A/N: Hello Fans! Riyougi here, I have come back from multiple absences from this site to bring you a new re-edited chapter. I seem to be adding more detail than i had originally in the story when I first wrote it. I hope you all Like this new Chapter. Please let me know what you think.

Riyougi

Chapter 3

Morning 9:00am

Odin, 'the wise one', sat at his table, drinking a warm cup of tea that he had just made. The kettle he used was still hissing though it was now quieting down. Candles burned from their hoist upon the wall, providing light to the room. The windows around the dinning table and kitchen area seem to provide a dull and grey kind of light, that seem to dampen the mood of the morning. Odin however, seemed not affected by this. His mind and mood were normal as always; maybe a bit happier with recent events. He sat quietly with his cup of tea in hand, with a slight smile on his face. The tea appeared, in the metallic cup, as a mild clear liquid with a slight greenish appearance, yet the smell it offered up was something unpleasant. However, the taste was smooth and most refreshing, counteracting that of the awful smell. Odin drew in the tea, closing his eyes as his mouth absorbed the rich flavour, rather than his nose taking in the smell.

Odin, as the tea sat in his mouth, recalled all the ingredients he had used to make the tea, and the difficult produce he remember to make it. The ingredients were many, about 10 or so, like a Fanti tree root, berries, red and green potion and other items. Yet, all he required was a small portion of each item. The tea was a delicate thing to make, having too much of one item ruined it. The mixing of each item at the proper time was just as vital for the tea to be successful. It was an old recipe, yet a powerful tea that is said to offer renewed strength and magical power to the drinker, if done properly. It was a lost art and not many had the time or patience to do it. Odin simply liked the flavour, regardless of the time and effort it took.

'Morning Odin,'

The house's silence was broken by the greeting from Odin's newly acquired house guest. The young warrior's greeting ranged in his old ears clearly, as his sense of sight and smell were not being used. Odin lowered the cup upon the table, folded his hands before him and slowly opened his eyes. On the opposite side of the table, standing just before the hallway that lead to the spare room, stood the recovered Hyalin warrior, Link. The youth was placing his green tunic over his head, his belt around his hips and his sword and shield upon his back.

'Morning, Master Link, I trust you slept well?' Odin greeted, offering Link a seat at the table. Link paused at the hallway's entrance, to release a quick yawn, before moving. Link move along the pine table and sat in the chair next to Odin, who sat at the head of the table. Link smiled at him, then, trying hard to resist a coming yawn, yawned anyway despite his effort and then smiled again.

'Yeah, I slept well…kind of' Link shrugged. The bed was great. Best sleep he had had for the past few days than that of the forest - but it was the 'dark feeling' that had turned a great sleep into an uncomfortable one. Link had awakened three times because he felt something was there, watching him. 'I felt watched and I kept waking up because of something… a feeling. The bed was better than the forest ground, but I just couldn't relax…' Link explained, rubbing his neck softly. 'I really don't know how to explain it…'

'No need,' Odin muttered, before sipping his tea, 'You've explained it enough'

Link looked at him with a raised eyebrow as Odin drank more of his tea. Link's nose was getting a whiff of the tea and his face was quick to screw up, yet Odin didn't notice nor would it have bothered him even if he did. Odin erected the cup toward the sky, allowing what remained of the tea to pass his lips, before lowering cup and hands to the table. He licked his lips clean before redirecting his eyes back to Link.

'I was hoping in your weary state you would have been too tired to notice it, but I think I am under estimating you' Odin said, resting his elbow on the table and overlapping his hands before his mouth. 'The land and its people are in danger; a threat from both outside the walls and within. The greater threat lies outside the wall and within the castle itself. But on the streets, there is something else, something minor but still something that holds the people of this town in fear. We're not sure what it is. It remains hidden to us and our eyes, but it moves about us, following us. The shadow of night hides it well. There is some sort of dark presence out there, that – come night fall, attacks anyone who is not safe within their homes'

Link was more alert now and his attention was transfixed to Odin, as the wise man spoke of the plight upon the city and the reason for Link's lack of sleep. His sense of adventure and courage now interested.

'Oh yes, we are all in fear. The day is the only time we have some solace, but that's only a little, not enough to give us hope' Odin sighed, letting his eyes wonder about the contents in his home. Link felt Odin wasn't really looking at the inside of his house, but rather looking beyond the walls. 'Trust your feelings and all your senses while you are here, Master Link. Something's… the eyes alone can't see' Odin instructed, still eyeing the walls about his own house. 'I'm praying yours grant you safety here'

Link's ears twitched upon what Odin had just said to him. Link wasn't sure if what he heard was some sort of hint, or just a coincidental choice of words that Odin decided to use that set Link's mind working.

'Alright…' Link sighed, moving slightly closer towards Odin. 'Let me see if I understand this properly… you're saying there is trouble outside the wall and also within the walls of this city. The greatest problem is 'something' outside the walls and also what's going on in the castle, right?'

Odin nodded slightly in response.

'Okay and you're also saying that there is 'something' at night, whatever it is, that is attacking people in the street. Yet you can't see it, right?'

Odin again nodded for his response, yet his face was saddening, thinking upon it. Link smiled slightly, teasing his own mind with the choice of words he was going to say next.

'So Odin, aside from using my feelings to sense this presence, it would be fair to say that this presence can only be detected by those whose eyes can see the truth through the shadows and darkness, wouldn't you agree?'

Odin began to smile and chuckle slightly at Link's words.

'Profound and acutely put, Master Link, it would require such eyes to see whatever the shadows have concealed from us. How did you think of such things?'

'Rather than making it up Odin, I've come across something like that before' Link simply said. As he said that, Link reached deep within his tunic and began searching amongst his countless items within. 'Your choice of words actually 'hinted' to me of something that might help…' upon saying that, his hand soon fell upon a soft and smooth glass like surface, before touching a metallic ring. Link recognised this item immediately and grasped it within his hand. Link removed the item and held it out before Odin. 'This has helped me see many a thing that is hidden to the eyes – 'That the eye alone can't see', as you said. This is the eye of Truth – it will reveal anything that is hidden of shrouded in shadows'

Odin looked puzzled and also baffled as he grasped the Eye of Truth in his hands. He examined it and replayed what Link had just said about the item he held. To Odin it looked like any ordinarily magnifying glass; expect this one had three odd tips on the frame and a strange red eye drawn on the lens. Link at one stage thought, judging by Odin's fascial expression, that the wise man might not believe him and that he would have to explain it or demonstrate its power. But then the man's face changed to a smile and he held the Eye of Truth as if he had seen it or something like it before.

'So this is the Eye of Truth, eh?' Odin muttered under his breath. 'So… what you said was not just a tale to give an old man hope, but rather an actual item that you claim can reveal the dark presence to you?'

'It works, and it has saved me many a time from being attacked by anything invisible. I can demonstrate to you if -'

'No need, Master Link. A Demonstration is not required' Odin said, returning the Eye of Truth back to Link. 'I have seen the power of this item, when I was dream scaping inside your mind. Though I must admit I didn't seem to notice the difference or its effects, at first, but now I understand it and its power. You are well equipped and full of surprises, Master Link'

'Master Link?' Link repeated, feeling a bit shy and flattered. 'Please Odin; you don't need the formalities with me. Just Link is fine. The title is not needed, I am just me'

Odin began to laugh slightly, as he slowly stood up, grabbed his walking stick and turned for the door.

'You are just you, eh? – Just Link and the Hero of Time and saviour of both Hyrule and Termina? He-he' Odin chuckle again, before reaching the door. 'I insist on calling you, Master Link. As a high priest, I must show my gratitude and respect to my guests, especially to one as important as you! Your tales of valour and courage should not be undermined' Odin reminded.

Link smile and nodded slightly, agreeing with what Odin had said. He pushed his chair out from the table and made his towards Odin and the front door.

'You really don't have to Odin, but I'm sure you going to do it regardless' Link smiled as he stood before the door. Odin smiled, showing his white teeth amongst the silver of his long beard, nodding as the young warrior stood beside him.

As Link stood near Odin, he took the chance to peer around at Odin's home. The contents of the house, from what little there was in the house, hardly suggested that Odin was a priest or even a High priest for that matter. Link had been inside many houses and had seen many personal affects and other tools or items. Link had seen a few houses' belonging to priests, and they were very well structured and had many religious items inside relating to the Three Goddess, and countless old text books. However, Odin's home was neither of these. It was a basic design and only had the basic of furniture. There were a few books, but they were old and falling apart. To Link, this house looked more like a commoner's dwelling, not for a priest.

'Pardon my curiosity Odin, but for a prist, or even a high priest for that matter, you don't live like one…' Link pointed out. Both Link and Odin turned and together they peered at the rather empty looking kitchen and dinning area. 'Why is that? I thought you would have been well looked after, for your position and title?'

'It is true I might not fit the normal concept of a High priest, but in this time and age, all the comforts I would normally receive mean very little. This town is in trouble, and no matter of comfort or gold will deny that. Beside the people need it more than I do - I try to place myself with the people, not with the gold' Odin explained simply, slowly opening the front door.

As Odin began to open the door, Link was expecting the morning's light to blind him. He raised his right hand up, ready to shield his eyes from the sun's rays that were soon to pour though the opening door. However, as the door slid open, a weak dull light shone through the opening of the door frame. Seeing this weak light, Link returned his hand down to his side. He guessed that it must be a cloudy day today, if the light was so weak in strength.

Odin soon swung the door fully open, allowing Link to be bathed in the light and to see the world outside.

With the door now open, Odin patted Link's back and escorted Link out into the town for the first time since he woke. Link, walking outside Odin's house, saw the street and the other houses before him. However, as soon as he had step outside, his attention was drawn immediately away from the building before him, and was now directed to the dull grey of the world he had walked into. Link wasn't sure if it was a trick of the light, but the whole area seem to be void of bright colours, and was only left with dull shades of colours. The cheerfulness he usually felt when entering a new realm and its many towns, was drained from him, seeing the dullness that surrounded him. He also felt strange, like he was suddenly frightened.

His eyes, from staring at the dull like world he had awoken in, returned to the street and the buildings across the street. The buildings appeared to be old looking, shabby and in need of some repair. The wood of their frame and structure seemed to be splintering and cracking, like the wood was not properly crafted before being used to build the houses; or like the other houses down the street. The bricks that made up the walls, being much stronger than the wood that made the frame for the houses, also showed signs of wear and decay. Link wasn't sure if this was from poor construction or not, but for some reason, he felt like the strength had been sapped from these buildings – if such a thing was possible.

Even the ground he walked upon was barren and brittle. He almost felt his boot sink with every step, leaving a small indent in the ground, as if he was heavily weighed down. Link also noted that the streets were barely touched by travellers or even the very people that lived here. There were very few signs of footprints or any other kind of travel through the streets. He sensed that people were too frightened to venture outside. He had to agree; he had only just stepped outside and already he felt threatened here. It was as if the very world was an enemy, just waiting to attack him.

A mild wind suddenly blew against the pair in the middle of the empty street, blowing the loose soil free from the ground. What little prints in the dirt Link had seen was quickly blown away or filled in. The wind blew, sounding like a dreadful moan and sounding just as hallow and void as the street was. The wind didn't make Link feel any better as it usually does; it made him feel more frightened than before.

Link's eyes kept surveying the local area, studying the dull scenery and buildings, when his attention was drawn to the sky by a strange crackling sound that sounded somewhat like thunder. Peering up to the sky, Link's eyes were greeted with a vast sea of black storm clouds. The clouds churned and washed over one another; now and then the sounds of thunder crackled within them. Judging by these storm clouds, Link would have guessed that a storm was moving in or was just about to move on. However, as he continued to watch them, he noted that the clouds were not moving past in any direction or away from the town, but were rather circling above. He could see a spiral pattern to the clouds that was spewing out from a single point in the sky and spreading forth.

'This is no ordinary storm… this is some sort of enchantment. Clouds would never do this, unless conjured to do so' Link noted to himself, having seen this strange cloud pattern once before. 'I would have to assume the clouds might also be drawing the colour and cheerfulness from this town… how do you dispel something like that?'

'We are not sure of that either, Master Link,' Odin suddenly spoke up, peering down at the warrior. Odin had remained silent for a while, to allow the young warrior to asset the world they had walked into. 'Our Mages and spell casters have tried many a time to dispel the clouds, yet with no result. We can only conclude that these conjured clouds have a source that need to be destroyed or dispel. It's the only way to keep something likes this activated. A normal conjured spell can be easily over powered if a strong enough mage or spell caster, or even a large enough group of both, were to dispel it together' Odin explained, casting his eyes toward the clouds. 'However, if there is such an item which the spell is being cast from, then that said item would have to be destroyed or have it enchantment removed – when the item is indeed located, that is'

Link also looked back to the menacing storm clouds swirling over head. The storm clouds rotated in an anti-clock wise fashion, churning and washing over the other amassed clouds in the sky; much like that of the waves in the ocean.

While staring at the dark clouds already in the sky and noting that the world around him was only dimmed in light and not already shaded in total darkness, Link guessed they were either still in the early morning or had just entered into the afternoon phase of the day. Either way, the light from the sun above only provided enough light to see what lay before them, yet presenting the world in a dull grey scale scene. He wondered how bad it would get when the sun actually did set. How would the visibility be then at night time?

'It gets much darker then this at night. Almost pitch black and impossible to navigate - if it weren't for the torches we built upon all the houses as a guide' Odin spoke again, noting the questions written upon the warrior's face. Odin began pointing to torches that hung from every corner of the houses in the street and further along the road. From the rise where Odin's house sat upon the hill, Link could see the whole town a light with torches. The whole town was lit with these torches – there were millions of them.

Seeing these torches, Link was glad to have some source of light when the night eventually descended the world. However, Link noted that even in the early morning or afternoon, whichever it was, the light from the torches helped lighten more of the street a little bit more than the actual sun – he wondered how much these torches would really lighten up the streets at night.

Link hadn't noticed himself walking towards the top of the street, just where the road began to dip down the hill into the rest of the town. He stopped there and allowed his eyes to peer across the town, seeing all he could from his rise of the hill.

'Odin…' Link muttered, staring at the town from the raised hill, where Odin's house resided. The wise man shifted his eyes upon the warrior, having heard his name and slowly walked up beside him. Sensing the High Priest was next to him and was listening, Link continued on. 'What is going on, Odin? Why is this town of… err'

'- This is the town of Zene, Master Link'

'Yes, thanks – why is Zene like this? Everything seems so dark and grey and empty of feeling… what has befallen this realm?'

'Hmm,' Odin stroke his silver beard slowly, contemplating Link's question, trying to form a reasonable answer. 'I am not too sure, Master Link. The town of Zene has a dark and bloody history, like many realms before it – its hard to say if this town is condemned because of such a past or if it truly deserve such a fate like this, especially for what has happened so long ago, if that is the case'

'Cursed because of their history?' Link questioned.

'Possibly – but I sense this curse is far more recent…'

'Recent? How long ago was this done?'

'That I am not sure of – but I am sure there is a reason to this, somewhere in the town's history. It would have to be – For as long as I have been here, trapped like other travellers, this curse has been here a long time. The people of this town are doomed because of it, yet none know the answer to why'

'There has to be someone who knows! A thing like this just doesn't happen and no one keeps a record of it. What about the scribes in this town? Surely they would have kept a record of when this happened and the events that might have caused it - '

'The scribes, I fear, are dead; Master Link' Odin interrupted, 'There was no trace of them when I too searched for such answers you speak of now. I concluded they were taken a while ago before our arrival'

'Taken, Odin? You just said you fear them dead, but now you say they were taken? What do you mean by that?'

The old priest pressed his lips, and then began to peer around the street; his eyes watchful of the surrounding buildings and alleyways.

'I can't say yet, Master Link' Odin whispered, leaning closer to the warrior. 'I will reveal the answer to you soon. Be patience, I will tell you soon…'

Link's growled angrily in dismay, but then sighed heavily, rubbing the back of his head.

'What about their books and records then? Something of their writing should have been kept, even if the scribes themselves were, 'taken' as you say. Don't tell me their records disappear with them! We have to -'

Before Link could say more, Odin's old hand suddenly covered his mouth. Link was surprised by the action and by the movement of speed. For an old man, and one who looks as frail as Odin did, his movement was quick and sharp.

'Shh!' Link heard Odin say.

From peering at Odin's hand covering his mouth, Link peered up at the priests' face. Odin was not watching Link, but rather he was examining the surroundings. Judging from the look in the priest's eyes, Link could tell Odin was on guard and he was frightened.

'Link…' Odin muttered, lending closer to the warrior. 'We can not discuss such things now… it is not safe here to speak of such a topic in the open. For now please follow me and I will explain what I can to you on the move'

Link wanted to ask what was going on, but the tone in Odin's voice and the worry in the priest's eyes, suggested that he better just heed the old man's words and just do as he was told to do. Link removed the hand from his mouth, breathed slightly and nodded in response.

Odin nodded, rose back to his normal height, spun around and began walking up the street. Link, before moving, began to examine the street as Odin had done. Something had Odin spooked and on guard, but Link couldn't see what. Link tried to feel for a presence nearby, but because the whole town felt full of danger and evil, Link couldn't feel anything close by. Link sighed quickly, before walking after the priest.

Link soon caught up to the High priest, but said nothing to him. Odin didn't respond to Link either, when the warrior walked beside him. As Link could see, Odin was still watching the buildings and alleyways they pasted by. Odin's face was solid and tensed, something was definitely bothering him. Link lowered his face back to the street before them, but kept his eyes on their surroundings, like Odin was doing.

Now and then, Link thought he saw something move about them. Like a blur of blackness moving amongst the alleyways, but it was always out of the corner of his eyes. He could not see it or anything out of the ordinary when he stared down the alleyway directly.

Was that a person? It didn't look right to be a person… maybe smoke or something from the torches, perhaps…

Link thought to say something about that to Odin, but because he wasn't sure what it was he saw, he thought not to say anything until he could confirm what he was seeing.

.

Morning 11:00am
After what seemed like an hour, Link and Odin came to a wall that divided this section of the town from the rest. From the raised hill near Odin's house, where Link had looked over the town, he saw similar walls that divided the rest of the town.

They pasted through the arch in the wall and continued up the street in silence.

The silence was starting to get to him, so was this feeling of dread he felt ever since he had woke in Odin's house last night. It was like something was just waiting to attack them. He just wished that whatever it was would just do so, so he didn't have to keep thinking about it.

To take his mind off of it, Link began to look at the buildings in this section of the town. Here, Link saw something rather odd in compared to the rest of the buildings in the town. Though made of the same wood and brick the rest of the town's buildings, these building showed no signs or wear or need of repair. The buildings still looked drained of happiness and of life, but they were much sturdy than the others Link had seen. Link thought that maybe these buildings were newly built, but when he examined them carefully, they appeared just as old as the others.

What's the difference then? Link thought, examining the houses he passed on his right. Why are these building so much better looking than the others in this town?

The pair soon came to a fork in the road, where the main trail headed to the right, continuing up the hill and the trail to the left, on a smaller road appeared to continue to some sort of lookout tower behind the buildings, out upon a cliff or ledge.

Coming to the middle of the intersection, Odin stopped. Link took a few more steps, and then notice Odin had stopped walking. The High priest's face was still as tensed as it was when they had started their walk of silence. But now, it seemed a bit more lighten.

'Come, Master Link. We go left here. There is something I want to show you' Odin instructed, speaking for the first time since they had started walking, pointing his old, bony index finger down the left trail. Link peered at the path Odin had pointed down. The trail wasn't properly design as a road, like the one they had been walking, but more just an unused path, bigger than the alleyways between the building blocks. The path was covered in tiny pebbles, where they main road was just dirt.

Link peered at Odin briefly before doing as he was instructed. Link walked onto the pebbled path, his boots crunching the pebbles as he walked. Even these pebbles appeared to be hallow and lifeless. Link even tried to ease his feet gently upon the pebble, to stop them from crunching under his weight, but these pebbles held no strength and just crumbled into powder. He was leaving a path of crumbled pebbles, wherever he stepped, amongst the still whole pebbles.

Walking on this path for ten minutes, Link soon emerged out upon the cliff where the lookout tower stood. The buildings opened up to reveal this small section of ledge that held room enough for the tower to stand. He had to push what looked like an old, dead grape vine out of the way to see the lookout tower. In a way, the old grape vine acted like a curtain or drape, though the leave crumble as he past through, leaving mostly the vine bare. Link stared at the tower as he emerged, wondering if he was meant to climb it, but quickly found a stone bench set beside the tower for the town people to sit upon. By the looks of the dirt, cobwebs and the long grass at its base, Link guessed not mainly visited this place. Nonetheless, Link sat upon the bench and rubbed at his feet. Though the pebble had crumbled effortless under his weight, the sole of his feet felt sore.

'Hey Odin, what did you want to show me?' Link asked, removing his right boot and rubbing his foot. 'What is here that I have to see-?'

Link paused in mid sentence, realising as he looked up that Odin was not with him. The warrior was all alone at the lookout. When did Odin vanish? Link had heard him when they had started walking on the pebble path, but after that, Link lost focus on Odin and just kept walking onwards.

Not bothering to put his boot back on, Link shot up from the seat and bolted back to the path.

Link leaped into the old vine like drape, knowing the vines were brittle and would easily break upon hitting him.

But just as he leapt into the air to crush through the vines, the vine began to part ways and from it Odin stepped out.

'Argh!' screamed Link, as he crashed into Odin.

The young warrior hit the old priest hard and then bounced backwards. He hit the ground hard; his butt hitting the ground first and then his head. Link was quick to sit up, rubbing the spot where his head hit the ground. Though the earth crumbled slightly under the sudden impact, it still hurt the same.

'Oh my, are you alright, Master Link?' Odin asked, kneeling down to Link, with the aid of his walking stick.

'Urgh… I am fine, Odin' Link muttered, rubbing his head and butt, slowly rising to his feet. 'What about you? Did I hurt you? I mean I did slam into you pretty hard'

'Ho-Ho, hit me pretty hard, yes. But I am alright – there be strength in this old body still' Odin said happily, as he walked past the warrior, patting Link's shoulder.

Pretty hard, yes? Link repeated, watching the old priest with his walking stick. Such an impact should have caused you to fallen, Odin. Yet I was the only one on the ground…

Link watched Odin walking towards the lookout tower, until the priest came to sit upon the bench just like Link had done when he had arrived there. Link rubbed his head for a few more second, and then walked over to the bench where Odin sat.

'What happened to you, Odin?' Link asked, pulling on his boot and then sitting down on the bench. 'When I came here, you weren't behind me. Where did you go?'

'I didn't go anywhere, Master Link' Odin answered, staring out over the cliff, with his hands folded over the top of his walking stick. 'The pebbles hurt my feet, so I had to rest a bit. I didn't think to tell you to stop, since you are much younger, stronger and more able than I. I just needed a few seconds rest, before I continued onwards – I didn't think you would mind being alone for a short amount of time, Master Link'

'Oh, I can stand it – I was just worried about you'

'Blessed be your heart, Master Link. I am fine, though, you need not worry. I can look after my self just fine, thanks'

Hearing Odin's answer, Link could help but tilt his head slightly, being a little confused. He wasn't sure if what Odin was saying was just something to put Link's mind at ease, or if there was something else behind those words. The priest spoke confidently and strongly of his words, for one who looked as frail as Odin. Link recalled when he had leaped into Odin, just before, and how the old priest was able to withstand the impact without falling down as Link did. From that impact alone, Link felt Odin was a lot stronger than he gave him credit for… much stronger.

'Anyways, I think now is a good time for me to tell you what you had asked me previously,' Odin said, turning slightly on the bench to properly face Link. 'We are safe now for the moment, so I will tell you what I can while we rest here, before continuing our journey'

Having heard that, Link began to examine the surroundings. Odin had just said 'we are safe now', did that mean, that just before they were in some kind of danger? How did Odin know there was danger or some threat, when Link could not? Link wasn't sure on how Odin could know, but as he scanned the surroundings, he still couldn't see or feel anything different to suggest otherwise. The whole area felt the same still – evil and dread.

Seeing as the High priest was assured and confident the place was safe to convey what information he could not have shared before, Link resume the topic.

'Alright Odin, I had asked about the town of Zene and what was going on here' Link said, reminding Odin of what he had asked the old priest before. 'I was asking about the scribes and the records they should have kept somewhere in the archives, or castle, or wherever they worked. Those records should be able to tell us the events of when the curse came and what had happened to cause it, or any event that may link the events'

'I will do my best to give all I have gathered, Master Link' Odin said stiffly, straightening his back up and lifting his chest high, like a bold man would. 'You must forgive me if I don't have all the answers you seek, Master Link. The enemy has done well to conceal the truth from us'

Link understood, but he hated rushing into things blindly.

'That's okay, Odin, it will have to do' Link muttered, sounding slightly monotone. 'What can you tell me about the town's history? You mention that the town was likely cursed because of something that happened in its bloody history – do you know what happened during that time that might be a link?'

'I'm afraid there is nothing I can add on that, Master Link' Odin said, sadly. 'Like all other realms present, past and lost, Zene has seen its share of war and bloodshed. I know that the land Zene now inhabits has been fought over countless time by other nations. I'm not sure who was involved in each of the conflicts. The last war was 3 centuries ago. Peace has reign since then, allowing the royal family, the army and the townspeople to develop this city into what you see it now. That is just general knowledge that I have gathered – more detail accounts of Zene's history, I would believe to lie with the scribes and their documents – wherever they are'

'Ok – then the scribes and their records might contain the answers we need' Link stated, 'How do we reach the scribes and the archives?'

Odin sighed heavily hearing Link asking this.

'I fear the scribes are no longer of this realm, Master Link' Odin sorrowfully indicated. 'As I had said before, I have found no trace of the scribes in charge of documenting the events of Zene. Their quarters have been vacant a long time – longer than even I could imagine. Decay, dust and neglect have also taken their toll in the archives in the castle. The scrolls and tomes are barely legible in most part, now'

Link grunted and exhaled heavily, rubbing his neck as he lowered his head to the ground.

'You found nothing at all?'

'Nothing – no signs of foul play, no notes or clues to suggest they had left… nothing'

Link found this rather strange. Scribes were well noted people in the society other realms he had travelled to, even though they tend to keep out of sight as they do their job of recording events. They are supposed to keep records of everything that happens within their realm. They keep the records of history, important legal and royal documents safe and in order for future generations. To have them suddenly vanish without anyone noticing or without even a clue is very troubling.

'How long do you think the scribes have been gone?'

'Hard to say – both their quarters and the archives are covered heavily in dust and show signs of neglect for many years'

'For Many years?' Link repeated in his head, 'How do people just vanish without a trace and not be noticed?'

A mild wind blew across the outlook as both warrior and high priest were in deep thought.

'Hold on, there is something actually…' Odin said, breaking the silence. 'I did notice something in particular that was strange in my search of the archives…' Odin's words were quick to shatter the Hyalin warrior's trouble and confused thoughts and grabbed his full attention.

'What was it? What did you find, Odin?'

Odin cleared his throat with a deep cough that rumbled heavily in both his throat and chest, before he too drew in closer to Link.

'Try and follow what I say, Master Link, imagine if you can…' Odin instructed to Link, as he began to explain his findings. 'The Zene's family royal scribes kept their documents of everything that has happened in Zene in these great big tomes, deep in the castle's archives. Though tomes are common, these tomes that the Zene's scribes used are larger than the normal size ones you might have encountered. They're three times bigger and filled with a lot more pages. I swear by the goddesses, it would take a Goron to lift them or maybe an incredibly strong man!' Odin exclaimed, depicting the tomes' size with his old arms. 'Anyways, these tomes are kept on these bookshelves. Some of the bookshelves were carved into the castle's walls - I imagined those tomes contained the older accounts of Zene, when the war ended and the ground had been declared by the king at that stage. The newer and more recent tomes were stored on hand built wooden shelves. The room that they use as the archives is a massive room unto itself, and design similar like a great library. Under each tome was a small metal plaque that indicated the years that the tomes contained – do you understand so far, Master Link?'

'Yes, I understand. Incredibly big tomes, the archives is the size of a great library, metal plaque that have written the years each tomes has record within - that right so far' Link said, recapping Odin's word in just a few words.

'Good – Good. Now, remember how I said decay, dust and neglect have befallen the archives?'

Link nodded instead of speaking this time. Odin smiled and continued on speaking.

'Good lad. Now imagine a heavy layer of dust upon these shelves, the tomes and even the floor and a mass of cobwebs here and there. The archives had been vacant for a long time it would seem; decades of dust and no sign of any maintenance. No one had stepped into that room for a long time. I searched for notes that might have indicated the whereabouts of the scribes, or at least some evidence that might prove if they had indeed met their untimely end there – but I found nothing. No notes or clues; nothing. Everything in that room was about history. Every tome and scroll was history based. That room has been empty for so long, and it would suggest by the dust gathered that the scribes have been gone for decades -'

'But if that is indeed so… then what did you find that was so interesting, Odin?'

'When I could find no evidence to explain what had happened to the scribes, I began to search for answers in the tomes. Answers to the very questions you are seeking now. I did not find the answers I sought, as I said before the words are illegible now, but I discovered something else, something more important'

'What? What did you discover?' Link asked feverishly. Odin had gripped his attention and the suspense was getting to him.

'I sped through each tome because each was illegible, even the ones drawing closer to the present. Age and neglect have taken their secrets. However, when I came upon the last and most recent tome of Zene's history, which if I remember correctly from the plaque, would have been recording of these past decade, the plaque and tome itself was… clean and new. Untouched by dust or neglect'

Link's eyes became set and still. His mouth opened slowly to speak his disbelief but no words protruded. Upon seeing this, Odin again smiled slightly and continued on.

'The room had shown no signs of any other life being in that room before me, but there the tome was, sitting fresh beside its dust covered and aged brothers. I'm not sure how to explain the possibility of that, but there it was all the same. It was the last tome left in the room that I had not read yet. I assumed from its fresh appearance that perhaps in this tome were some answers. I opened it… but the pages were torn out'

'What? The pages were missing?' Link asked, seizing Odin but the shoulders. Odin didn't mind that Link had grasped him so violently. The way Link had been gripped on his every word and then suddenly given such uneasy news, a reaction was to be expected.

'Not all the pages were gone, Master Link, but I believe only the ones that actually hard something written on them were taken; for the rest of the pages lay blank' Odin explain, slowly grabbing Link's hands from his shoulder and removing them. Link's hands fell effortlessly from the priest's shoulders, as Odin touch his hands.

'But Odin, I'm not sure I understand now' Link said, scratching his head. 'I understand that last tome was new and fresh, but how does that help us if the pages are missing? Our questions are still unanswered...'

Odin nodded slightly, agreeing with the warrior, before providing the answer.

'Indeed, that did present a problem. However, the only thing left in the tome, beside blank pages was a page marked with the King's royal seal'

Hearing this, Link's face brightened.

'Thought that would cheer you up'

'So the King has the pages then? He was the one who tore them out?'

'It would appear so. But I am not sure how he did it'

'What you mean?' Link asked.

'Well, when I was reading through some of the other tomes, I attempted to remove a few pages from their bindings. I thought that maybe I could use magic to restore the words, as is common practise of scribes to do to keep the tomes in order, for future generations to read. However the tomes were not willing to part with their pages. Spells of some unknown power was keeping the pages firmly inside. It puzzles me on how the King was able to do it when I could not…' Odin explained, looking down at his wrinkled hands.

'I guess we should ask the king that question' Link said simply and cheerfully.

'That would be a good plan, Master Link, however not so easily done' Odin pointed out.

'Why not?' Link questioned.

'The King is being held prisoner in the castle's dungeon. The new lordship Rebonack has taken control of the castle, as well as the realm. No one enters the dungeon, but him and his escort'

Link growled within. There was always a catch to things. No easy ways about these things - just the hard way.

'I don't get it, Odin' Link said, titling his head to the side. 'How can this guy, Rebonack, control these lands when the rightful King is being held prisoner in his own castle? The townspeople shouldn't be so idle about this, knowing such information should anger them. Shouldn't the townspeople rise up against him, overpower him and take back the castle?'

'It would be that simple if the townspeople believed it to be such as you have stated'

'Huh?'

'Rebonack is no fool. Though he holds the King in the dungeons, only a handful of individuals know this information I have just shared with you. To everyone else, they see the King everyday'

Link was puzzled by Odin's words. Link opened his mouth to speak more questions but Odin began to stand from the bench he had been sitting on. The old priest continued to speak on.

'Rebonack is a tactician, a warrior general and one who is well versed in the art of magic. He disguises himself as the King to fool the people into believing whatever he declares. Though he has assumed control, he does not declare his goals and true intention to the people. He is subtle and patient. Instead of being direct, he uses the current situation, and advises the people he is helping them, telling them his elite warriors and advisers and mages are all working to restore the balance. Out of fear of the darkness, they believe him without even realising they are being deceived. They are too tired and frighten to see the truth. He conducts his true intentions in the shadows, out of people's sight. They can't tell the difference' Odin explained, with a sadden tone. 'I believe he has been watching and studying the King for some time; his imitation of the King is almost flawless - almost'

'What caught him out?'

'Some of the servants have notice a change in him, a very strong sense of boldness and authority. The King was more caring and a little bit more humble, then someone who commanded. Rebonack tries to be nice like the King, but he is becoming more careless, rough and tempered. These changes are too sudden to be natural. That's what the servants have told me that they have noticed. As for me, I've had a different situation. As a high priest, I am usually called to the castle to perform blessing, read from the scared and holy books of the goddess and communicate between the people and the Great Fairy in our temple on the King's behalf. However, this 'King' seems not to require my services anymore, suggesting I remain in the temple to communicate between the Great Fairy and the townspeople to give them hope. That the castle is no longer grounds that need my services'

'How does that suggest the King is a fake? He could be thinking that the people need you more'

'That is a possibility, however, the King is just as frighten with the current situation as them. He always calls upon me to give him strength and to also ask the Great Fairy to help with his decision. He has been doing this ever since I have arrived here; he would not just change so suddenly. Beside there are other things I have noted that the King does that Rebonack has not taken into account'

'And what are these things?'

'Oh, well... when he tries to lie he scratches his left ear. He always has some small object in his fingers when he is troubled or nervous. He always thanks his servants when he asks them to do something and when he has a cold or is sickened, he always try to act normal instead of resting and ends up collapsing on the floor because lack of strength – small things you start to notice over time'

'Right...'

'Anyway, that is all I have to share, Master Link. We need to be heading off' Odin instructed, Turning to the left and beginning to walk back towards the path. 'I have taken up much of the day and we are needed elsewhere. We are expected at the temple'

'Expect?' Link said, following after Odin. 'Who is expecting us and where?'

'You will see soon enough, Master Link' Odin simply replied, not giving the warrior a proper answer.

Link sighed slightly, but did not try to pry the information from the old man. Link's head was already full from the information Odin had just told him. That was more important, whereas knowing where they were going and who they were meeting was a bit trivial.

'Oh – Here is something for you' Odin suddenly said, reaching into his robes. He grasped a parchment within his chest pocket and tossed the rolled up paper to the warrior travelling behind him.

Link grasped the parchment, nearly humbling it as a wind began to blow. The paper was light brown in colour, had ragged edges on both ends and was tied up with a gold thread. The parchment was about two feet in length and was rather heavy in his hand.

'What is this, Odin?' Link asked, not bothering to open it just at the moment.

Odin had reached the vines before the path. He pulled the vines aside and looked back at Link as he drew near to answer him.

'It is a map of Zene, Master Link' Odin answered, offering his hand to allow Link to enter the path first. Link did so, bowing as he past Odin. 'I had this one design to include the outlying settlements of the other races that inhabit Zene. That is why it might feel a bit weight down – it has a fair bit drawn there'

After hearing Odin speak, Link peered back at the rolled up map in his hand. He weighed it in his hand and agreed that it had to be filled with a lot of detail and maybe notes to be so heavy or large in length. Nodding slightly as he accepted this, Link slid the map into his tunic. He would check it out later.

After a few minutes, the pair again set foot on the main road. Odin took the lead at this point and led Link to the right that continued up the hill. Both Link and Odin were silent as they continued their walk. Link wanted to ask more question, but Odin was not answering. Link didn't want to pester the High priest, so instead he let his mind sort through his newly acquired information.

Walking along this path, Link noticed that the buildings began to thin out, till all the buildings were now behind them and an open field lay before them that ended at a cliff face overlooking the vast ocean.

Like most in Zene, the field was colour in a grey scaled effect and appear brittle and lifeless. The field was nothing but a haunting image to him. His eyes became sadden just staring at such a grey place. He cast his eyes back towards town and felt even sadder.

'Such a horrible saddening place...' Link thought, turning back to the path before them.

Returning his gaze forward, Link saw a settlement appear up ahead. It was still a fair distance away, but for some reason, it stood out to his eyes. It almost radiated through the greyness to him.

'That is where we are heading, Master Link' Odin suddenly indicated. 'We still have a bit of a walk, but we are almost there'

Link nodded, confirming that he understood. Though Odin could not see this action, he felt Link acknowledge what he had said.

Link was still drawn to the settlement that stood out against the grey. He strained his eyes to focus closely on it, slowly seeing more and more as they moved closer. His mind was feverishly trying to figure out why he was so drawn to it.

'Is that... could it be? Colour?'

.
.

Afternoon 2:00

'Here we are, Master Link' Odin exclaimed, lifting his hands to the heavens. 'Welcome to the Temple of Zene!'

As Odin had said that, Link step from the grey world behind him and stepped into the colour filled garden before him.

Link was amazed at how bright and colourful the garden was to the rest of Zene. His eyes were absorbing the colour all around him. Though he had seen colours before, the grey of Zene had made him miss them. He was so enthralled by the colours and sheer pleasure he felt here that he was ignoring he tired and exhausted body.

Odin watched Link with a pleased face. The old man made his way along the path as Link was spinning about, absorbing the colours, the sweet smell and the overall happiness here. Odin found a stone bench that he came to rest upon. Here, he waited for Link to draw closer.

Link soon approached the area where Odin was sitting. His face was alight with happiness. However the happiness was soon to end. Having been denied colour, Link wanted to enjoy all he could. But now that he was reaching his fullest of this garden, Link was becoming more aware of the pain his body was trying to signal to him.

Finally taking heed of his body's screams, Link crashed to the ground before Odin; knees first and then upon his hands. Sweat dripped from his forehead and his breathing he had to forced to slow down to steady long inhales and exhales, instead of quick and short grasps from breath.

'Wow' Link grasped between breaths. 'I was so in trance by the colours here that I didn't realise I was in so much pain. What a long trip... it seemed so close too. Maybe I should have left my gear behind'

'It is ok, Master Link. Many have enjoyed the pleasures as you have just now experienced. The townspeople come here to be filled with hope and enjoy the peace they feel here' Odin explained. 'And don't worry - after a while and with your young body, you too will get use to making this trip back and forth from temple to town'

'If you... say so' Link breathed out, slowly. 'If I get this kind of reward... every time I come here, then... I guess it is worth it'

After a few minutes of resting upon his knees and hands, regaining his strength and composure, Link began to stand up. Upon standing, Link inhale deeply and exhale slowly, wiping sweat from his brow and dirt off his hands and knees.

As he finished cleaning the dirt from his body, Link's eyes fixed upon the temple at the end of the cliff, standing proudly before the ocean underneath it.

The Temple of Zene stood over four stories high and seemly the same in length. The stone of its structure was mostly white; though contain a hint of grey. Link sensed a slight resemblance about the material used on this temple could be the same as was used in the 'Temple of Time' back in Hyrule. There appeared be a dome shape built into the roof, at the end of the temple, but Link couldn't see too much of it from where he was. The support columns at the front of the temple that held the roof was heavily detailed, though at this distance he couldn't tell what they were depicting. There were four steps that lead to a set of mighty jade doors. Set on either side of the doors were these two similar looking stones, roughly the same size as him. Was this some kind of art? Those stones did not seem like they belonged there.

Finishing his examination of the Temple, Link's gaze was soon directed to the finely crush stone path that lead up to the Temple's steps and the surrounding gardens.

The main path was made of finely crush stone, coloured a light brown or cream and was lined with trees on both sides. The trees were evenly spaced apart from each other, had the same white trunks and dark green leaves and grew almost identical the same way as the others. In between every second tree, there sat identical stone benches. Sitting just behind the trees on either side of the main path, were garden beds that stretched from where the pair were stationed, up to about halfway where the garden beds ended and two large water fountains continued onwards to the Temple's stairs. Link couldn't help but feel that this whole area leading to the temple was a mirror image reflecting the other side. The trees, the benches and even the fountains were shaped and design the same as the other side; the garden beds were the only expectations because of the different types of coloured flowers that were blooming on either side. This would have been taken a great deal of trouble and planning to replicate again.

Having his attention drawn to the gardens surrounding the Temple, Link failed to notice the many bodies moving about the Temple. As soon as he registered the first townsfolk working in the garden, he began to see more of them. How did he not see the vast number of the townspeople here while he was examining the area?

'I see you have just notice the townspeople, Master Link,' Odin said, with a slight smile, watching Link's reaction to the other masses at the Temple. 'This is the only place in Zene that keep the townspeople happy. They work hard to keep this garden and the Temple in good repair'

'I don't blame them. I would too, it's very beautiful here' Link agreed, his eyes shifting to each smiling face he saw in the garden.

Odin also peered at the townspeople working in the garden, before turning back to Link.

'The townspeople come here often and do most work here rather than in the town. They rather work here so the Temple and gardens stay beautiful then work in the dread of the town. This is their place of hope and peace. They take comfort here, as you can see. If this place was to fall into disarray…' Odin stopped in mid-sentence and heavily sighed.

Link understood what Odin meant, without him having to finish the sentence. He could understand the feeling of pain and dread that would take over the townspeople if the Temple and this bright garden were to be destroyed. It would be devastating.

'Ok, that is enough resting,' Odin exclaimed, grabbing Link's attention. The old priest stood up from the bench and pointed his walking stick to the temple. 'Best we are moving along, Master Link. We must not keep her waiting any further. We must meet with her now so we can solve this curse and reunite the king on the throne'

Link nodded and followed after Odin.

' Her?' Link repeated, following behind the High priest. 'Who is this 'her' we are meant to be meeting, Odin?' Link asked.

'The Great Fairy, of course' Odin answered. 'She wishes to talk to you'

'Do you know what she wants to talk to me about exactly?'

Odin did not answer, but just kept walking onwards. Link sighed at that but followed him to the Temple.

As they made their way forward towards the Temple, Link felt he was being watched and not just by one set of eyes, but by many. Link, not turning his head to look, eyed each face that was now watching them. All the townspeople had now registered the pair walking along the path to the temple. They didn't seem to be looking at Odin, but were more focused on Link, the new face in their town.

Link found their watchful glances to be a bit annoying, but did his best to ignore it. He steeled his eyes forward and focused upon the Temple ahead of him.

Link and Odin complete the final stretch of the path and continue up the stairs to the doors of the Temple. Their foot leaving the last of the steps, Link and Odin approached the Temple's double jade doors. Here, Link spotted the two brownish yellow stone blocking the door.

'Wait a minute... weren't these on either side of the...'

'Halt!' a voice suddenly shouted at the approaching pair.

Link jumped slightly at the sudden voice, whereas Odin was calm and not fazed by it.

Sensing the pair had obeyed the command to stop, the two stones that bared Link and Odin's path suddenly began to move. The sound of rock rubbing against the stone floor was heard as the two stones, which Link had at first thought to be pieces of art, began to reveal their secret. Link heard a familiar growl and groan from the two stone, as the stone's very shape began to change and unfold.

Link and Odin both watch as the large stones slowly rose from the ground, allowing two bulked and muscular arms to appear from underneath the stone's massive bodies. The fingers on each of these arms flexed apart before their hands were thrust into the ground. The impact caused a slight vibration in the ground that travelled and resounded in Link's leg. The stones bent their arms slightly, allowing their body to draw closer to the floor, before pushing off from the ground and allowing their massive and equally bulked legs to stabilise their weight as the two objects began to stand.

Link had to admit that he was always impressed with the way a rock or boulder could easily turn out to be one of the members of the proud rock dwellers race, the Gorons.

Both warrior and priest now stood in the shadows of the towering Goron warriors. Link had to tilt his head all the way back and even had to step back a bit just to be able to stare at the guards' face properly without hurting his neck.

'Alright, what have we got here?' bellowed the Goron guard on the left. 'You know the rules, Odin. You can't bring anyone into the temple without our permission!'

'Proud Goron, I am well aware of the rule of the Temple, but I assure you this boy is no threat' Odin explained, talking calmly as he always does.

The Goron peered down and looked closely at Link, rubbing his chin with his thumb and index finger. 'Hmm, I know the Great Fairy trusts you Odin, and I do not doubt her or yours judgement, but I do reserve the right as protector of the Temple to check everyone that comes here. Who know, this runt could just be another one of their spies trying to deceive us! I don't want to let one of those things to slip through, not on my watch!'

'Runt?'Link repeated angrily, as he stared the Goron who also stared him down. 'Who are you calling a runt?'

'He doesn't look all that dangerous' The Goron on the right spoke up. 'I know the enemy is clever and shifty, but this is outside their usual tactics – but nonetheless, we have to be sure, Odin. You understand the security'

Odin's face flash a sign of annoyance, but that was quickly gone from sight. The High priest waved his hand and allowed the guards to do their duty. Link peered at Odin, wanting to object to this, but Odin's eyes told the warrior to just allow the Gorons to do their job. It would be quicker this way.

The Gorons walked from the doors and circled up on Link. They walked about the warrior, like two vultures circling a dying animal. The Gorons poke his soft skin, which stung a lot since his skin was not harden like theirs, and they tugged at his tunic.

'A sword and a shield, eh?' the Goron on the left stated, while tapping its finger on Link's shield, 'not the enemies' choice of weapons. Seems pretty standard issues stuff...'

The Goron on the right then drew in and peered closer at Link. Having this Goron in his face, look locked eyes with it. They stared each other down, before the Goron began to sniff. Link thought this was strange, but then the Goron began to sniff his hair and clothes.

'Hey! There is something strange about this boy...' The Goron said.

'What is it?' asked the other Goron guard.

'This boy does not smell like the others in town. He got all these strange smell attached to him' the Goron stated taking a few more sniffs. 'I smell forest, fresh and sea water, some ash and earthly quality dirt upon this kid! Also I smell...sniff sniff... fellow Goron clans, fishy Zora clans, mouldy Deku clans and Hylians folk' The Goron pulled away and rubbed his nose hard. 'This kid has been around. Though if I knew any better I swear my nose tells me he is ... a Goron, Zora and Deku...'

'What are you yapping on about?' The Goron on the left asked, in a raised and confused tone, after hearing such strange things from his guarding partner. 'I know you think highly of your sense of smell but just listen to yourself! He is a Goron, Zora and Deku? Does your sense of sight not see he is just a Hylian'

'I am well aware of my eyes, but nose tells...'

'Enough with your nose - It is clearly wrong!'

'My nose is never wrong!'

'Gentlemen - Stop!' Odin shouted, rising his left hand from his cane to the heavens. The two arguing Gorons stop arguing and, if Link's eyes were correct, the two strong rock dwellers jumped back in fright. 'I understand that you both are doing your jobs with your given talent and sense of duty, but this is not the place nor is it the time to be arguing over such matters!' Odin calmly explained. The Gorons guards, proud and strong, lowered their and apologised to the High priest. Odin smiled underneath his silver beard upon hearing this. He walked from the sideline and stood behind Link, placing his right hand on Link's shoulder. 'This happens to be the boy the Great Fairy ask to see'

Both of the Gorons grew silent and motionless. They're eyes widen as they stared from Odin down at Link.

'Oh!' Both Goron jumped to attention. Their strong stone like body becoming ridged and firm. 'So sorry Odin, we didn't know! Please enter with our best wishes!' both guards exclaimed in perfect union and sync.

Odin smiled and bowed his head at their show of respect. Link was baffled, what had he just missed? Link was sure that such a simple mistake really didn't need such formality attached to it. Perhaps there was something more that he was yet to understand.

After staring at the ridged Goron guards for a moment, Link felt Odin urged him forward. Link nodded and made his way forward towards the jade doors. As he neared the door, Link felt a heavy hand fall upon his shoulder. The left Goron guard had stopped his advancement. Link wondered what the problem was now, but as he looked up at the Goron, he saw that the Goron was now looking a tad shy.

'I am... Sorry for calling you... a runt…sir. Please accept my apology' the Goron muttered softly, so only he and Link could hear. The Goron looked a bit uncomfortable as he spoke to the warrior, while rubbing the back of his head. Link face was blank for a second, but then he quickly smile and nodded to the Goron. He could tell that this Goron was very proud and that having to say 'sorry' was something new and unnatural to the Goron or perhaps it hurt his Goron's pride to do so.

After that the Goron signalled to his partner and together, using their strength opened the jade doors.

Watching the Gorons using a great deal of effort and massive strength to open the Temple's door, Link concluded that these doors were incredibly heavy than normal.

'Why would any temple have such doors? Temples are for public use and should be easily opened for all...' Link thought, watching as the doors slowly opened before him. 'What is going on here?'

Soon, after a lot of heavy heaving from the Goron guards, the doors to the Temple were finally open to the pair.

There blew a suddenly wind against Link as the doors were fully open. This wind was refreshing and cool, like normal, whereas the wind he felt back in town was dreadful. He inhaled this wind and felt slightly refreshed and calm.

Again feeling Odin pressing him forward, Link did so and walked with Odin at his back into the Temple's hall. As the two pasted inside the Temple's hall, the two Gorons again used their strength to shut the door behind them.