IX.
The Sound of Silence
The trio's second day of travel began without a hitch, a quick breakfast by Link and they had the horses packed before the sun had risen. Travelling into the mountainous region of Necluda, little seemed to be out of the ordinary, at first. As they got closer though, Obi-Wan could not help but feel like they were being watched. Each step they took almost seemed to echo with more than just the normal echo of the split mountain, the Dueling Peaks, as Zelda had called them, as if other pairs of feet were walking along with them. As Obi-Wan tensed, he closed his eyes seeing if he could reach out and feel any other presence, however anything beyond their little trio began to get hazy as he felt further out, realizing the futility one hand fell to the sword at his side, ready should something happen.
In his unease, Obi-Wan had slowed his horse subconsciously as he tried to focus on his surroundings. Link, looking back, caught Obi-Wan's unease and nudged Zelda to slow down. The two slowed their horses to keep pace on either side of Obi-Wan's horse, a gesture that seemed to relax Obi-Wan ever so slightly.
"Zelda, Link, there's something about this pass that doesn't feel right. I can't shake the feeling that we're being watched." Obi-Wan said this in as low a voice as he could muster to still be audible. He had been in similar situations before of course, but that was years ago during the war, he had a different Cody at his side back then… and a different young warrior as well. The feeling in the pass made what may have been nostalgia wither and die, leaving nothing but a sour husk behind. Even without the uncomfortable situation in the Pass pushing these feelings to the surface, this was a feeling Obi-Wan was becoming ever more accustomed to. Though it had lessened in the past few months, Obi-Wan didn't think he would ever be fully without it. The two beside him seemed calm enough, but he doubted, even for all of Link's abilities, that either of them had the same senses Obi-Wan did, even with his connection to the force weakened as it was. All of this sent a shiver down his spine that sat and lingered in the pit of his stomach.
"You mustn't worry Obi-Wan, someone may be watching us, but it's probably just some Sheikah forward scouts. Even though rebuilding efforts have been underway, the roads are still dangerous, especially for an enclosed area like Kakariko Village. Besides, the Sheikah are trained ninjas, silence and discretion are their forte."
"I thought you said they were scientist, I've seen a lot of things in my life, your majesty, but I don't think I've ever seen a scientist-ninja." Obi-Wan kept the banter up if for no other reason than to suppress his own nerves.
"Only some of them have decided to study their ancient technology, the others lead peaceful lives. Only some are ninjas and only some are scientists… though I suppose at least one or two could be called both." As she finished that Zelda lost herself to thoughts of Impa, Purah, Robbie and even Paya in a lab coat, with ancient technology in one hand and a dagger in the other. The idea of them being as subtle as other Sheikah warriors while still performing the lab duties brought a full body laugh to Zelda. Impa in her prime and Paya may have what it takes to be stealthy and disciplined, but Purah and Robbie, no matter their age, could never be so quiet even to save their lives.
As the three exited the Dueling Peaks pass, Obi-Wan saw a large field open before him, he was no longer enclosed, and no longer heard the double echo, but still the feeling of being watched never left his senses. Obi-Wan swallowed and suppressed the feeling further, he settled his thoughts on what Zelda had said about Sheikah scouts keeping an eye on the area. All would be fine he reassured himself.
As they pressed along, the three passed another horse stable and decided to break for lunch while there. Obi-Wan still wasn't sure if he'd ever get used to the massive horse head that resided over him and the others milling about at each stable, but some traditions always stand out. As Link threw together a meal, Obi-Wan moved to clean Cody's coat, the day before had gone by so fast that he wanted some time to get to know his new horse. As Obi-Wan cleaned his horse, Cody remained still and resolute, Obi-Wan couldn't help but imagine the horse standing at attention, just as his namesake had done for so many years. Every brush stroke brought back another memory, Abrion Bridge, Christophsis, how many had they lost at Geonosis and Umbara, and finally Utapau… the last time he saw his old friend, the last time they knew each other as comrades. Lost in thought, Obi-Wan had long since stopped cleaning his horse, a fact he hadn't even realized until a finger tapped him on the arm.
A young woman, probably one of the stable hands was standing there, bright eyed and looking at his horse.
"Gee mister, that's one mighty fine horse you've got there. Not the biggest by far, but he sure is a beut. What's his name?"
As Obi-Wan shook off the memories, he collected himself enough to say, "Pardon me, his name is Cody, and thank you, he does seem to be a good horse, doesn't he."
"Oh yes sir" the young lady continued, "would you mind if I ask how'd you get him? It looks like he's got a wild light to his eyes."
"Yes, it was actually quite the experience," Obi-Wan straightened at the opportunity to think about something else, "if anything I think he might have chosen me as much as I chose him. You may not believe it, but I walked right up to him in a field, and he let me hop on."
The young woman was just about to respond when Zelda walked up, "Obi-Wan, lunch is ready, come sit and take a break. Oh hello." Zelda paused for a moment, "My name is Hilda, what's yours."
The young lady answered, "Oh, I'm Rhonda, I'm what I like to call a travelling stable hand, I just love horses so much that I travel from stable to stable to help where I can and see as many as possible. I was just complimenting your friend's horse, but I won't keep ya." With that Rhonda picked up the brush Obi-Wan had set down and got to work on another horse. The two walked back towards Link and a hot meal.
Zelda nudged Obi-Wan's arm, "Well, she seemed nice, Obi-Wan."
Obi-Wan reached to put a hand to his chin, "Yes, I suppose so… Hilda?" He cocked an eye at her for the unusual shift in identity.
"A security precaution, since we're trying to keep a low profile, I decided upon a pseudonym. It's apparently a name with some significance to the Hyrule Royal family, but any stories of who Hilda was has long since faded to mystery and legend."
"I'll keep that in mind, does Link have a different name I should call him by?"
Zelda stopped for a second, "No, I don't think it would work even if we tried. Link did so much for the people of Hyrule when he first woke up and in the last few years, that I don't think very many people, or at least most townsfolk, wouldn't recognize him on sight. I on the other hand am far less known, having been out of the public eye for a hundred years, and until we understand more about the monster horde, I would like to keep it that way."
Settling in for lunch, Obi-Wan couldn't help but remark, He'd had Link's cooking a few times now but was still astounded by what Link could make in a simple cooking pot. Years of rations and Jedi Temple slop hadn't prepared Obi-Wan for what Link could do with even the simplest of ingredients, every bite bursting with flavor.
"I must say Link, you never disappoint when you're over a cooking pot. Bravo once again."
"Thanks, but we're starting to run low on the rations we left the castle with. In case we don't make it to Kakariko tonight we should keep our eyes out for game."
"Will do Link, maybe you can show me how you work your bow so well."
A knowing smile came upon Link's face as he said. "You've got potential old man, but I don't think you'll ever master a bow quite like I have."
Obi-Wan smirked and crossed his arms, "Be that as it may, it does sound like you're scared all show you up like I did with the horses. Unless you truly think you can do better?"
Link cracked a cocky smile, one Obi-Wan had not seen him wear often. "Don't worry, you'll see what I can do when we go hunting this evening." With that Link gathered their dishes and set to getting them washed.
…
Securely back on the road, Obi-Wan noticed the feeling of being watched had finally abated. Now lax, he returned his attention to the beautiful landscape before him, especially the tall mountains on their horizon. Or he would have been had Link not tugged at his arm.
"Don't forget, we need to be on the lookout for any game in the area, our food stores are low."
"I know, I was just admiring the beauty of your land, the scenery is breathtaking no matter where you look."
"This is nothing, just wait until you've climbed – wait" Link's head swiveled hard to the side, "I think someone's in trouble."
With that Link pushed his horse a little harder on the bridge and, to Obi-Wan's astonishment, leaped off the horse with a bow in hand. Before Obi-Wan could even reach for his sword, the bokoblin attacking this young lady had a volley of arrows lodged into it before it fell in a cloud of dark vapor.
"Link, I dare say you may beat me in any archery competition, but is she alright?"
With that Obi-Wan dismounted his horse and went to check on the young lady. To his surprise it was Rhonda from the stables.
"And what may I inquire brought you all the way out here Ms. Rhonda?"
In a total fit, Rhonda replied, "oh it was so horrible," sobs came between nearly each word she spoke, "that creature came out of nowhere! I would have been in so much trouble if you two hadn't showed up!" With that she threw herself around Obi-Wan, thanking him for saving her.
"You're quite welcome, but truly I had little to do with it." Obi-Wan was still trying to pry the young girl off him, "If anything you should be thanking" Obi-Wan gestured with what little hand she allowed him to have, "my friend here."
"Yes, your friend…" her expression changed, no longer one of fear and gratitude, but of cold calculation, "your friend who carries the Sword that Seals the Darkness!" With that she flipped Obi-Wan into a chokehold and jumped back farther than he would have expected her to do. A small dagger now pointed at his back, Obi-Wan was caught so off guard that he was stunned at the turn of events. Her eyes narrowed to Link, sword now drawn, but not the sword she expected, this was the gold-hilted sword of the Hyrule guard. "What's the matter hero, you slay my master Koga with that sword and decide you no longer need it!"
Obi-Wan wasn't sure what to do, what had Link done to earn this woman's ire? Who was Master Koga? What was this Sword he'd heard of before? More importantly, how had he let this happen. Blast, come now, I'm smarter than this? Think Kenobi, this isn't the first predicament you've been in… wait did Link just roll his eyes? And where was Zelda?
"I knew I couldn't trust you the moment I saw you, 'Rhonda'!"
As Obi-Wan's assailant turned to look at the voice, time froze for her, a shimmering gold light held her in place, long enough for Obi-Wan to slip from her grasp and for Link to hold her still once the woman could move again.
"Speak now Yiga traitor or face the might of the Hero of Hyrule and Queen Zelda!" Zelda was still aiming some strange data-pad at the woman, the pad Obi-Wan could only assume had held her in place a moment before.
"So, the little Princess did survive her encounter with the Calamity? No matter, we Yiga are always watching, and you'll never know when we'll strike again!" As she spoke, Obi-Wan noticed a few hand motions before she disappeared in a cruel laugh and a puff of smoke.
Obi-Wan moved closer to Zelda, "Well, Hilda, I think the Queen's secret is out of the bag. And furthermore, who exactly was that that nearly skewered me?"
Zelda sat on a nearby rock, steadying herself from the encounter. "That, Obi-Wan, was a member of the Yiga clan, former members of the Sheikah who split off generations ago and have devoted themselves to resurrecting the Calamity and killing threats to its revival, namely Link and I. Also, I believe Link bested their master a few years ago."
"Yep, he thought he could take me on while floating over a massive chasm, I showed him what the bottom might look like. Those Yiga are resilient though, no telling if Koga survived that fall or not."
"As well, though Hilda's cover may be blown to a few, I may still use it in towns so as to not draw attention."
It was now Obi-Wan's turn to take a seat as he gripped the bridge of his nose. "So, a group of assassin ninjas have been hunting you for two, to three years-"
"One hundred and… more like 5 years to be precise."
"Right, one hundred, wait so these Yiga have existed since before this Calamity struck?"
"Generations, as I've said, yes." Zelda put forward.
"So, the Yiga are still a problem?"
Link was taking the time now to stretch, "More like an occasional nuisance, they're practically harmless and Zel and I can spot them hiding from a mile away. I guess they saw using you as their best chance to get to us. Too bad she didn't count on Zelda joining the fight and good ol' stasis."
"Yes, 'stasis' what exactly was that? And why would they not have expected Zelda, she seems to handle herself well?"
"Stasis is Sheikah magic."
Exasperated Zelda huffed, "Not 'magic' Link, technology, really, how often must I say it. You even used it more than I did while you traveled regaining your memories."
"Yeah, and it seemed like magic back then too, but they didn't expect Zel because they're so used to me serving as her bodyguard that they've hardly seen her act. It's not that she can't take care of herself, especially now, it's just that by the time she's readied her own magic or slated a new app whatever schmuck thought they could take us on had already retreated like that one just did."
"Indeed," sorrow came into Zelda's eyes as she spoke, "before the Calamity I was little more than a damsel in distress. But now," Zelda nodded to herself triumphantly, "between my own magic and the Sheikah Slate's technology," she spoke the last word sharply towards Link, "I can take care of myself just fine!"
As Obi-Wan moved to respond, two more puffs of smoke appeared revealing two men clothed in blues and purple, with a distinctive eye and tear drop on their chests. Obi-Wan moved for his sword, as did they.
"Wait!" Zelda halted the three would be fighters. "Obi-Wan, these are members of the Sheikah tribe. My Sheikah friends, this is Obi-Wan Kenobi, a friend of ours. If you two could watch us as we finish our approach into Kakariko, we would greatly appreciate it, a Yiga member was just spotted in the area."
The two Sheikah members nodded and raced to opposite sides of the canyon, silent as if they weren't even there.
"Well, Obi-Wan, Link," Zelda said as she hopped back on her horse, "what say we get a move on, the day is nearly over and I think Kakariko Village is expecting us."
Link simply nodded and mounted his horse, ready to go. Still bewildered by the rapid comings and goings of various ninjas, Obi-Wan was slower to mount up, but capitulated as the sun began to sink behind the mountain peaks. As they neared the village more and more Sheikah scouts appeared forming a sort of honor guard for the Queen and her guests as they entered the village, ensuring that no other Yiga members would strike on the road. By the time they got to the gate there was a band of six to seven scouts flanking the trio, all of whom disappeared in a matter of seconds once they crossed the threshold to the village, back off to their posts maintaining watch over the peaceful village. As the three of them crossed into the village Obi-Wan watched as a quaint village nestled in a valley began to sprawl before his eyes.
Zelda looked back to friends, "Obi-Wan Kenobi, Welcome to the safest place in all of Hyrule, Kakariko Village."