They washed up on a sandy beach only a couple of hours later. Ian was still unconscious, and the two heroes were growing more concerned as time passed. Using parts of the boat itself and the Hero of Time's extra tunic, they made a rough stretcher that they could use to carry Ian. Slowly, they placed the unconscious man onto it and lifted him up.
"So," Sean said, "where to?"
"I saw a town further on down this beach. I suggest we stop there and ask for help."
Sean nodded. "Then let's get going."
They walked down the beach, the small town that Evan had seen in the distance. From what he could tell, it was only a few miles away. With the morning sun, he felt sure that they would easily make it to the town without any further trouble.
As they walked along the beach, Sean once again took in their surroundings. Across the water, he could see where they had come from. Death Mountain loomed high in the air even from such a great distance away. He turned his focus in front of them, toward the town. In the nearby water, he could see fisherman in several boats. His thoughts drifted back to what Ian had told them the day before. Always be mindful of your surroundings. Sean could only pray that if they did encounter any humans, they would be helpful ones.
The only thoughts on Evan's mind were that of his time. His dreams were barely ever wrong, and it would seem that things were becoming worse for those he cared about. He wished that he had been able to destroy Ganondorf once and for all, but he knew that time would come.
"Hey! Can somebody help us?" Sean yelled as they neared the town. The sudden outburst from his descendant brought Evan back into reality. "Hey! Anybody!"
Up ahead, Evan saw a man stand up and gaze out over the beach. Not sure if the man saw them, he yelled as well.
"Hey, you up there! Can you give us a hand?"
The stranger turned around and waved his arm, signaling for others to come. Soon, there were three more men that joined the first. They made their way down the hill toward Evan, Sean, and Ian. As they drew closer, Evan could see that two of the men were much bigger than the other two. I guess those two are humans, he thought.
Too tired to carry Ian anymore, Sean gently put his end down on the beach. Evan followed suit as the strangers came up to them.
"We were caught in the storm," Evan began to explain. "He needs immediate help."
"And we would like someplace to rest up," Sean added. "We're exhausted."
"Brian, Dave, carry this man to the inn," one of the elves said. The two humans rushed over to Ian, picked him up, and began to walk back to town. "Joseph, go with them." The other elf nodded and ran to catch up with the humans. "As for you two, you need food."
"But what about our friend?" Sean asked.
"You needn't worry about him," the elf continued. "Your friend will be taken care of. Now we must take care of you. Come," he said as he waved his hand in an inviting manner.
The two heroes stood still for a moment and looked at each other. Reaching a silent agreement, they followed the stranger.
"So," the elf continued, "what were you guys doing out in the middle of that storm?"
"We were crossing the sea from Old Hyrule…" Sean began.
"What in heavens name were you doing in Old Hyrule?" the elf asked in complete shock. "That place is a wasteland!"
"Well, we landed there," Evan answered. "Believe me, we didn't want to be there any more than anyone else."
"Hmm," the elf muttered. "I see that you two are well equipped."
"We are Knights," Sean said.
"Oh, is that right? From where, may I ask?"
"Hy…" Sean began, but was quickly silenced by an elbow from Evan.
"Dellenia," Evan said quickly.
"Dellenia?" the elf thought aloud. "Never heard of it."
"It's very far away. We were driven off course."
"I see," the elf said as he stopped walking. Behind him, both Evan and Sean stopped short, wondering why the elf had stopped. "I'm sorry, I've been asking you all these questions and we haven't even introduced ourselves yet. I am Link."
Their eyes widened and they once again turned to each other. The elf noticed this strange behavior.
"What's wrong?"
"Um," Evan started. "Uh… oh. It's just that we've heard so much about you! My name is Evan."
"And I'm Sean. We are you're anc…" Sean received another elbow from Evan.
"Don't mind him," Evan said. "He's feeling a little woozy after our long journey. Perhaps we should get some food and rest now."
"Yes, yes of course," Link said. "Just follow me."
The three elves made their way into town. They passed a sign up, but Evan couldn't understand what it said. Of course, he couldn't understand anything from Sean's time either. They walked down what seemed to them to be the main street of the small town. Merchants and stores lined both sides of the street.
"This is where they have taken your friend," Link said as he opened the door on their right. "This inn will provide you with room and board. Make yourselves comfortable at one of the tables in the bar. I'm going to get the doctor."
Evan and Sean walked into the inn and slowly walked over to a table. Behind them, Link turned and walked down the street to fetch the doctor for Ian. Choosing a table far from any other customers, the two heroes sat down. Before they had even gotten the chance to check out their surroundings, the waitress came up to them.
"And what can I get you gentlemen?" she asked politely.
"Uh, the finest drink that you have," Evan replied. She smiled and went to get their drinks.
"Do you even know what they serve here?" Sean asked.
"Not a clue, but I figured this way, we wouldn't seem so out of place. Oh, and another thing. We mustn't tell him who we are or what we're doing here. At least not until Ian wakes up. Understand?"
"Yeah, yeah. I understand."
"Oh, and Sean? Can you understand their writing?"
Sean laughed. "I take it you can't. But yes, I can read it. Why?"
"I was just wondering what town we were in," Evan replied.
"Saria," Sean said. "We are in the town of Saria."
Saria? Evan thought to himself. She has a town named after her? He didn't give it any more thought.
The waitress came back with their drinks and the two of them sat in silence for the next few minutes. They each took in their surroundings. The bar was on the side wall, about twenty feet from the entrance. It appeared that it could hold ten customers. There were only about five tables, each with four chairs, so Evan figured that this place wasn't frequented much. Toward the back, which is where they were sitting, were the stairs that led up to the rooms.
The door to the inn swung open and Link and the doctor walked in. The doctor walked right past Evan and Sean and up the stairs. Link turned to them.
"You two go on up and see your friend. I'll pay for the drinks."
"Thank you," Evan replied as the two of them got up and headed up the stairs.
They found the room where Ian had been placed. Inside stood the two humans and the elf that had brought him here. The doctor knelt over Ian and seemed to be checking for signs of life. He continued examining his patient as Link walked into the room.
"I also took the liberty of paying for your room, since I wasn't sure if your money was good here."
"That's too much! You've done enough for us already!" Evan said.
"Shut up," Sean said quietly under clenched teeth. Evan ignored him.
"It's really no problem at all," Link continued. "All I ask in return is that all of you get better."
"Well, he'll live," the doctor proclaimed as he stood up. "But it could be some time before he wakes up. Just make sure that you keep him warm, and the second he comes to, I want you to come and get me."
"Thank you, doctor," Evan said as he left the room.
"You two get some rest. When you're ready, go downstairs for some food," Link said. "I will remain in this town for the next couple of days. If you need me at any time, feel free to ask anyone. Someone should know where I am."
Evan and Sean both nodded. Link smiled, turned, he and his friends walked out of the room, closing the door behind them. The two heroes each walked to a bed, Evan on Ian's left side, and Sean on Evan's left side.
"I think I could sleep for days," Evan said as he lay down on his bed.
"You're telling me," Sean yawned as they both settled into bed. "I'm exhausted."
"I hope Ian will be okay," Evan continued. "What luck, though. I can't believe that we found our descendant so quickly! At this rate, we should be able to defeat Ganondorf in no time! Right?"
Silence.
"Sean?" Evan rolled over so he could face Sean's bed. He laughed as he realized that Sean was already fast asleep. "Damn, I guess you were really tired." He rolled back over and went to sleep.
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The fields of Hyrule were covered with bodies. He was once again flying above them, forced to see the horror that had befallen his kingdom. The battle had long since been over, the Hylians lost. He found himself floating to the top of Ganon's Tower. He passed trough the walls of the top floor like he was a ghost. Inside, he saw his wife and son, each chained to the wall and being tortured. Desperately, he tried to yell out, but he was unable to make any noise. He tried to look away from the pain, but found that he couldn't do that either. Once again, he heard that evil laugh.
Evan woke up in a cold sweat again. These dreams were coming more and more frequently to him, and it didn't please him at all. Sometime during his sleep, he had kicked the covers off of him onto the floor. He glanced over to see if Ian had woken up yet. The elder man remained unconscious and Evan began to worry more about him. Then a thought struck him. Can he die? Since he was already killed, does that mean he can't die? Evan wondered this about himself too.
He turned in his bed to see if Sean was still asleep, but found that his bed was empty. It seemed as though Sean had been up for quite some time now. Evan got out of bed and stretched out. As he did, his stomach growled at him.
"Damn, I'm hungry," he said out loud. He took one last look at Ian and headed out of the room.
Downstairs, he saw Sean sitting at one of the tables. In front of him were an empty plate and a full mug of ale. Evan walked over to the table and took a seat.
"About time you woke up."
"How long have you been down here?" Evan asked.
"Oh, about an hour," Sean replied. "Let's get you some food. Ma'am?"
The waitress came over. Evan ordered himself a good amount of food and a mug of ale. The waitress smiled again and headed off to the kitchen. They both sat in silence, thinking about nothing. Evan gazed around the room and noticed a beautiful woman sitting at the bar. She turned her head and made eye contact with the Hero of Time, and smiled. Politely, he smiled back. He thought nothing of it.
The woman at the bar grabbed the waitress' attention. "Oh, miss. I'd like to buy a drink for the man at that table," she said as she pointed in Evan's direction.
The waitress nodded and poured the drink for Evan. She started on her way over, but was stopped by the same woman.
"Please, allow me." She grabbed the mug from the waitress and headed over to Evan. "Hi," she said to him. "I bought you this." She placed the mug in front of Evan and sat down next to him.
Evan and Sean both looked at her quizzically.
"Thank you, I guess," Evan said as he reached out to grab the mug. Before he could do so, she reached out her hand and took a hold of his.
"My, you have strong hands. And it appears that you've used them extensively," she said in a flirting tone.
Sean laughed. "Look at this! I never knew that you were a Lady Killer, Evan." He laughed again.
"Evan is your name, huh? I like it. My name is Sheila. I'm honored to make your acquaintance."
"As I am yours," Evan said, blushing at the same time. He had no desire for this woman, but he felt that he should at least show some interest so as to not hurt her feelings.
"Well?" she said, almost impatiently. "Aren't you going to drink that?"
"Of course," Evan replied. "I couldn't possibly pass up a free drink from a beautiful woman as yourself."
He grabbed the mug and lifted it toward his mouth. As he did, Sean noticed an unusual expression on Sheila's face. It was almost as if she couldn't wait for Evan to drink the ale. Puzzled, he remained silent, not wanting to accuse this woman of some mischief without any evidence. He would look jealous, which he sort of was.
The door to the inn was pushed open and in walked Link. He saw the two strangers sitting at a table with a third person, a woman. He thought nothing of it until the woman turned around to see who had come in.
"Sheila!" Link yelled in alarm as his face showed surprise and terror at the same time. "Evan! Don't drink that!" He unsheathed his sword and began to run toward the threesome.
Evan stopped drinking immediately when he heard Link, but he had already drank almost half of the mug. Sheila sat still with a smirk on her face as Evan put his drink down.
"What the hell is going on?" Sean was as puzzled now as he was before.
Link stopped short of the table and pointed his blade directly at Sheila's throat.
"It's too late, Link," she said. "He's already had enough to kill him. It's just a matter of time now."
Evan's face turned completely white upon hearing what she had to say. He didn't respond to anything, just sat there silent.
Sean jumped out of his chair. "What the hell did you do to my friend, you wench?"
Sheila just laughed.
"She poisoned him. Sheila is a wanted criminal for the deaths of over twenty men. Each time, she acts like she's interested in them, lowering their defenses," Link informed him. Link turned to the bartender. "Go and get the doctor!"
The bartender nodded and ran out the door. "Sean," Link continued, "take Evan upstairs into your room and cover him up. As for you," he turned to Sheila, "you're under arrest and will be sentenced to death. Get up!"
Sheila got up willingly. "You're always ruining my fun, Link."
"Shut up and get moving," he commanded her. He led her out the door with his sword always pointing at her.
Sean turned to Evan. "Come on, buddy. Let's get you upstairs."
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"He's unconscious," the doctor stated. Sean, Link, Brian, Dave, and Joseph stood around the poisoned Evan.
"Damn it! Now what am I supposed to do?" Sean asked desperately. "How the hell can we complete our mission if both of them are unconscious?"
"Mission?" Link asked, puzzled. "What mission? Just who are you anyway?"
Sean gasped as he realized his mistake. "It's… it's hard to explain."
"Well maybe you should start explaining."
"Now is not the time. You needn't worry about that right now. You have nothing to fear from us. We're on your side if you can believe that."
Link wasn't satisfied with Sean's answer. "We'll see about that. Tell me. Tell me who you are and what you are doing here!"
"Pardon me, gentlemen," the doctor interrupted. "He still has a chance to survive this. He's very strong and his body is fighting the poison quite effectively. However, he needs the antidote or else he'll never win the battle."
"So let's get him the antidote!" Sean yelled.
"It's not that easy," Link replied.
Sean reached out and grabbed Link by the collar. "Sure it is! We just have to get the antidote!"
Without even flinching, Link responded, "The antidote is not very common. We'll need to find it in nature."
Sean released his grip on Link, as he understood the situation. "Well, then, where can we find it?"
"There is a cave just beyond the forest," Joseph, the other elf, said. "There should be some Ivy Plants right before the cave. We need to get some in order to make the antidote."
"I will help you," Link started, "under one condition."
"And that is?"
"You tell me all about you three and your mission."
Sean hesitated. He looked at his two friends lying on their beds, unconscious. He needed to save the Hero of Time, and if this meant revealing their secrets to their descendant, he would do it.
"Agreed. But I will tell you and only you. I don't want any of them to know just yet," he said while directed his head in the direction of the others.
"Very well. We shall go alone," Link conceded.
"Sir Link," Brain said, "do you think that is a good idea? We don't know who this guy really is."
"I'm aware of that, Brian. But for some reason I trust him and I am certain that he will not be a threat to my life."
"Shall we be on our way?" Sean asked.
"Yes," he turned his attention to the others. "Doctor, we will bring the plants to you as soon as possible. And I want you three to look after these two around the clock. If there is any change in their condition, inform the doctor."
"Yes, of course, Link," Dave replied.
"Let's go," Link said.
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"Fall back!" Nick yelled.
The Dark Army continued their advance on the remnants of the Hylian army. Outnumbered, the Hylians were being driven back, and it appeared that the Dark Army wouldn't stop until every last one of the Hylians was dead.
"We have to protect the Princess!" Celes exclaimed. "Adriana! Diana! Fall back and help us!"
The two women stopped firing on the advancing Moblins and turned to regroup with the others. Nick, Celes, Sarah, Adriana, and Diana formed a line in front of Zelda in order to ensure her safety.
"Princess, head for Zora's River! You need to get out of here! We'll cover you!" Nick yelled over the incessant noise of the oncoming enemy.
As the group fell back, any remaining soldiers and archers tried to hold off the enemy from getting to Zelda, each one sacrificing themselves for her safety. Zelda could see the entrance to Zora's River not too far ahead. The remaining refugees were scurrying as fast as they could to the entrance, and Zelda hoped that Evan had already made it through.
"They're flanking us!" Sarah yelled out. "They're moving toward Zora's River!"
"No!" Adriana cried. "The refugees will be slaughtered!"
"Stop here!" Nick ordered.
From where they were, they could see an entire group of Stalfos along with several groups of Lizalfos and Dinolfos heading for the entrance to Zora's River. Unable to help at all, they were forced to see the defenseless refugees assaulted by an uncaring enemy. The Dark Army swarmed in on them, unforgiving in their quest for victory. The horrible reality sickened them all.
"Evan!" Zelda cried out, unsure of the whereabouts of her only son. Without warning, she took off running toward the fleeing refugees, hoping that her son wasn't killed.
"Princess Zelda!" Nick called after her. "Damn it! Come on, let's go after her!"
They all ran after her into the crowd of refugees.
"Evan!" she continued to cry out. "Evan! Evan!"
"Mommy!"
"Evan?" Zelda stopped in her tracks and looked around. "Evan?"
"Mommy!" she heard again. She looked in the direction of the voice and saw Evan running toward her. "Mommy!" he yelled again, tears streaming down his face.
Zelda picked up her son as the Dark Army moved in further, wiping out all the refugees. Finally, the others caught up to her and stood around her in a circle, enclosed by the Dark Army.
"That does it!" Diana yelled. "I'm not going to sit around and wait to die!" She picked up a nearby sword and charged a group of Moblins.
"Diana!" Adriana called after her. "Wait!" She, too, ran at the enemy, which now totally surrounded them.
"That looks like an honorable way to die," Sarah added. "I pray for your safety, Princess."
"Sarah, no!" Zelda cried out, but it was too late. Sarah was already engaged in battle.
"I'm sorry, Nick. But I must go and help my friends," Celes said, a single tear running down her face. "Please stay here and protect the Princess." She turned her back on him and ran into the battle.
"Celes! Damn it, Celes come back!"
He was forced to look on as his wife and unborn child were struck down with the rest of their friends. Tears came to his eyes, but he did all he could to suppress them. I won't be long, my love. Wait for me.
Suddenly, the Dark Army stopped their attack. Confused, Nick and Zelda looked all around them. The fields were full of dead soldiers and archers. The pathway they had once secured now was strewn with dead civilians. Evan clung tightly to his mother.
"What's going on, Nick?"
"I don't know, Princess. But it's probably not good."
In a flash of light, Ganondorf appeared in front of them, laughing.
"Ah, Princess Zelda. You put up quite a fight."
"Leave us alone!" she cried back.
Ganondorf laughed again. "I'm sorry, but I can't do that. You're too important. I have long awaited this day. Tell me, Princess, where is your beloved hero now?"
"You monster!" Nick yelled. "I'll make you pay for everything that you've done!" Nick charged the Evil King with a loud yell.
He brought his sword up and attempted to slice the Evil King in two. With unbelievable speed, Ganondorf unsheathed his sword and knocked Nick's blow away. The powerful hit caused the sword to fly from Nick's hand, leaving him completely defenseless.
"I will not be taken prisoner by you!" he said.
"We are in agreement there!" Ganondorf yelled as he brought his sword down on Nick and decapitated him.
Zelda hid her eyes from the gruesome sight, holding Evan even tighter to her. "Just finish me! Kill me and leave my son alone!"
"I'm afraid that things won't be so quick for you, Zelda," Ganondorf replied. "Guards, take them to the throne room."
Four Moblins with spears approached Zelda and Evan from different directions. With one quick hit with the butt end of a spear, Zelda was knocked unconscious.