Chapter Thirteen: Zora's Domain, and The Tale of Two Kings

Two days later, Link and Navi set out, well rested and supplied with provisions the villagers of Kakariko had been kind enough to offer them. It was still early yet, but not so early before decent waking hours, and the weather was fair; the sun was gentle and the wind was mild. They set out in high spirits, Link in particular was confident in his newfound ability. While he secretly hoped he would have the chance to use his self-coined "Magic Spin Attack," he doubted he would, and knew it was probably better–certainly safer—to go without. After his first success, and some more schooling from his partner, he had practiced several more times throughout that day and part of the next, Navi carefully monitoring him throughout, stopping him whenever she sensed him growing even mildly tired. She had also had him keep his aura up continuously, which he quickly found was much more difficult than he had originally thought it would be. Once Navi was satisfied with his progression, which she had admitted was outstanding the previous evening, she had suggested they prepare to leave for the next leg of their journey, and Link had agreed to it.

They had risen early for Link to finish last minute packing, and then the two had meditated together as well, something they had decided upon by unspoken consent, which Navi had explained was an excellent way to both clear one's mind and sharpen their attunement to the magical energies that pervaded Hyrule. Hyrule, she explained, was a land that was ancient, and long before Hylians had settled in the region, others had come before them, wielding great magics that had reshaped the whole of the land and even altering the fabric of reality. As such, when they had vanished, residual magics had survived, and those sensitive could often make fantastic discoveries, treasures and lost technologies, or avoid dangerous traps left behind.

They arrived at the Hyrule River in short order, and turned to follow the river opposite its flow, southward following the directions the owl had given them. Before midday they came into a canyon that veered sharply east, then again northward. It was then Navi informed Link they had entered a region referred colloquially as Zora's River, and it was here that technically the Zora people's territory began.

"Do you know anything about the Zora?" Link asked after they stopped for a brief lunch. "Kaepora had described them as a proud aquatic race that only allowed the royal family to visit, but that's a pretty general description, isn't it?"

"It is. I only know what the Great Deku Tree has said before, which still isn't much." She answered, landing on his shoulder in a sitting posture.

"He called them aquatic, but that's merely a description of their nature. They're a race that makes their living predominately in water, not on land, and they're equipped for it with webbed feet and fins on their forearms, and I guess they have heads that have fish-like features, I'm not really sure how that works though."

"So, basically fish people?"

"I guess you could say that, yes," She answered, suppressing a laugh. "They live in what is called Zora's Domain, and I've heard their king is rather a sight to see, and they hold him and their princess, his daughter, in very high regard."

"So they have a princess of their own too, huh? Heh, Maybe I'll get to meet the king, that would be really cool since I never got to see the Hylian king."

"That's because you snuck into the castle Link, I don't think you'll have to do that here."

"No, He said I need to prove my connection with the royal family, so I kind of have to go in through the front door, don't I?"

"Right. We'll have to be careful though I think Link, Ganondorf caused serious trouble with the Gorons, and he could have done something to hurt the Zora too, if he wants these stones that badly."

"You're right, I hadn't thought of that," Link frowned at the mention of that man's name. He had done a terrible thing to the Gorons, cutting off their food supply and threatening starvation upon a whole race. If he was willing to go that far for these stones, they were either worth a fortune, or he knew the legend of the Triforce and how the stones were involved. If he knew, then…

"You don't think he knows about us yet, do you?" Link asked, suddenly worried. If that man was willing to commit genocide, he would certainly have no qualms killing a child. And from all he had heard of him, He didn't think he wanted to ever meet him personally. Navi appeared to mirror his concern, but after a moment, she shook her head.

"I'm not sure, but I'm inclined to believe not. Since he was the one who cursed Father, he would have known when the curse was broken, but not who broke it. Maybe those Gerudo we faced off with in the marketplace could have identified us, but they didn't know who we were either, so there's no connection."

"What about the Dodongos?"

"No," she shook her head. "Summoned creatures act independent of their creator, they're not linked magically. Still, I can't say for certain if he knows. We should probably hurry."

"Yeah, we should," Link agreed, standing up, "We should be safe with the Zora at least, so let's get there quickly, just a few more hours walking."

~0~

The eastward path of Zora's river proved to be much more difficult than either had anticipated, unfamiliar with the territory as they were. The river had settled in a canyon which sported bizarre formations and rocky terrain, sometimes forcing Link to double back, all the while steadily inclining. More than once Link found himself wading in the river itself, which he quickly noted was quite possibly more dangerous than the shoreline. The river wasn't especially deep, but it flowed quickly and with a force that threatened to carry him away if he made the error of losing his footing. As they drew closer to their destination, the water eventually proved too treacherous, becoming rapids. A low rumble that grew louder told them they were drawing close to a waterfall, and by the sound and the force he could feel underfoot, it was a big one. Finally, after ascending yet another hill that flowed directly alongside the rapids, they came to a suspension bridge on their left, the first real sign they were following any kind of path at all. The path turned right at the end of the bridge, which allowed them at last their first, grand view of the waterfall, with the path becoming part of the pair of natural arch formations hanging above the water below. The path ended at this waterfall: somewhere here the Zora had made their home.

"Just a little further," Link huffed, more to encourage himself than anything else. The climb, while not steep like Death Mountain had been, had been far more challenging to his endurance, and he was visibly exhausted.

"We can stop to rest here you know, if you need to." He shook his head.

"No, I can make it." He pressed on, following the path along the arches to the waterfall. The second arch, directly before the waterfall, held the key to Zora's Domain. In the ground was a stone block with the Triforce, with an inscription written underneath.

"'The flow of these waters serves the King of Hyrule. When His Majesty sleeps, so too do these falls.' I suppose that would be a lot more difficult if we didn't already know the answer," Navi chuckled. Link shared her understanding, finding humor in it as well. He pulled out his ocarina, and brought it up, ready to play.

"Here it goes, the moment of truth." He played the song he had been taught, Zelda's Lullaby, the tune having become quite familiar to him now. Neither of them had any idea what playing the song would actually accomplish, other than knowing the song were their credentials. It was astonishing then to watch the powerful waterfall part before them, the flow of the water being reduced to streams, which revealed a path on the other side, carved into the cliff face.

"We seem to be going in a lot of caves lately," Link commented, hopping the arch to reach the new path. After they had done so, he heard a rush of water, and turned to see the waterfall had returned in full force.

"When his majesty sleeps, so too do these falls. Clever," Navi said, impressed. "That's old magic, tied to the land and that song. That's how they keep people out then, I had wondered how they did that."

"That is pretty cool," Link had to agree, he certainly wouldn't have thought of it. "Now to find the Zora, I guess."

"You've found them."

Link whipped around, startled by the unfamiliar voice. In front of them, standing rather proudly, was a single Zora, eyeing them with a look that was openly suspicious.

"You are most assuredly not kin of the royal family that I am familiar of, yet you prove privy to a secret only we share. Who are you, and why do you seek us?" He demanded, taking a step forward.

Link was not sure what he had expected the Zora to look like, given the limited knowledge of them the two of them shared. Perhaps the term "fish people" wasn't quite accurate though. For the large part, he looked exactly like a man, But with, as Navi had described, webbed feet and fins extending from his forearms from the elbows, and similarly extending downward from his hips. His skin was, as a fish's, scaled, and was mostly dyed a pale blue hue, with darker spots pigmenting his fins and lower legs. But perhaps what made him so odd was his head, which was the least like a man's he had seen so far. His face was rather thin, but long, his nose sharp and elongated, and lacking a strong jaw and cheekbones. The shape of his face made forward facing eyes impossible, and they were far larger than he had ever seen. He noted they were also more slanted upwards, and their color was a deep purple. He had no hair to speak of, but he could see the Zora's head extended well beyond a normal mans, and instead looked much more like a tail. The second most notable fact, by mere shock value, was that he also wore no clothing, but, nor did it appear that he needed any. All in all, he took him to be by far the most foreign in appearance as he had ever seen.

Odd as he found him, it did nothing to waver his resolve, nor did his sudden interrogation. Rather than backing up, he confidently took a step forward of his own, and stared right back.

"My name is Link, My companion is Navi, and I come on behalf of Princess Zelda to ask for the Spiritual Stone of Water."

The Zora continued to eye him, but after mention of the princess he saw curiosity, and upon utterance of the stone, he saw, if well hidden, surprise. He relaxed somewhat, no longer appearing hostile, but formally.

"I cannot believe you would travel all this way possessing deceit in your heart, I must accept you speak truth. Even so, to know of the stone… I would know your story young man, but not at this time. I will bring you to our King, it is he you must speak to. Come," he motioned to follow and walked away.

"That went well," Navi remarked. "Quite the entrance." Link of course knew exactly what she meant, and had to agree. He hoped not all Zora were like this.

The passage almost immediately opened up into a large, water-filled cave, and their path became a ledge following the wall on their right. On the wall on the far left end, another smaller waterfall fed into the underground lake. The water was remarkably clear, allowing Link and Navi to see dozens of Zora swimming throughout. Two stood on a small island nearby, speaking in hushed tones, and a few stalagmites dotted the surface as well. The Zora who had met them stood beside the edge of the path, and as they drew near, he gestured towards his home.

"Welcome to Zora's Domain, honored guests Link and Navi. Your journey here was surely trying and filled with dangers; if you find it amenable, we may provide you respite to recoup your strength before we seek audience with our ruler, King Zora XVI. If I may be so bold to make a suggestion, we would be more than willing to tend to your wounds and provide fresh linens, so you may avoid catching ill."

He's really serious about that, isn't he? He looked down at himself, and had to admit he didn't look in the best shape. Besides being mostly soaked from his torso down, his tunic had received several tears and stains as well, and he sported a few bruises of his own. If he wanted to make a good impression, he'd better do it clean, he decided.

"That sounds like a great idea, thanks."

For the first time, the Zora smiled, nodding his understanding.

"Then please, come this way."

~0~

It was later that evening Link and Navi were escorted to the King's throne, and Link was glad to be in in clean, dry clothes again. He had been equally glad to hear that his Hylian shield was being repaired as well; The Gorons had been kind enough in repairing the dents and scratches, but they had no artists, and the field had been left in its poor state. The Zora, while having a few master crafters in their own right, had many more skilled artists that were known throughout Hyrule. In all honesty, he preferred his Kokiri shield, seeing as it actually fit to his size, so when the Zora came to escort them—the same that had met them at the entrance, whose name they had learned was Vann—he bore it proudly.

"Thank you again for this hospitality," Navi mentioned, prompting Link to do the same.

"You are most welcome, it is an honor to serve even close friends of the royal family. If it is not too much to ask, you are Kokirian rather than Hylian, that much is clear to see; how came you to know Her Royal Highness?"

"That's actually a funny story, we met her in Hyrule Castle Town, she had snuck out of the castle and she met us by chance, and we ended up spending the whole day together without either of us knowing it was actually her!" Vann found this quite humorous.

"Ah yes, I had heard Her Highness was of a more free-spirited nature, she is beloved by her people in much the same manner we hold our own. However…" He paused, stopping at the foot of a long flight of stairs. "It may not be my place to say, but I feel you should know, but at this time, we are looking for our own free spirit. Our king is concerned, you see, for while it is not unusual for her to wonder off for a day, maybe two, it has been five days now, and he is more than a little desperate. He has agreed to meet with you for formality's sake, but your unusual arrival has me believing you may be able to help us in this matter as well, though I am not sure why."

"We've helped plenty of people on our journey, if I can help at all we'd be glad to, right Navi?"

"Indeed, we do seem to find ourselves in that line of work on an almost daily business. How is the King faring? You said he was concerned, but will he not be preoccupied with her safety before other matters?"

"Quite possibly so, His Majesty may not even be able to help you, as there is also, well, it is probably best for His Majesty to speak of all other matters. I thought it best to give you notice."

"Sounds like there's more going on than we realized," Navi whispered to Link. The princess was missing, and they were hiding something else. He didn't know what to make of it, but they had no choice but to meet the king if they wanted to learn anything more.

"I think we'll be able to help each other and make everyone happy. It wouldn't be right for us to ask anything of you for nothing in return.

"You are most kind, Her Highness chooses her friends well. Follow me up these steps, and I shall present you to the king."

Before they had even reached halfway up the steps, The King's appearance was, if nothing else, markedly pronounced. In fact, compared to the rest of the Zora people he had seen, he was a giant several times the size of his peers, and he sported a large belly and a portly face to compliment, with a large crimson cape clasped about what little neck he possessed, if he even had one at all. His face also looked less like a man's and more akin to a fish, lacking a nose, and had pouting lips and even whiskers. He possessed no tail-like extremity from his head, but he did have a crown that resembled a fin, with a large ruby set in its front. What was least like a fish though, were his eyes that displayed a deep intellect. Here was a king that that had ruled for many years through wisdom, and was far from finished.

Link ascended the remaining steps, and proceeded to stand upon a raised dais before the King. As below, this chamber was also filled with water, only not quite so deep as to swim, which flowed to his left through a tunnel, where the waterfall he had seen earlier must have been. The king had no throne, instead sat on the ledge of a short waterfall which flowed on either side of him, and behind him was a large tunnel, gated, and above him, suspended by rope, was a circular stone slab with a curious design on it. Judging from past experience though, Link assumed the design to be nothing other than the emblem of the spiritual stone they possessed.

Vann announced his presence, then excused himself to stand at attention in the corner on his right. King Zora accepted the formal acknowledgment silently, not taking his eyes of Link. He wasn't sure if he was supposed to speak first; he had never met a king before. Darunia was a tribe leader, but he had not been passive at all. No, the Zora were almost different in every way to the Goron people, he couldn't possibly compare their standards. Being his usual self would probably not due here, so he kept his silence. Navi caught his eye, and she bowed her head in approval. Good, he had made the right call. He reminded himself to thank her later, as she had been the one trying to curb his more impulsive tendencies.

"Welcome to my kingdom, Link, child of the Kokiri; Navi the fairy; messengers of the royal family. I am King Zora XVI of the Do Bon family, zora!

"I understand you are here at the behest of Her Highness Princess Zelda, and that you seek an heirloom that has been in our keeping since time forgotten. What say you of yourself of this matter?" His voice was strong, and the chamber allowed his voice to resound, sounding very kingly indeed. His voice was surprisingly higher than he had expected, given his size. It was higher than Darunia's, but not so high as to sound in any way feminine. Now, it was his turn to speak. He looked at Navi, who nodded and smiled in encouragement. He took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully.

"We thank you for agreeing to this audience, Your Majesty, we are honored to have this opportunity to speak with you. As you say, we come seeking the Spiritual Stone you possess, but I cannot explain why without speaking of my quest."

So he did. He began his tale with his heroic effort to break the Great Deku Tree's curse, and his bequeathing of the Kokiri's Emerald, displaying it to him as proof. He told him of the charge Father had left him, to seek out the Princess, and how he had found her. Keeping much of their conversation secret, he revealed the two of them shared a connection with spiritual forces, and their plausible fear and distrust of the Gerudo, Ganondorf, who was responsible for the Ancient One's death, and their plan to keep Hyrule safe in the only way they knew how: to secure the Spiritual Stones before he could, and safeguard them. He revealed then the Goron's Ruby as well, giving his account of his perilous mission to restore Dodongo's Cavern to its original state, which Darunia and they believed Ganondorf was also responsible for, in exchange for the stone. He told him how he had climbed Death Mountain's peak to meet the Great Fairy, and of the owl Kaepora Gaebora, who had told them to come here.

"We believe the stone to be in danger here as well, and we only seek the preservation of this world. We are therefore willing to offer our services in exchange, and we ask for solidarity against this man."

King Zora had said nothing during his account, but had listened intently and passively throughout. He had heard Vann gasp more than once though, and suspected his tale was quite incredible to them both. Not that he could say much, it was still incredible for him, and his journey still wasn't over yet. After he had finished, the king leaned back, sighing, lost in thought. After a short time, he spoke again.

"Hmm, if even half your story is as true as you say, that is quite the adventure. It reminds me of my days as a young lad," he chuckled. "That was long ago though, and I never did anything quite as grand. However, I have good reason to believe you, young man. This Ganondorf, I had my suspicions of him when I heard he had come to Hyrule. You see, I share Chief Darunia's experience of the Gerudo delegation; they were not permitted inside these halls, and while they never mentioned his name, I know Ganondorf personally to be a shrewd and cunning man. Tell me, have you heard of the Hyrule Civil War?"

Link shook his head.

"I thought you might not have. Kokiri Forest and the surrounding Lost Woods were largely untouched by that bloody conflict, with superstition being the largest deterrent. Have a seat, you will want to hear this tale, and it is a long one.

"The Gerudo you see used to live in Hyrule as a nomadic tribe, preferring to live east in the Gerudo Valley, and southeastern Hyrule field, near Lake Hylia. They were a strange people with strange customs, and while they were not hated, they were treated less than amicably. One thing led to another, however, and a war began. No one can conclude definitively who started the war, but the first strike is generally granted to the Gerudo, out of fear, desperation, or anger, it is unknown.

"The Gerudo were few in number compared to the Hylian knights, but what they lacked in arms, they had in skill. They are all without question skilled riders, and their archery is without compare, and they are proficient as any in close combat. The Hylian army was pushed back, and the King asked for our aid, as well as the Gorons. We answered the call, and I with my army and Chief Darunia with his met joined forces on the eastern plains.

"We met him on that plain, Ganondorf. He was a fearsome warrior then, and a great strategist. He had led his tribe to many victories, and it was on that field I understood how. Many of my best warriors were lost that day, some were my friends. It is said 'all is fair in war,' but there were things done that day that chilled my blood. I feared that man as I had feared no other, man or beast. But in the end, we drove them until their backs were against the sheer walls to the west, and they laid down their arms.

"When terms of surrender were negotiated, I spoke to him directly. He was bitter in his defeat, and in his defiance he cursed at us and swore vengeance for his people. I will admit, I admired his tenacity and care for his people – oh yes, that man cared deeply for his race, I see you face – but I also saw in his eyes the look of a man who craved power. I had heard of his return to Hyrule under terms of peace, but I did not believe that. When the Gerudo stood outside my domain, I knew my suspicions to be correct. I bade them personally to return to their master and tell him he shall have not so much as a trout from my waters!

"This was one week ago from this day. The next day, our priestesses inform me that our patron deity, Lord Jabu-Jabu, who resides in the fountain, has fallen ill. The fountain is the source of Hyrule's streams and Lake Hylia's water, and its purity is inexorably tied to the well-being of Our Lord Jabu-Jabu. With Our Lord ill, the waters will eventually begin to turn fowl, and we too shall suffer, as will the rest of Hyrule. I do not believe this is coincidence, I am convinced Ganondorf is responsible. However, with no basis for accusation, I can do nothing without being accused of defamation and inciting war. I suspect our friend Chief Darunia was in a similar position before you aided him.

"The following day, my daughter went missing after she had gone to feed Our Lord. She is responsible for preparing and feeding our patron god as a priestess in training, but she often neglects her duties, for she is an adventurous spirit as I once was. It was because of this that at first we thought nothing of it, but when two days passed without sight of her, I became afraid. And now as we speak, I have scouts as far as Lake Hylia itself searching for her. However, I fear it is possible that something may have happened with Lord Jabu-Jabu."

"Your Majesty, if I may speak?" Vann spoke up suddenly, Causing link to jump. The king nodded. "Is it not known for Her Highness to be found within Lord Jabu-Jabu himself? Perhaps she is trapped or otherwise being prevented from escape."

"Wait…your patron god swallowed your princess?!"