Chapter XIV - A Gift of Time
The surroundings, once meant to be the personal room of Al Gur, looked more like a shattered battlefield by now. None of the furnishings stood in the place they once belonged to, most of them were broken into pieces. They had met the great axe of the Moblin.
The fight lasted on and Al Gur did not seem to get tired. Although he had to take many hits from Ganondorf's sword and even Link's arrows stood out of his entire body, he had become even more enraged. Ganondorf felt it in his attacks as he struggled more to offer resistance when he tried to parry them with his blade, leaving him even less room for a counter. His own exhausted condition could be responsible for this as well.
Ganondorf realized with horror that he would not be able to hold up much longer for his body neared its limits. The fight had to come to an end soon if he did not wish to be the one who would find his eternal rest in this cave. And he certainly did not.
He prepared for Al Gur's attack to find a weak spot in his defense, yet he overestimated his own powers. Once Al Gur unleashed his assault, his axe bite into his sword, but it slid off the blade and clashed into Ganondorf. Luckily, his armor saved him from being cut into two pieces, yet the impact sent him off his feet. He crashed into the wall, some smaller rocks crumbling onto his body.
A searing pain radiated from his ribs and his body trembled. That was bad, utterly bad. Albeit Al Gur's axe stuck again into some stones and he could not recover it immediately, this foe did not seem to want to go down. Ganondorf could barely stand up, much less deliver a proper fight. It was clear now why this Moblin and not any other of the bandits he had faced before was the leader of the whole pack.
"Finally see the errors in your way?" Surprised, Ganondorf turned his head around, looking into the irritated face of Link. He kept on attacking from the distance with his bow because he would have been unable to block the attacks of Al Gur due to his brute force. He had taken a lot of damage as well because of the remorseless attacks of the bandit chief and the bursting woods as well as stones that flew across the cavern.
Ganondorf did not answer him and even avoided his gaze. True, he had underestimated his enemy, but he would always only admit it to himself, never to any other one. Never. Not in a lifetime. That would go against his pride, even in forlorn situations like these.
He watched how Al Gur recovered his battle axe, taking a look around to locate him with one thing in mind: Massacring the one who was responsible for the annihilation of his followers. And to Ganondorf's chagrin, that one was exactly he himself.
"Ganondorf. Do you think you have enough strength left to block his attack one last time? In a way that he cannot move? The way he trembles now I'll never hit the weak spot." Albeit he never looked at Link, he nodded, even though he was unsure if his body could handle it. Yet, he would neither admit any weakness to another one but himself.
"Then do it." Still exhausted, the determination in Link's voice was clearly audible. "It's the only chance left I see for us to get out of here alive."
Al Gur dashed towards Ganondorf, having gotten up on his feet again. Although trembling as the last clash still hurt, he ignored pain and exhaustion alike. He had to. With a timed maneuver, he dodged the attack, though Al Gur sliced backwards and cut into Ganondorf's arm. He groaned in pain, but had to concentrate on figuring out the best way to keep him motionless.
Al Gur did not give him time to think about it when his axe rushed down on him again. In the last moment, Ganondorf prevented the axe from cleaving his skull. The steel of both weapons clenched into each other and Al Gur forced Ganondorf down onto the knees with his pure power behind it. Even though he had the Moblin in a position Link wanted him to have, he felt that he would be unable to hold the sword long enough.
He had only one chance to offer further resistance. Without thinking twice, he took his other hand and encompassed his sword. The blade cut into his palm since even his armor had suffered from the fight. Blood ran down his arm. Everything inside him screamed to let go of it, yet he had to grit his teeth and keep on.
The eyes of Al Gur glared dangerously down at him and a growl left his mouth. Only slaughtering Ganondorf seemed to satisfy him, when a swishing sound filled the air. The eyes of the Moblin turned blind. Ganondorf looked at the end of an arrow sticking out of the skull between eye and ear. The pressure of the axe vanished, crashing onto the ground before its wielder followed.
Heavily breathing, Ganondorf fell backwards, pressing his left hand to a fist and forcing it against his chest to lessen the pain caused by the cut. What a relief though to see the battle had come to an end and Al Gur lay motionlessly to his feet. His view wandered towards Link who leaned against the wall and lowered his bow. Neither of them said even a single word when their eyes met.
Some more time passed by before Ganondorf had recovered enough strength to be able to stand up again. And with it, the pleasant feeling of victory came when he looked disdainfully down at the fallen. In the end, the battle and its outcome differed little from the fights back at the arena, yet it was a welcomed diversion to fight with a trusted person on his side.
"Well, seems like the big moron is gone. We're done here." Pleasantly, Ganondorf looked at Link who still sat on the ground, though he did not say a word when he lifted his head to look at him in incomprehension and annoyance.
A good amount of time later, he put his arm on his knee and demanded from Ganondorf, "When you have still the breath to talk, you can as well make yourself useful and help me up."
Ganondorf took the few steps towards him before he grabbed Link's arm. He could not let it pass by without remarking, "Wasn't I the one who had to stand up against the moron's attack, yet you're unable to get up on your own? Interesting. Is this some other of those knightly methods I better never learn?"
Link did not look at him when he hung his bow over his shoulder and inspected some of his wounds. "You know, Ganondorf, you have gone that far overboard here with just marching in, followed by ignoring my orders, massacring those bandits, provoking this Moblin and forcing me to watch two brain dead muscle-bounds battle each other until death that I don't have any words left by now. And at this rate, it would be better for the both of us if you just be quiet as well and keep your incredible arrogance to yourself."
Ganondorf did not answer when Link walked past, though it was visible on his movement he suffered from his injuries. He himself was not much luckier with his own, especially his ribs and hand still hurt. Seemingly Link was not amused about the outcome of the mission. Not at all. Still, it did go beyond his comprehension why he was that upset about the way it played out.
In silence he followed Link who searched his way through the corridors back to the entrance. After some more time had passed by, Link said calmly but with a dangerous intonation, "Even though I have to admit I'm very glad we both made it out alive without severe injuries, you should not get the false impression it's over here. We have to talk about your behavior and actions later on. It doesn't and it especially will not work if you use your old methods as a gladiator in the duty of a knight."
The sun glowed in a dark red once Ganondorf followed the way to Kakariko Village. Link, who rode at the front with the two and only surviving bandits in tow, was mute on the whole journey, even when his men asked curiously what had happened. Since he put them off, they approached Ganondorf to get to know the events in the hideout, the lack of other prisoners and what caused the change of their else gentle lieutenant.
Ganondorf had no interest in offering an explanation and only stated that they had achieved their goal. Though his statement was accompanied by an annoyed groan from Link, he was still aware of no fault and ignored the complaint.
Back at the town, Ganondorf got his injuries treated and the news of the defeated bandit gang spread fast. Without any more delays or preparations, a banquet was hosted at the tavern to celebrate the defeat. Though this victory was different from the ones Ganondorf knew from before because this time, he did not only stage a fight and afterwards was forgotten by most, quite the opposite, the people surrounded him, building a crowd and asking questions about the battles while envying his skills.
Ganondorf had not expected this treatment, especially not after Link's terrified reaction. Did not matter, it was enjoyable to stay in the focus of attention. Very enjoyable. After all, this triumph was much more satisfying than any other fight he had won in the arena. There he was only one fighter out of many who remained nameless for most of the spectators, but now he was the one and only champion. It truly flattered his pride.
Later in the evening, Ganondorf sat with other townsfolk around a table, telling them about how he handled those bandits and other foes in his old life. He got tipsy due to the festive atmosphere and the wine, which resulted in embellishing his story about his battles more and more with every telling.
Ganondorf talked about his fight against the gigantic minotaur-boar like beast and how supposedly easy it was to defeat, which was why he, later on, only used one arm to make it more challenging, when someone addressed him from the side, "Are you the one who relieved us of our sorrow?"
He stopped to speak, turning his head around where he looked at an old man. His eyebrows were thick and grey, like his hair and beard, unlike his thin voice.
"Yeah, that's me." Ganondorf leaned back, his arms crossed in front of his chest in self-confidence. Though he lowered them as his movement got punished by his injured ribs. "And remember, no one touches my life without paying with his own beforehand."
The elder's eyes told that he examined him carefully, from head to feet, but before Ganondorf could thrash him verbally for he hated such behavior, the man took the word again, "I'm very grateful of your doings. In my life, I desired nothing more than seeing the murderers of my daughter brought to justice. If death is their rightful punishment, than this is all I've asked for." The man began to dig in the pocket of his robe before he pulled out a blue object. "I promised that the one who fulfilled my last wish shall obtain our old family treasure which was forwarded through generations. But with my daughter gone, our blood will be extinguished with my passing."
Ganondorf eyed the construct the man had put into his hands. With the seven holes on the front and the mouthpiece at the side it could be a flute, but his body was far too massive. The three triangles glimmered on it, the one he knew as the symbol of the Hylian dynasty, albeit it missed the weird bird.
"And its use is what?" Ganondorf looked at disbelief at the man as he could not figure out how this strange instrument could be considered a treasure.
The man chuckled. "It's a secret to everybody."
Irritated, Ganondorf stared at him as he could not figure out what he meant. "What are you talking about? Has the age affected your mind?" The man only mumbled some words which Ganondorf did not understand. "I'm talking to you!" His hand clashed onto the table and he leaped on his feet but without any forewarning, the man vanished into a white cloud. Once it disappeared, the elder was gone, leaving Ganondorf behind with the instrument.
He shook his hand to lessen the searing pain of the cut. Even though the people around told him that the man was well-known for speaking in riddles and using magical tricks to emphasize their mystery, their words could not hold Ganondorf back. He dashed to the outside to find that man again and if he had to, squeeze the information about the ominous thing out of him. However, he had no success in finding him, regardless of how much time he spent searching and asking around as he had no permanent residence.
The refreshing night wind blew into his face when Ganondorf's view fell on the instrument again. He had thought about throwing it away as he had no use for it, but it possessed something appealing. As if it was worth more than its view gave away, maybe a great secret because of the golden triangles. Even though he himself could not make sense of it, he knew whom he could ask.
Only when Ganondorf returned to the tavern in order to speak to his superior, he noticed that Link did not participate in the banquet. When he thought back, he realized that he had not seen him in the tavern at all. For a short moment, it bothered him that Link lost more thoughts on the events in the hideout than he first assumed. When the people crowded around him again, he soon forgot about those worries and the instrument. The banquet was far too enjoyable to leave early and he decided to ask Link about it afterwards.
When Ganondorf returned to the inn in the late night, he saw from the outside that a small light still burned in Link's room. Albeit tired himself, he searched his way past the corridors to the room and without knocking at the door, he swung it open and entered.
Link sat at the desk and probably wrote on the report of today's mission. Two candles gave the light for writing, while the rest was sparely lit. Link lifted up his head, but just eyed Ganondorf before turning back to the paper without saying a word. Ganondorf saw in the way he held the feather that he was still mad.
Albeit the events in the cave must still nag on him, Ganondorf had no interest in asking for the details. He had his own reasons for coming. "I have a question for you." Since Link did not show any reactions, he walked towards him and dumped the instrument on the desk before he asked, undisturbed, "What is this?"
"Disrespectful as ever," murmured Link when he put the feather down. When he turned his head around and his expression showed he intended to give him a further lecture, his aggravation flew away once his view fell on the instrument.
Without losing another word, he took it into his hands and from the way he inspected it, he must have been fascinated. It nagged on Ganondorf's patience that he wasted his time with looking instead of answering. Even more moments slipped by before Link turned around to him with a suspicious glare in his eyes. "From where did you get it?"
"Can't you just answer my question?" responded Ganondorf impatiently, entirely ignoring Link's demand. "I've asked first."
"Ganondorf." Link spoke out his name in a cold manner and even though his voice was still calm, it had a menacing undertone. "You really should watch for the things you say and especially how and to whom you're saying them. Let me tell you, I never believed that I would ever get assigned a subordinate who would try my patience in such a degree that I lose it. Entirely."
Link's body began to tremble as he visibly had to hold himself back when he continued with a sharp voice, "Yet let me assure you, you are very close to achieving what I deemed impossible with your disrespect of authority, combined with your overall arrogant attitude. Not to forget your incredible self-importance which goes hand in hand with your lack of empathy for just about everybody. But the worst are your murderous if not even plain evil tendencies you've given an undeniable proof of in today's mission!"
Link almost yelled out the last accusations and clenched his fists together. "Who do you actually think you are? A forgotten king who just defies anything and anybody besides his own desires? And who kills the unworthy rest who dares to talk back?!" With a loud noise, his fist crashed onto the desk and even Ganondorf shrank together, while Link jumped up. "Just give me one, only one reasonable reason why I should not order your immediate imprisonment after all your actions!"
Ganondorf did not dare talk back, as rare as it was. He never had witnessed such an outburst from the otherwise very controlled and calm Link. He felt that every wrong word now would get him into a lot of trouble. The determination in Link's eyes told him that he was absolutely serious about his every threats and that even though he was weaponless and his men out of earshot by now, he would not be afraid to confront him more than verbally. No doubts, he carried courage in his heart. A lot of courage.
The seconds felt like hours in which none of them said a word. Ganondorf never had a problem with facing anybody and not giving in, but Link's piercing view left an uncomfortable feeling inside him. A very uncomfortable one. Thankfully though, he could see that Link calmed down, his body trembling less before he regained his full control again.
"My apology. I always tell my men to not let their emotions get the better of them. I know your life wasn't easy and that we can't get rid of the past that shapes us. But you have to work on your behavior and especially your impulses, because otherwise these will cost you your head one day." Link's expression remained severe the whole time, indicating that none of his words were meant as a joke in any way. "Now, what was your original reason for coming?"
Ganondorf was still caught off-guard by the outburst and now by the apology as he was not used to such a behavior. Once people got mad about him, they only showed him the consequences. He needed some seconds before he found his way back from his bafflement. "What's that thing?" He pointed at the instrument.
"You don't know? It's an ocarina, an instrument which shares some similarities with a flute. Though I have to say, this one looks like an extraordinary one." The fascination glaring in his eyes vanished when he asked Ganondorf again, "But you haven't answered my question. Where did you get it?" His expression darkened. "You haven't started to steal, have you?"
The assumption bugged Ganondorf. "Do I look like a thief or what?"
"I guess there are questions which better remain unanswered." Though he recognized a sardonic smile on Link's face, it disappeared as soon as it had come. "Now, where did you get it?"
"From some old geezer who probably lost his mind and vanished afterwards. Said it was a family treasure and some other unreasonable stuff." Ganondorf was not interested in offering a long explanation and left out his search to punch details out of the man. "Do you think it has any value? And what are the triangles about? I thought it was a royal thing but the geezer didn't look like a sovereign. More like a beggar if you ask me."
"You're right, it's a part of the royal's crest, but its origin is far older. Its history reaches even back before to the foundation of our kingdom," explained Link with a touch of enthusiasm. "Countless legends surround it, it's even said that it was the reason for many wars fought in ancient times. They claimed it to be a relic of our creators, the three Goddesses and that it inherits a part of their might and fulfils the wish of the one who touches it first. Back in the ancient times, they called it the 'Golden Power' but today it's more commonly referred to as the 'Triforce'."
"Well, thanks. But spare me the details." Ganondorf waved dismissively with his hand. "Fairy-tales are a waste of time."
"Which is a shame, because I'm quite certain that this one would have appealed to your liking." Link sighed, probably disappointed by Ganondorf's lack of interest. "Honestly, I would have been downright worried about you if you had answered anything else, considering your impatience. But do you truly think about selling that ocarina?"
"What else shall I do with it? I'm not a musician nor do I want to be one."
"You should keep it. Sometimes the worth comes not from the material itself but the value we give it. And even though we still have to do a lot of things against your behavior, it's still the witness of your first fulfilled duty as a knight." Link held the ocarina before Ganondorf's chest who reluctantly took it again. "Just keep it. You can take the task of making it personally valuable for you as a first exercise to become at least a bit more empathetic."
Ganondorf intended to go without answering, but before he left the room, Link added, "But Ganondorf, don't get the false impression that the case about your performance in the cave is closed with that. Because it isn't. Albeit you were successful and we have one bandit chief less in our kingdom, your methods aren't the way to go. Be prepared that you won't get away with that without any consequences. But for now, go, before I take your imprisonment into consideration for real."