Chapter 13: Hyrule Castle

Ashwin's first priority was to find Princess Zelda. He had to warn her of the events that took place (or will take place) at the Temple of Time. He also felt that fulfilling his quest would be much easier with her help. The problem was that the Zelda of this time didn't know who he was yet. He wondered if she would even believe his story.

Ashwin made the long journey, across Hyrule field, to the city of Hyrule. He showed his Hylian shield to the guards at the city gates to prove his connection to the Royal Family, but they didn't seem that interested and he wondered if they would have let him in anyway. The last time he walked through the central square, it was a very different experience. That time a path was cleared as he and the princess rode through on horseback. This time he was by himself on foot and had a bit of time to take in the sights and sounds. It was evening and the sun was beginning to set, but the central square was still bustling. It was strange to him to see such a crowded place in Hyrule after living in Kokiri forest for a while. The square was lined with shops. Several vendors with stands peddled their goods in the square. Ashwin strolled between the mass of people, coming and going, bartering at the stalls, standing in groups socializing. Most of the people were Hylians, but Ashwin saw creatures from all over Hyrule. Ashwin didn't make any stops. He was focused on the task at hand.

He exited the square on the far side and walked up the winding path up to the castle. Hyrule Castle was the epitome of majestic Hylian architecture. The soaring towers protruded above the walls, capped by pointed blue roofs.

The guards posted at the gates were unimpressed by his shield that bore the crest of the Royal Family. "Scram forest kid!"

Ashwin walked away casually, keeping an eye out for an alternate way in. The path veered around the castle walls. He noticed that in many places the mortar between the bricks in the wall were worn to the point that he might get a toe hold on it. He continued along the path until it curved behind the wall, out of sight of the guards. There were a pair of visitors also walking down the path towards the castle dressed in fine cloaks. Ashwin waited until they rounded the corner, then he made his move. Managing to squeeze the toes of his boots and his fingers between the bricks, he scaled the wall. He threw himself over the top quickly, so as not to be spotted, and landed with a crash on the well manicured lawn on the other side. Ashwin shook off the sting of his rough landing.

It was quite dark now and Ashwin was well concealed in his present location. He held his breath as he listened for any indication that he was spotted. He scanned the ground level windows of the castle. Some of them were open, one of which was quite a distance from any of the guards patrolling the courtyard. Ashwin made his next move and slipped in through the window.

The luxuriously furnished room in which he found himself was vacant. What now? He wondered how he would ever find Zelda in this massive castle. He walked out into the hall. One end opened up into a large foyer with a grand staircase. He could hear voices in this direction. He decided to go the other way. A door at the end of the hall opened up into a smaller set of stairs. Ashwin climbed them to the top and opened a door into yet another hallway. The castle's intricately carved moulding, plush carpet, detailed wall panelling, wooden carved furniture, and expensive looking decor was all very impressive, but made him feel even more out of place. Creeping down the hall, wondering where to go next, he began to wonder if this was a mistake.

"Can I help you?" The voice came from behind Ashwin. He turned around to face it. It was an elderly lady with silver-white hair. She wore a brown dress with teal layers bearing the symbol of the Royal Family.

Ashwin paused to consider whether or not he should fabricate a story.

"You're on a quest, and you're searching for the princess." The woman chimed in. She read the puzzled and surprised look on Ashwin's face. "You've got the Triforce mark on your hand, just like the princess."

The woman took Ashwin to a room on that floor where they made their introductions. Her name was "Impa." She was Zelda's nursemaid. Although advanced in years, she had an athletic build, and an intense gaze. Ashwin told her the story of his adventures in Hyrule and the tasks that Zelda had set for him.

"The princess isn't here. She is part of a delegation visiting the Gorons of Death Mountain," Impa told him. "It was a mistake to come here. You have your instructions from the princess. You, yourself must execute them. You should never have left the forest without the sacred seeds. You already know where to find the Great Deku Tree and you'll have to use your own craftiness to get into the Great Fairy Fountain without the princess' connections." She paused to let these words sink in.

Impa was right. Ashwin was relying too heavily on Zelda to plan his next moves. He had to stop worrying about her and set his mind to his assignment. The Triforce of Courage was enough to give him the confidence he needed to accomplish what he had been sent here to do.

"You can rest in the castle tonight." Impa continued. "We'll get you a hot meal. In the morning, I'll arrange for you to get a ride back to Kokiri forest with one of the merchants from the market. Don't return here until you have collected everything the princess has asked of you."