tremendous for such a creature on foot.
Rusl remembered how it happened- it was only a minute ago when he was riding Epona, and she bucked, sending Rusl flying off of her. She did this because she saw the band of four creatures, who overpowered Rusl.
"Run, Epona! Run to Hyrule Castle!" He ushered her forward. Epona galloped faster, and the Lizalfos were falling behind.
Rusl breathed a sigh of relief. The castle was coming in clearer, Rusl could see its towers rise up on the horison.
Epona continued to dash to the castle, and soon, the Lizalfos had fallen completely behind.
When they had reached the city gates, Rusl led Epona to the tavern, and tied her to a stake which was outside of the building. He then rushed inside.
He saw Telma, Shad, and Ashei inside
"The Lizalfos!" He shouted as he burst into the room. "They're-"
"We know." Ashei mumbled. "They're mutants. They've become so much stronger."
"Have you scouted the land for clues?" Rusl asked. "I have borrowed Epona from Link."
"We've bought a horse, as well." Shad said. "Yesterday we found some stables for him, and some supplies. His name is Zephyr."
"Have you ever ridden a horse, Shad?" Rusl said as he walked to the table his friends were sitting at, and pulled up a seat.
"No," Shad said. "But Ashei has. I'm sure she can teach me."
"Then he should have Epona. She's a great horse, even for those who've never ridden." Rusl said. "What do you think, Ashei?"
"I think she'd be too fast for Shad," Ashei replied with a chuckle.
"Hey, now..." Shad began. "I've been shot through a cannon. I'm sure a horse can't be too bad."
"Well, we better think fast," Telma said from nearby. "If those Lizalfos truly are a threat now, then we need to beat them sooner then later."
"We know where one of their bases are." Shad said. "Earlier I interrogated a Lizalfos grunt. He told us where his clan was, but he said he had no knowledge of the others. He's from a place near Kakariko Village, in Death Mountain."
"Renado's in danger!" Telma choked. "Shad, how about you, Rusl, and Ashei go over there and see if he's alright?"
"Yes, and while we're there, we can scout around and see the location of the Lizalfos." Rusl replied. "We need to do this before we bring an army, otherwise the Lizalfos may become very suspicious. Right now, secrecy is our best option."
"Right," Shad replied. "Well, Telma, we will set off to Kakariko Village, and make sure that Renado is safe, and we will see if we can find the Lizalfos' first nest." He stood up as he spoke, his chair scooting across the wooden floor.
"You're getting good at this leadership thing, Shad," Ashei commented with a grin.
"Leadership?"
"Well, yes. Already you're starting to take command. Normally I would be jealous, and I myself would want to take command... but I think you can handle it."
"What? I..." Shad stammered, then remembered what the Oocca said. He was the next hero of the world. And he needed to be a leader.
"Well... alright..." Shad scratched the back of his head, his fingers running through his lightweight, orange hair. "That settled, I think we should be off. Rusl, which horse would you ride?"
"It matters not." Rusl replied. The three headed out the door.
(TO BE CONTINUED)