Another chapter done, whoooo. So I hereby present chapter 16. Here, we travel to Kakariko and meet the Gorons on Death Mountain...
16
The Quest Begins. Kakariko Village. Up the Mountain.
The bright green grass and openness of Hyrule Field was welcoming, especially since they were fleeing the capital and its dangers. There were dangers in Hyrule Field, but those seemed far away at present. For a short bit, the only sounds were the small thumps of the horses' hooves on the grassy ground instead of the clopping on cobblestones.
''Where should we head?'' Ashlyn asked.
''Not Lon Lon Ranch,'' Link said. ''We don't want to bring the soldiers right to Talon's doorstep.''
Ashlyn nodded. ''Of course. But which key should we acquire first?''
''The Gorons are the closest. We can get to Death Mountain through Kakariko Village,'' Glurak pointed out.
''Mmm. But won't the soldiers check there first? And Kakariko is the home of a bunch of Sheikah.'' Ashlyn's tone was wary.
Link eased his horse into a trot from the previous gallop. ''We are going to have to stop somewhere. Our horses will need rest eventually. And they certainly can't go full tilt for long periods of time.''
Glurak nodded as he slowed his own horse. ''Indeed. And since we only have two, the horse with two of us will tire faster.''
''Maybe we should go to Lon Lon Ranch quickly and get Ashlyn a horse...'' Link mused thoughtfully.
''No. One, it's risky. Two, I don't have that kind money,'' Ashlyn replied.
The mage in front of her shrugged. ''I think we can manage with two horses for now. What we need to decide is where to go first. I would recommend going to the Gorons first. We just left Castle Town, the soldiers will take time getting ready and mounted. I don't think they know about us in Kakariko yet.''
''What about the fact that it's full of Sheikah? I'm sure they have ways of sending word faster than a simple messenger...'' Ashlyn said.
''Probably. However, going elsewhere and having to return there when we are more known is a worse option.''
Both of them turned to Link. ''What do you think? It's your decision.''
It was, wasn't it? It was his destiny, his quest. Link shifted slightly in his saddle. ''...I think we should go to the Gorons first. Glurak has made a good point,'' he replied.
''To Kakariko Village, then!'' Ashlyn declared.
Risbon, despite the risk, went out to the city gates. He arrived just in time to see Link, Ashlyn and Glurak ride away as soldiers pointed and shouted. Soldiers would be sent after them, but it would take time for them to gear up and mount their horses.
''May all the Goddesses and deities bless you,'' he murmured.
He couldn't stay out on the streets much longer. Risbon turned and headed back to the Amalgam. He opened the door and stepped inside. It felt different with three members of the headquarters team gone. Lux was waiting for him in the main room, seated on one of the couches.
''They made it out of the city?'' Lux inquired.
''Yes.''
The blond sighed in relief. ''Good.''
Tancred, Yost and Malon came out from the sparring room, having heard Risbon's return.
''I'm not going to tell you that heading out alone to see them off was risky. I'm sure you knew that,'' Yost said to his brother.
Risbon shrugged. ''Ah, I had to take the risk.''
''I already miss them,'' Tancred commented.
Lux nodded. ''Indeed.''
There was a knock on the door. Tancred walked up and opened it. A young woman wearing a gray dress with an apron entered. Her hair was light brown and her eyes were green.
''Ah, she's here,'' Risbon said. He gave a polite nod to the woman. ''This is Nettie, our healer until Glurak returns.''
The young lady smiled. ''A pleasure to serve the headquarters. I'm from the Streamside safe house.''
''Nice to meet you,'' the others said.
''I'll show you the medical room,'' Tancred said. Nettie followed him.
Lux stood up. ''I am going back into the magic room, if anyone needs me.''
Malon turned to Yost. ''I'm going back to the sparring room. I really want to improve with my spear.''
The arms master grinned. ''Excellent. I'm going too.'' They both headed back into the sparring room.
Princess Zelda was frustrated. Link had escaped. It would take a bit before the wanted posters were ready to be sent out. The rebels were still causing problems throughout the capital.
''Princess, would you like to pick out a dress for the banquet?'' one of her maids asked timidly.
She turned and forced a smile on her face. A banquet was being held in place of lunch and all of the nobility were invited. She needed to get ready. ''Of course.''
She strode to her large closet, walking amongst all the dresses. She had so many, it was always a chore to decide which one to wear in what place. Some had been gifts from nobles, and while some were nice, others were not to her taste.
One such gown was a light puce one with white frills and lace. She didn't mind frills or lace, but they were in a silly place on the dress. And puce was such a hideous color. She stopped in front of an apple red dress with long trumpet sleeves.
''Hmm. I think this one will look nice,'' she mused, taking it off the metal bar.
It didn't have as many petticoats as most of her other dresses, so the skirt wasn't as bulky. There were only two underskirts, both built into the gown so she wouldn't have to wear a separate underdress. The dress did have a train in the back to compensate for the lack of poof, though.
The maid took the gown while other maids helped her out of her current one. Then they put the red dress on her, taking her belt with the tabard and placing it around her waist. She would not be wearing her ceremonial shoulder armor for the banquet, so they put that away.
She decided to keep her hair the same, drawing some back and fastening it, while leaving the rest alone. As normal, a strand hung in front of each of her ears. She put her usual crown on while sliding her white panty hose covered feet into a pair of red flats to match her dress. She didn't bother taking off her gloves even though the dress had long sleeves; she just wanted to hurry.
The Princess looked in the mirror. The dress looked better than she had thought. Why hadn't she worn it before? She thanked her maids before exiting her bedchamber, heading towards the doors of her chambers.
Link and his friends came to the gate of Kakariko Village. The village name was written on the sign in red letters, both in Hylian and in the Sheikah written language. Death Mountain towered behind and to the left of the town, a trail leading out of Kakariko towards it.
The houses were mostly wooden with simple shingled roofs. Some had traditional Sheikah designs on them. That made sense, Kakariko was originally just for Sheikah. It had been opened to other people a little over a hundred years ago.
''Well, we're here. Let's go in,'' Ashlyn said.
''Wait. We should disguise Link. I brought an extra cloak for something like this,'' Glurak said.
They dismounted their horses. Glurak dug into his saddle bags and tossed the cloak to Link. Link put it on over his clothes. Because it was Glurak's, it was long.
They led their horses into Kakariko, feeling wary. Several people going about their business were Sheikah, though none looked at them suspiciously. But they still avoided looking at anyone, afraid of giving themselves away in a town where Sheikah were still the prevalent race.
''So... Should we stop here for lunch or anything? Or should we just head up the trail?'' Ashlyn asked lowly.
''I think we should head up. But should we leave our horses?'' Link said.
Glurak shook his head. ''Our horses can make the trail. I wouldn't worry about that.''
They went to the trail's entrance. Someone there noticed them. ''Ah, you're going up the mountain? Be careful of falling rocks.''
''Thank you,'' Link said.
The man shrugged. ''Ah, I tell every traveler the same. Enjoy the climb; it's breathtaking standing up there.''
Not wishing to burden their mounts, Link, Glurak and Ashlyn kept leading them. The trail had sparse vegetation, there were mostly rocks around. The Gorons, a race of rock creatures, lived up on the mountain. They were big but mostly friendly, although their strength was formidable.
Once they were a little ways from the town, Ashlyn relaxed a little. ''I'm interested in seeing the Gorons.''
Glurak nodded. ''Indeed. We'll probably have to stop in Goron City to rest our horses. I am interested in their culture. And of course, we'll need to ask them for the key.'' He paused and turned to Link. ''Though there may be a task they'll ask of us.''
Link nodded. ''Most likely. It's usually never that easy.''
Ashlyn looked interested. ''Hey, Link. Did you ever read firsthand accounts of your ancestors' journeys?''
Link nodded. ''A few, yes. My father also told me their stories. We pass them down.''
''I bet there's no fancy embellishment. Honestly, people make it seem like heroes have it easy,'' she said.
''We certainly leave out anything like that. The stories my father told were nothing but the truth,'' Link agreed.
Ashlyn grinned. ''Did the Hero of Time really travel through time? I mean, I know such a thing is probably doable with really strong magic but...''
Link nodded. ''Yes. Although he wrote in his journal that he thought it might have made time a little unstable afterwards. And since he essentially had to start over and fight again... He described it as mind boggling.''
''I would say so. Time travel is a strange concept, even in magical terms,'' Glurak said. ''It isn't something easily done, either. And yes, I imagine it would make ripples in the flow of time when done...''
They continued their trek, passing by a large cave. A sign warned of Dodongos inside it. A little ways beyond that, the trail continued on.
''Let's rest the horses now. And I think we should eat something,'' Link suggested.
''Right. How far are we?'' Ashlyn questioned.
Glurak stopped walking. ''I'd say about halfway or so, perhaps.'' He pulled out some food for his horse.
Link took out some food for them out of his supplies. They settled down on the ground.
Princess Zelda peered into the banquet hall where all the nobles were. Everyone was dressed in their fine clothes, standing around waiting for her, talking amongst themselves. She stepped into the room, where the herald announced her presence.
''Her Royal Highness, Crown Princess Zelda, Regent of Hyrule.''
All the nobles turned to her, the men bowing while the women dipped into fancy curtsies. She gave a small nod and walked towards her chair at the head of the table. She sat down, everyone else doing so after.
The Princess took her wine chalice and held it up. ''Thank you all for coming to this wonderful banquet. Everything is well, so let us enjoy ourselves and be merry!''
The nobles gave applause and saluted her with their drinks. She smiled, though it was a bit forced. Everything is not fine, what with the rebels making a right mess of things! But I can't have all the noble houses panicking... So yes, let us make merry.
She turned her attention to the food, eating some roast. It was good, which was to be expected. She glanced to see Duke and Duchess Romswind sitting to her right. The House of Romswind was the highest ranking noble family in the country, so naturally they'd get to sit closest to her, the only present member of Royal House Nohansen. Duke Avery Romswind was wearing a formal tunic of dark blue. His wife was wearing a cream colored dress.
''That dress looks wonderful on you,'' she said to Duchess Gertrude Romswind.
Duchess Gertrude smiled. ''Thank you. The red of your dress is lovely. So fresh looking, like a ripe apple.''
The Princess nodded. ''That's what I thought when I saw it. I couldn't resist.'' She noticed that someone wasn't with them. ''How is your son?''
The other woman sighed. ''Glurak is fine. He's not one for these gatherings. Hardly comes home. He's living on his own, studying magic. That's all fine and well, but I wish he'd visit more often...'' For a moment, there was a flicker in the woman's eyes, but it was gone quickly.
Princess Zelda had heard about the Young Lord's distance from his parents as well as his studying. She found it interesting that he was learning magic; it would be nice to see what he was studying. Though it would also be nice if certain rebels were brought in soon.
After they had eaten, Link, Ashlyn and Glurak continued up Death Mountain. Eventually they came to the entrance of a large cavern. Gorons were standing around.
''Ah, travelers! Welcome!'' one of the rock creatures called cheerfully.
''This must be the entrance to Goron City, then?'' Ashlyn asked.
The Goron nodded. ''You are correct. Would you like us to take your horses?''
Glurak nodded. ''Yes, thank you.''
One of the Gorons came over and gently took the reins of Glurak's gray stallion while another took hold of Epona. Both horses were led towards a stable under a rocky overhang.
''Are you here to see the sights from the top?'' the remaining Goron asked.
''Unfortunately, not really. We need to see your Patriarch,'' Link replied.
The Goron nodded. ''Of course. He'll be delighted to have visitors. This way.''
They were led into the cavern, where they were met with an astonishing sight. A road had been formed and spiraled downwards, making a pit. Caves dotted the road, the entrances decorated with bright reddish banners. Paint decorated several walls of the cavern in traditional Goron designs. And of course, there were Gorons everywhere, going about their daily business.
''Wow... This place is huge!'' Ashlyn exclaimed.
Their guide nodded proudly. ''We dug this city out a long, long time ago.''
''Fascinating,'' Glurak said, awed.
Link was going over what he knew about the Gorons for when they met the Patriarch. They were rock creatures created from the volcano's energy, so they couldn't have children in the normal sense. They were supposedly genderless, but referred to each other as ''brothers''. They had a kind of monarchy, led by a chief, also called the Patriarch. They mined for ores and rocks all along the mountain ranges.
''Our chief is down at the bottom,'' their guide informed them.
They walked along, passing the caves houses. Soon they noticed shops set up. There were shops selling things that the Gorons needed as well as things for human travelers. Ashlyn pointed out an armory.
The Goron smiled. ''Ah yes, we have nicely crafted weaponry here. With the ores we mine, our blacksmiths create amazing works.''
''Link, can we stop by there later?'' Ashlyn asked eagerly.
He nodded. ''Yes.'' Since the sword his father had bought him had been taken away when he had been arrested, he had replaced it with a sword he'd picked up from the Amalgam. It wasn't one of the better ones, he had been in a rush and had just picked one up. So stopping by an armory would be beneficial.
When they came to the bottom, there were pillars next to the doorway. Their guide stepped aside, beckoning them to enter the room beyond. They stepped inside the Patriarch's chambers. The first room was lit warmly by torches. Interesting shapes were painted on the walls. There was a table made of stone towards the side of the room. Another doorway led into what was presumably a bedchamber.
A large Goron was standing by a carved pillar in the shape of a Goron. He was wearing metal bracelets decorated with little gems. He smiled at them kindly. ''Welcome. I am Darsuna, Patriarch of the Gorons.''
Link removed his cloak. ''Thank you, sir.''
Darsuna looked him over with a grin. ''I know who you are now. Heh, I'm glad to meet the great-grandson of the Hero of Time.''
''Ah, yes. I am Link.'' He gestured to his friends. ''This is Ashlyn and this is Glurak.''
Darsuna shook their hands. ''Nice to meet you two. So I assume you're not here to sightsee, am I right?''
Link nodded. ''That would be right.''
''I've heard about what's going on. You're out to stop the Princess?'' Darsuna asked.
''No. She's...not exactly herself. Someone put a nasty dark spell on her,'' Ashlyn explained.
''Yes. I need to get the Master Sword to help her. But I need the keys,'' Link continued.
The Goron chief nodded. ''I see. The key is in a shrine a little ways from here. We put creatures in there to guard it, so you'll have to prove yourself to the guardian there.''
''Right. Thank you, Darsuna.''
Princess Zelda left the banquet hall, striding towards the lift. Now that the banquet was over, all she wanted to do was head back to her chambers to rest a bit before dinner. She entered the lift and pulled up on the lever. When she arrived at the twelfth floor, she let go and stepped out.
Royal Guardsmen saluted her as she passed. She inclined her head, thanking them for their service. She came to the double doors of her chambers and pulled one of them open, entering her sitting room.
The Princess went into her bedchamber, where her maids were waiting. One of the girls stepped forward.
''Would you like us to remove that gown, Your Royal Highness?''
She shook her head. ''No, not yet. Thank you for offering.''
She removed her crown and handed it to one of them. The maid set it on a cushion placed on the dresser. She took her hair out of the tie and fastener, letting it fall loose. Once done with that, she glided back into the sitting room and sat on one of the couches. Now for a moment to myself.
Shara turned to her partner. ''They're either foolish or brave as hell. Going into Kakariko Village like that.''
Ruhi nodded. ''We'll comb the place for them. Stupid move, going into our hometown.''
The Sheikah woman chuckled. ''Soon. We'll have them in custody very soon. If we have to, we'll alert every Sheikah in Kakariko...in the country.''
''Yeah. I know of several who'd want in on our little hunt.''
Shara got the attention of a woman with brown hair. ''Cala, have you seen a boy in green?''
''No,'' the other Sheikah replied, confused.
''Any travelers?'' Ruhi asked.
Cala nodded. ''Yes. Three. Two boys and a girl. Both boys were wearing cloaks.''
Shara smirked. ''Excellent. We've been sent to bring one of them in. Mission from the Princess.''
''Must be very important, then. I'll keep an eye out for them. They went up the mountain,'' Cala said.
Ruhi shrugged. ''When they come down, we'll be ready for them.''
Link, Ashlyn and Glurak left Goron City and went up a little further and into a secluded area. Built into the side of the mountain was a decorated entrance flanked by two pillars.
''This is it. The Ruby Shrine,'' Glurak said.
''Let's get that key!'' Ashlyn exclaimed.
Link walked up to the entrance, peering in. There wasn't much to be seen. ''Let's go.''
They stepped inside the shrine and walked down the hallway. A doorway led into a room. The room was empty. Three doors led into other rooms, one to the north, one to the east and the last to the west. All of them were closed. There were no handles to pull.
''There has to be a way to open these,'' Link mused.
Ashlyn pointed. ''I think I found it. There are levers.''
There were several of them sticking out of the closest wall. All of them looked the same, made of a dull coppery metal. They went over to the levers, looking them over without touching any.
''...Hmm. Which one? Or do we need to pull three?'' Ashlyn wondered.
Glurak frowned thoughtfully. ''I'm not sure... However, I think some of them might have traps.''
''Naturally. Link? Any ideas?'' Ashlyn said.
''Well, I suppose trial and error...'' He grabbed the second lever and pulled it. There was a pause and then the door they had just come through slammed shut. Panels slid open in the walls and several slinky reddish creatures came out, eyes fixed on the three friends.
''Wrong,'' Ashlyn commented dryly, hand going for her sword.
So Link and co start their first dungeon, the Ruby Shrine. It's named after the Goron's Ruby, even though that isn't the key. We'll see how this goes, eh? Princess Zelda's full surname is Nohansen-Hyrule. The Hyrule part is obviously after the country, since royalty did that sometimes in real life. So we meet the Gorons, and you get to see my take on their origins. Maybe more on that later on.