Lon Lon Prison was a secure facility used to confine war criminals safely away from the Hylian capital. Tall stone walls with sharp metal spikes at the peak surrounded the entire perimeter to prevent would-be escapees from scaling over them. The prison was divided into four main sections. The blood-stained dirt field in the middle was used for training exercises and prisoner executions. One well-furnished house was placed near the entrance in the southwest corner; the prison warden and his family stayed here. Not far from there stood several wooden shacks used for the soldiers' living quarters. Finally, a cold stone tower in the northeast loomed over the rest of the prison where snipers watched with bows and crossbows in hand. Beneath this towering structure lay the cells where the prisoners were kept in the shadows.
It was this part of the prison that held Link's interest. If Zelda's words held true, and Kari had been kidnapped, this is where he would be held. He had been here several times in the past, but it was always a place he left quickly. Granted, the environment was quite unpleasant. The holding cells were notoriously dirty. The stench of excrement and body odor irritated his enhanced sense of smell to no end. Only a few scattered torches illuminated the otherwise dark and musty passages. Rats scurried by his feet like ants on the march, and the prisoners' moaning and shouting resembled the calls of the ReDead. However, what really unnerved him was the sense of claustrophobia that choked him every time he laid foot in this chilling compound. Ever since his imprisonment as a wolf several years earlier, an intense anxiety clawed at him in contained environments. The feral beast inside him was proud and indomitable; any attempt to restrain it would be met with fierce resistance.
Zelda's words still hung around the wolf man's neck like a stone collar. As he walked through the prison, boots clomping against the stone floor, his mind cycled through their conversation over and over. He winced in regret; he hadn't even offered an apology for his harsh words. The hero shook his head; a few months ago he never would have spoken to her like that. What was happening to him? Had the war really affected him that much?
No matter what, Link resolved to maintain control of his wild nature, even around Sheikah. Never again would he let himself lose control in battle as he had done. The horror of seeing the bloody, bruised Zelda, a product of his own hands, remained with him. Even now, he felt his hands quivering slightly as he ventured through the maze-like passageways underneath the prison. He distracted himself by looking ahead to the soldier leading him. The young man had been one of the fighters to capture what could be Kari and thus was under Link's command. In only a few moments, he would know if Zelda spoke the truth.
The pair stopped in front of a dimly lit cell. The hero placed his torch on the wall and turned around. His feral eyes look into the prison before him; the flickering torchlight revealed three prisoners.
The first was a young Sheikah woman with vibrant red hair that seemed able to burst into flame at any second, not unlike the Twilight Princess. Her reddish-yellow eyes looked at him in hostility. The torchlight illuminated the scrapes, bruises, and dirt covering her arms and legs. From the lines on her face and the thinness of her silhouette, he assumed she hadn't eaten much for days. Her clothing was plain and in tatters—a simple tunic that clearly didn't fit and pants with holes at the knees. The second prisoner was a young Sheikah girl of about five or six years huddled up against the first. She looked at him with pained red eyes. Her pale white hair matched the dirty prison clothes she wore. Bags under her eyes indicated her intense hunger and malnutrition.
The third was the wind tamer himself.
The wolf man felt his blood boil. His forehead felt hot beneath his helm; he felt the same hatred from before beginning to constrict his airways. He closed his eyes and clenched his fists.
He had to maintain control.
The lieutenant took a deep breath and slowly uncurled his fist. He felt more composed than before, but the subtle anger was still there. As he saw the pathetic state of the prisoners, he felt his heart reach out in compassion. Just then, the hero quickly realized something: they weren't the objects of his hatred; it was himself.
The lieutenant grasped two of the bars with his chaliced hands and leaned his head towards the cell to get a better look through his helm. It surprised him how little Kari had changed between this time and the hero's own. His clothes were slightly altered and he didn't seem to possess the Wind Waker, but his face looked exactly the same in the dim light.
"So you are Kari from the village of Kasuto."
The Sheikah's eyes glared suspiciously at him through the shadows.
"Do I know you?" he replied.
Link smiled to himself. "Indirectly. Don't worry. I assure you we will get to know each other very well as time passes." He was thankful his helm hid his face. It reduced his chances of being recognized by the wind tamer.
"Where is Sheik?" Kari demanded.
The wolf man ignored his question. "Have you and your friends been cared for?"
Kari bit his tongue and refused to answer. The other prisoners gave him the same look of hostility.
Link turned to the soldier standing idly by. "Get them bread and water right now."
"Lieutenant?"
The wolf man affirmed his authority with a tone of finality. "I gave you my orders, soldier." Fearing the possible consequences, the man ran off to complete his task.
Link turned back towards the imprisoned Sheikah. "I'm sorry you all have to suffer for this. If I could stop this war, I would. But I'm afraid it's bigger than I am."
"You could set us free!" the young woman spat bitterly, pulling the young child protectively towards her.
A heavy regret pulled on Link's face, though they could not see it. "If only I could." As he said this, he could feel the wolf inside growing restless. The anxiety began to twitch in his muscles. He grabbed the torch he had placed on the wall and faced them once more. "If there's any way I can help you, don't hesitate to ask. I will return later," he said quickly. He figured some food would make them a little more open to conversation.
His sensitive ears picked up the hushed whisperings of the prisoners as he rounded the corner and out of sight. His mind began to race in circles.
How would they escape? Would they trust him? What if he lost control again?
The situation seemed hopeless, but he pressed on anyways. He didn't have time for self-doubt. Zelda would arrive soon with Sheikah reinforcements. He only had a few days to figure out how to free Kari and redeem himself.
After ensuring General Daltus had no assignments for him, Link returned to Lon Lon Prison the next day. Plates of salted meat and bread accompanied by metal cups of water rattled against the tray in his hands as he winded down the dungeon stairs and past several gloomy cells. The illumination from the lantern on his belt danced around the walls like a flock of fireflies. Several captives hollered for crumbs to be thrown their way, but he ignored them.
He could hear muffled chatter as he approached Kari's cell. One voice was distinctly feminine, probably the young woman, while the other belonged to the wind tamer. As the wolf man stepped in front of the metal bars that separated them, the whispers hushed suddenly. He set the tray down and unfastened the lantern. He turned a knob and brightened the flame, allowing him to see the captive Sheikah. The future wind tamer was huddled against the back wall next to the young woman and the girl. Whatever they had been doing, they were silent now. Their diligent red eyes watched his every movement.
"I trust you received some food yesterday." Link said.
His statement was met by silence.
The hero shrugged his shoulders. "I brought more if you would like it." He slid the tray gently through a small rectangular hole in the bars designed for such a task. It shuffled against the floor and stopped halfway between the prisoners and the bars of the cell. Link glanced at each one of them. Their eyes darted between the food and him but nobody moved.
So much for conversation.
The hero sighed and turned away. Just as he took a step, Kari's voice broke the silence.
"No matter how much food you give us, we will not talk."
Link's ears perked up. He whirled around and pointed directly at the wind tamer. "Aha! But you just did!"
The Sheikah looked quickly at the young woman and back to Link. His eyes darted around the room nervously. "I-I do not understand. I said nothing."
Link chuckled a little to himself. It was like old times. "I was just joking. You know…because you said you wouldn't talk but you actually spoke."
Kari shook his head. "I still do not understand."
The wolf man shrugged his shoulders. "It's not worth explaining."
The Sheikah folded his arms. "This does not make sense." His voice rose. "Are you mocking us? Pretending to be kind so you can laugh at our desperation?"
Link quickly shook his head and held his hands up defensively. "No. Not at all!" His voice lowered. "I'm just trying to show a little kindness."
The young woman scoffed. "Kindness? Are you even capable of that?" Her eyes narrowed in a spiteful glare. "I've been here a long time. I know the deception you Hylians use."
The hero sighed. "I'm not interested in information. At least not the kind you think."
The young woman laughed bitterly. "Ha! Then perhaps we should tell you our life stories."
Link crouched down so he was eye level with the prisoners. "Well, I was thinking your name first, but that's not a bad start."
The red-headed Sheikah stared at him in disbelief. Link couldn't help but notice how similar this stranger was to Midna. Her hair, her eyes, her sarcastic tone; much of her qualities reminded him of the companion that he had endured so much with. Again, he felt the pain of separation and a longing to return to her. She seemed to be the only connection that pulled him back to his own time. The more he thought about it, the more he wanted to tell her how he really felt. Even if rejection awaited him, at least he would no longer be tormented by the thought of what could have been.
Suddenly, the growling of someone's stomach broke the silence. The small girl looked longingly at the food, paying little attention to her captor. "Please…so hungry."
The young woman wrapped her arm around the young girl and looked into her desperate eyes. "Be strong, Impa. We still have our pride. Don't succumb to this man's pity."
Impa shook her head. "But my tummy hurts."
The young woman sighed. What choice did she have? She stared at Link incredulously. "You are telling the truth?"
The hero nodded. "Completely."
This seemed to satisfy the young woman. She leaned Impa against the back wall and was about to retrieve the food when Kari's hand stopped her. The wind tamer glanced briefly at her and back to the hero. His legs scuffled against the stone floor as he shifted his sitting position.
"Why should we trust a Hylian like you?" he asked quickly. "Your people have never shown kindness to us. Why start now?"
Link crossed his arms in front of his chest. "What do I have to do to show my sincerity?"
The red-headed Sheikah rolled her eyes. "Well, you can show us your face to begin with. How do you expect us to trust you with that metal bucket on your head?"
Kari turned to his companions and nodded. "I agree." He looked to Link. "What will it be?"
The hero hesitated for a moment. His hands moved slowly to his helm and rested on the surface. "Will you give you me your names in return?"
The young woman shrugged her shoulders. "We may. We may not."
Link paused. He risked exposing his identity. How did he know this wasn't a trap?
"Very well. It's worth a try…" Link decided at last as he slowly twisted the helm. As the cast metal slowly slid past his temples, his scraggly blonde hair leaped out into the dank dungeon air. A worn and exhausted face stared into the eyes of his captors. "I am Ordona."
Kari's eyes narrowed. "I know who you are."
Link nodded. "And I have heard of you. But what of the other two? What are their names?"
The prisoners looked at one another and whispered so softly that even his enhanced senses couldn't hear it. Link stood up and kicked his boots against the ground while he awaited their reply.
The young woman turned to him. Her tone was grudging at best. "My name is Midna." She motioned to the young girl hiding underneath her arm. "The child is Impa. Are you satisfied?"
Link's eyes blinked in disbelief. "Sorry. What was your name again?"
The female Sheikah rolled her eyes. "Are you so dense that I have to repeat it?"
The hero nodded slowly. "I thought I heard you say 'Midna.'"
Midna smiled sinisterly. "Maybe Hylians aren't so stupid after all."
Link's cheeks reddened. "I see. Well, you have a very nice name, Midna. And Impa too."
The feisty Sheikah battered her eyes. "I've been complimented by a Hylian. I think I feel my heart fluttering."
Kari rose from his position. "What are you gaining from this? Shouldn't you be leading an army or something?"
The feral warrior looked away. His eyes glistened with the hint of regret. "I never wanted to become involved in this conflict. We're all victims of these horrible circumstances." He paused and placed a hand around his neck where the wolf stone hung many years ago. "I'm just trying not to lose my humanity in the process."
The wind tamer glared. "Is that why you murdered dozens of my kin in cold blood?"
Link paused for a moment as he tried to find words to express what he was feeling. His eyes remained fixed on the ground as he began to fiddle with his hands. He felt like a prisoner on trial, and he knew he was guilty. "I-I'm sorry. That's all I can say."
Kari just grunted. He folded his hands and watched the Hylian grovel in front of him. A small portion wished to believe this young man was a victim of circumstance, but it was just too difficult to ignore the stories and rumors surrounding him.
The hero lifted his head to say something else when he stopped short. Echoing in the distance was a set of footfalls. Not wanting to attract any unnecessary attention to Kari, Link put on his helm and stood up. "Well, I must be going. I can't remain here much longer, but I'll return."
Suddenly, the empty tray came sliding back through the hole in the bars. The hero looked at it curiously as it rested gently against his boot.
"We still don't trust you, but feel free to bring more food next time." Midna called out through the bars. She broke a loaf of bread and handed some to the eager Impa. "Preferably something with a bit more flavor."
Link smiled nervously. "I'll give your suggestions to the cook." He gave one last look at the prisoners as they shared the meager food amongst themselves. He nodded in their direction and attached his lantern to his hip, leaving the cell behind him. He felt a twinge of hope spark in him.
Perhaps there was a way to get through to them.
As he walked through the dank hallways, the footfalls grew louder. The wolf man increased his pace to distance himself further from Kari's cell. The odor of metal armor grew stronger as he reached the spiral staircase. He leapt up the stairs two at a time only to crash into a descending soldier. Rattling metal vibrated through Link's ears as the tray and plates clattered to the floor and rolled down the steps. Luckily, the lantern was still securely attached to his belt.
"Ho there, Ordona! Where ya' going in such a hurry? You ought to be more careful." Kieran's cheerful voice greeted him. He bent down and began to pick up some of the nearby fallen dishes. "Let me give you a hand with all this."
Link's breathing came quickly to him. "Sorry, Kieran. Didn't see you there. Thanks for the help though." He grabbed the tray and held it as the other soldier re-stacked the plates.
Kieran finished placing the last of the dishes. "No problem. Glad I ran into you though."
Link raised an eyebrow. "Really? Why's that?"
The soldier placed a hand by the sheath at his side. "I just wished to spar with my archrival."
The hero let out a sigh. "But we just sparred this morning."
Kieran rested his hands defiantly on his hips. "That was just a warm up. The real contest begins now."
Link sighed and began to ascend the stairs. "Fine. If it'll keep you satisfied."
Kieran's face brightened at the prospect of a challenge. He quickly raced beside Link, taking two steps at a time. Link just shrugged his shoulders and humored the energetic knight.
"Say Ordona, why's that tray in your hands anyways? You been feeding the prisoners?" the soldier remarked casually as they continued climbing the stairs.
The wolf man tightened his lips for a moment. "That's foolish. Why would I give those monsters anything to ease their suffering?"
The knight studied Link's face for a moment as they reached the top of the stairs. "I don't know. You're a mysterious one, Ordona." He scratched his chin for a moment. There was an eerie playfulness in his voice. "I was just thinking you were trying to bribe the enemy or something."
The hero laughed nervously. "Not a bad idea. I doubt they'd talk though."
Kieran shrugged his shoulders. "I suppose not."
The two men exited the dungeon and walked over to the practice field. Grunting and yelling filled the air as a handful of soldiers sparred throughout the field. The place stunk with sweat and blood, and there was a hint of moisture in the atmosphere. Gray clouds looming in the distance threatened to unleash a deluge of rain within the hour.
Link took his position in a clear section of field and grabbed the wooden sword lying on the ground from their previous session. He felt the hard ground beneath his boots and stretched out his legs. He took off his helmet and stripped some of his armor off for increased flexibility. There was time to take a few practice swings as he watched Kieran perform his usual pre-battle routine. Of course, this consisted of pointing his wooden sword to the sky and cycling through his monologue of how this battle would prove he was the superior warrior.
"Say, Kieran, can we just start? I'd rather end this soon." Link called out.
The proud knight's face soured. "You mean you weren't listening? Now I have to repeat the whole declaration over again."
The hero shrugged his shoulders and sighed. "Go ahead, but ready or not, here I come."
Without his armor on, the feral warrior was able to reach his startled opponent quickly. Kieran quickly bent his knees and maneuvered his sword to a defensive position. Link mercilessly assaulted his defenses with an assortment of horizontal and vertical slices. The knight breathed hard as he redirected all of the hero's slashes. Sensing a break in the barrage, Kieran snuck a stab of his own. In one smooth motion, Link back flipped to avoid it. Like a spring, his legs compressed and uncoiled as he jumped forward; his arms swung down with all their might. Kieran directed his sword horizontally to block the jump attack, but Link's slice snapped the wooden sword in two. Splinters fell to the ground as Kieran held the two broken pieces in his vibrating hands.
Link placed the tip of his wooden weapon against Kieran's throat and smirked. "I think you lasted five seconds longer than last time. You're improving."
The proud soldier let the wooden pieces drop to the ground and grumbled to himself. "If it had been a real sword…"
The wolf man shrugged. "Don't let it bother you. You're still one of the best Hyrule has."
Kieran shrugged off the humiliation and laughed obnoxiously. "I should have expected no less from my great archrival. I will not stop challenging you until I am victorious."
Link rolled his eyes. "Wonderful." He rolled his shoulders and began to look around. Several of the men had gathered to watch the sparring session. Now that the fight was over, they quickly hurried back to work. Meanwhile, the hero continued to scan the outer perimeter with purpose.
"Something on your mind, Lieutenant?" Kieran asked.
Link nodded. "Yes, actually." He turned to face the proud soldier. "Kieran, how secure would you say this prison is?"
"It's the most secure prison in Hyrule. Not a single prisoner has ever escaped," he replied.
The hero raised a brow. "Really? So what would happen if the enemy suddenly attacked this place?"
The soldier's words were more hesitant. "Well, we should be fine. There are no weaknesses in the perimeter defenses. And the watch tower would see them well in advance."
"Really? No weaknesses at all? Are you sure?"
Kieran paused. "Well…I don't think so. I thought I saw a few cracks in the wall next to the warden's house, but that's probably nothing major."
Link smiled knowingly. "Well answered, Kieran. A ready mind is the best defense against the enemy's surprises." He patted him on the shoulder. "Let's go inside and get cleaned up. I've had enough sparring for today."
As Link made his way down the dungeon stairs for the third day in a row, his mind was a flurry of problems and uncertainties. It had been two days since he talked to Zelda, and his plan to free the Sheikah was only in the beginning stages. She could be bringing other Sheikah as soon as that night; he'd rather have Kari out before then if possible. Then again, even if he did have a plan, how could he convince the wind tamer to trust him?
The hero let out a large sigh as he reached the bottom stair. Although the only thing he carried was a small tin tray with bread, salted meat, and a few greens, he felt a heavy burden dragging down his shoulders. It was as if every Sheikah he had killed in the last few months was grabbing him by the neck and pulling him into the depths of the underworld. When he closed his eyes, he could see that omniscient red eye glaring straight into his soul. Though he tried to rationalize those murders as casualties of war, he couldn't shake their faces from his mind.
He had to free Kari no matter what. He had to make up for his mistakes.
This time, as he stepped towards the gate, he was greeted by Midna's smirk. She had seen the bobbling light from his lantern long before he arrived.
"He's such a loyal servant. Bringing us food all the way down here." She pushed a lock of hair from her face. "Did you bring us anything new?"
Link pushed the tray through the opening as before. "See for yourself. I hope you like meat."
The prisoners' eyes lit up as they saw the contents on the tray. Though there was barely enough to feed a single soldier, to them it seemed like a feast. Link smiled and sat on the stone floor as the famished Sheikah attacked the food without hesitation. He opted not to wear his helmet this time; only sporting normal chain mail over his normal clothing. His field of vision was much wider, and it felt good to hear Impa's laughter without the stiff iron muffling it. Midna had playfully taken Kari's bread from his hands and given it to her, much to the wind tamer's confusion and dismay. Midna playfully caressed his cheek and handed him a piece of meat, which seemed to calm him. Their animalistic chewing echoed over the tiny cell as they quickly consumed what was in front of them.
"So…what do you want from us?" Midna asked when she had finished licking her fingers. "You've brought us food three times now. If you want secrets about our tribe, you're better off looking elsewhere."
The wolf man shook his head. "No, I just wish to know more about the Sheikah. Your way of life. Your values." He paused. "Why are we fighting in the first place?"
Kari grunted. "You would never understand even if we told you."
Link leaned forward. "Well, you never know until you try." He folded his hands in front of him. "So tell me…what do Sheikah believe in?"
The wind tamer's face scrunched in insult. "Such ignorance!"
Midna placed a gentle hand on the Sheikah's shoulder. "Relax, Kari. We might as well humor him." She smirked. "After all, we can't go anywhere and this could be amusing." The red-headed prisoner directed her attention at the listening hero. "We believe in the power of the three Goddesses just like you. In fact, our service to them is the very reason for our existence."
Link nodded interestedly. "Really? The soldiers all say you're demons from the underworld."
Kari grunted. "Well, I could say the same for you."
The hero scowled. "Hey!" He felt his anger rising. "All I have ever done is seek the interest of others!"
Midna smirked. "Looks like you hit a sensitive spot, Kari."
The wind tamer shrugged his shoulders. "And I was just trying to serve the Wind Waker when I was captured. I suppose good intentions are meaningless."
Link let his hurt subside. Now was not the time. "Wind Waker?" he asked.
Midna rolled her eyes. "Wow, you really are clueless." She began to draw on her hands with her finger. "The Wind Waker is chief of the Sheikah. He is our ambassador to the Goddesses. They speak through him to us." Her fingers began to tap on the ground. "If he ever found out his son was here…well…I wouldn't want to be a Hylian soldier."
A lump formed in Link's throat. "So you're his son? I see then." He began to look around the room. "Well, what was your family like growing up?"
Midna chuckled to herself. "I had two parents and a sister until I was taken to this dreadful place a few years ago. Now Impa is my family."
Kari frowned at the comment.
The lump grew larger in Link's throat. "I'm sorry to hear that. And you, Kari?"
The wind tamer grunted again. "My father is a very powerful and busy man. He trains me and instructs me and I have a strong respect for him, but we are not close."
"What about your mother?"
Link thought he saw a slight glistening in the Sheikah's eyes. "I lost her to this war several years ago."
He hero lowered his shoulders. "Once again, I'm truly sorry."
Kari raised his voice. "How can you be sorry? You are the enemy! My entire village wants you dead! Stop acting like you care!"
Link cringed. Although it hurt, he deserved every word.
"I'm here for you, Kari" Midna comforted. She gently rubbed his shoulders. Her eyes glared at the wolf man. "You should leave now. We're done."
He shook his head. "First, I want to say something."
The female prisoner shook her head. "No, I think you have said enough."
Link met Midna's gaze and looked back to Kari. He slowly rose to his feet. "Very well, then."
"No, wait," Kari halted him. "I want to hear what you have to say."
"Are you sure?" Midna asked.
The wind tamer hesitated for a moment but then nodded. "I have heard countless stories and rumors of this man being a monster, but I want to judge for myself. After all, a Sheikah must train himself to see the truth." He nodded in Link's direction. "Speak."
The feral warrior swallowed hard. "Well, for starters, I was thrust into this war against my will. Consumed by the violence around me, I followed the only instinct I could trust, those for survival. And so I fought." He paused. "What I have done is unforgivable. I know that. The goddesses constantly remind me of the blood on my hands. I understand if you never forgive me." He paused. "However, at least let me make it up to you."
Kari folded his arms. "And how's that?"
Link clenched a fist. "For starters, I am going to leave this army. I won't be a part of this conflict anymore." His eyes diverted to the side. "But before I do, I'm going to get all of you out of here."
Midna rolled her eyes. "Sounds too good to be true."
Link's gaze remained steady. "I am telling the truth. I swear by the Triforce of Courage that the three of you will be free by tomorrow."
Kari scrutinized the hero's face. "That is a bold claim."
The hero nodded. "It's a promise." He paused and looked towards the door. "Well, I have a lot of preparations to make. I should be going. Feel free to keep the tray as a souvenir."
The prisoners watched curiously as the wolf man picked up his lantern and left their prison cell. He could hear their murmurings as he walked further away, but even those soon were too soft for his sensitive ears. He continued to roam the dank hallways, contemplating in his mind what he would tell the General.
"Hoy! Ordona! That was some show you just put on there!" A voice called from the shadows. Startled, Link spun around and shone the lantern in the voice's direction to find Kieran appearing from around the corner.
The hero tensed. The proud soldier stood gleaming at him in full armor.
"What do you mean?" The hero asked quickly.
"I mean what you told those gullible prisoners back there. About freeing them and all."
Link's eyes grew wide. "You heard me?"
Kieran laughed aloud. "Of course. You've been acting awfully suspicious the last few days so I decided to follow you down here. Now I finally know what you're up to, you sly dog."
He forced a smile. "And what would that be?"
"You were going to bribe the prisoners for information and then take all the credit for it." He shook his finger. "No archrival of mine is going to get all the glory. Wait until the General hears we captured the Wind Waker's son."
Link's heart began to race. "Wait, what's so important about him?"
Kieran leapt up the stairs two at a time. The hero had to race to follow him. "Because we have a hostage. We finally have leverage against those sick bastards." He waved with his hand. "Come on! We've got to tell the General the exciting news!"
The hero's stomach twisted into several uncomfortable knots as he followed the enthusiastic soldier. He was going to have a difficult time explaining his way out of this one.
Lucky for Link, General Daltus was in a generally pleasant mood when Kieran and he arrived at his quarters. As usual, his desk was cluttered with maps of Hyrule. Small ink arrows on the parchments displayed the results of dozens of war council meetings. The lantern on his desk illuminated the bags under his eyes as his head leaned against his arm. His eyes looked over the map continuously when he heard a faint knock at the doorway.
He looked up to see the two men awaiting his acknowledgment. "Ah, Lieutenant. And Kieran. This is unexpected." He folded his hands and leaned upright in his chair. "What can I do for the two of you?"
"General! We've done it! We've finally done it!" Kieran exploded with excitement.
"Done what, Kieran? Calm down and explain yourself."
"We've finally gained the upper hand."
"Yes, that's good. But how?"
Kieran finally took a deep breath and composed himself. Even then, he shifted from one foot to the other in excitement. He looked to Link for assurance, but the hero just tapped his boots against the floor and remained silent. The knight shrugged his shoulders and continued. "We've captured the Wind Waker's son."
Daltus rose quickly from his chair, causing the wooden structure to collapse behind him. "What? When?"
Kieran pointed in Link's direction. "Ask Ordona. He's the man responsible."
The general looked in his direction. "Well, Ordona?"
The hero felt a wave of guilt wash over him. "A few days ago, two Sheikah approached the castle. I took some men to confront them. They captured him while I dealt with the other."
Daltus rubbed his chin. "And how do we know he's the one?"
Kieran placed his hands on his hip. "Ordona's been talking to the prisoners. They dropped their guard and let it slip. I heard it myself."
The general squinted his eyes and looked to Link. "Interesting. And just what have you been saying to them?"
Link shifted his eyes and rolled his shoulders. "Well…I…"
"He made up some story about setting them free or something. It was something else; he almost had me convinced." Kieran quickly interrupted.
Daltus began to pace in front of his desk. His eyes carefully watched Link's every movement. "Well done, Ordona. This presents quite an opportunity." He stroked his facial hair thoughtfully. "I think I will take things from here."
"General?"
A malevolent smile. "A long time ago, I engaged the Sheikah chief in combat. I lost my only son in the process. Now I intend to return the favor to him."
Link's eyes widened. "Surely you're not implying what I think you are. What about the tactical advantages? Surely we could use him as a bargaining chip or something."
Daltus shook his head. "Lieutenant, you are skilled in battle but you lack knowledge of the enemy's psyche. They are a stubborn race that will not betray their kind. If he is the chief's son, then his best use is to destroy the morale of his father." He paused for a while as he analyzed Link's face. "Why don't you take the day off tomorrow? You've certainly earned a day of rest."
"But General?"
"That's an order, Lieutenant. It's not very often I allow you to rest, so take advantage of it."
Link opened his mouth to protest but then reconsidered. "Yes, General." He paused. "So when will you dispose of the Sheikah prisoner?"
Daltus raised an eyebrow. "As soon as possible. Perhaps tomorrow at sunrise. Why?"
The hero shrugged his shoulders. "No reason in particular. Just curious."
The General looked hard at him for several seconds before turning to Kieran. "Very well, if that is all, I must get back to work. Kieran, send word to the guards to have the execution squad ready in time."
The enthusiastic soldier nodded. "Yes, sir!"
The three men saluted one another before Link and Kieran turned around and shuffled out of the small room.
The two men were walking towards the barracks when Kieran placed a firm hand on his back. "Goddesses, that stinks you have to rest. I know how depressed I feel when I can't fight something." His eyes brightened with inspiration. "You can always spar with me or Vagmin tomorrow if you wish."
Link shook his head. "I'll be fine." He formed a small fist by his side. "Tomorrow's going to be a busy day for me anyways."
Hues of pink and red were just dotting the sky when Link reached the outside of Lon Lon Prison. The dew covered grass moistened his paws and brought him a tingle of delight as he came to rest by the wall marking its boundary. The wolf panted heavily, having sprinted through Hyrule Field on all fours to avoid the suspicions that a horse would bring. Stalchidren had hindered him most of the journey, but the morning sun would soon send them scurrying back into the ground.
The lupine warrior sniffed around until he found the pine tree he had marked out earlier. He examined his surroundings once again; the entire field was silent save for his soft panting. The wolf's paws began to scrape at the ground as he dug for the bombs he had hidden the previous day. When at last his paws felt the sack's rough surface, he transformed into a human once again and grabbed it. It swung freely in his grip as he jogged along the outer perimeter. His boots pressed softly on the dew-covered grass as he stopped just outside the wall near the warden's house.
The wolf man held his breath and listened to his surroundings once again. Perfect silence.
Taking his sword, he began to slash gently against the wall. His ears honed in on the clanking of the stone. He continued this for several seconds until he heard a hollow sound echoing back. His sword struck several more times for good measure, but the result was the same. Link smiled smugly to himself; the tricks he had learned on his adventures paid off.
As he laid his sword down to open the sack, he couldn't help noticing something seemed off about the Blade of Evil's Bane. He couldn't quite place it, but it seemed duller. Not the blade, but the shine of the metal. He shrugged it off and focused on the task at hand.
The bomb bag ruffled as he tore open the leather string binding it. Two or three bombs rolled out like large marbles and into a pile by the wall. Once he was sure they wouldn't roll away, he took the Master Sword and began scraping the wall. First one diagonal line, and then one across it to form an "X".
"Zelda should understand what that means," Link said to himself. "Now to get Kari."
As Link raced back to the entrance of the prison, he ran over the plan in his mind. If he could infiltrate the main prison and reach Kari's cell, everything else would go smoothly. He had cast Farore's Wind a safe distance from the prison. All he had to do was touch the Sheikah and his companions and activate it. He could only pray he reached there before the execution.
The hero halted by the iron gates that blocked entry into the prison. Spotting a shallow ditch stretching underneath the gate, he shifted to a wolf once again. The dirt brushed against his snout as he squeezed underneath the entryway and into the prison grounds.
The hero was tense with anticipation as he shook off the dirt and became human again. He reached the corner leading to the main compound and held his breath. If the execution squad was already in the main field, it would be nearly impossible to rescue Kari. He tensed his muscles and peered around the corner using the reflection of his sword. Much to his relief, the field was empty.
Relaxing a little, he snuck past the barracks and towards the warden's house. A few doves looked at him oddly from their perch on the roof. With a tilt of their head, they cooed innocently and resumed their business. Link smiled nervously and continued past him. His eyes honed in on the tall tower leading to the prisoner's cells just across that field. The sentinels might see him, but his presence wouldn't arouse their suspicion. His feet pattered a little quicker on the damp grass as he made his way towards his destination.
Squeeeeeeeeeeeal.
The feral warrior froze like a mouse spotting a hawk. Behind him, the door to the warden's home squealed open, and he could feel someone's gaze pressing against his back.
"Lieutenant? What are you doing here? I thought I told you to rest."
Link slowly turned around to meet the gaze of General Daltus. Much to the hero's dismay, the man appeared more like one outfitted for battle than one who had just woken up. The elaborate armor seen hanging in the general's quarters now rested over him. The breastplate, belt, and crown were plated with gold, and an emerald rested in the very center. The general's sword rested in the hilt by his hip. His hand tapped gently on it, ready to draw it at a moment's notice.
"Good morning, General." Link said as cheerily as possible.
Daltus frowned. "Why are you here, Ordona? You deliberately disobeyed my orders."
Link shrugged his shoulders casually. "I was just here to train."
The general's grip on his hilt tightened. "Has anyone ever told you you're a horrible liar, Ordona?"
He nodded. "Actually, yes."
The armor-covered veteran was not amused. He walked towards Link, glaring at him as if addressing a new recruit. "Don't play coy with me, Lieutenant. Why are you here?"
Link dropped his façade. "I'm here for the execution of the boy."
"Did you come to watch?" Daltus asked as he stepped in front of Link, cutting off his access to the prison.
The hero paused for a moment. "Something like that. Where is he?"
The general nodded towards the prison tower. "The soldiers are getting him now. You can watch the execution from here with me."
Link drew his blade as his eyes hardened. "You misunderstand me, General. I'm not here to watch it. I'm here to stop it."
A smirk crept on Daltus's face. "I was afraid you'd say that. Any normal soldier would be ecstatic to deliver such a blow to the enemy. I thought you seemed too reserved in our meeting. I'm glad I came prepared for battle." He withdrew his sword and eased into a fighting stance. "You'll have to get through me."
Link bent his knees and returned the sadistic smirk. "So is that how you knew that I would be here?"
The general cracked his neck and twisted the sword around his wrist. "That and I had a bit of a hunch. You've never been a Sheikah sympathizer. For you to defend this boy as you did, something didn't seem right. I don't know what's gotten into your head, but I intend to beat it out of you. You are one of my best soldiers, after all, and I don't intend to lose you."
The hero chuckled and withdrew the Master Sword. "Go ahead and try. This won't take long."
The morning air was cold enough that Zelda was sure she'd see the steam of her breath if her armor didn't cover her mouth. She was breathing heavily; it took all she had just to keep up with Sharlo and the rest of the Sheikah as they made their way towards Lon Lon Prison. It had taken a few days to reach Kasuto, explain what happened, and gather enough Sheikah to form a strike force, but they were finally ready. They only numbered twenty or so, including Akime, Sharlo, and herself, but each one was hand chosen for their skills and bravery.
Sharlo was a father with a mission. Ever since their departure, his only concern was reaching the prison and freeing his son. Normally Sheikah attacked only during the evening, but the Wind Waker showed no fear or concern. As they approached the prison, he signaled several Sheikah with a wave of his hand to surround the perimeter and find a way in. Zelda's heart raced as the imposing fortress grew ever larger on the horizon. Somewhere in there, she hoped, she would find both Link and Kari.
The shadows moved silently like the wind as they reached the wall of the prison and sidled against it. Sharlo remained still and motioned for Zelda to do likewise.
"We wait here until the scouts find a way in," he said softly.
"And if they can't?" she whispered back.
Sharlo paused for a moment. "Then we have no choice but to storm the front gate." He looked to her. "I thought you said you had an ally on the inside."
Zelda moved her fingers as she prepared for their next move. "I do. But I hope he hasn't been caught."
The Wind Waker nodded. His teeth were gritted and the veins on his head were bulging. "By the Goddesses, I will get my son back and repay these Hylian swine what they deserve."
Zelda met his statement with silence. She closed her eyes and pondered the words Link had said to her only days earlier. Was either side really in the right?
A few minutes later, a Sheikah dropped in front of the two of them. He bowed on one knee and nodded with his head. "Sharlo, we found something. You may want to take a look."
Hearing the uncertainty in his voice, they immediately followed him. What they stumbled on was not quite what they expected.
"These are Hylian bombs." Sharlo remarked as he saw a stack of the explosive black balls. He glanced at the wall. "And the stone…there is a carving here. But why?"
Zelda thought for a moment. No soldier would casually leave bombs here. Not unless they had a purpose. Which only meant one person could have done it.
"I know who left these." Zelda spoke up. She eyed the wall. "He's provided us a way in."
Sharlo eyed her suspiciously. "Who? Your ally?"
The monarch nodded. "That's right." She closed her hands into a fist. "Give me some fire and we'll be ready to go."
Akime snickered to himself. "Coming right up."
The sweat was dripping down Link's brow as he slashed at the General once again. Daltus met his attack head on, and the two blades clashed in a glory of sparking steel. The hero pushed with all his might, but the general's mass was just too great. Instead, he stepped back, allowing the soldier's momentum to propel him forward. With Daltus off guard, Link slashed across his chest as hard as he could.
The steel clanked hard against the general's armor, knocking the sturdy man to the ground. Link back flipped and surveyed the result of his slash. Not a scratch.
"Din's fire! Why can't I touch him!" Link yelled in frustration.
Daltus laughed to himself as he picked himself off the ground. "You are skilled Ordona. In a fair fight, I wouldn't stand a lick of a chance against you."
Link's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean a fair fight?"
The short man pointed to his armor. "Magic. The general of Hyrule is given this special armor when he takes office. In exchange for rupees, it grants me protection from all your attacks."
The hero cursed to himself. He knew all too well how it worked. He should have recognized the armor from the start. "I don't have time for this," he muttered under his breath.
The general looked behind him. "Ah! Just in time!"
Link's heart dropped as he saw what the general was referring to. In the central field, several soldiers were gathering. Each had a bow in their hand and a quiver attached to their back. One of them tugged a rope wrapped to an unwilling prisoner. The young man was bound and blindfolded, but there was no mistaking the imprisoned Kari.
One of the soldiers pushed him to the ground and kicked him. The young Sheikah writhed in pain but didn't say a word. Another soldier grabbed the rope binding his hands and nailed it into the ground. The tension pulled the wind tamer on his back.
Link's temper flared. "Let me through!" he barked.
Daltus cracked his neck and readied for more. "You'll have to get by me first."
The Sheikah prisoner was firmly tied down. The archers were adjusting their bows as they walked to their positions.
His voice was a low growl now. "I'll say it one last time. Let me through!"
The general returned his glare defiantly. "Have you forgotten the vow you took? Threatening me is a direct act of treason against the crown and against Hyrule. You'll be lucky if you escape with your life when this is done."
Link's knuckles tightened until they turned a snowy white. In the distance, the archers were testing their strings and awaiting their orders. He had to act now.
"Enough of this." Link grumbled. He sheathed his sword and began running towards the General's side. Daltus just sneered and ran to intercept him. The wolf man growled and succumbed to his inner beast. His bared teeth sharpened into fangs, fur covered his rapidly moving hands and feet as they morphed into paws, and his battle cry lowered into a howl. Link capitalized on the stunned general's hesitation and dashed past him towards the field on all fours.
"What in Din's name are you, Ordona?" Daltus remarked as he began to snap out of shock. He shook his head and readied himself to pursue the strange shifter.
BOOM!
A huge blast of heat and rubble caused the man to shield his eyes. Part of the perimeter of the prison crumbled like snow in an avalanche, sending smoke and dust flying through the air. Out of the dust cloud, several dozen Sheikah, including Sharlo and Zelda, burst into the prison armed and ready for battle.
The shinobi spread out around the vicinity like a plague of locusts. A bell in the distance rang frantically as one of the watchmen sounded the alarm. Frantically, several Hylian soldiers raced out of the barracks. Despite being trained on how to react to this type of situation, there was no time to put on armor. Instead, they armed themselves with pikes, swords, axes, and shields. The adrenaline pumping through their blood was just enough to wipe away the sleepiness that had consumed those same souls only minutes earlier.
Throughout the prison, small skirmishes broke out between Sheikah and Hylian. Battle cries and clashes of steel quickly filled the air. Blood spattered, shields shattered, soldiers yelped, and shinobi hissed. As the sun slowly rose over the horizon, its light illuminated the terrible battle unfolding.
It didn't take long for Sharlo to find the General. He weaved through the battlefield, cutting a path straight to him with his pair of short swords. Any that got in his way soon regretted it. Zelda stayed close, guarding several attacks with a small tanto she used mainly for defense.
"We meet again, Sheikah," Daltus smirked. He readied his weapon. "I take it you're here for your son."
Sharlo snarled. "Where is he?" He retrieved the Wind Waker from a hidden sleeve pocket.
Daltus grinned sinisterly. "About to be executed. The same way you killed my son all those years ago."
"Sharlo! Over there!" Zelda pointed off towards the field. In the distance, she saw a wolf racing desperately towards several archers and a prisoner. She could only assume it was Link. "I'll go after him!"
The chief of the Sheikah nodded and turned back to the general as Zelda raced off. His brows lowered in a menacing glare. "I will make you suffer so much pain you'll wish you were dead."
The general shrugged it off. "As long as I wear this armor, there's nothing you can do to me."
Just as he said that, the armor suddenly became heavy and sluggish. Daltus attempted to move his weapon, but it felt like boulders were tied to his arms and legs. His eyes widened as he quickly realized the horrifying truth: he had run out of rupees!
Sharlo built up his magical energy and readied the silver baton. "Feel the depth of my hatred!"
Men hollered in agony. Sparks flew everywhere. Sweat and blood stagnated the atmosphere. Nonetheless, the wolf ran with a single minded focus as his canine paws devoured the distance between him and the executioners. He could see the archers glancing between the battlefield and the prisoner. He could hear their murmurs and the shouts of the commanding officer as he attempted to calm them. He could smell the fear running through their blood as he made his approach.
"But Cap'n, what about the battle? Shouldn't we help?"
"Quiet soldier! We were all given an order. If we don't kill this prisoner now, then the enemy will take him back. Once we're finished here, we'll join the fray. Understand?"
"Yes, Cap'n," the soldier hesitantly replied.
Just a little more to go.
"Archers! Into positions!" The captain's voice rose above the chaos of the battlefield.
The soldiers grasped their bows firmly and reached for their arrows. Kari remained just as he was, like a sheep to the slaughter. His lips were moving but the words were inaudible.
Almost there.
"Ready your bows!"
The archers placed the arrows against their strings. Link beat his paws against the ground as hard as he could. His lungs and heart worked furiously. His vision narrowed on his goal.
The prey was in sight!
"Aim!"
The strings creaked as they were pulled back. Each archer closed one eye and steadily focused on their target. The closest of them noticed the wolf man's rapidly approaching form and quickly panicked. Soon Link was upon him.
"Fire!"
The wolf watched with a mixture of disbelief and horror as the bows launched their deadly projectiles. Time itself seemed to slow as his canine eyes followed the sharp daggers fly through the air. He was helpless to do anything but watch as Kari faced his fate bound and blindfolded. One by one, the arrows pierced through his flesh. He flailed and reeled as their sharp points penetrated his body; one in each arm, one to the head, one in the neck, and several to his upper chest. The proud Sheikah knelt as a bloody. punctured mess, enduring the pain without so much as a sound. A small, triumphant smile crept to his lips as his strength gave out on him. He collapsed to the ground, his head landing hard on the crusty dirt and breaking the shaft of the arrow implanted within.
Link howled long and hard to the morning sun.
The archers, just now noticing him atop their unconscious comrade, quickly notched more arrows and fired. He jumped back, allowing the deadly projectiles to pierce the man he had once stood on.
His blood boiling, the feral warrior became human once again. A familiar bloodlust clouded his mind and guided his instincts as he released his rage. The Triforce glowed brilliantly on his left hand as he unsheathed the Master Sword.
"Lieutenant?" They looked at him in a stupor.
Link began to mumble underneath his breath as the captain yelled at his men to continue firing. They fired off another volley of arrows. Link quickly bent his knees and jumped through the air, spinning sideways through the volley and twisting his body to avoid the projectiles. He landed with a roll just as he finished the last incantation for Din's Fire. With a pound of his fist, his body became consumed within a sphere of flames. The incinerating sphere quickly spread to the archers in close proximity. The men tried to run from its devouring fires, but it was too late for them. The hungry flames consumed their wooden bows and scarred their thin armor. They rolled furiously against the dirt to put out the flames.
Satisfied, Link ran to where Kari lay. The archers were no longer a concern to him; even if they did quench the flames, their bows were destroyed.
As the hero knelt by the struggling wind tamer's side, he finally took in the full extent of the damage. There had to be at least ten arrows piercing his body. Even if the wounds to his chest didn't kill him, the traumatic shock of it all would. He pressed his ear to the wind tamer's chest and listened; a faint heart beat was still there but quickly fading. His chest rose and fell only slightly, but it was only a matter of time before that too stopped.
Link took a deep breath and clenched his fist. What could he do? If he removed any of the arrows, he risked piercing more tissue and causing more damage, not to mention the blood loss. But if they remained there, the injuries could get infected. He pounded the ground in frustration.
He tensed when a gentle hand touched his shoulder. It was Zelda.
"It'll be okay, Link. We'll do what we can."
She retrieved a red potion from her satchel and placed the bottle by his mouth. Link understood and forcefully opened the Sheikah's lips while she poured the viscous red liquid inside. Streams of the medicine ran down his cheeks and chin, but still a small amount went down his throat. When the last of it was poured, Zelda placed the bottle down and began to pray. Link carefully watched the wind tamer, but still there was no response; not even a cough.
Several of the archers began to recover and run towards the pair unarmed. Link quickly rose from his position and pointed his sword at them. His glowering feral eyes said all he needed to; the men quickly turned in the other direction and fled. Satisfied, the lupine walked back and knelt beside Zelda.
They stayed there side by side with the motionless Sheikah for several minutes while the battle raged behind them. They checked his heartbeat and breathing. Little by little, softer and softer it faded until there was nothing left.
"My son! What have they done to you?" Sharlo screamed in horror when he finally arrived. As he saw the state of Kari's body, he dropped to his knees beside it. He began to whimper as his pale, rough hand caressed the lifeless Sheikah's cheek.
"Sharlo, I'm afraid he didn't make it," Zelda said softly.
At first, it was only one drop. Then another. Soon, tears began to stream down the once stolid leader's cheeks. He banged his fists against the ground as he yelled vulgarities in the Sheikah language. His cries rang to the very heavens as he challenged the Goddesses and their authority.
"No, Kari. You can't be gone!" He began to sob. "I won't let the Goddesses take you from me. There has to be a way…"
"Sharlo?" Zelda said.
"You." The man said suddenly, his face still to the ground. "This is all your fault!" He lifted his head and pointed at Link. "You dirty bastards took my son from me!"
The wolf man rose to his feet and pulled on the monarch's arm. "We should leave, Zelda," he whispered.
The Sheikah chief began to jump on the ground like a stubborn child. "Sheik! Why are you with that Hylian? Don't tell me…"
Zelda whispered back. "Agreed."
Sharlo paused for a moment as her treachery registered in his grief-stricken mind. He drew his two sharp daggers and scraped them against one another. The screeching metal pierced through their Hylian ears. "Traitors! All of you!" he hollered.
He ran at them, yelling and screaming and letting his weapons fly through the air like a madman. Before he could reach them, Link activated Farore's Wind and the pair vanished in a bright flash of green light. Kari's father stood their stupefied, dropping his weapons to the ground and yelling at the empty air. There he continued to yell vulgarities and curse the Goddesses until he was out of breath. Panting and sweating, it finally sunk in that he was once again alone. He sauntered back to his son's motionless body. There, he knelt and wept bitterly and loudly, the wind carrying his anguished cries over the entire prison.
Returning to their own time was bitter sweet for the pair of Hylians. As the currents of time swept over them and returned them to the elegant bedroom in Ambi's palace, it was startling how unchanged everything was. As the monarch looked around, everything was as they had left it. The outline of the hero's figure was still pressed into the chair's cushions. The fireplace still crackled in the hearth with the same vibrancy, warming their weary bodies with its heat. She never thought she could miss the luxuries of a simple bedroom so much.
"We finally made it back," Zelda offered. As she pressed her hands against the carpet to push herself up, she noticed tints of silver fur intertwined with the rug's fabrics. She glanced at Link, who sat gazing quietly at the fireplace. She decided to keep the knowledge to herself.
The monarch placed the Harp of Ages by her side and looked to the weary hero. He hugged his knees and stared pensively into the fire as if looking at his reflection in a mirror. His eyes were focused, his skin was pale, his hair frazzled. He didn't even seem to notice she was there.
"Link?" She touched his shoulder gently.
He brushed her hand away but said nothing.
She tried again. "Link…look at me." He slowly turned his head. She smiled at him. "Are you okay?"
He shrugged his shoulders. "I'm fine."
Her eyes softened. "Link. You're a terrible liar. No, you're not."
The hero redirected his gaze back to the fire. "If you already knew the answer, then why'd you ask?"
Zelda placed a hand on her temple and sighed. "Link, I need you to talk to me. What's going through your head?" Her question was met by the crackling of the hearth. She looked hard, trying to read the hollowness of his eyes and the tightness of his lips.
Suddenly, it hit her. Why hadn't she thought of it earlier?
"You blame yourself for what happened out there, don't you?"
The hero's face cringed. He began to fiddle with his hands.
"He was dead. You saw it yourself. All because of me," came his reply.
Zelda shook her head. "It's the war that killed him."
The hero chuckled cynically. "I did more than my fair share. I have a monster living inside me." He paused. "No, I am that monster. You said it yourself."
"Link! Stop it! I didn't mean that!" Zelda replied defensively as she straightened her posture and rose to her knees. The hero looked at her with raised brows. She paused, suddenly realizing her reaction. She slowly lowered herself back to a sitting position, softening her tone and looking quickly to the ground. "I…I was just frustrated."
The solemn hero shook his head. "Even so, I never want to lose myself like that." He paused. "I won't transform into a wolf ever again. I won't let it take control." He looked towards her and cracked a fake smile. "From now on, just regular old me."
Zelda sighed. What could she say?
"Listen, Link, we're back in our own time now. Whatever happened there is in the past. I bet Kari is fine. In fact, why don't we go see him now?"
As if to prove her wrong, the door crashed open and Colin burst into the room. His breathing was sporadic as if he had been running a race. His eyes darted quickly around the room; when he spotted the pair, he seemed to breathe a small sigh of relief.
"Link! Come quick!" He eyed the monarch strangely as he didn't recognize her Sheikah uniform. "Queen Zelda?"
She turned to face him. "Colin, what's wrong?"
The Ordonian quickly refocused. "It's Kari. You two need to come quick. He passed out and hasn't moved since."
"Fair Nayru," Zelda gasped. "We're right behind you." As the three raced out of the room, Zelda could only hope she hadn't spoken too soon.
A/N- School is finally finished for the summer! That means that all you readers benefit because I really want to push this story along even further during the summer when I'll have more time for creative writing. I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. I was trying to capture a mood of suspense and anticipation...hopefully I was able to deliver. Thanks to everyone who has been reading and reviewing! I will try and have the next chapter out soon.