Link's POV
As we approach Castle Town stable, I see that it is already crowded with horses, but thankfully they have several stable hands working today, and one is quick to greet me. "Ten rupees a day, and that includes all the feed and water she could want. You look a little nervous, but don't worry, we'll take good care of her," he says with a smile.
I'm taken aback; I didn't know I was so easy to read. Epona glances at me and knickers softly, as if to say, "It's okay."
"Thank you," I replied, handing over the reins and thirty rupees. "She can be a bit particular, but she's a good girl."
With Epona settled in, I turn my attention to the festival. There is so much to see and do that I have no idea where to start. The market stalls seem as good a place as any, so I start walking along them, marveling at the variety of goods on display. Exotic spices from Gerudo Desert, intricately crafted Goron jewelry, and finely made garments from the Zora tribe—all are laid out in a dizzying array of colors and textures.
"Freshly baked pies! Get your pies here!" a vendor calls out, drawing my attention to a stall laden with mouth-watering pastries. My stomach growls, reminding me that it has been a while since breakfast.
I approach the stall, my mouth watering at the sight of the golden-brown pies. "I'll take one, please," I say, handing over a few rupees.
The vendor smiles and hands me a warm, flaky pie. "Enjoy, young man. These are the best in all of Hyrule!"
Taking a bite, I can't help but agree. The pie is delicious, filled with sweet, juicy apples and just the right amount of spice. As I eat, I continue to explore the market, taking in the sights and sounds of the festival.
A group of children runs past me, laughing and playing, their carefree joy infectious. I find myself smiling, starting to feel more comfortable with my new surroundings. Despite my initial shock at the grandeur of the castle and the bustling activity, I can sense a warmth and friendliness in the people that reminds me of home.
As the day wears on, I eventually come across the large arena where the champions' tournament is ongoing. Curious and eager to see some action, I make my way to the front of the crowd.
My next few hours are spent watching in awe as one competitor after another demonstrates their prowess with the blade. Each fighter has their own unique style, from swift, graceful movements to powerful, brute-force attacks. I cheered and applauded along with the crowd, all of us caught up in the excitement of the contest.
There is one participant in particular that has everyone on their feet, going wild with applause. He is a tall, well-built young man clad in a dark cloak, and he moves with a fluid grace that is mesmerizing to watch. So far, he has dispatched all his opponents with ease, his hand-and-a-half sword striking with precision. The warrior's black tunic and dark pants make him stand out among the other contestants with their colorful house colors. I can't help but be drawn to him, especially watching him as he powerfully kicks Sir Enzlo, one of the Princess's personal guards, in the chest and ends the round with his sword pointed at the knight's neck.
"Who is that?" I ask a man standing next to me.
The man shrugs. "No one knows. He just showed up this morning and started winning every match."
As the competition draws to a close, with yet another one of the royal knights ending up on the ground with a sword at his neck, the stranger stands victorious. His dark cloak billows around him as he soaks in the crowd's applause, but for just winning the tournament, he looks less than amused with his victory. With a quick wave to the crowd, he vanishes back into the participant tent.
At this point, the sun has begun to set, casting a golden glow over the festival and signaling the approach of Princess Zelda's speech. I follow the crowd to the central courtyard in front of the castle gates, eager to hear the princess's words. I will be presenting the sword to her tomorrow and want to get a clear view of the person I will be meeting.
As the crowd gathers, a hush falls over the courtyard, anticipation hanging in the air. The balcony doors open, and Princess Zelda steps out, her presence commanding and regal. Dressed in a flowing gown of royal blue, adorned with intricate golden embroidery, she exudes an aura of grace and strength.
She raises her hand, and the crowd falls silent, all eyes fixed on their beloved princess. Her voice, clear and resonant, carries across the courtyard.
"People of Hyrule," she begins, her tone welcoming, "we have gathered here from all corners of our great kingdom to celebrate our diversity, our resilience, and our shared dreams for a brighter future."
She pauses, her gaze sweeping over the crowd.
"In these times of peace, it is easy to forget the struggles and sacrifices that have brought us here. But we must never lose sight of the lessons of our past. Our strength lies in our unity, in our ability to stand together against the forces of darkness and adversity."
Her words resonate deeply, and I feel a swell of pride and purpose. This is why I have come to play my part in the greater good of Hyrule.
"Today, we honor the heroes who have fought to protect our land," Zelda continues, her voice growing stronger. "We honor the bravery of our knights, the wisdom of our scholars, and the resilience of our farmers and artisans. Every one of you plays a vital role in the tapestry of Hyrule's greatness."
"But our journey is not over," she says, her tone turning solemn. "There are still challenges ahead, and we must remain vigilant. The forces of darkness are always lurking, waiting for a moment of weakness. It is in these times that we must stand together, supporting one another and protecting the values that make Hyrule strong."
Princess Zelda's words are a call to action, a reminder of the duty each of us carries to protect Hyrule.
"As we celebrate this festival, let us also reaffirm our commitment to each other and to our beloved kingdom. Together, we can overcome any challenge, defeat any foe, and build a future filled with peace and prosperity."
The crowd erupts into cheers; Princess Zelda's speech has touched the hearts of all. As I stand there, surrounded by the people of Hyrule, I feel more determined than ever to protect this land and its people.
But even as the noise of music and celebrations begins again, I can't help but sense a tension in the air. At the conclusion of the princess's speech, the sky has started to darken, and an ominous feeling has settled over the courtyard.
Without warning, the ground shakes, and the air fills with the sounds of panic. The crowd quickly shifts away from the eastern gate, and I can clearly see why. Monsters, horrible monsters, are pouring in from the gate, their grotesque forms casting long, terrifying shadows in the dim light. People began to scream, grabbing their children and desperately running to escape the courtyard.
Parting the wave of monsters is a large Clydesdale carrying an imposing Gerudo man with fiery orange hair. His presence exudes malevolence and power. Ganondorf. The name springs to my mind, he is the ruthless king of the Gerudo, skilled with magic and with a nasty reputation for violence. He drives his horse forward, amber eyes glowing with a sinister light while his menacing laugh echoes through the courtyard.
Princess Zelda stands her ground on the balcony, her face a mask of calm determination, while her knights engage in a desperate battle to protect her. The monsters, a terrifying mix of moblins, stalfos, and other nightmarish creatures, begin to overwhelm the guards with sheer numbers and ferocity. The clang of metal against metal, the cries of the wounded, and the roar of the monsters create a cacophony of chaos.
I draw the only weapon I have, the sacred sword that was intended as a gift for the princess. This is my first real battle; I have never fought anyone outside of the training ground. I let my instincts guide my movements; there is no time for fear or doubt. My sword clashes with the crude weapon of a moblin, its brute strength testing my endurance. I parry, then strike it down with a hit to the chest before swiftly moving onto the next enemy.
Despite my efforts, the onslaught is relentless. A moblin's club strikes me hard on the right shoulder, sending a jolt of pain through my body. I stagger but manage to stay on my feet, driven by sheer determination. The battle continues to rage around me, a whirlwind of violence and fear. The villagers who had been enjoying the festival moments ago are being cut down by the monsters, their faces twisted in terror as they fall.
The metallic scent of dark magic fills the air. I look towards the balcony and see that Ganondorf has seized Princess Zelda by the arm. Her knights are fighting valiantly to reach her, but Ganondorf's magic keeps them at bay, a dark barrier that repels their every effort.
I start to fight my way towards the princess, but the monsters are everywhere, their numbers seemingly endless. The courtyard, filled moments ago with laughter and music, is now a battleground, littered with the fallen. I'm trying not to trip over bodies as I fight my way closer to the balcony. Slick pools of blood stain the cobblestones, and the cries of the wounded fill the air. It is a nightmare come to life. There are too many monsters, and they are matching me blow for blow. Goddesses above, how am I going to get out of here alive, let alone help the princess?
I narrowly dodge a sword strike from a stalfos when I feel a presence fighting beside me. I glance to my right and see the mysterious swordsman from the competition has appeared at my side. He is fighting with the same level of intensity and precision as he had in the arena, his movements a blur of speed and power. Together, we begin to push back the enemies just enough to make our way towards the alley at the south end of the courtyard.
As soon as we step into the sheltered alley, the stranger grabs my shoulder and tilts his head towards the opposite direction from the bloody courtyard. I'm torn between following him or rushing back into the crowd to get to the princess. However, I can see Ganondorf's dark barrier is still up, and I have to admit to myself that I would not be able to fight my way through it. I follow the stranger as he guides me towards the outskirts of the city. Once we are through the southern gate and into Hyrule Field, I turn to thank my savior.
"Thank you," I say, breathing heavily. "You saved my life back there."
The stranger nods, his face still hidden beneath his hood. "It's nothing," he says. "We really should keep moving."
"Could I at least know your name?"
Silence. Then quietly, "Dark. And yours?"
"Link," I replied.
Dark lifts his head to meet my gaze, and I'm greeted with scarlet eyes that bore into mine. "Link," he takes a pause then says, "I know where we can find a safe place to regroup. Follow me."
With that, he turns south and leads the way into the night, the sounds of battle fading behind us.