Twinxie's Note: Hey guys! Thank you for reading this, if you are! ;) I also want to thank you for the reviews that we have gotten, and thank the people who read, but don't review. I hope that you all enjoy this fic. :D Also, I am going to attempt to get my license this Wednesday, so be praying and wish me luck! ;D
Gliss's Note: I also would like to thank all of you who have supported this story as well! :) You guys rock! I hope you enjoy Twinxie's chapter because it's a good one! :D See you soon!
Chapter 8: Into the Maw
Link was in a particularly foul mood when they first caught sight of Castle Town again. The spires of the castle could be seen peaking over the rolling hills of Hyrule Field. Not that the beautiful architecture and nature made him feel like less of a failure, though. If anything, the Hyrulian flags billowing in the breeze made him think of Zelda. The design on the banners was chosen by the kings of old, when the image of the three goddesses was still burning in their minds; and like them, Zelda's heart beat was the anthem of Hyrule, a sacred melody with a vow to give her heart and soul to the will of the divine. Every breath she took was measured and given to her by the goddesses, and with each breath that passed her lips, she would sing of passion for the country which the goddesses gave to the Hylian people as an act of providence. Even though she found her kingdom somewhat stifling, it was still her home, and the blood of those kings pulsated through her veins with a burning vigor. She would give her life for Hyrule, and such pure devotion was seen clearly in the designs of the flags. Zelda's reason for living was waving in the breeze all around Link, and it made him furious.
He had let it been stripped from her. He couldn't save her and he couldn't return her to the kingdom and family she loved more than herself. She didn't deserve to be taken by that…demon! She was so kind and gentle. Zelda was his princess, his friend. Zelda was simply his.
At the end of that last thought, Link's cheeks blushed, but it could not be seen because they were already red hot with anger and humiliation. Sheloh was silent next to him, knowing that he needed some space. Her eyes that were as bright and green as the northern lights flickered over to him, full of concern. He is hurting now, she would consistently remind herself, just give him some time.
"Halt!"
The duo both looked up at the firm voice. Link expected this. It was the gatekeeper. "Who goes there!"
"Link, servant of the King!" The youth called back to him. The guard leered over, looking doubtfully at Sheloh.
"Identify the woman next to you, for she is not of our kind!"
Sheloh flushed and looked to Link, unsure of what he was going to say. For she was neither Hylian nor Gerudo. She looked from Link, to the gatekeeper, and back.
Undaunted because he was still in his fury, Link glared up at the man. "The King ordered me to bring her to him and has placed me under an errand of secrecy! Open the gate, for I am in a hurry and the King won't take too kindly to anyone who has caused us delays!"
The guard looked to his companions, said something Link and Sheloh couldn't quite make out and then turned back to them. "Very well. But do not expect the citizens to look upon her kindly. They have grown suspicious ever since the Princess disappeared." With that, he ordered the men below him to lower the gate.
Link inwardly sighed. Apparently trying to keep the Princess's disappearance hidden had failed. He had expected that, though. The palace staff, or at least the lower ones with the worst jobs, weren't good at keeping things secret. It was probably a maid or a stableboy that just couldn't keep their mouths shut and just had to tell a friend. Shaking his head, Link swiftly crossed the threshold and entered the city, leaving Sheloh racing to keep up with his fast strides. "Link!" She called after him. "Wait!"
Barely suppressing his uncharacteristic annoyance, he halted and turned to her. She heaved as she finally caught up with him. "Was what the guard said true? I don't want to draw unwanted attention to us…" She subconsciously began jabbing her shoe into the stone road.
Link thought for a second. "Follow me." He turned and began leading her down the entryway of the city. If ever there were any travelers to the fair kingdom of Hyrule, they were first bombarded by many merchants, all shouting to get their attention. Link hated walking through the merchant's streets. They were so persistent and Link found them a little greedy. Some even brought their children into the act, making the children stand by the carts and wagons, either looking perpetually sad because of a lack of food (a blatant untruth) or making the children perform various talents to attract crowds to their stand.
Link glided over to one wagon, and barely suppressed an eye roll as he and Sheloh were greeted with great enthusiasm tainted by phony cheerfulness. Link didn't mince words. He asked for a dark cloak, plopped down ten copper coins and shoved it into Sheloh's hands, already whisking them away from the nauseating performances. Once again she struggled to keep up, muttering a "Thank you," as she stuffed her head into the cloth hole. Only after she had finished adjusting it, pulling the dark fabric over her face and hair, did she manage to catch up with Link.
"You are in a hurry. Are you going to speak to the King before we go?" She asked innocently.
Link glared, staring straight forward. "No. I have no desire to speak to the King. We can't waste any more time. Every second we spend here, Zelda is probably screaming for help and being tortured or some other evil thing." Or maybe Link just didn't want to tell the king that he failed to bring his only child and heir home. Who can tell?
Sheloh fell silent. As they progressed through the city, she marveled at its magnificence. The buildings were grand and made with white stone, the same earth that made up the mountains in the distance. The upper class section of the city had marble fit into the architecture and everywhere there were statues and fountains that shot out crystal water that sprinkled like liquid diamonds in the sunlight. Yes, it was certainly beautiful, but the guard was right. There was a feeling of suspicion that had festered within the city.
Gossip and rumor spread all too quickly within the white kingdom, something Link had known. The whispers seemed sharp and piercing, like swords. He and Sheloh tried to ignore them, but it was useless. It seemed to be all they could hear, despite the usual bustle of the city. And they were all guessing what had happened to their princess…
"I heard that she ran away with her pauper lover and made for Kakariko Village."
"The Princess is not lost but simply locked in the dungeon. After she refused an arranged marriage, the King decided it was time for some 'royal discipline.'"
"It was those nasty Gerudo's! They kidnapped her and are holding her for ransom!"
"She's already married off. The King she married just didn't want to make a huge fuss over a wedding. She is living in his kingdom now."
"She doesn't wish to be married and so she has hidden herself away within her room. I pity the King. His daughter is practically a hermit!"
"I heard that she has fallen quite ill. Some rare disease, I think. I wonder if she'll live?"
"She got too close to the fire in her chambers and her face is disfigured from the burning. She doesn't wish to show herself."
"She poisoned herself to avoid marriage. I heard the funeral will take place two days from now. Rather late, I think."
"They recently found out that she is not the legitimate heir. The Queen had an affair which resulted in the Princess and for this the Queen was secretly executed. Apparently the King had just gotten word of it. He sent the girl into the wilderness to die. She is probably dead by now."
Link balled his fists. As he was about to turn around and address that last rumor, no doubt a physically violent confrontation, Sheloh grabbed him by the arm. He looked at her, his eyes fool of hurt and anger. She smiled sadly. "Link, don't give in. We know what happened to her. We will get her back. We won't fail, and whatever darkness it is that has taken her won't prevail. I swear it." Her eyes burned with determination.
Link stared at her and then gently shook off her grip. "You're right. Thank you."
She nodded and continued the walk to the temple. Link followed after her, a little perplexed. She seemed to be really passionate about getting Zelda back and helping Link. All for no personal gain? Her heartsore must be very great indeed if it takes a mission like this to get her mind off of it. Shaking off such doubting thoughts, Link raced to catch up with her. It was not long before the Temple of Time came into view.
"Wow! It is even more beautiful than I imagined!" She gaped at what must have been the crown jewel of Hyrule. A massive and intricately sculpted Triforce stood watch above the massive doors that marked the entrance into the Temple. The Temple itself rose high into the sky with colossal windows riding up the bell towers. One tower, significantly larger than the rest, stood in the middle of the arched roof. On top of the tower were three massive statues, each representing a beautiful woman more fairer than any woman of flesh and blood that could have ever walked the earth. The three goddesses.
"Yes, it is a very beautiful and sacred place." Link looked up, not for the first time, and wondered what the ancient letters that were carved over the doorway said.
The two walked into the building which almost seemed to glow with a supernatural light. The inside was just as beautiful, but that was not what made Link stop and ponder. Sheloh went on a little and then realized Link had stopped walking. She turned to him. "Hey, what are you waiting for?"
He beckoned her back and then whispered, "How are we going to enter the portal with all these people?" Sheloh looked around with thoughtful eyes, lips puckered slightly in thought. It was true, there were many people in the Temple today. Some people were praying, others were offering sacrifices and others just came to marvel at the peace which the building brought. Then her eyes caught three women dressed differently than everyone else. The Priestesses.
The Priestesses were dressed lavishly and had an otherworldly wisdom in their eyes. The three of them kept watch over the Temple and each spoke and prophesied the words of whichever goddess they were supposed to represent. Perhaps they could help clear out the Temple.
Link caught Sheloh's eyes and smiled a smile of one that he thought was exceedingly cunning. Replacing it quickly with a friendly smile, his anger for the moment forgotten as progress seemed at hand, he strolled over to one. He instantly recognized her.
"Priestess of Farore," Link bowed his head in respectful greeting. She seemed to be watering a very beautiful floral plant that stood on the windowsill. Her fellow Priestesses were busy. The Priestess of Nayru was giving council to a young lady who seemed to be distressed, and the Priestess of Din (well known for being a formidable woman) was lecturing a man on the proper way to sacrifice if one wanted a fruitful harvest. The Priestess of Farore turned to Link. Her eyes widened a little and then she smiled.
"Is there something I can help you with, Child?" She smiled warmly at Link and her skin seemed to glow with a freshness belonging to the forest and its keeper. Sheloh seemed to be too overawed at both the woman and the Temple interior to say anything useful for the moment.
"We need your help…" Link began. He wondered if he should tell her his intentions. If she refused then all hope of reaching Zelda flew out the window. But then again, if he asked her to clear out the Temple, she was probably going to ask why anyway. "I need you to-"
"I know." She cut him off gently. "You need not say more. I've been expecting you to come."
Link looked at her as if she had grown a second head. She couldn't possibly know what he planned to do. "With all due respect, Priestess, I don't think you know-"
She held up her hand for silence, which Link obeyed in a heartbeat. Her eyes seemed alight with something that could have been amusement or anger. Link could not tell. All he knew was that she was a fearsome woman to behold. "Do not be so quick to assume that the goddesses would send you on this journey without aid. I will help you and my Sisters will as well. We know what it is you seek." She spoke in a low vice, and then she smiled. There was an ancient power resting within this youth and she could sense it.
Link smiled, almost pathetically happy to receive some help. "Thank you."
She nodded and departed, heading towards her fellow Priestesses. Link and Sheloh watched her as she pulled her 'Sisters' into private counsel. Occasionally they would glance at the two, and then return to their conversation. They seemed to come to an agreement because the Priestess of Din raised her arms and spoke in a loud, clear voice. "My Children, I speak with the voice of Din. The Temple must be emptied for the goddesses demand a cleansing ritual." The Temple often had these to upkeep the holiness and sanctity of the building. Link was a little shocked and amused at the white lie, but nevertheless, it aided their cause.
"Nice going." Sheloh chuckled and nudged Link with her elbow. Link grinned boyishly. He was going to get Zelda back.
The people cleared out soon enough. Some people were muttering underneath their breaths in complaint but most left in respectful silence. Soon, it was just Link and Sheloh with the three ethereal women.
"Follow me." The Priestess of Nayru said with a touch of urgency. Link and Sheloh struggled to keep up with her glide, which left her long dress flowing out from behind her.
"The doors to the Sacred Realm can only be opened through a song." She explained as she lead the two youth towards the back of the Temple, a place only the Priestesses are allowed to enter. Link stared in awe as the Portal Doorway came into view. His heart was aflutter as he looked on what practically was the Gates of Heaven. "Fortunately for you, we three Priestesses know the song. The only other who knows it is Princess Zelda, and that was revealed through a dream to her…"
Link started. "How do you know that?"
She didn't answer or even glance behind. Sheloh just shrugged, giving Link a perplexed face, and kept walking. Eventually, they reached the door and the Priestess of Nayru gathered a golden harp into her arms. It lay next to two other instruments belonging to the other Priestesses. The instruments were decorated with fine gold, silver and jewels. A harp for the priestess of Nayru, a flute for Farore, and a drum for Din.
The two stared at the woman, listening intently to the song in case they ever needed it again.
Gently the Priestess plucked a cord and then another until a beautiful melody waterfalled from the instrument. Her voice joined the instrument, singing ancient words that gave Link a feeling like they were the words on the Temple archway above the entrance. Her voice was clear, sweet and pleasant and Link felt himself somewhere else entirely. Some heaven of some sort.
The music stopped.
Link and Sheloh opened their eyes. The doors were gone and replaced by a swirling pool of golden light which shined from the doorframe. The light enhanced the silvery blonde curls of the priestess and she turned to face them. She stepped to the side and held her hand towards the portal. "You may now enter into the Sacred Realm, a place even I have not walked, nor do I dare. For now the land is good and filled with holy light, but beware. The Sacred Realm is like the Sea and is ever changing. More than once has the Sacred Realm been poisoned and turned into the Cursed Realm. Beware all evils, Chosen Youth. Never think that this land's beauty means it is at peace. Go now! Do not falter in your ways. May the goddesses be with you, my children."
Link's eyes were wide, a little scared to move forward. Sheloh tugged him up the steps and Link began to move. This was it. No turning back. After he stepped through the portal, with no guarantee of returning, his Doom would be set until all worlds and stars faded away. Until the ends of the earth.
Sheloh, holding Link's hand, entered first. She was swallowed into the light and Link looked after her. Suddenly he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to find all three Priestesses standing behind him, watching him with grave faces. All smiles and cheerfulness had faded and they seemed more like ghostly apparitions than women. Link felt Sheloh's hand disappear from his and he stood there, looking back at the three women with one hand into heaven- or hell if the Realm could change like the Priestess of Nayru said.
The Priestess of Din looked at Link with hardened eyes and spoke in a low voice in which doom dripped from her lips. "Remember, Link," Her eyes bore into his and gripped his soul with the cold of death. Link became frightened and disturbed at the words she spoke next.
"Every light has a shadow."
With that, Link felt himself get sucked into the Light. Whether he wanted to go or not, he was going.
And then the light disappeared and the doors slammed shut. The Priestesses looked at the closed doors in silence. The Temple seemed much darker after the light had fled…
I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Please leave a review, if you are able, and we'll see you in the next chapter! ;D