Chapter 18 - Astra Meets Jerrin
Summary: Astra spends time with Jerrin and her son Granté and benefits from their weapon and armor research. Zelda meets with Hyrule Army Commander General Gavin to discuss their situation. The Yiga Clan plans an ambush.
It was late evening at the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab in Northeast Akkala, and Astra was sleeping in one of the restored cabins along the top of the lighthouse. The only night sounds were the chirping of insects, the creaking of the lab's rotating windmill, and the steady breeze that blew off the Akkala Sea to the east. They were the kinds of constant, monotonous sounds you could adjust to when falling asleep.
But ever since she was a young child, Astra was a notoriously light sleeper. Her sister Zelda used to complain about how difficult it was to leave her room after putting her to sleep: the slightest extra sound would wake her back up. And as she grew older, Astra's combat and survival training only made her an even lighter sleeper.
So, it was no surprise that Astra awoke in the middle of the night to the clanking sound of something mechanical in operation and some light shining through her window. She sat up in bed and was about to get up to investigate when the light disappeared, and the sound ended. Astra listened intently for several more minutes, but there was nothing further. Eventually, she decided it must have something to do with the lab and lay back down. Finally, she closed her eyes and fell back asleep to the sound of gentle rain falling.
Astra awoke the following day to sunlight and the cry of birds, and after checking her Tab, she saw it was just after 7 o'clock. She wasn't sure how the Tab time function still worked without Sheikah Tower signals and having traveled through time along with her. But apparently, its internal clock function was still accurate. She dressed and headed downstairs to find Purah, Jerrin, and Granté eating breakfast.
"Ah, good morning, Astra! Please sit down and let me get you some breakfast," said Granté as he stood and gestured Astra to a seat.
"Thank you, and good morning, everyone, said Astra. "Sorry I slept so late."
"No need to apologize," said Jerrin as Granté brought Astra a bowl of freshly cooked stew. "You needed a good night's rest after such a long journey."
"Most nights Mother is a strict awake at five, asleep at nine type of person," laughed Granté. "She's been that way for all the years I've known her."
"Jerrin and I were just doing some catching up, Astra," said Purah. "I think I mentioned Jerrin was my assistant after Nanna left and before Symin arrived."
"Yes, and I still find it difficult to accept that you're younger than me now, Dr. Purah," laughed Jerrin.
"I wish I could convince you to let me use my anti-aging rune on you," said Purah, shaking her head. "I realize its effect may be unpredictable, but we can start with a low dose."
"Maybe someday, but I don't feel up to being experimented on at this moment," laughed Jerrin.
"This stew is delicious, thank you," said Astra after swallowing a second spoonful. "By the way, did anyone hear some mechanical-sounding noises in the middle of the night?"
"Oh, yes, that," said Jerrin. "You heard our Guardian, one of our defensive measures against the Yiga Clan. That Guardian you see hanging outside the building is restored and active now. We turned it off for your arrival last night, but we leave it activated most times. It helps keep away unwanted visitors."
"But isn't that dangerous? What if a child or innocent person wanders by?" said Astra.
"It has been programmed to avoid harming the innocent," said Jerrin. "It will only activate but not fire upon children. Usually, its glowing appearance and noise are enough to scare away any children without harm. For adults, it will activate first and then fire two warning shots if they continue to approach. Its third shot would aim to hit its target. So, any innocent person will be well warned to retreat. Dr. Purah has helped us with some other defenses as well. And our lab has a well-known reputation for discouraging visitors."
"I see," said Astra. "So you fear considerable danger here."
"Yes, from the Yiga Clan," said Jerrin. "Given our reputation for research against the Calamity, we are a definite target."
"Any idea what caused the Guardian to activate last night?" Astra asked.
"It must have sensed someone nearby, perhaps in the woods," said Granté. "But they were too far away to warrant a warning shot, or you would have heard that for sure."
"Anyway, after breakfast, we can introduce you to our guidance stone converted ancient oven, which will allow the Guardian to recognize you as a friend," said Jerrin. "Then you can come and go with no difficulty."
After breakfast, they recorded Astra with the ancient oven. Then Purah, Jerrin, and Grantè began discussing some technology improvements. Astra wanted to check something outside and thought this was an opportune time.
"With your permission, perhaps now would be a good time for me to take a brief stroll outside to see the area?" said Astra. "I did not get a good look yesterday, arriving as we did in the evening."
"That's fine, of course," said Jerrin. "The area should be safe."
"Do you wish me to accompany you for protection?" Granté asked.
"No, thank you, I'll be fine. I assure you I can take care of myself," said Astra, smiling.
"I can vouch for that!" laughed Purah. "Astra is every bit the fighter Link was."
Astra walked out the front door and looked down the path toward the stable for a moment. Everything was peaceful, only a fox visible near the woods. Then Astra turned to her right. She noticed a gravestone a short distance away decorated with flowers and walked over to read the inscription.
Dr. Robbie
Husband, Father, Master Scientist
"We must destroy the Calamity!"
Born -6
Died 124
Rest In Peace
So, Robbie passed away about three years after Link left. Astra said a silent prayer for him. She knew from her father that he had been a great help to him with his ancient weaponry and armor, as well as his enthusiasm for guardian research and destroying evil. Then she resumed her walk in the woods to the lab's west.
The fall leaves of the many oak trees there were a colorful red, yellow, brown, and green, and a pair of black Mountain Crows that had been hunting for food flew off with an annoyed cry at her approach. Astra followed some ancient and very worn stone steps that marked the path up the incline until she reached the edge of a cliff that overlooked Blood Leaf Lake.
There was a beautiful view from here. Red lava coursed down Death Mountain in the distance, and the blue flame at the ancient furnace on Tumlea Heights could be seen closer by. Also, in the distance, you could make out the blue glow of a completed shrine atop a tall, thin pillar of stone. Marks of her father's presence were everywhere.
Astra retraced her steps to the main path that led to the stable, then walked to the area southeast of the lab. She glanced back and could see the Guardian suspended from the crane-like structure from there. Then she began searching for what she was looking for and finally found it behind one of the rock outcroppings.
The rain last night had softened the ground, and there was an adult footprint behind the rock just past where the grass ended. So, someone had been here, and the Guardian had detected them. Astra walked around the area, but there was no other sign of their presence. After about twenty minutes, a light rain began falling again, sending clouds of white steam from the warm rocks into the air. It was time to return to the lab.
"Ah, Astra, we were just discussing how we could aid you," said Jerrin. "Granté has some sturdy shields to choose from, and the ancient oven can produce some powerful weaponry and strong armor. Let's look, shall we?"
Astra ended up taking an Ancient Bow, a collection of Ancient Arrows, and a Hylian Shield. She didn't think the Ancient Armor was necessary given Guardians were no longer enemies, and she could always shield parry their energy beams if necessary.
"I made that Hylian Shield for Link in case his was damaged," said Granté as he handed it to Astra. "It's the best shield in Hyrule and Link's favorite. But in the end, the one he already had lasted his entire time here, and he didn't need this replacement."
"I'm sure Link would be happy to learn Astra has the shield now," said Purah. "And Link was so skilled an attacker that he probably needed to use his shield less than most."
"Thank you, Granté, it is a remarkably well-made shield," said Astra as she admired it. "Did you meet Link often?"
"Not very often," said Grantè. "I met Link in Tarry Town a few times, and we chatted about armor and such, but I don't think he ever stayed longer than one night at a time. Almost everyone there knew him, though. And true to his kind-hearted nature, he sometimes helped villagers with their problems. I heard he even baked a special cake once to help cure a sick child. Anyway, the village founder, Hudson, spoke highly of how much Link helped him, gathering wood, recruiting people to help build the town, and even introducing him to his future wife. Hudson would shake his head and say what a pity Link's name didn't end in '-son,' or he could have become a Bolson Construction Company star employee. But rules are rules, he would add. Anyway, I don't get back there anymore, but I hear Hudson and his wife, Rhondson, have two grown children now, and the town is doing fine."
"Interesting," said Astra. "Perhaps someday I will have an opportunity to visit Tarry Town."
Meanwhile, Zelda was sitting in her office in one of the tall Hyrule Castle turrets when Myra entered.
"General Gavin is here as you requested," said Myra. "Shall I send him in?"
"Yes, please, thank you, Myra," said Zelda. "Oh, would you mind taking Mia with you for now? I need to remember my husband told me General Gavin is allergic to cats."
"Of course, Your Majesty. And let's hope our enemies don't include cats in their battle plans," said Myra as Zelda chuckled, then remembered mighty Daruk and how he feared dogs.
Myra left carrying Mia, and a moment later, General Gavin, commander of the Hyrule Army, entered. General Gavin was a talented soldier who had displayed strong leadership skills and rose quickly through the ranks. Zelda's husband had served under him before he married Zelda, and he respected Gavin's ability.
Please sit down, General," said Zelda. "Let's have some tea, shall we?"
"Thank you, Your Majesty, I would like that."
Zelda poured two cups of tea, and after they each took a sip, Zelda got to the point.
"I know you had weekly meetings with my husband to discuss the state of our army, and he shared those reports with me, of course. So, I am familiar with the overall situation of our forces, and we will be holding those regular meetings in the future now. But I had something more specific on my mind. How do you feel about our ability to launch a successful campaign against the Yiga Clan?" said Zelda.
Gavin finished swallowing some tea then put his cup down.
"Given the recent tragic events and the increase in attacks on travelers, I have given that matter some thought as well and discussed it with my officers," said Gavin. "Our army has certainly grown more capable as we recruit and train new members. And the lack of monsters has allowed us to focus our efforts on protecting our citizens. So, we have made considerable progress. But I would not be honest if I did not say that our soldiers fear battling the Yiga Clan and their dark magic. Word has gotten around about the incident at the Military Training Camp where a Yiga Clan warrior was disguised and living among them undetected. As you can imagine, that has sown seeds of mistrust as people wonder if the soldier beside them is who they appear to be or a disguised Yiga Clan warrior ready to strike them down at an opportune moment. The troops feel they are at a disadvantage without some force or magic on our side to overcome the Yiga's dark magic."
Zelda took a sip of tea and thought for a moment.
"Well, I can't say I blame them for feeling that way," said Zelda. "But it is your opinion that if we had someone with the power to oppose the Yiga Clan's magic, our soldiers would follow them into battle with more confidence?"
"Yes, indeed! They are all brave soldiers. Under such circumstances, I believe they would rally around such a person and feel more hopeful of victory - not simply that they were throwing their lives away," said Gavin. "Of course, we would also benefit greatly from the assistance of other races in Hyrule. The Gerudo are skillful fighters, as are the Rito, and the Gorons and Zoras can help in ways too."
"I agree, and I'm working on that," said Zelda. "But to recap, you feel the key to rallying our forces is someone they can believe in and who has the power to oppose their magic and thus lead us to victory?"
"Yes, I believe that would go a long way, Your Majesty," said Gavin. "But all this is wishful thinking, of course. I understand I must do my best with the resources available to us."
"Thank you, this has been helpful," said Zelda. "Now, how is your family?"
The meeting concluded with some personal discussions, and after finishing their tea, Gavin left.
"Will there be anything else, Your Majesty?" asked Myra after Gavin left, and she returned, carrying Mia and then putting her down. "That was your last scheduled meeting this morning."
"No, thank you, Myra," said Zelda. "I just need to do some thinking."
"Shall I have your lunch brought in?"
"Yes, but only if you join me," said Zelda with a smile. "I could use some company."
"I would be happy to, of course!" said Myra.
Meanwhile, Master Kohga was receiving the latest news from his chief of staff, Rohga.
"So, how are things going, Rohga? I hope the news is good for a change," said Kohga.
"Well, there is both good news and bad news, Master Kohga," said Rohga.
"Better give me the bad news first, or I won't be able to sleep," said Kohga.
"We lost another warrior," said Rohga. "It was our spy stationed near the Cliffs of Quince watching the road between Kakariko and Hateno Villages. Unfortunately, they haven't reported in and are presumed lost."
"What's going on these days!?" exclaimed Kohga. "I hope our recruiting makes up for our losses. Anyway, thanks for getting the bad news out of the way. What's the good?"
"I'm afraid there is more bad first, Master Kohga. Pangha confirmed that the sword Purah's assistant is carrying is indeed the Goddess's sword. So clearly, this person is unlikely to be merely Purah's assistant."
"Great! That doesn't bode well for us," said Kohga. "What else do we know about this person?"
"That leads into the good news," said Rohga. "Our Akkala spy observed Purah and the person I will still refer to as her assistant staying at the old Akkala lighthouse that was converted into a lab. In an attempt to learn Purah's assistant's name, he managed to sneak a look at the stable register where they boarded their horses. But, unfortunately, both horses were registered under Purah's name."
"I'm still waiting for the good news," said Kohga.
"With your permission, I have arranged for an ambush," said Rohga. "I am sending six of our best fighters to waylay Purah and her assistant by Trilby Valley on their way home. So we can eliminate both of them and perhaps even destroy or at least capture that Goddess sword once and for all."
"Do you think that will succeed?" Kohga asked. "I would go down in history if we could somehow destroy the Goddess sword! I mean, we all would, of course."
"Then I have your permission to proceed with the ambush?" said Rohga.
"Yes, by all means!" said Kohga. "Now, I think I might even have a pleasant dream for a change!"
Meanwhile, Astra and Purah prepared to leave to return to Hateno Village.
"Thank you for your help, and I enjoyed our meeting," said Astra.
"May Hylia watch over you and protect you," said Jerrin. "I hope we can spend more time together in the future. I know Her Majesty is eager for the Royal Ancient Tech Lab to be fully restored and for some of us to relocate there and begin training the next generation of scientists."
"Yes, that is likely someday. But safe travels home," said Granté.
Purah and Astra left and began making their way down the path toward the stable when Astra spoke up.
"I noticed a raft on the shore below," said Astra. "I suggest we travel back to Hateno Village by water."
"What? Are you serious?" exclaimed Purah. "It's quite far to Hateno Village. And do you have any sailing experience?"
"Quite a bit, in fact," said Astra. "My father and I often sailed together, and I even sailed to Eventide Island. The winds seem favorable today, and I can pick up a Korok Leaf in the woods here to use if the wind dies down. With luck, we can make it back to Hateno Village by very late this evening."
"But why the change in plans?"
"We had a visitor last night," said Astra. "I wondered what activated the Guardian and found a footprint. Given the lack of other footprints, I suspect a Yiga Clan spy teleported away, though I can't be sure. However, I didn't feel the need to alarm Jerrin or Granté since I suspect it was you and I that they were interested in."
"I see," said Purah. "And I suspect you are right."
"Anyway, part of creating fear in your enemy is showing them that not only can you outfight them, but you can outsmart them as well," said Astra. "I prefer not to be too predictable. Let's go."
Purah and Astra made their way down the hillside to the shore where a raft with a sail was available, and soon they were sailing south.
"Here's to calm seas!" said Purah as she held on to the raft.
"We can always camp onshore if things get bad, Dr. Purah," laughed Astra. "But I think we'll be fine. Isn't sailing delightful? It brings back some happy memories for me."