"My mother, as yours, was one of them." Kalen continued. "Your man friend seemed to notice as soon as he walked in. Your hair and skin could pass, but your eyes? A dead giveaway."
"Have you got something in your hair?" Rel asked. "It's quite dark."
"Unfortunately, no. I wish mine was as pretty. Although, my mother had a vibrant shade like yours."
"I'm envious that you knew your mother." Rel joked.
"Thankfully people like us can keep their culture alive."
"So, you were born here?" Link chimed in, trying to keep up with them.
"Yes, I was sir. But I still remain one of the 'desert dwellers' despite never having left this estate due to my mother's indentured servitude."
"You don't need to call me sir." Link flustered.
"My forgiveness. Do you prefer darling or handsome?"
Link turned his head, averting Kalen's gaze in embarrassment.
"I am Rel, and this is Link." She chirped.
Seeing this as his que to remain quiet, Link went back to his drink.
"Where was your mother from? In Holodrum?" Rel continued, changing the subject.
"I suspect the same place as you. A valley near the temple of seasons."
Feeling her heart rush, Rel found herself exerting a lot of effort to remain composed. She tried to push away the feelings of homesickness, something she'd not given much thought to for a while. She hadn't truly realized how long she'd been away for, not until the breeze became cool in the last few days. She'd busied herself with her work, research and fantasies, using them as a distraction for her longing.
Knowing she was taking a while, Rel glanced toward Link. Knowing that she needed something, he returned to the conversation.
"So, Damon." Link chimed in.
"Yes?" Kalen asked calmly.
"We need to find him."
"Oh? Why?"
"We have been asked to retrieve him and take him to the castle." Link explained.
"Was that not what the other woman was here for?"
"I won't patronize you Kalen. Obviously, they are twins. My companion, Rel, needs to speak with both. Can you help us?"
Kalen sighed.
"Today is your lucky day." He said quietly. "I tend to remain neutral on most matters, but hearing your flame's accent after all these years? Consider my heart warmed."
Link found himself yearning for Kalen's answer. They were so close to finding the teenager. He wanted so badly for this task to end, having his old life back in Ordon to look forward to. No amount of luxury or opulence offered by Zelda made him feel any less homesick. The only brief reprieve he'd had since arriving was the extra time he spent with Rel.
"Flame?" Link asked with urgency. "Do you know where he is?"
"Our kin, Damon, is in the infirmary of the manor. He is being held there by none other than our Lord friend from earlier."
"Do you know why?" Rel interjected.
"Well…" Kalen trailed off. "These Hylians, they don't really believe in the divine in the same way we do. Especially the last few years."
"I most certainly do. Believe me." Link added.
"You would be in the minority darling. It would seem that your long-eared kin no longer practice any magic. Which seems so strange… given the long darkness not even a decade ago."
"We still haven't answered the question." Rel exasperated.
"My apologies." Kalen sighed. "I seem to have gotten distracted. It must be your friend's beautiful blue eyes."
Link's face flushed. This wasn't an innocent compliment between men. He almost felt like this was the sort of thing that would come from a woman who was seeking his company.
"But-" Kalen continued. "He is being held because he has come down with sickness. It sounds to me like this is some sort of mysterious condition, unlike any other ailment they've seen."
Giving Link a sideways look, Rel's eyes widened.
"What kind of ailment?" She asked.
"That I cannot answer." Kalen finished.
"I guess I'm breaking in." Link said confidently.
"That was fast." Kalen laughed. "Though, you might have trouble. It's fortified by several men, with the Lord being a very able fighter himself."
"I've broken into worse. That was before I had Rel on my side."
Rel laughed out loud as Link gave her a serious look.
"You can't be serious." She said nervously. "I can't pick that many locks."
"What kind of knight are you?" Kalen asked, sounding amused.
"I'm not." Link shrugged. "So, when can I break in?"
"Don't get too ahead of yourself." Rel continued. "Surely there is a better way."
Kalen paused for a few moments. "Luckily for you, there is." He smiled.
Both Link and Rel turned their full attention to Kalen.
"And I know how." Kalen continued.
"But?" Rel asked expectantly.
"It wouldn't be without payment." He said casually. "Naturally."
Without a moment's thought, Link wished to help this young man.
"Name your price." Link suggested.
With a genuine smile, Kalen relaxed. He used his hand to gesture to the inn.
"I'd like to get out of here. I yearn for freedom. My mother wanted more than this and yet, I still remain in indentured servitude to the lord and his dear wife."
"What does that mean?" Rel asked Link, clearly confused.
"It means that he is paying off a debt. He is repaying the Lord for something."
"That isn't right." Rel sneered. "Is that common here?"
"Not at all." Kalen added. "The lord and lady need to release me. If you can guarantee my escape, I will help you without a second thought."
"How did that happen?"
"To make a long story short… My mother agreed to the arrangement in exchange for our secret being kept. We were placed inside this very inn, and she worked here until her dying breath. She left Holodrum for… reasons. I also have an aunt in these borders."
"What do we need to do?" Link queried, hoping that it wasn't going to be too expensive.
"A safe passage to Kakariko would be a good start. Then, on to Castle Town. I'll need work. Perhaps you may know someone who is hiring help?"
Rel's face lit up. "I've got the perfect person who can help you there." She reassured him.
"That's good to know as I will be leaving all of my possessions behind. I do hope you can help me with replacing them."
Link thought for a moment. He looked down at the leather strap running across his chest. He grabbed for the sword right away, retrieving it from its sheath. Both Kalen and Rel jumped back in fear. Link held the sword calmly, showing it to Kalen.
"You could take this." Link suggested.
Still on guard, his eyes wide with fear, Kalen's eyes flickered to Rel.
"Please tell your sweetheart that I do not know how to wield a sword." He said shakily.
"No, but you can sell it." Link explained. "You'll get several hundred rupees for it, far more if you find the right seller. I know someone. She will look no older than seventeen years, but she will guide you as long as you say you are my friend. There is a blacksmith, near the mountain. He won't ask any questions."
Kalen reached out his hand to look at it.
"I see." He murmured.
"I've no use for it, regardless." Link stated. "I hate these pieces of junk. I only brought it because I forgot my own."
"I wasn't expecting this." Kalen murmured, his eyes still firmly on the sword.
"I'll keep it for now, just in case." Link said calmly as he sheathed it.
"Well. I suppose I better get to work." Kalen sighed. "I need you both to meet me back in this room, late this evening."
"We aren't going up there?" Rel asked, her tone surprised.
"No need." Kalen smiled. "This is my specialty."
"Oh?" Rel probed, trying to find out more information.
"My, let's say, friend lives in the manor house. I meet her for a glass of wine every now and then, near the atrium in the garden."
"Are you going to ask her?"
"Not at all. You will."
"Is that wise?" Link interrupted.
"I wouldn't worry about it if I were you." Kalen said dismissively. "But for now, you wait."
The afternoon passed quickly into the early evening in the dimly lit tavern, the atmosphere dense with anticipation as they waited for Kalen to announce when they were leaving.
Rel had busied herself with reading the letters, deciphering the text and showing Link her findings. She started to fidget as the sun set, clearly trying her best to distract herself from the impending event. Kalen was relaxing behind the counter, reading a book. When he wasn't engrossed in the pages, he was engaging the couple in conversation.
The entire estate was eventually cloaked in a shroud of darkness, the few homes that were in the valley acting as beacons leading to the manor house.
Watching Rel, Link could see that she was reaching into her pockets, almost as if she were checking if something was there. As Kalen gave them some more drinks of the house, Link decided to address it with her.
"Have you lost something?" Link asked her, trying not to sound accusatory.
"What do you mean?" Rel asked absently.
"You keep reaching down to your pockets when you read the letters."
Rel cast her eyes down as she once again touched her pocket.
"I haven't lost anything." She murmured.
"What's wrong?"
She delicately slid her fingers into her pocket, retrieving a small piece of cloth. Before Link could ask her why she was showing him a handkerchief, she unfolded the edges, showing a shard of black glass. She placed it gingerly in the center of the table, giving Link a full view of the artifact.
"Rel?" Link asked, concerned.
"Do you remember when we were at your hometown? This is what Damon's mother gave me."
Without thinking, Link reached forward, wanting to touch the piece of glass. Before his fingers reached the edge of its surface, Din's mark burnt him suddenly. The familiar sting was coupled with a recoil.
The movement alerted Kalen, who gave them an odd look as Rel quickly slid the glass back into her pocket.
"It's time to leave." Kalen said calmly. "Come Rel, its time to join us for a drink."
Kalen grabbed Rel by the hand, encouraging her to her feet. He threaded his fingers through hers, leading her to the front door. Link stood, intending to follow them.
"You will have to stay here darling, but don't worry, you've probably figured out that I'm not interested in her."
"My ego will never recover." Rel said sarcastically.
"She's nervous." Link explained.
"Really?" Kalen asked, clearly confused. "She seems calm to me."
Before Link could say anything else, Kalen was walking Rel out of the front door of the tavern. Feeling an overwhelming sense of doom, Link followed them despite Kalen's protest. He trailed close behind them, the cool night air hitting his face.
"Your man friend won't take no for an answer." Kalen said suspiciously.
"He has to guard me, so to speak." Rel tried explaining. "Ordered by someone important."
"Oh?" Kalen commented. "Are you secretly a princess or something?"
"He's good to have around, in case of any surprises."
Kalen stopped completely and sighed. "Fine. But stay out of sight. This will be a shock to my friend as is."
The walk to the manor would have been quite beautiful outside of the given circumstances. It was a clear night, coupled with the cooling night air. If one stood at the edge of the plateau, they would, no doubt, see the reflection of the moon on the ocean on the horizon.
They reached the grand staircase of the manor. It was well lit and highly visible, even in the dark of night. Kalen took a sharp turn to the right, following a row of hedges. He gave Link a gesture, indicating for him to stay out of view as he dragged Rel around the shrubbery.
Once Rel and Kalen were around the hedge, she was able to see the atrium that Kalen had mentioned earlier. It was, as described, a beautiful building, surrounded by glass. In the garden was a sitting area, surrounded by beautiful flowers.
There seemed to be a woman, almost completely enveloped by darkness, sitting in the garden. She was holding a goblet, no doubt filled with wine as Kalen had suggested earlier. Even in the dark, Rel could identify that she wasn't in a good way, her hunched posture suggesting she was deep in thought. At the sound of the hedge rustling, she looked up.
"Kalen?" she asked elegantly. "Is that you?"
Stepping forward, Kalen smiled. "None other."
"I was hoping you'd drop by tonight. Rob, he said there was an incident at the inn."
"If you could call it that." He replied dismissively.
The woman's eyes finally landed on Rel, as she attempted to stand as far out of sight as possible.
"Kalen?" she asked expectantly. "Who is that?"
Gently gripping Rel's wrist, Kalen brought her forward. The woman tried to get a good look at Rel, the darkness obviously obscuring her vision.
"I cannot see in the dark." She continued. "Who did you bring?"
"Why don't you say good evening to my- friend." Kalen said with a smirk.
Rel steadied herself. "Good evening, lady of the house."
The woman stood from her seated position, goblet still in hand. She used her free hand to brush the skirt of her elegant dress.
"I know that accent." The woman said suddenly. "Explain what is going on right now."
"Lady Sable, this woman needs to speak with the afflicted. She claims she can help."
Kalen gave Rel a sideways glance, hoping that she could see him in the darkness. Ignoring him, Sable inched closer to Rel, trying to distinguish her features in the night.
"Girl, let me see you, please." Sable instructed, her hand outreached.
The familiar dance began as Rel stepped forward. It was exceedingly similar to what happened at the farmstead outside of Ruffilio.
"I do not have time." Rel countered. "Lady Sable, I need to speak with the boy that you have in your infirmary. It is my understanding that he is afflicted with some sort of condition. I will not talk down to you, I am also feeling the effects of a similar malady."
"You sound just like her." Sable muttered, almost as if in a trance. "Even the way you say my name."
"Sound like who?"
"My sister." Sable murmured.
Her eyes wide, Rel turned to Kalen who was looking elsewhere.
Link was listening from behind the hedge, no doubt just as surprised as Rel was.
"Rob has informed me about an incident that happened earlier at the inn. Did it involve you?"
"It wasn't an incident dear aunt." Kalen sighed. "It was your husband losing his temper, again."
"He said there was a knight from the castle. Why is Zelda still doing this?"
"That I cannot tell you. I am obviously not of this land, you have observed this yourself."
Going against his better judgement, Link felt compelled to step forward. He was with the group in a few moments, causing Sable to jump slightly. Rel shook her head and rested her forehead in her fingers as Kalen rolled his eyes.
"You've no concept of subtlety, do you?" Kalen huffed.
"I might have been more inclined to act with subtlety, had your uncle not threatened me earlier." Link jeered.
"Oh, you heard that?" Kalen replied with a smile. "Surprise."
Bringing herself back to the moment, Rel decided that she would need to take the lead.
"Lady Sable, we are here because we were sent by one of the wisemen. We need to find your son's brother."
"So, you came here with a hidden agenda?" Sable asked, her voice shaking. "How many more of you are going to come? You don't know anything about this do you?"
"I was telling you the truth." Rel reassured her. "I am afflicted with a malady, and I believe it is of similar origins to the young man. It is my understanding that they both have a talent for magic."
Sable's posture collapsed as she internally conceded defeat.
"I read their letters." Rel disclosed, retrieving them from her cloak. "There's no point trying to hide anything. I need to speak with him."
"Fine." Sable breathed. "I will take you to him, but both of you-" She gestured to Link and Kalen. "Need to wait here."
Rel turned to Link, giving him a solemn expression. He gave her a nod, trying to silently reassure her that he was here for her. He noticed that she was trembling as she slipped the letters back into her cloak, despite what her expression said. Link gently placed his hand on her shoulder before giving her a nod. Not allowing her apprehension to get the better of her, Rel walked to Sable's side.
The two women entered the manor through what was presumedly the kitchens, further back then the atrium.
Link was left standing in the cool night air with Kalen. Thinking deeply for a moment, Link decided to address something with Kalen.
"You are an indentured servant to your aunt?" He speculated.
"Not to my aunt." Kalen shot back. "Her husband."
"Why?" Link asked disbelievingly.
"Because he very kindly gave an unwed woman with a bastard child a place to work." He replied with a sneer. "Except she never paid off her debt."
If he wasn't already feeling complete and utter disdain for the lord, Link was pushed over the edge. He couldn't believe that anyone could hold someone to this arrangement, especially in a time of peace and prosperity.
Before Link could continue to ponder, both men snapped their heads in the direction of manor house as a loud scream was heard.
Rising to his feet, Link rushed in through the same entrance Rel and Sable had entered moments earlier, Kalen trailing closely behind him.
They found themselves in the kitchen of the manor. Thankfully it was empty, giving them a safe and easy passage out.
"There is a dining room that way, which opens into a foyer. You can reach every other room in this house from that foyer." Kalen explained.
"I assume we will find whoever screamed in there."
Following Kalen's direction, Link rushed through the dining room, finding himself in a large open plan foyer.
It was evident and clear where the screaming had come from.
With her hands raised in fear and her goblet of wine spilt on the floor, Sable was trembling as she watched one of the men from earlier, Jarren, holding Rel by her hair. Robern had also joined them, his arms folded as he glared at her.
Feeling a rush of fury, Link rushed straight for Robern, drawing his sword before he could think twice.
Kalen's description of Robern being an able fighter was correct. Only a very skilled swordsman could have seen and blocked the sword swing that was meant for him.
Robern stumbled backward a few steps, using his bracers to protect his face.
Holding his sword outstretched, Link had backed Robern against the nearest wall.
"What kind of swordsman manhandles an unarmed woman?" He hissed.
"What kind of knight brings an unwed woman with him to interrogate a child?" Robern spat back. "We've enough trouble without you poking around my land."
"He isn't a knight." Rel said with a strained voice.
Jarren pulled her hair even tighter, causing her to hiss through her teeth in pain.
"I asked politely for you to let me go." Rel whispered through the pain.
"Put her down!" Sable cried out. "There are standards to uphold!"
Standing firm, Robern gave Link a menacing look.
"Do you know you're travelling with someone who is wanted by the law men?" Robern spat.
"I'm not wanted by any law men." Rel strained with genuine confusion.
"You match the description perfectly." Jarren clarified.
"What description?" Link demanded, his sword still outstretched.
"A little bird told me that she was involved in an incident in the week leading up to midsummer." Robern said firmly. "It's too bad that he's succumbed to whatever- thing- he is afflicted with."
"You'll find that I was attacked!" Rel cried out. "It's why I am here, chasing after this boy!"
"She hasn't lied to you." Link asserted. "I helped nurse her back to health."
"Then how has this young man been infected with this- this rot? If it wasn't for her?" Robern sneered.
"I don't fucking know!" Rel burst out as Jarren pushed her to the ground.
With swift fierceness, Link had moved his sword closer to Robern's neck.
"Tell your man to unhand her." Link urged Robern.
The lord's eyes finally drifted downward, landing on Link's left hand.
"Unhand her." Robern instructed.
Jarren let go of Rel as she fell unceremoniously to the stone floor. Sable ran to her side and knelt down within moments, trying to comfort her.
"Accusing this young woman of causing this affliction is ridiculous!" Sable scolded her husband. "Put your temper aside for one moment and use your brain!"
Link dropped his sword arm, making his way over to Rel. He helped her to her feet as she stumbled. It was clear that she was shaking as she rubbed the back of her head.
"I'm trying to find out who cursed him!" Robern spat at his wife. "Who else could be next?"
"A curse?" Rel asked between deep breaths.
"We were hoping one of the scholars at the castle could help. We sent instructions with our son when he left." Sable explained.
"Those same scholars are looking for this young man, Damon."
Sable gave her husband a knowing look as her face fell once more.
"I will show you lest my husband and his uncontrollable temper stop us again."
His arm still gripping Rel's, Link leant in close to her. "This is getting more and more confusing by the minute. I thought the visitors in the temple were cryptic enough."
"Speak to all of us or not at all." Robern barked.
"Follow me." Sable instructed, ignoring her husband.
As Rel and Link followed Sable, they ended up in a dimly lit hallway. It was dark, the only light being produced was from a few lamps. She led them down a stone staircase, leading them into the infirmary.
It was essentially the opposite of what they'd seen in the village infirmary at Ruffilio. Gone were the windows letting in natural light, instead a stone wall encasing the entire room save for a single, barred window that looked out on the gardens. They were below the ground, the room becoming cold. Both of them felt an almost unnatural shiver as they surveyed their surroundings.
The only occupied bed was in the furthest corner of the room. A healer was on site, tending to the young man, her expression grave and solemn. Sable allowed the couple to move past her, stopping at his bedside.
Link strained his eyes in the low lighting, trying to identify what was wrong with the patient's skin. It almost looked as if his skin had turned blue.
With a furrowed brow, Rel turned to Link.
"Black veins." She murmured.
Returning her expression, Link moved closer. Sure enough, Rel had observed correctly. Black veins ran through every exposed section of his skin.
"They're virtually identical in every way." Sable said delicately. "I took him in. I couldn't deny him."
"You lied to Ashei?" Link asked, genuinely surprised.
"Yes." Sable replied indignantly. "If this were my son, I'd want the same. Any mother would have done it."
Rel was seemingly in her own headspace, leaning down and inspecting Damon. Her head snapped in Sable's direction.
"How?" She seethed.
"I don't know. They were both gifted." Sable sighed, her eyes cast down.
"Gifted?" Rel demanded. "They have clearly been trying to harness forces that they have no comprehension of!"
"Didn't you wish to speak with him?" Link asked her, trying to encourage calmness.
"I've seen enough." Rel spat. "Who in their right mind would do such a thing?"
"He hasn't moved in weeks." Sable explained. "We've had to force feed and water him."
Link took a moment to collect his thoughts.
"There is a shaman in Kakariko." Link told her gently. "He may be able to help." Link shifted his gaze back to Damon as Rel inspected his eyes.
"Completely black." She cautioned.
"I'm sorry." Sable whispered. "We didn't know what else to do. I didn't want to anger the king."
"They suggested this in the letters." Rel said knowingly. "I hoped- I won't find any answers here. None that I don't already know."
"I cannot help you any further. Please, you may leave."
With trembling fists, Rel turned on her heel and rushed past Link and the lady of the house. After bidding her a brief farewell, Link followed in Rel's wake.
Once out of the dimly lit hallway, the full light of the manor foyer hit Link's eyes. He squinted, trying to find Rel when Robern stepped forward, his arms folded.
"I know who you are." He said menacingly. "It's the only reason I didn't take one of your ears off."
Link returned the menacing look.
"Keep everything here a secret." Robern warned him.
Rel was waiting by the front door of the manor, Jarren shadowing her. She gave him a disdainful look as Link met her side. He put his hand on her shoulder before opening the doors and leading her outside.
The doors slammed shut behind them, leaving them in almost darkness, save for the light spilling through the windows. The brightly lit staircase was no more as they carefully made their way down. Both of them paced down the stone steps until they were at dirt path in front of the building.
"Well, that was dramatic." Kalen cooed as he stepped forward in the darkness.
"They're your family." Rel scoffed.
"Just my aunt." Kalen shrugged. "I don't care for her husband."
"Me either." Link added.
"I'll be glad to be out of his jurisdiction." Kalen laughed. "The two of you can stay with me tonight and watch me abandon that hovel in the morning."
Walking off ahead, Rel was almost at the inn. With folded arms she waited, watching as the men followed her.
"Rel, are you alright?" Link called out in the quiet evening.
"Never better." She replied flatly.
As they reached her, Rel winced. On reflex, Link rushed forward to help her. "Are you alright this time?" Seconds later, she doubled over, grabbing for her shin.
Knowing that it was her scar, Link followed her to a crouching position. She held her leg tightly, gritting her teeth as she winced once more.
"Let's get her inside." Kalen insisted, unlocking the inn.
Link put her arm around his shoulder, taking the bulk of her weight. She limped as well as she could, her height acting as an advantage.
Once inside, Kalen cleared a space as Link placed her gently on the floor. He was untying her boot and rolling up her pant leg before she could protest. Unable to process the sight of her skin, Link gave Rel a solemn look.
The scar, which had been a light pink, was now dark blue. There were black veins beginning to reach out from the wound causing Rel to gasp.
"A coincidence?" Link asked her.
"I fucking doubt it." She hissed. "It hasn't hurt like this since the day it happened."
Kalen had grabbed a bottle of liquor and some cloths from behind the bar.
"It's not an open wound. I'm not sure if that would help." She protested through gritted teeth.
"Neck the bottle." Kalen suggested as he handed it to her.
As Link held her leg still, Rel did just that. The cork was off in moments.
"That's strong." Rel coughed through a small mouthful.
"It helps with most kinds of pain."
She took another full gulp, wheezing ass she swallowed.
"Has this happened before?" Link asked.
"Not like this." She explained.
Link frowned. He was starting to consider that he was familiar with this type of magic, the mere suggestion weeks ago would have been absurd. He kept his eyes on Rel's leg.
"I think I know what this is." Link murmured. "I didn't want it to be true. I need to get you to a spring."
"In Ordon?" Rel gasped.
"Kakariko."
Looking at her face, Link could tell that Rel was anxious.
"What's the pain like?"
"Searing."
"I'm taking you to Kakariko, now." Link told her. "Kalen, can you help?"
"With pleasure." He replied. "I'll pack my own things too."
Kalen left them alone. Remaining crouched beside Rel, Link helped her put her boot back on. He pulled her to her feet, once again taking the burden off her.
"This is the interlopers, isn't it?" She winced.
"Twilight." Link corrected her.
"I thought you said it wasn't benign."
"It isn't… When it's in the right hands."
Returning with a small pack, Kalen gave them a shrug. "Goodbye you old shack!"
"Will they look for you?" Link asked.
"Probably. There won't be anyone here to pour their drinks tomorrow."
Both men assisted Rel, helping her put one foot in front of the other as Kalen closed the door. Once outside Link led Rel toward the stable.
"No protesting." He warned her. "You have to sit in front."
"I'm covering my face, in case I die of embarrassment."
Link helped her up to her saddle as he watched Kalen saddle his own horse.
"I'll follow you to Kakariko. After that, I'll take your nice sword to that village." He said cheerily before turning to Rel. "Where will I meet you in town?"
"Telma's Pub." She replied.
"How will I know I'm in the right place?"
"You'll know."