Chapter Three – The Promise

That morning had been one of the best so far in Uganguzi's life. She was able to become a mother and spend time with a child that was now hers. For the past few hours, she had talked with little Ashekha and discovered many things about her. The child loved to talk and seemed to be pretty active as well. She had lots of energy within her. Ashekha also enjoyed music, namely singing. Uganguzi coaxed her into singing a few songs for her. The child had a beautiful voice! Uganguzi could foresee that music would be a great ability for her. While visiting the Training Grounds, Ashekha seemed particularly interested in swords. There wasn't any real need to ask her if she liked them; the look in her eyes told all. This child would most likely become a swordsman. The horseback archery interested her greatly as well. She had sat off to the side, bouncing excitedly as one of the Gerudo in training would ride by with her bow extended. Ashekha was definitely one for weapons. They didn't frighten her in the least.

While the two had been out all morning watching the weapons class and talking to each other, Uganguzi began thinking of what classes Ashekha should take. Also, she would have to start staying in a room with girls her age. None of the mothers were able to keep their daughters in their own rooms. The Gerudo worked as one big family and so all work was shared. The girls needed to learn this from an early age, and so rooming with others in the fortress taught them to experience new people all the time. They couldn't cling to mommy for their entire life, so they had to learn to be somewhat on their own. The Gerudo were thieves. To survive away from the fortress meant that they needed to be accustomed to being along. It was essential.

As the two sat on the sand, watching the last of the horseback archery, a voice sounded from behind. "I thought I might find you guys here."

They both turned around to see the grinning form of Nabooru with her hands on her hips. They smiled back and stood up to greet her. Uganguzi gave her sister a kiss on the cheek and hugged her. "Sister, how did the raid go?"

"It went well, as usual. Those guys try so hard every time to fend us off. It's such a waste of energy."

"Oh, I know," Uganguzi chuckled. "I wonder if they'll ever learn."

Nabooru shrugged and began to walk back down the slope to the fortress, motioning for them to follow. Uganguzi and Ashekha followed promptly. "Yeah, so I was called a whore again today."

"Dear gods… Those Hylians need to learn some new insults."

"Yup, you're tellin' me."

The three of them continued down the slope and entered on their right, the southern end of the fortress. Once inside, Nabooru bid farewell to her sister again. "I have business to attend to in Ganondorf's absence. I'll catch you this evening at dinner, okay?"

Uganguzi nodded and smiled. "See you then, sister."

Nabooru returned the smile and then looked down at Ashekha. "You take care of her, you hear?"

Ashekha grinned and nodded quickly.

With a final grin, Nabooru turned down the hall and disappeared. Uganguzi took hold of Ashekha's hand and led her through the hallways. "I'll show you around to some of the rooms here."

The day progressed on past lunch and into the early evening. Many of the girls were done with their classes and training and now prepared for dinner. The kitchen was bustling with much activity. The evening meal was always the most important. It was the one time that the king came to dine with them while they had their evening activities of dancing and music. Some of the workers bustled around the dining hall, sweeping and cleaning before the dishes were set out. Some of the musicians remained in the music room practicing some of their pieces for the evening. The dancers reviewed their routines as well, wanting to make a good impression on the king.

As Nabooru surveyed the work, she was approached by a worker carrying sheets of paper. "M'lady Nabooru," she bowed, "I have the count of all food and items gathered at the raid today."

Nabooru took the papers and looked them over. "Thank you. Ganondorf will be pleased." And she smiled.

The worker smiled in return and bowed again before turning back.

Continuing on, Nabooru paused at one of the entrances to the fortress. Her eyes surveyed the grounds and she thought she heard hoofbeats in the distance. She began to walk outside when a worker rushed up behind her, carrying her evening cape. "M'lady! The king returns!" The worker began to take off Nabooru's day cloak and replaced it with her nice evening cape. "Go and meet him." She then gathered up the cloak from the ground and carried it away to be washed.

Nabooru brushed herself off, hoping she looked presentable. After a moment, she made her way north across the sands towards the gate. About the time she reached the gate, it was half open already and the figure of a large black horse bearing the king came into view. Several workers came rushing up from behind Nabooru as the horse drew near. When he did finally come to a stop, Ganondorf dismounted quickly and the workers took hold of the stallion, leading him to the stables. Nabooru bowed before the king. "Welcome back, M'lord. I trust your journey was safe?"

Ganondorf nodded and began to walk alongside his second in command. "Indeed, it was. I had to journey to the temple."

This surprised Nabooru. "The temple? What for?"

The king hesitated for a moment as if choosing his words carefully. "I had some personal business there. Just things between me and Din."

Nabooru nodded and fell silent. Normally the Gerudo would wait until the annual Prayer of Confession when they would journey into the deep desert to the temple. But apparently, Ganondorf had something weighing heavily on him to have to go before then. It was odd, but Nabooru held her tongue.

As the two entered the fortress, Ganondorf spoke up. "So tell me of the raid today."

"It went well, sir. We easily overtook the supply wagons." She looked down at the papers in her hand. "These are the results of the items we gathered."

Ganondorf barely glanced at them. "Good. I'll take a look at them over dinner. Just hold onto them for now." He turned a corner and headed up the sloped stairs toward his chamber. He continued talking as he opened the door and entered. "Sometime within the next few days, I must speak with you and Uganguzi about our plans." Once they were inside, he shut the door.

"Of course, sire. We'll be sure to make time for that."

"It just feels like the time is slipping away from us and we need to make haste." He unhooked his cape and tossed it on the floor in a corner. "Before long those damned Sheikahs will catch wind of what we're up to…"

Nabooru nodded. "We'll make sure to take them out."

"Perhaps I should send out scouts…"

Nabooru could tell his mind was wandering and it was just going to make him more stressed. "Sire, let's not think of such matters right now. Just enjoy the evening." She tried a faint smile. "Dinner will be ready soon and you'll be listening to music and watching dancing."

He turned and looked at her. His face looked weary and drained. "Yes…"

"This matter of the Sheikah can wait until morning."

Ganondorf nodded slowly, rubbing his forehead. "Goddesses… I need to freshen up some before I go out there again."

Suddenly there was a knock at the door. One of the guards opened it up and moved aside as a woman entered. Long strawberry-blonde hair was pulled back behind her slender form, tan skin contrasting her blue clothing. Her eyes were what received the most attention: her left eye was golden, her right eye was red. She smiled warmly as she came into the chamber. She gave a slight bow to Nabooru. "Good evening."

Nabooru bowed in return. "Same to you, Umtoh."

The woman, Umtoh, walked over to Ganondorf and reached up to kiss his cheek. "Welcome back, my love."

Ganondorf smiled in return. "Thank you, dear."

Nabooru could see that he seemed to be calming down already. Umtoh was his mistress, half Gerudo and half Sheikah. She had lived at the fortress for a long time already and was well-gifted in the art of magic; most likely from her Sheikah background. Not only was she a half-breed, but she bore Ganondorf a child. It was quite strange to Nabooru that he would choose her, but he did. And even more strange was that his offspring was male. A male Gerudo was to be born every hundred years. However it was possible, it always bothered Nabooru. She kept her mouth shut though. The child, Vaho, was odd as well. He was usually kept hidden and when he did come around, he was always glaring and silent. She didn't want to jump to conclusions, but the boy really seemed like a demon child. But either way, Ganondorf was happy to have a son and his mistress. "Sir, I'll be leaving now if there's nothing else you require of me."

"That'll be all, Nabooru. Thank you." He gave a slight bow.

She returned the bow and turned out the door, closing it as she left.

Once gone, Ganondorf turned back to Umtoh. I'm going to need some help getting washed up for dinner. Would you find me my good cape?"

"Of course," she smiled.

A horn sounded outside to signal that the evening meal was ready. Most everyone within the fortress began making their way into the dining hall. Some of the workers in the kitchen prepared plates of food and carried them to the nursery for the elders. Several workers also prepared sacks of dried food to be taken out to the guards on duty. Nabooru watched as everyone began to fill the hall. The musicians sat off to the side, filling the room with sweet music. The different sounds of each instrument blended together to create a wonderful tune. There were gitars, flutes, harp, tambourine, and some of the musicians did hand claps. Along with the music, the air carried the scent of the evening meal. Uganguzi and Ashekha sat at the great table against the far wall, reserved for the king and his other leaders. Taking a whiff, Ashekha licked her lips and bounced excitedly. "What're we eating, Uganguzi?"

"Well, it smells like… chili, rolls, and maybe… some sort of vegetables."

"Ooh! Sounds yummy."

Uganguzi smiled and rested her chin on her palm as she looked out across the hall. She could see her sister standing by the doorway as the last of the women came in. Nabooru then began walking over to their table. Now all they needed was Ganondorf.

"Gotta love waiting for him, eh?" Nabooru said as she approached.

Uganguzi chuckled softly.

A few moments later, the king appeared. He walked through the hall towards his table, waving and nodding at some as he passed. He really wasn't one to be friendly to everyone and get to know them all, but he did try to at least acknowledge his people seeing as they were putting their lives on the line everyday for him. After his walk through the hall, he came to his seat at the head of his table. Standing up still, he raised his hands into the air. All the Gerudo stood to their feet as well and watched their king. The music died away and all that could be heard was the echo of his powerful, deep voice. "Sisters, mothers, daughters, friends… my people… Let us join together in gratitude to the goddesses for providing us this meal. Without their kindness to grant us health and strength, we would never be able to have such riches."

The Gerudo then began to speak in one voice, offering their thanks. "We thank thee, goddesses for all you give unto us. Bless us in all that we do."

Then Ganondorf lowered his hands. "Let the meal begin!" After he uttered the words, the commotion began once again. Noises from the Gerudo talking and passing around dishes of food filled the room along with the music. Ganondorf sat in his chair and snapped his fingers. A worker came alongside his seat carrying a pot of chili. Quickly, the servant scooped out some chili into the king's bowl. Then she made her way around the table, serving everyone. The next servant came by with a tray of meats, then one with a tray of rolls, and one with a pot of cooked vegetables. As everyone began to eat, another servant walked along with a pitcher of wine, pouring it into the cups.

For awhile, Ganondorf didn't say anything. He just ate quietly while occasionally watching the dancers. Uganguzi and Nabooru held a conversation about the weapons training. Ashekha just sat quietly beside her foster mother, eating and looking around at everyone. At one point she saw a woman enter the room who looked a bit different than the rest. It was Umtoh, but she didn't know it. She watched as Umtoh walked to the wall opening and took a plate of food. Then she turned and left the dining hall. Confused, Ashekha tugged on Uganguzi's pants.

"What is it, sweetie?"

"Who was that lady who came in here?"

Uganguzi looked around. "What lady?"

Ashekha pointed across the room to the door. "She was over there. She looked different. Her hair looked yellow."

Nabooru and Uganguzi's eyes met for a moment before Uganguzi replied. "Well that's Umtoh. She's only half Gerudo." At the mention of his mistress, Ganondorf turned to see who was talking. "But she lives here with us because she serves the king."

"Oh, okay." Satisfied, Ashekha began to munch on a roll.

Ganondorf watched Ashekha for a moment, unaware that she had been there. "Nabooru? This is the child of whom you spoke?"

Nabooru turned to look at Ganondorf, then followed his gaze to Ashekha. "Y-yes, sire."

Uganguzi was suddenly nervous. The way he was staring at Ashekha made her uneasy. What if he figured out that it was the same child from five years ago? But no… that was impossible. There wasn't any way he could know that. She watched his face for a moment longer before she thought he might notice her gaze. Quickly, she resumed eating.

"Bring her to me," he said.

Ashekha was unaware that he was talking about her. Uganguzi nudged her. "Go on, the king wants to see you."

Finally Ashekha looked up at her foster mother, then at the king who was still watching her. She then promptly climbed off her chair and walked around the side of the table to Ganondorf. Even sitting down, he was the biggest person she'd ever seen. He turned on his chair and rested his elbows on his knees. Ashekha just looked up at him with big eyes, waiting to see what he was going to say.

After a moment, he smiled. "What's your name, little girl?"

"Ashekha," she replied.

"And how do you like it here so far, Ashekha?"

"It's really nice here. It's big and there's a lot of people and everyone's nice and I really like the archery and sword stuff!"

"Do you now."

Ashekha nodded quickly. Even though this was the king, she wasn't frightened of him.

"Which did you like better: archery or swords?"

"Swords! They're so cool!"

He nodded. "Yes, they sure are."

Ashekha noticed a ring around a chain hanging from his neck. "What's that? It's pretty."

Ganondorf looked down and held up the ring on the chain. "This, Ashekha, is a very special ring." As he spoke, Ashekha could see that it was a silver ring with the engraving of a dragon in it. "I've had it for several years now. When I was a boy, I got it from the greatest swordsman alive. He even taught me to use a blade. He had told me back then that I could have the ring if I became the best swordsman in Hyrule… and you know what?"

"You're the greatest swordsman in Hyrule!" she replied in awe.

Amazed, Ganondorf nodded. "That's right. And how do you know that?"

"Because you have the ring now."

"But what if I was lying? What if I killed him and then stole it?"

"No!" Ashekha giggled, finding the questions funny. "If he was the greatest swordsman, you couldn't kill him!"

Ganondorf had to chuckle at the girl's cleverness. She was smart for her age. "Well, you're right. He did give it to me because I became the greatest swordsman in his eyes."

Ashekha reached out and held the ring in her tiny hands, looking it over. "So are you gonna give it to someone too?"

He paused. "Well… That's a good question. Do you think I will?"

"Well, you'll hafta find someone else who's the greatest swordsman."

"Yes, that's true. Do you think I'll find him?"

Ashekha looked up at him and grinned. "Or maybe her."

Ganondorf was simply amazed. "Her? Who is this girl that will become the best swordsman?"

"Oh, I don't know… Maybe me!" She grinned wider and shuffled around.

"You? Do you really think you have what it takes, little girl?"

"Sure! I bet I can do it."

He grinned, pausing for a moment. "Well then, Ashekha. I'll tell you what. If you can become the greatest swordsman in Hyrule, then I'll give you this ring. Is it a deal?"

She nodded quickly. "Uh-huh! It's a deal!"

"Very well then." He nodded once, then patted her head. "Alright, you can go finish your dinner. If it's gotten cold, just ask for more."

"Okay!" Ashekha then turned and skipped back to her seat. She climbed back up and resumed her meal. Uganguzi and Nabooru exchanged glances.

"Nabooru," Ganondorf called. "I'm ready for the reports on the raid."

"Yes, sire." She stood up and walked over to him with the papers.