Chapter 14

A Friend, a Brother, and a Hero

How long that darkness endured, Link could not have said. The air was thick with dust and it was hard to breathe. At some point, as he drifted in and out of consciousness, he was aware of Navi's light flickering nearby. Their bond sustained him, and through it he could feel her worry and concern as she hovered over him.

Time had no real meaning. Link did not know if hours or mere seconds had passed when light suddenly blazed along the passage. He screwed up his eyes to shield them from the bright light; it was as if Din's Fire had suddenly exploded into being in the tunnel.

He felt himself being lifted, and opened his eyes just wide enough to see Darunia's smiling visage looking down at him. The goron was supporting Link's back, raising him from the floor with one hand, and holding the re-lit torch in the other.

Blinking against the glare as his eyes continued to adjust after the long darkness, Link pulled himself into a sitting position.

"This day you showed your courage, brother," said Darunia. "Indeed, you showed courage enough to match a hundred gorons. Even when I, Big Brother and trained warrior, wished for nothing more than to escape these accursed tunnels, you pressed on, and secured a great victory. You have saved our people, and we owe a debt of gratitude we can never repay."

Link shook his head. "It wasn't me," he muttered. "You brought down the tunnel." Darunia chuckled.

"You can choose to play down your bravery, but I fear my people will not hear your denials."

The goron clambered to his feet and began to pace up and down.

"What a wild adventure! It will make an incredible story. I can't believe that the dodongos suddenly appeared in such great numbers. Plus that big rock blocking the caves, and your sudden arrival in our midst." He stopped pacing and looked shrewdly at Link. "The stranger Ganondorf came and demanded the Spiritual Stone, reacting with anger and vengeance when I refused him. You, on the other hand, risked your life for us. As I said, we owe you a debt of gratitude."

He reached into his pack and withdrew a small item wrapped in a cloth. "I have come to trust you with my life, brother, and now I shall trust you with something far more important."

He held out the package. Link stood and took it, hoping desperately that it was what he expected it to be. Folding back the cloth, he revealed a diamond shaped red stone, a ruby, sitting in an intricate, V-shaped frame of delicate gold.

"This is the Goron's Ruby, the Spiritual Stone of Fire," explained Darunia. "Take it reverently."

Nodding but not properly hearing his words, Link stared at the Stone. He was consumed with the thoughts running through his head. Somehow, he had succeeded. He had the second Spiritual Stone. He had taken a giant step forward in his quest, in doing what the Deku Tree and Zelda had asked him to do. He only needed one more, and he would be able to return to Zelda, they really would be able to stop Ganondorf.

He rewrapped the Stone in its cloth and delicately placed it in his pouch with his ocarina and the Kokiri's Emerald.

"So you have had it with you, all this time?" he asked.

"Indeed. I have rarely been without it since I removed it from its normal display. Since the moment Ganondorf mentioned it, a foreboding overtook me, and I have not felt able to even put it down. I feel that the best protection I can possibly give it is to leave it in your possession, though." His words warmed Link, and he felt honoured at his friend's trust.

"I think it's time we all got out of here," said Navi. Link agreed wholeheartedly. They followed as Darunia set off down the tunnel, holding the burning brand aloft.

"Darunia," called Link, feeling awkward. Their guide stopped and turned around. "Thank you. For your trust."

His friend smiled, kindly. "Brother, you have more than earned it."

They set off once more and soon came to the intersection they had passed earlier. Two of the passages now led to dead ends, so they wordlessly passed into the third.

They did not speak as they walked, but the silence was not uncomfortable. Both had their own thoughts. The darkness continued to press in on Link, even with the light of the torch. It seemed now as if they were in a little bubble and the rest of the world was wrapped in darkness. Time and distance meant nothing. There was only darkness and the endless, blank stone walls of the tunnels.

He was acutely aware of his exhaustion, now. There was no way of knowing how much time had passed since they had entered this endless darkness. His whole body ached. His muscles were stiff, fatigued from fighting and from the two cave-ins. He was covered in grime, two layers of dust, sweat and blood, both from the dodongos and himself. His left arms was agonising where the lizard's teeth had shredded his skin.

It took a great deal of effort for him to stoically follow Darunia, but he drew on some deep reserve within himself and the constant unwavering pride that radiated from Navi.

After what felt like days upon days, his tired mind became aware of a change. The darkness began to soften and was not so deep and impenetrable as it had for so long been. It took some time for the meaning of this to penetrate his fatigue and for him to realise that the exit was now not far away.

The realisation was enough for him to rouse himself, and soon he could feel the cool, fresh air of the outside world. It was like water to a dying man after the hours of musty, dead air in the mines.

It was night. They stepped from the tunnels onto the mountain plateau and Darunia was compelled to keep the torch raised to light their way as they crossed the open space towards Goron City.

Peering around himself, Link took in the starry sky and the velvety darkness that obscured the mountain range in the distance. It was beautiful after the oppressive closeness he had had to endure in the mines. He could tell dawn was not far away.

As they approached the entrance to the city, something in Link's mind gave way. He was a kokiri, and had found Marduk's home unpleasant enough, so the mines had been more than discomforting. It was impossible for him to go underground again.

Unbidden, his legs drew him to the wall and he half sat and half fell down, leaning against the rock and cradling his wounded arm. Darunia loomed concernedly over him. His lips were moving and Link could hear sounds but could not make sense of them. It was like trying to understand someone underwater.

As it had after the tunnel collapsed, consciousness became a fleeting thing. Images and sensations ran together and blurred but without any meaning or significance. He felt himself being lifted and wrapped in warmth, the pain in his arm subsided. He saw faces and shapes and colours, but comprehended nothing, until eventually he slipped away into a deep, deep and dreamless sleep.

When he came to himself, it was light. He lay in the open under a wide blue sky, and breathed deeply, savouring the sensation of filling his lungs with the clean, clear air.

Steadily, he became more aware of his surroundings. He was wrapped in blankets which he recognised as his own, those he had carried all the way from the forest. His left arm was bandaged, and while it still hurt, it was now little more than a dull ache. Sitting up, he found he was still on the plateau and was surrounded by gorons. Most were indistinguishable from their rocky brothers, but some were instantly recognisable. Closest to him was Darunia, with Marduk and Timbull also stood nearby.

"Good afternoon, brother," said Darunia in his deep, rich voice. It was obvious from his tone and demeanour that he had mostly recovered from their ordeals in the mines. "It warms my heart to see you awaken. I must apologise. It was remiss of me not to attend more closely to you as we returned from are travails."

Smiling beneficently, Marduk moved closer. "We wrapped your in your blankets for warmth but did not like to move you. You were incoherent before you fell asleep, but your little companion advised us you did not wish to be taken inside." Link felt a now-familiar glow of gratitude to Navi for ensuring his needs were met. "We also attended to your wound and bandaged your arm," finished Marduk.

"Thank you for your kindness," Link managed in response; he did not feel fully awake and his mouth was dry. His tongue seemed swollen beyond its normal size. He also had the distinct impression that the crowd of gorons on the plateau had all gathered in his honour, and he felt shy and self-conscious.

Darunia helped him to his feet, and when he addressed him, it was clear his words were meant to be heard by everyone assembled.

"Brother Link, you came to us in our need and lent us your aid. Indeed, considering what might have come to pass without your intervention is not to be borne. I have told some small part of what has happened, but the tale shall be told in full tonight. All work has been cancelled, and we shall have a feast to celebrate our changing fortunes. You are to be our guest of honour."

The crowd of gorons were more than happy with this news, and promptly dispersed in order to prepare for the evening. Still not feeling quite himself, Link sat down again, happy to lean against the cool rock, with the blue sky above and looking towards the mountains on the horizon.

Marduk and Timbull stayed with him, and with their help he was able to fill in the gaps in what had happened.

His first question was to ask what had happened when the roof of the tunnel collapsed. At this, Timbull looked away, shame faced.

"I protected myself. In my fear I retreated," he said. "The tunnel began to shake and I thought of my own safety. I saw Big Brother fighting with Hendon and Rayner, but everything happened too quickly. The roof of the tunnel gave way and for a moment I thought everyone had been killed. Thankfully, the torch I was carrying did not go out, and so I was quickly able to make sense of what happened. I found Hendon, who had managed to escape the worst of the disaster. He was badly injured, though. He would have been here now, but he is still recuperating."

"And Rayner?" asked Link. He already knew the answer but was refusing to admit it to himself. Timbull gave no reply. Link looked at the floor. "As soon as I came to in the tunnel, I knew he couldn't have survived. He was directly under the part that collapsed." Timbull nodded, sadly.

Gradually, the rest of the story came out. With no idea if the others were alive or dead, Timbull had first ensured Hendon's safety. He had had to mostly carry him back to Goron City, where medics had taken over. They were sure he would recover, though.

It seemed at this point the gorons fell into disarray, hearing Timbull's news. Many had been all for entering the mines immediately, but those more level-headed had counselled patience. They had decided to wait until morning, and had put together two groups: one to go the long way round the tunnels and see if they could find survivors in need of help, and another largely comprised of the best miners on Death Mountain to try and clear the blocked tunnel.

As it was, neither group was needed. Darunia had appeared an hour before dawn, making enough noise to rouse all Goron City. He had refused to say anything until he had found help attending to Link. Even then he had not said much of what occurred on the other side of the rock fall, except repeating adamantly that Link had saved them all.

Once they had finished their explanation, it was obvious they were hoping that Link would now expand on that story and shed some light on what had taken place. For himself, he wanted to satisfy their curiosity in thankfulness for their friendship and hospitality, but could not bring himself to. He still felt exhausted, and it seemed too much of an exertion to think about the dodongos' cavern just yet.

They remained on the plateau. Link had no desire to move. His companions continued to converse with each other but he did not take an active role in the conversation. Absent-mindedly, his hand drifted to the pouch at his side, and his finger made out the shapes of the Kokiri's Emerald and the Goron's Ruby. His mind took him away from the mountain and he began to consider the next stage of his journey.

He knew that the third Spiritual Stone, that of Water, was held by the zoras. During his travels, he had seen fewer zoras than he had of other races. Tuning back into his companions' conversation, he decided to try and ask them about the river folk.

The mere mention of them elicited the familiar, beaming goron grin from both.

"There has been great friendship between our two peoples for time out of mind," said Marduk, happily. "We are entirely opposite to each other, and so complement each other perfectly. They dive into the depths while we climb to great heights. They could never survive on the mountain, and we would sink instantly in their rivers, but we find common ground and learn greatly from each other's perspective on life."

"Where do they live?" asked Link. "I've never seen many."

"No, you would not, for they eschew most great habitations. Many towns that sit on the banks of the Zoran River are populated by the river folk, but they have two main dwellings. Many live at Lake Hylia, a long way to the south, and their capital is at the source of the river. That is where their king has his throne."

This was the part of their information that interested Link. It was surely the zoran king who held the Spiritual Stone of Water.

"Why do you ask, brother?" inquired Timbull. "Is that your next destination?"

"It is. The task I have undertaken means I must now speak to the zoras, and I have come too far to turn back now."

"Then we shall go with you," Timbull replied good-naturedly. "We shall tell the zoras of the surpassing courage you revealed to us, and they will have little choice but to acknowledge your task."

Link smiled, thankful for his friend's brevity. He hoped the task really would prove so straightforward.

The plateau had now fallen into shadow as the sun fell into the west, behind the mountain. The three entered Goron City and descended to the Meeting Hall. It was the same as it had been two days ago, except there were far more gorons present.

It seemed not all had come to the Goron Dances, but the entire city had gathered, now. The Meeting Hall was filled with milling, rocky bodies, but not all could fit into the enclosure. There were gorons on the higher tiers, seated and stood around the rims and looking down at the Hall. The only clear space was the stage, where the drummers had again set up their instruments.

Feeling very small and vulnerable, Link had no wish to spend the evening in the middle of such a throng. He quickly learned that he was expected to fulfil Darunia's threatened role as guest of honour, though; Marduk and Timbull would not allow him to stay out of the way.

They forced a safe passage for him through the mass of bodies, guiding him not to the dais but towards Darunia's chamber. Entering the room, Link could not help remembering his previous visit.

The Big Brother was clearly in better spirits now than he had been on that occasion, though. His reaction to Link's entrance was rapturous.

It was quickly explained that both Darunia and Link were to wait in here while the musicians played, and then they would go out. It was courteously requested that Link play his ocarina again, after which Darunia would take a moment to explain that the threat of the dodongos had been removed. After that, the Dances would continue long into the night.

Unable to deny that he had enjoyed playing his ocarina for the gorons, Link agreed to overcome his reservations and agreed. Either way, Darunia did not seem at all prepared to allow him to refuse.

"And brother," continued the patriarch. "We will say nothing of the Stone. I think my people would be happy for you to take it in thanks for your exploits, but too much has been made of it already, of late. I do not wish to set people talking, for we do not know how far their words may spread."

Soon after, Link heard the raucous din of the crowd quieten and die out, and he could hear instead the drummers, playing an upbeat and fast paced rhythm. Voices rose with the song, and Link could hear the gorons were singing. There were no discernable words, but the deep, full goron vocals backed by the loud drums made an impressive and moving sound.

The music went on for some time, but it was clear Darunia knew it was drawing to an end as he motioned to Link and led him down the short passageway back to the Meeting Hall. As the music hit a final crescendo, the crowd noticed their leader and parted for him. A path to the stage emerged and Darunia led a nervous and self-conscious Link to the front.

Facing his people, Darunia raised his arms and began to speak. "Brothers, the days have been difficult and we have been beset by troubles and hardships. But we are gorons: we have endured, and we have overcome!" There was cheering and applause. Darunia waited for the noise to subside before he continued.

"We are not so foolish as to forget when help was given, and we are thankful to those who have enabled our victories. We might well have been overwhelmed were it not for one who stands before us now. He may be small in stature, but his indomitable spirit marks him out as greater than many who live in this world. Soon, you shall hear of his exploits and how victory was won by his hand, how the day was turned from disaster to celebration. Two nights ago, he revealed worlds to us and began to show in part the spirit I have now seen in full." He turned to the kokiri. "Link, I ask you to come before us now and play for us."

Feeling quite unable to follow such an introduction, Link stepped forwards. He held his ocarina with suddenly sweaty hands and could feel his legs shaking terribly.

Within moments of putting the ocarina to his lips, though, he could feel his apprehension slipping away. He was able to lose himself in the music. He played what he now thought of as Saria's Song, and again the gorons seemed to be caught up in a wild frenzy. The percussionists picked up the beat and the whole piece began to fly. There were cheers and hollers from the crowd as the music reached fever pitch.

When the song finished, Link found that he was grinning. He felt elated. He wanted to carry on playing, and it was more than evident that the gorons wanted him to, as well. Deciding to change the tone of the occasion, he waited for the crowd to quieten, before playing softly and slowly.

It was a song he had played to himself on many empty nights crossing Hyrule. He had first played it nestled at the bottom of a hill a day's walk from Tarseth. At that stage it had not been a coherent piece but an expression of how was feeling. During the journey he had shaped and formed it into a real melody, and as he played it now he could envision the plains he had crossed; the dusty roads, the little streams, the steep hills and the wide open prairie, and Din's Fire casting a golden-red blaze over all Hyrule as it fell beyond the western horizon.

Clearly, the crowd were as happy with this music as they had been with the faster songs. They were swaying with the lilting melody, and absolute silence had fallen to allow the ocarina to permeate the whole of the enormous cavern.

The song finished, and Link lowered the ocarina. The silence held, there were no cheers or applause. It was as if instead a spell had been cast on the gorons and they had seen and comprehended the beauty of all Hyrule as Link had witnessed it. Now there were steadily returning to their mountain home, coming back to themselves, but no one wanted to be the one to break the silence and drive the vision away.

It was Darunia who eventually ended the reverie. He stood forwards again and drew all attention to him.

"My brother, you enchant us once more. And now I must tell of how the goron people were saved from the threat of the dodongos.

"As you all know, myself and a small group, including our friend Link, entered the mines yesterday morning. Knowing where our people had first encountered the dodongos, we did not take long to seek them out. The group we first came across was not large, but enough to cause some tribulation. We opposed them in tunnels only recently built and it quickly became obvious that they were not safe. A great trembling surrounded us. In my rage against our enemies, I was reckless and took no heed of our danger. It was the great bravery of my brothers Hendon and Rayner that saved me, for they showed their peerless strength to hurl me from danger.

"Moments later, less, and the roof of the tunnel gave way. A great noise surrounded us as if the world fell in upon itself. Alas, my life was dearly bought, for Rayner was not able to get clear of this threat in time. He was brave and courageous and sold his life dearly to save the life of another, for in helping and saving me he sacrificed himself, and was buried, killed instantly. He will not be forgotten. For myself, I shall never forget that I stand here now because of his mighty efforts."

There was a long moment of silence as the gorons were subdued in memory of their fallen brother.

"Long I lay in the darkness," continued Darunia. "I awoke with Link by my side. He brought me to myself. Lost and alone, I sought only escape from that place. Not so Link, for he would not hear of retreat, but insisted instead on directly assaulting the dodongos' lair.

"I count myself brave and strong, but I learnt lessons in courage as I watched him hurl himself at the monsters that threatened to overwhelm us. He seemed to grow before my eyes, and none could withstand him. The dodongos fled in rout before his ferocious sword, and there was fear in their eyes as they climbed over their dead to escape him."

This certainly was not how Link remembered the events in the mines. He averted his eyes as the patriarch continued to warm to his tale.

"As they fled, Link showed his wisdom as well as his limitless courage. Only one passage leads to the cavern that is now home to innumerable dodongos. At my brother's behest, I took my turn and drew on the strength of our people. We had seen one tunnel collapse that day. Now we were to see another, as I plied the walls. We were again in the midst of a mighty rumbling and trembling as the rock and stone of the mountain cried out against my blows. We retreated with all alacrity, as the roof came down and the dodongos were sealed deep inside the mountain. We need no longer fear them and are free to enter our mines. Any that are left in the tunnels are now far too few to pose any real threat.

"Brothers, we have Link to thank for this. It is because of his bravery, courage and quick-thinking that this danger has once again been sealed away. I name him our friend, our brother, and the hero of the gorons!"

There was a mighty roar in response to this. Link thought he could again feel the rocks of the mountain trembling and rumbling, as gorons stamped on the floor and cheered ecstatically. The crowd had gone wild and could not again be quelled. The drummers began to play again, and Link found himself lifted into the air and sat upon Darunia's shoulders. He grinned, elated. He did not feel Darunia's tale had been wholly accurate, and could not help feeling a little foolish, but it was impossible not to feel his heart warmed as he looked at the people of the mountain cheering him so exuberantly.

The Dances did indeed go on late into the night, just as Darunia had predicted. For his part, Link soon tired, and wished for his blankets. It seemed he was not to be allowed to leave, though: every goron in the city wanted to approach him with some compliment and all wanted to give him a bone crushing hug. Link was certain his ribs were bruised and began to run from anyone clearly making a bee-line for him.

Eventually, he found himself at the tunnel that led away from the Meeting Hall, and he slipped quietly away. Moving quickly and at great pains to avoid meeting anyone, he made his way back up to the plateau. Once there, he wrapped himself in his blankets and lay down to rest. Sleep took a long time, as his mind seemed to have shifted into over drive. His thoughts were not of the cheering gorons, though, but of the Spiritual Stone of Water, and the nearing completion of his task.