Chapter 29 - Yiga Clan Hideout
Summary: Paya's husband Talan, working under the name Pangha, is discovered in the Yiga Clan hideout and is brought to meet Master Kohga. Astra visits Chief Riju at Gerudo Town to discuss battle plans.
It was evening in Kakariko Village, and Paya and her daughter Layna were keeping each other company drinking tea, and sitting up late by the fire, neither able to sleep.
"Are you cold, Mother?" said Layna. "Let me put another log on the fire."
"No, no, I'm fine, dear," said Paya. "That Rito shawl you bought me is quite comfortable, and the hot tea helps as well. I'm not shivering from the cold, sweetheart."
"I'm sure Father is fine," said Layna. "He's very experienced at this."
"Yes, we keep telling each other that, as much to convince ourselves as reassure one another, I think," said Paya. "I know he is indeed very resourceful, and I have confidence in him. It's just that nobody has ever successfully infiltrated the Yiga Clan hideout and returned undetected. The last one to attempt it, to my knowledge, was Link. He snuck into their old hideout in the Gerudo Highlands 25 years ago to retrieve the stolen Thunder Helm, but even he was caught by their leader before getting away."
"At least if Father is discovered, they believe he is one of them," said Layna.
Meanwhile, Talan's luck had just run out in the Yiga Clan hideout below the Thyphlo Ruins. A Yiga Clan warrior, who had apparently been resting behind a crate, noticed Talan, stood up, and challenged him, holding a knife to his chest.
"Who are you? I don't remember ever seeing you here before?"
"My name is Pangha, and this is my first time here."
"Why are you sneaking around?"
"I wasn't sneaking around. I am unfamiliar with the layout of our hideout, but did not wish to disturb anyone, as I know it is late," said Pangha.
"My name is Dorak, but I'm afraid I can't just accept what you say. Give me your knife, Pangha."
Talan let Dorak take his knife that he kept tucked in his belt.
"Now, you need to see Master Kohga, and he can decide what to do," said Dorak. "I hope he's still awake."
"Perfect!" said Pangha. "I came here hoping to meet with Master Kohga."
Time for Plan B thought Talan as Dorak led him back to the thin room he had just passed through and then up a short stairway to a large circular room. The room looked like it was designed to hold meetings, as a large circular table occupied the center of the torch lit room. But tonight, only Master Kohga and his Chief of staff, Rohga, were meeting there, sitting alongside each other at the far end of the room. Kohga and Rohga were in the midst of a conversation when Dorak and Pangha entered.
"Keep trying, Rohga. I think…," said Kohga when he noticed Dorak and abruptly turned to him. "What is the meaning of this interruption?"
"Excuse me, Master Kohga, but I found this person wandering around our hideout, and I don't recognize him. He said his name is Pangha," said Dorak.
"Who? What was the name?" asked Kohga.
"Pangha!" exclaimed Rohga. "This is a surprise. But why have you come here? And why in secret?"
"You know this person, Rohga?" said Kohga.
"Yes, Master Kohga," said Rohga. "I already spoke of him to you once. Pangha is one of our stealth experts and the one chosen to spy on Astra and Purah."
"Greetings, Master Kohga and Chief Rohga," said Pangha with a bow. "Forgive my way of arriving, but I came here secretly and unbidden because I have information I need to share, and I did not trust conveying it through intermediaries."
Talan studied Kohga as he spoke, for they had never met. Of course, he had heard stories about him and his predecessor. His predecessor was characterized as something of a lazy buffoon, someone who preferred to let others take risks. But this Kohga seemed more formidable and nothing like a buffoon. Talan could sense an aura emanating from him, something he recognized as the presence of strong dark magic. This Kohga had hidden powers as befitting the Yiga Clan leader. They might be powers that he seldom used, but he could still call upon them if needed.
"What is it then?" said Kohga.
Pangha turned to look at Dorak, and Rohga immediately took his meaning.
"You can go, Dorak, and thank you for your vigilance," said Rohga. "Please close the door on your way out."
"Very well, Chief Rohga," said Dorak. "Pangha, I will leave your knife outside the door."
Once Dorak left, Kohga spoke up.
"Pangha, anything you wish to tell me, Rohga can hear as well," said Kohga.
"Of course, Master Kohga," said Pangha. "I have two pieces of information, but the more serious one is that I suspect there is a traitor in our organization."
"What!? A traitor?" exclaimed Kohga.
"Why do you suspect this, Pangha?" Rohga asked.
"Because it seems to me, our enemy is too aware of our intentions and anticipates us too often for it to be coincidence," said Pangha. "We all know one of our spies was discovered inside the Military Training Camp. And then there was the unsuccessful ambush we prepared for Purah and Astra during their return from Akkala. Things seemed to be going well, and then they suddenly change their plans and return to Hateno Village by sea."
"I agree that was suspicious, as Purah has never traveled by boat before, to my knowledge," said Rohga. "But this does not conclusively prove there is a traitor among us. It could just be caution on their part. I have reviewed all those we've recruited lately and could swear they are loyal."
"No, it doesn't mean there is a traitor, Rohga, and you shouldn't take it personally," said Kohga. "But after all, the very fact they joined our organization in the first place means they are untrustworthy individuals, people willing to betray their countrymen. Moreover, you and I were just discussing how Hyrule soldiers seem to turn up more often at locations where our spies disguised as travelers are loitering, thus limiting our recruiting efforts. It's as if they know where we will be."
"That is true, Master Kohga," said Rohga.
"You said there were two things you wished to report, Pangha?" said Kohga.
"Yes. I have discovered that Astra travels only by Sheikah Slate teleportation now. I believe she knows we are searching for her and avoids travel by roads."
"Is there is no way to waylay her, then?" Kohga asked.
"We would need to station foot soldiers by the important travel gates she is likely to use, such as the ones near villages, to have a good chance of capturing her," said Rohga. "But if the Goddess sword has chosen her, she's undoubtedly no slouch at combat. So, to be certain of overpowering her, we would need at least three Footsoldiers at each location."
"How many locations would that be, Rohga?" asked Kohga.
"Almost every village has at least two or three shrines within walking distance. And there are thirteen shrines near stables she could travel to and then ride a horse from there," said Rohga. "But it's not possible to loiter at some of these locations, hoping she will show up. Believe me, no one will choose to linger near Gerudo Town, for example, and risk capture by their warriors. Those women are merciless to their enemies! I sometimes think the Gerudo are even crueler than we are."
"It's no wonder our lord and master once took their form," muttered Kohga. "But even if it were possible, staking out all those locations with three soldiers each would thin our ranks too much. There are barely two hundred of us now. But back to the first more important point: how can we discover if there is indeed a traitor among us?"
"May I suggest you discuss something false with your staff and see if our enemies act on it?" said Pangha. "That would at least confirm a spy in our midst."
"But how do we know you yourself are not the spy?" said Kohga.
"You don't, Master Kohga," said Pangha. "Which is why I do not wish to learn anything further about your plan. I can return to spying on Astra as best I can and report on anything she does. Then you can decide if she acted with foreknowledge of your plan or not."
"What do you think, Rohga?" said Kohga. "Does this make sense to you?"
"It's a reasonable idea," said Rohga. "If there is a spy among us, the sooner we can confirm it, the sooner we can start looking for and root out the traitor."
"Very well, you can go, Pangha," said Kohga. "And thank you for sharing your concerns."
"But next time you visit, it would be wise to let someone know ahead of time," said Rohga. "We don't like surprises."
"Of course," said Pangha with a bow. "This was a unique situation where I thought extra secrecy was warranted."
Talan left, picked up his knife by the door, and made his way out of the hideout. He breathed a sigh of relief when he stood outside the entrance by the two Luminous Stone-lit pedestals, and the stone trapdoor slid shut. Talan made his way around the tall pillars and then back toward the Thyphlo Ruins entrance, using the lit torches along the way as a guide. He paused every so often to listen for anyone following him, but there was nobody. All he heard were insects and the gurgling of the swamp.
When Talan finally emerged from the Thyphlo Ruins, it was under a dark moonless sky with only the stars for light. He whistled for his horse, which silently trotted over to him as it was trained to do. After petting it and giving his horse an apple, Talan hopped on its back and was off, heading for Kakariko Village and checking again on the way that he was not being followed.
It was sometime later that Paya and Layna heard a noise from upstairs, Talan having made his way through an upper floor window.
"That must be him!" said Layna, getting up.
A moment later, Talan made his way down the stairs to big hugs from both Paya and Layna.
"Thank Hylia!" said Paya as they embraced. "You took longer than we thought."
"I was detected and caught," said Talan. "Luckily, there was someone there who knew me."
"Next time, I must make your stew even stronger, with more stealth ingredients, Father," said Layna as they embraced.
"Oh, please, sweetheart!" laughed Talan. "The taste of your stew still lingers on my tongue! I promise to be more careful in the future. Anyway, at first, I regretted being discovered, of course. But it may have actually worked out for the best. I learned more about their numbers. And I sowed some seeds of doubt in their minds about the existence of a traitor, so they will be spending time looking inwards instead of outwards. This will allow us to better take them by surprise. But we can talk more in the morning, and I need to get my information to Her Majesty."
"Yes, we're all tired," said Paya. "Let's go to bed after giving thanks to Hylia."
They bowed their heads and prayed, then headed to bed and fell asleep quickly.
The next morning at Hyrule Castle, Astra joined Zelda for breakfast and noticed Zelda seemed especially excited.
"You seem in an exceptionally good mood this morning, Mother," said Astra.
"I am, for we have some good news! I had a message first thing this morning, and thanks to Talan, we have details on the Yiga Clan hideout and their numbers," said Zelda.
"What? How did Talan accomplish that?"
"He snuck into the hideout," said Zelda. "Your information on the entrance location and the means of entry were vital to his mission."
"Still, that was very dangerous," said Astra.
"Says the person who snuck right up to the entrance herself," said Zelda. "What both of you did was dangerous. But the Sheikah have never shirked from doing whatever was necessary to support the Hyrule Royal Family."
Then she paused for a moment.
"Sometimes even to a fault," said Zelda. "But we will not speak of those dark days. Instead, we need to look to the future. And I have a mission for you."
"Of course, whatever you need me to do," said Astra.
"I need you to meet with Chief Riju and discuss Gerudo involvement in our battle plan," said Zelda. "Riju was unhappy with my original plan and told me she wants the Gerudo to play a more significant role in this conflict. They have never forgiven or forgotten all the harm the Yiga Clan caused. Believe me, of all people in Hyrule, the ones you don't want to make enemies of are the Gerudo."
"I will be happy to journey there and consult with Chief Riju," said Astra.
"Now, let's work through lunch and allow me to go over our battle plan detail. I reviewed this with General Gavin, and he was as comfortable as one could get knowing we are up against such a dangerous enemy. Please don't hesitate to suggest improvements, though. And after we finish, you can meet with Chief Riju to discuss it with her."
For the rest of the morning and into the early afternoon, Zelda explained the battle plans to Astra. And after she was finished, Astra returned to her room to collect her things and prepare to leave. Astra had gotten into the habit of speaking with Fi when she was alone and did so now.
"We're off to the desert now, Fi," said Astra. "I don't expect any battles, but I hope you don't mind the weather there."
"Hyrule climactic conditions have no effect on me, Mistress Zelda," said Fi. "And I have been to the Gerudo Desert several times, once even to battle one of Ganon's blight creatures."
"Did you not battle all four of them?"
"No, only two, the ones infecting Divine Beast Vah Naboris and Divine Beast Vah Medoh," said Fi. "The other two my Master fought before reuniting with me."
"I see," said Astra. "Alright, I'm ready to go. Here's to Ancient Sheikah Technology!"
Astra used the Sheikah Slate to travel to the Daqo Chisay Shrine just outside of Gerudo Town. The moment after she materialized at the transport gate, a wave of heat hit her like she was stepping into an oven. It was mid-afternoon, and the desert was scorching.
"How can anyone stand this?" Astra groaned to herself as she hurried the short distance to the Gerudo Town main entrance. She nodded at the two guards, who let her pass, then made her way past the shopping plaza to the Chief's lodging. The guards admitted her, and she entered the main hall where Riju was seated at the far end.
"Ah, Vassaq Astra! I was told to expect you," said Riju. "You remember my chief of staff, Buliara?"
"Vassaq Chief Riju and Buliara," said Astra.
"I gather we need to talk about battle plans for our attack," said Riju. "Let's do so with some refreshment. A dish of Hydromelons will quench your thirst better than water, and later we can have dinner."
"Thank you," said Astra.
The three of them sat down to plates of fruit at a small alcove to the left of Riju's throne that overlooked the pen where Rijus's Sand Seal was kept.
"You should know that our warriors have been sharpening their spears in eager anticipation of our attack," said Buliara.
"But I hope they understand that the Yiga Clan are dangerous foes and do not take them lightly," said Astra. "The Yiga do not fight fair, and some wield black magic. This upcoming battle will not be easy, and we all hope to minimize our losses."
"Of course, none of us wish to lose lives rashly," said Riju. "We know we must temper courage with caution. But we Gerudo believe it is an honor to die a warrior's death if that is to be our fate. So, our fighters will not shrink from their duty despite a tough battle. Anyway, let us discuss the plans."
Astra went over what Zelda had told her, and Riju was agreeable with one exception.
"We Gerudo insist on being part of the group that storms their hideout," said Riju. "It is payback for the slights they have inflicted on us, sneaking into our town. If you can convince Her Majesty of that, then we are in full agreement."
"I'll do my best to convince Her Majesty," said Astra. "I don't think she will object as long as you commit to the other aspects of her plan, engaging some of the disguised travelers."
"Then we will be in agreement," said Riju. "By the way, I think you would fit in well here should you choose to stay after this is over. Our soldiers could learn from you."
"Yes, several of our captains asked us to inquire if you would be willing to join us," said Buliara. "Your combat skills were most impressive!"
"Thank you, I'm honored," said Astra. "I hope when we finish with the Yiga Clan, there will be less need to train soldiers. And I may have other responsibilities then. But perhaps I could return here for a time and benefit from your 'Voe and You' class."
"I doubt you need it, Astra, but you would be most welcome," laughed Riju.
They continued their conversation over dinner, and the sun was setting and cast an orange glow across the town by the time they finished their meal.
"Tomorrow, Buliara and I will review these battle plans with our captains," said Riju as they all stood. "Now, this is the time of day I like to take a walk outside around the town walls. It's one of those times when it is no longer hot but not yet cold, and I can enjoy a taste of the desert. Do you have time to join me, Astra?"
"Yes, of course," said Astra. "I will leave right after our walk, so I bid you Sav'orq, Buliara."
"Sav'orq, Astra!" said Buliara with a chuckle. "You even speak our language, so you should definitely return and join us!"
Riju and Astra made their way to the main entrance and walked together, accompanied by four guards, two who walked a short distance in front and the other two behind. To the left was the shrine Astra had used to travel to, and in the distance, the tall Gerudo Sheikah Tower glowed blue. To the right, you could make out the Kara Kara Bazaar, and further away, a silent Divine Beast Vah Naboris perched on a hilltop. The sun had set by now, leaving an orange glow along the horizon, and many stars were already visible above them. Astra looked up, then spoke.
"My father often said the stars shine brightest and are the most beautiful in your land, Chief Riju," said Astra. "I can see what he means."
"Yes, the desert has its beauty, though it sometimes takes an effort to find it," said Riju. "And your father spoke true. The clearest skies in all Hyrule are right here. Unless we are having one of our infamous sandstorms, of course!"
They walked silently for another moment, turning right at the corner where walls met, and you could see the blue glow of the shrine near the Sand Seal race.
"I sometimes think of your father, Astra, especially in quiet moments when I look at the Thunder Helm or gaze out at Vah Naboris in the distance," said Riju. "And I pray for him. I was only twelve when I met him, and we were in the midst of a crisis back then, dealing with the theft of the Thunder Helm and the danger posed by Vah Naboris rampaging about the desert. Link arrived out of nowhere and set both things right. Afterward, my people came to accept me as worthy of being their Chief, despite my tender age. I've long since grown into being chief by now, but I will never forget it was Link who saved us and me. I wish he were still here so I could thank him again."
"He was always willing to help others, both with great deeds and small tasks," said Astra. "It gave him a good deal of satisfaction when he succeeded."
They turned another corner, following the wall facing southwest.
"We Gerudo worship our ancestors and pray to them for protection," said Riju. "Do you, Astra?"
"I worship Goddess Hylia," said Astra. "Like most Hylians, of course."
They continued walking until they completed an entire town circuit, and when they reached the main entrance, Astra said farewell.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Chief Riju, but I should go before it gets too late. I have a busy next few days and wish to present your proposal to Her Majesty first thing in the morning," said Astra.
"Of course," said Riju. "It is always a pleasure to see you, and I hope we see you more in future. Give my good wishes to Her Majesty and please urge her to accept my revision to her plans. May the spirits of our ancestors protect you, Astra. Sav'orq until we meet again."
"Sav'orq until we meet again," said Astra.
Riju returned to town with her four guards while Astra activated the Sheikah Slate, disappearing in a glimmer of ancient energy and reappearing in the shrine above the Hyrule Castle docks. She made her way through the library and said hello to the Captain there, the same one who had submitted a report on her.
"I hope I'm not too late again, Captain," said Astra.
"No, Miss Astra, you're not. And I was ordered not to make an issue of it anyway," said the Captain. "Goodnight, Miss Astra."
"Goodnight, Captain, and thank you," said Astra. "It's reassuring to know individuals such as yourself are protecting us."
Zelda's room was dark, and presumably, she was already asleep. So, Astra went straight to her room, got ready for bed, then opened her bedroom window and looked out. Some stars were visible, but not as clear or bright as in the desert.
"Yes, Dad, you were right," said Astra as she closed the window. "The desert stars are the most beautiful. I guess you didn't visit more often because you hated dressing up as a Vai."
After saying a prayer, she lay down and was soon fast asleep.