This is a chapter that I really wasn't happy with when I first wrote it. Reading it again now, though, it's not too bad. I leave it up to your esteemed opinions. Enjoy.
"The world asks big questions of us. Often, we must give big answers in reply."
~Arthur Hawker
Chapter 8
The Princess of Destiny
Link did not know the correct procedure for meeting a princess, but immediately fell to one knee in respect and reverence.
"Princess, my name is Link. I bring greetings as an ambassador of the kokiri to the country of Hyrule." They were words he had considered many times, imagining this meeting often on his northern journey. He had gathered from his time with Archon that this was the appropriate sort of thing for him to say.
The princess smiled again. "When I saw you, I thought you might be. There are not many who travel with a fairy as a companion. You see, I have been waiting for you. I have been expecting someone to come from the forest for some time. Yes, I thought you might be the one. If you come from the Lost Woods, if you are truly an ambassador of the Little People, then do you perhaps have the Spiritual Stone of the Forest?" There was a tone of definite eagerness in her voice now, and also of trepidation.
Link smiled, and instead of replying he reached into the pouch at his side and drew out the piece of cloth he had wrapped the Stone in. Carefully, he unfolded the material and drew it back to reveal the treasure the Great Deku Tree had entrusted to him. The princess' eyes seemed to sparkle as she looked at the small emerald and the intricate gold wound around it.
"It is true then. You are the one I knew you would come.
"You see, I had a dream. In my dream, dark clouds covered Hyrule and threatened to overwhelm this land, engulfing all in darkness and despair. But then, a ray of light shot out from the forest. It parted the clouds and drove all darkness away. Then, the light turned into a person. In my dream, I could not see them clearly, but I saw the fairy at their shoulder and knew them to be one of the kokiri. I looked upon them, and my eyes tried to pierce the brightness they cast. As I looked, they held out their hand, and I saw that they held this Stone.
"I knew that this was a prophecy that someone would come from the forest, and that is why I am not surprised to meet you here. The stone you carry proves it beyond all doubt. Now that I see your face, I feel as if I have known you for a long time. Even your name seems somehow familiar."
These revelations impelled Link to share his own dream with this girl. "I have come a long way to meet you, because I also had a dream. For me, it was beyond my own understanding. In it, a voice called to me. I tried to understand whose voice it was. Now I realise that beyond doubt it is you. I am finally here and able to speak with you. I have been sent with a warning."
The girl nodded. "I think your warning and your talk of dreams matches my interpretation of my own. I believe great darkness is indeed threatening to overcome this land. As Hyrule's princess, it is my duty to ensure that this threat never comes to fruition, to protect my land and my people.
"Oh, but I got so caught up in my story when I realised who you were that I forgot to properly introduce myself. I am indeed the princess of Hyrule. My name is Zelda."
Link felt a sensation, almost a tingling, that began in his stomach and seemed to touch his entire being. It was not unlike the feeling he had had when he first drew his sword. He could not help wondering if the consequences of this meeting would be as far reaching.
"Princess, we are here to help you protect this land." Link was glad of Navi's interjection. "We have been sent by the Great Deku Tree, who has protected and warded the Lost Woods for millennia. He, too, has sensed the threat that hangs as a shadow on the horizon." She made no reference to the fact that that threat had overcome the Deku Tree, and Link saw no need at this point to add to his companion's words. It was not yet necessary to explain that to the princess, and it was a subject Link had no desire to discuss.
Zelda nodded. "I am sure that as this shadow spreads further, it will touch the hearts of many who are sensitive to feel it. The news we hear from many regions of Hyrule support this. The gorons and the zoras, friends and allies of my father, are restless and uneasy, and beset by difficulties.
"Now, come. There is something I wish you to see, and then we must talk further." Link nodded his acquiescence, and Zelda led him deeper into the courtyard. They came to an archway and Link followed her into a smaller garden. This was entirely enclosed, and was kept very neatly. It was not like the walkways, flowerbeds and sculptures in the outer courtyard, but was instead carpeted with closely cropped grass, and the flowers were less abundant, though elegantly placed.
"This is the Inner Courtyard, my private garden. I am allowed to play here contentedly, and my father or the servants of the castle can locate me easily." She led Link across the garden, to a window set in the wall opposite the archway. She indicated the window and Link came closer to look through the glass.
The room he looked into was large and ornately decorated. Red and blue hangings adorned the walls, and threads of gold were woven in all of them. Link could see that the six symbols of the races of Hyrule, those he had first seen in the temple in Tarseth, were also displayed here. Peering to his right, he could see that there was a raised dais, and small steps rose to where a large, ornate chair was placed. Behind the chair, broad upon the back wall, was the flag of Hyrule. The crest of the Royal Family, a Triforce above spread, golden wings was embossed on a deep blue.
A man, dressed in embroidered fine clothes and wearing a coronet sat upon what was clearly the throne. The king of Hyrule was a tall man, with neat, greying hair, and a neatly trimmed beard. He had the look of a once fit man gone slightly to seed. There was still something dangerous about him, though; the way he sat in the throne seemed to suggest that he was at his ease but if called upon could move quickly and wield great strength.
"This is my father's throne room," explained Zelda at Link's side. "From here he can see me in my garden while he is busy with affairs of state." These words were slightly lost on Link, who did not have the first idea what the daily duties of a king involved. "I often look through here to see the many people who come to see my father. There is a man who has come often of late." The princess moved closer to the panes, trying to survey more of the room. She seemed to find what she was looking for. "There. Do you see the man coming towards my father?"
Link's attention had been drawn to the rich decorations of the room , the grandeur of the throne and the banner behind it. He followed Zelda's directions now, though, and his eyes traced the red carpet that ran from the throne to Link's right down to a set of doors opposite the dais. A man was treading on the carpet, approaching the king.
Rage such as he had never felt before seized hold of Link. A moment later, he felt a similar explosion of fury from Navi as she also looked through the window. The man walking towards the king held himself well, with a confidence bordering on arrogance. His posture was proud, yet as he walked the length of the throne room he bowed his head in reference to the king. His skin was a dark green. His mouth seemed to twitch, as if he was fighting down a dismissive sneer. He had a large, long, pointed nose and golden eyes. His strongly defined face was topped by fiery red hair. He was adorned in heavy black armour, regal and yet also simple; it denoted both official authority for bureaucracy and pragmatic necessity for battle. A scarlet cloak hung down his back.
"That is Ganondorf," supplied Zelda.
For Link, it was impossible not to recognise him immediately. It seemed he was meeting all the figures from his dream, for here stood the man who had malevolently threatened him so often, causing him to waken, sweating, in the night. Link and Navi both knew without doubt as they watched him that this was the man responsible for the death of the Great Deku Tree, and they were quite prepared to assert that all of the troubles Zelda had described had been somehow caused by him.
"He is the leader of the gerudo, who hail from the desert to the west of Hyrule. He has come before my father in supplication and to offer the loyalty of his people."
Link could not speak. He heard Zelda's words, but they seemed meaningless. This man was evil, and it was all Link could do to stop himself bursting through the window into the throne room and confronting him. He probably would have attempted it had it not been for the calming influence of Navi's bond.
Her fury as she observed the Deku Tree's killer was of a colder sort. Link wished to assault the gerudo immediately; Navi wished to find the strength they needed to oppose him. Her truest desire now was to fulfil their quest, to remain constant and to follow the Deku Tree's words in order to stop him. Link felt her constancy through their bond and it enabled him to restrain himself.
"Though his words seem fair, I do not trust him," continued the princess. "My father seeks peace with the gerudo, to strengthen Hyrule, but I do not believe that is what Ganondorf is seeking. The dark clouds in my dream, that threatened to overwhelm all hope, I believe they represent that man."
Again, it was Navi who responded. "Princess, this man has already wrought havoc in the forest. I did not speak of it before because it is still painful to both myself and Link, but I must inform you that the sacred wards have been breached. The Great Deku Tree is dead, killed by this gerudo."
It was obvious that the Great Deku Tree was part of the legend the princess knew, for her face betrayed her shock that the ancient guardian of the woods was dead. She quickly regained a calm and composed expression, though.
"He is more dangerous and powerful than I suspected if he was able both to penetrate the depths of the Lost Woods and to destroy a being of such potency. The legends of the forest are little known and do not tell us a great deal, but we know of the kokiri and their guardian as the epitome of health and geniality. This is a terrible loss for all Hyrule." Link bowed his head in recognition of the grace with which the princess spoke. He felt glad that she understood the importance of the Deku Tree, even if she knew comparatively little of him. "I had thought only that he sought to overthrow my father, but there cannot have been anything in the forest that would aid him in that. Do you know what his purpose in your home was?"
"We do," replied Navi. "He was seeking the Kokiri's Emerald that we have now brought to you. The Deku Tree denied him, and that is why Ganondorf killed him. Before his death he was able to pass the Stone to us and charged us to come here. He asked us to seek the princess of destiny; doubtless, you are the one he spoke of."
"Ganondorf sought the Spiritual Stone? Then perhaps that is why he is also troubling the gorons and the zoras. There are three Spiritual Stones, and when the three are brought together they can be used to wield great strength and theurgy. If he is seeking them, it may be that he intends to use their power in his attempt to destroy my father."
"I am afraid that I do not think this is the case. The Deku Tree believed Ganondorf to have a far darker goal. It may be possible to put the Spiritual Stones to many uses, but their primary purpose is to act as the Keys to the Sacred Realm."
Zelda's eyes widen with realisation. "But that would mean he is seeking the Triforce."
Navi bobbed in mid air, showing that she agreed. "He is not seeking simply to rule Hyrule and usurp your father's crown. He wishes to gain the power of the gods, setting himself above all others."
Zelda stepped away from the window and surveyed the garden. She clasped her hands together, clearly trying to come to terms with this particular revelation. "He is already a formidable thaumaturge, from what is known of him amongst his people. If he possessed the Triforce, his strength would be almost infinite." She lapsed into silence for several moments.
"Princess, have you spoken to your father about your fears?" asked Link. He felt slightly embarrassed speaking, feeling that Navi was more than able to speak for him and knew far better what needed to be said.
"Yes," she answered, turning back to face him. "I told my father about my dream, but he did not believe it was a prophecy. He desires peace for his kingdom, and is not willing to challenge the gerudo. Besides, it seems our enemy can be very charming to those he wishes to impress. Ganondorf has ingratiated himself with my father and I fear he will not doubt his new ally." She turned away again and walked away from the window, seemingly wrapped in her own thoughts.
"It seems that our enemy is already several steps ahead of us," said Navi thoughtfully, alighting on Link's shoulder. "Is it possibly that he already has any of the Stones."
Zelda pulled herself from her reverie. "I don't know. But he will need all three. What do you know of the legend of the Triforce?"
"We know it was left by the goddesses when they left this world, and that it is the basis of all life in our world. The Deku Tree told us also of the Sacred Realm where it resides, and that it bestows the power of the goddesses upon the holder."
"There is much more to the legend." As she spoke, she continued to walk around the perimeter of the little courtyard. Link followed, staying close to her. "Yes, it was left by the goddesses, and it is indeed the basis of providence in our world. In this way, it is like air, for we constantly rely on it and yet are rarely aware of it. Its power is bestowed upon any who touch it, but in this way it is like a sword, for it does not differentiate between good and evil. It belongs to any who can lay their hand upon it.
"According to the legend of the Triforce, if the heart of the one who touches it seeks it for the good of all, Hyrule will be led into a golden age. However, should the heart of that one be given over to evil, to desires of power and the subjugation of others, Hyrule will be led into an age of darkness." She stopped and turned to look Link in the eye. "It is obvious which of these categories Ganondorf falls into. He seeks the Triforce for his own gain and to dominate the wills of others. For this reason, he cannot be allowed to enter the Sacred Realm." She turned once more, continuing her walk.
"Long ago, many sought the Triforce. The ancient sages arose in order to defend it. There was a great war, thousands of years ago. It did not end well, for either side. Finally, the sages locked the Sacred Realm away, so none could enter it. Those locks still stand. The Keys to those locks were given by the sages to the people of Hyrule, for it would not fall to the whole land to protect the Sacred Realm and the treasure within it. The mighty gorons and the graceful zoras were each given a Key, and one was sent to the forest, to be hidden from the world. There was a fourth Key, also. That was left in the possession of the Royal Family of Hyrule. It is in our possession still.
"The entrance to the Sacred Realm is near, for Hyrule's capital sprang up around it. The Royal Family, charged above all others with guarding the Triforce, wished to be near that which they guarded. The ancient sages built a barrier between our world and the Sacred Realm. It is known as the Temple of Time, for it is at once both in our world and in that, and so endures without aging or altering.
"It is a strange and mystical place, and if the three Spiritual Stones were brought together there and united with the fourth Key, the door would be opened. This is the legend passed down by the Royal Family, and the Shadow Folk, the Sheikah."
They had now circled the courtyard and were again near the window. Link looked through, and saw that the king now stood in front of his throne and was conversing with Ganondorf. Zelda was watching them, also.
"Ganondorf must know this legend, and he must know of the Keys. He cannot yet enter the Sacred Realm, though. I know that the fourth Key remains safe, and you hold the Spiritual Stone of the Forest. Perhaps he does not have the others yet; their guardians would be as unwilling to part with them as the Deku Tree must have been. If we move quickly, we may be able to get to them first.
"Link, you have travelled a long way. Can I ask you to travel further still?"
Link felt on firmer ground here. Legends and prophecies were rather a lot for him to comprehend, but this he could understand. He nodded emphatically.
"You must seek the guardians of the other two Spiritual Stones. Ensure Ganondorf does not have them. If you are able to, collect them also and bring them back here. You have the Kokiri's Emerald to prove your veracity. If we can gather the Keys instead of Ganondorf, we can enter the Sacred Realm before him and prevent him ever laying hands on the Triforce. You and I, we must protect this beautiful land."
Her eyes were shining as she spoke and Link could not help grinning. He wanted more than anything in the world to attack Ganondorf, to hurt him and to make him pay for the Deku Tree's murder. It would not truly accomplish anything, though. For that reason, he had to stop him reaching the Triforce. If the gerudo succeeded, the Deku Tree would have died for nothing.
"I will do it," he affirmed. "Though I do not know who these guardians are or where I may find them."
Zelda smiled. "Do not worry, Link. I will direct you. I cannot come with you for my father would never allow me to leave Castle Town, but I will give you all the aid I am able to provide."
They spent the rest of the morning together, discussing what would be needed and how Link would go about his new quest. The morning was drawing towards the afternoon when Zelda began to talk of food and Link's departure. Link had been solely focussed on infiltrating the castle when he had snuck into the courtyard before dawn. He had been aware that if he failed to find the princess, he would have little hope of managing to get out again, but had assumed that once he'd made contact with her, he would not have to worry.
He learnt now, though, that Zelda would not be able to vouch for him before the guards. Neither they nor her father were likely to believe he was truly from the forest, but would think he was a street urchin who had snuck into the castle grounds. The trouble this would cause, for both children, did not bear thinking about.
Zelda suggested they remove to somewhere more private where they could continue to make plans without fear of discovery. Link found himself moments later sneaking through the outer courtyard to the side door where he had first met the princess.
He had not realised quite how close he had come to being discovered earlier. In fact, the night guards had just been coming off duty as their replacements began their rounds, and so the courtyard had been deserted. That was not the case now. Zelda went ahead to ensure there was no one in sight, and Link had to creep and crawl most of the way as various guards walked around the gardens.
They successfully reached the side door without detection, though, and once inside they were free from the guards. Zelda led him away from the heavily populated areas of the castle and into the servants' quarters. Near the kitchens, there were various corridors and staircases that were used by the servants so they could go about their daily duties without being noticed, and did not have to go where important guests might see them. It was necessary for servants to be able to do their work without being seen.
Link and Navi were given clear directions to go up several floors and meet Zelda near her own room; she explained that no one would question him in the servants' quarters and would just assume he was some sort of errand boy, but it wound not do for anyone to see the princess there.
Soon, they were safely closeted within Zelda's chambers, and were able to talk freely. Link was somewhat shocked by the finery he found in Zelda's rooms. The simplicity he had always known in the forest meant that he was quite unprepared to deal with the things Zelda saw as normal, every day items. Rich cloths and silver trinkets, and similar things of great worth, were scattered haphazardly.
During the afternoon, Zelda said there was someone Link had to meet, and disappeared from the room for above ten minutes. When she returned, Link had a moment of panic, for she was accompanied by a formidable looking woman. She was tall, wearing thick armour, and with steel grey hair tied back in a tight bun. There was a short sword at her side. She did not look like a normal person; her skin seemed somehow tighter, to Link, and there were strange markings below her eyes. There seemed to be a dourness and sternness to her bearing, which Link found very discomforting. He found his hand reaching for his sword to protect himself.
"No, Link!" called Zelda. "This is Impa. She is my attendant, and we can trust her. She believes me about my dream, and I have explained who you are." Link was not entirely placated, although he felt Navi calm.
"Impa," said the fey. "You do not look like the hylians we have become used to."
Impa smiled, although it did not seem to reveal any humour and did not touch her eyes. "You are correct. I am Sheikah."
"Indeed. We have heard little of your people, except strange titles and murmurs."
"The Sheikah are the shadow folk. We have been the protectors and guardians of the royal family for many years. We are not a numerous people, but have been entrusted with much deep knowledge and wisdom. The legends and prophecies which are Hyrule's rich heritage are our province."
"So that is why you were more willing to believe the princess?"
Impa inclined her head, infinitesimally. "We sheikah are more apt than our hylian brethren to recognise truth, and the princess' dream spoke what was not alien to my heart. As such, I am able to offer you greater aid than the princess alone can give. Food will soon be brought to you here, and then at dusk I will escort you from the castle. The princess has been most prudent in ensuring you are not discovered, for if the guards knew of your incursion there would be a great deal of difficulty. I myself will ensure your safe return to the city."
Link and Navi both thanked her and she again gave the slightest of nods before departing. Zelda beamed at Link and they began to talk of other matters. Link noticed a harp in a corner and asked Zelda about it. The princess played to him, telling him of the songs of the royal family. After several minutes, Link drew his ocarina and began to accompany her. He did not have any great finesse, and wished Saria could have played in duet with the princess, but he was still able to play a passable harmony. Zelda smiled at him, delighted.
A servant brought their food, and after they had eaten, they continued to play together. Zelda now played her own ocarina. She explained that this was the Royal Ocarina, which her mother had long ago played. It was an heirloom of the royal family.
It had not occurred to Link to do anything other than memorise the songs Saria had taught to him, for there had been no other option in the forest. Zelda, though, was impressed by his aptitude to quickly pick up and learn new music. She taught him melodies that had been played to her all her life, the songs Impa had sung to her as lullabies and the songs minstrels would play in the king's court. One song in particular stuck with him. Zelda informed him it was a Hyrulian lullaby, and Link found its lilting melody comforting and hopeful.
Light was dimming in the room and Link could see through the window that Din's Fire was sinking into the west when Impa re-entered the room.
"It is late, and you must leave now. I will make sure you are not caught leaving the castle."
Link did not know if he was supposed to be reassured by her words, but her cold manner meant he was not happy as he left the warmth and comfort of Zelda's company to walk quickly behind the Sheikah woman. She set a quick pace as she strode down the corridors of the castle, and Link was forced to almost run in order to keep up.
While it would have been shocking for Zelda to have walked the halls accompanied by an unknown boy, no one questioned Impa. She led him down not to the courtyards he had seen earlier, but to the west side of the castle. On the east side of the grounds were the carefully tended courtyards and gardens, while the west housed the castle's stables. Here the kings horses were carefully groomed, and could be ridden directly across the drawbridge and down into the city.
Impa entered the stables with Link at her heels. She crossed to a horse that stood saddled and waiting, its reins held by a groom. With no more than a terse nod to the groom, Link was lifted into the saddle and Impa climbed smoothly into place behind him.
She did not speak as she rode over the drawbridge and down the hill, before drawing the horse in when they reached the houses and buildings near the Market. Here, she descended from the horse and helped Link down. She stood for a moment, arms crossed, surveying the small child.
"You are a brave lad, I see that without doubt. The princess sees much in you, but she is young and does not realise the size of the task that faces you. I suspect you do not, either, or you would be more daunted by it."
Link opened his mouth to protest, feeling this to be unfair from someone who had no idea of the trials and tribulations he had already faced. She raised a hand to silence him and he found himself shutting his mouth, obeying her unquestioningly.
"Do not misunderstand me. I think there is more to you than most people would see, and it is worth hearing what the eyes of a Sheikah perceive. We must protect this land of Hyrule. Now, go, and go well. May the way of the hero lead to the Triforce."
Without further ado, she climbed back onto her horse, whisked it around and disappeared back up the Royal Road to the castle. Baffled by her words, Link turned back to the darkening streets, and turned his mind to find a place to sleep before he once again set out. The next day he would leave Castle Town. He had another long journey to undertake.