Chapter 22 - Astra Meets Goron Chief Yun
Summary: Goron Chief Yun travels to Hyrule Castle to meet with Zelda and Astra. Afterward, Astra explains she needs to investigate the Yiga Clan hideout before any assault can be undertaken. Paya's husband Talan supplies some helpful information.
It was midday at Hyrule Castle, and Astra and Zelda were having lunch with Goron boss Yun, formerly known as Yunobo. Zelda had invited him both to introduce him to Astra as well as seek Goron support for future actions against the Yiga Clan.
Lunch was pleasant, for the most part. But the crunching sound of Yun biting into his solid rock meal made both Astra and Zelda wince. They instinctively ran their tongues across their front teeth to resist the feeling they had all just broken.
"Pretty tasty!" said Yun after swallowing. "Did you get this locally?"
"No, we keep some rocks from the Eldin Region on hand for whenever we have Gorons as guests," said Zelda. "They're no trouble to store, and I don't think they spoil with age, do they?"
"No, no, not at all. Rocks often taste better with age, though real aging takes a very long time," said Yun. "But thanks for warming it up a bit before serving. A hot meal always goes down better."
"You're very welcome. And you didn't need to bring a gift, Yun, but thank you for the Goron Spice," said Zelda. "I enjoy spicy food."
"I hope I brought you enough then," said Yun.
"Way more than enough!" laughed Zelda. "I only use a small pinch at a time, or I would burn away my taste buds. A dozen bottles are plenty and very generous, Yun, thank you."
"How was your trip here?" Astra asked. "Did you roll all the way?"
"Oh, no," laughed Yun. "I walked most of the way here, along with my two guards. Once we Gorons mature, we generally only roll when we're in a hurry, or we can't resist a nice downhill stretch on our journey. Kids like to roll all the time, though, and sometimes have races. But the roads are quite pleasant to travel now, so walking is fine."
"Perhaps it would be good to continue our discussion," said Zelda. "I was hoping to secure Goron cooperation with a campaign against the Yiga Clan."
"Of course, Zelda," said Yun. "You don't even need to ask. Any enemy of Hyrule is an enemy of ours. We don't see any Yiga Clan spies in our part of the world. It must be too hot for them. But we Gorons will willingly fight to rid Hyrule of them."
"Thank you," said Zelda. "I knew I could count on you, but I needed to ask. Now that I have secured the cooperation of all the races, we can begin planning our next steps."
"That's good. But hey, it's great to meet my Goro brother's daughter," said Yun. "I never knew Link had a child. Astra, I should tell you that your father was a true role model and taught me to believe in myself. We worked together to do what I thought was impossible - calm a rampaging Rudania. He showed me you didn't have to be big and strong to be brave and get the job done, and it was a turning point in my life."
"My father told me the story. Do you mind telling me what happened after you both appeased Rudania?" said Astra.
"No, no, I don't mind at all. Just let me think back," said Yun as he scratched his head. "First of all, our mining operations expanded right away since Death Mountain was safe to work on again. The Gerudo were always eager to buy our jewels, so our economy picked up too. And we got a bit more tourism, though not as much as we would like. Our weather doesn't seem to appeal to everyone. Our boss was Bludo back then, and he was a good leader, respected by his people. But his back kept giving him problems, probably injured from swatting away magma bombs when I helped him drive back Rudania before Link showed up. Anyway, Bludo eventually started showing his age. So, about ten years ago, after he saw how much I had matured, he stepped down as boss and urged everyone to vote for me as his replacement. And that's what happened. So, it's no exaggeration to say I owe where I am today to your father, Astra."
Yun paused for a second, then continued.
"Speaking of which, we've been ignoring it all this time, but I guess your father is no longer with us. Is that right, Astra? I know nobody has seen him in over twenty years, so we assumed something must have happened to him."
"Yes, I'm afraid he's gone," said Astra. "But I'm sure he would be pleased to know how much he helped you."
"I'm sorry for your loss, Astra," said Yun. "Link was truly one of a kind, a genuine hero, that's for sure. He was quiet but very confident and fearless. He took on two powerful Moblins at a time without the slightest hesitation and made short work of them. You've heard of Moblins, right? Anyway, I'll never forget him."
"Yes, I know what Moblins were, and he was," said Astra. "I miss him very much."
"As do I," said Zelda. "After Link eventually left Hyrule Castle, he used to visit me at least once a month. He would tell me what he had learned in his travels throughout Hyrule, which was good for me to know. But just his company meant a great deal to me. For we had lived through it all and understood what had happened, sharing the pain of the losses we bore between us to help keep up our spirits. He was a comfort and a dear friend."
Zelda sighed, then recovered her composure.
"Anyway, enough about the past," said Zelda. "Thank you, Yun, for your pledge of support. I will have more to discuss when our plans are closer to completion."
"Of course, and we will be ready to help when you need us," said Yun. "Nice meeting you, Astra. Needless to say, you're welcome to visit Goron City anytime. Just be sure to carry plenty of elixirs!"
"Thank you, I look forward to visiting there someday," said Astra. "My father said it offered the most breathtaking views of Hyrule, something not to be missed. But he warned me to steer clear of the mine cart rides."
"Oh, they're not so bad," laughed Yun. "If you like thrills, I think you'll love them!"
With that, their meeting ended as Zelda had other meetings to attend, and Yun wanted to spend some time in Castle Town. Yun left, and then Zelda spoke up once she and Astra were alone.
"Is there anything you wish to do, Astra? I feel bad having to leave you on your own."
"No, that's fine, and I completely understand," said Astra. "I think I can use this afternoon for some archery practice."
"In that case, let me give you a note for the officer in charge of the range," said Zelda.
Zelda scribbled a brief note and handed it to Astra.
"Give this to one of the guards outside, and they will take you there," said Zelda. "See you at dinner?"
"Yes, see you then."
Astra presented Zelda's note, and one of the guards accompanied her to the archery range, then presented the note to the officer in charge and left. The officer looked skeptically at Astra and was immediately annoyed. What was Her Majesty thinking sending this young girl here where experienced Hylian soldiers trained for combat? Did she not realize this was a military facility, not a play area? Anyway, he might as well get this over with since he had no choice.
"Her Majesty instructs me to let you use the archery range," said the officer. "Normally, this is reserved for our soldiers, so I am unsure why you would be given access. But orders are orders. I see you brought your own bow, and you will find arrows at each station. Do you want the beginner's course or the advanced one?"
"I'll try the advanced one," said Astra. "Is it challenging?"
"It's quite challenging, and the course our best archers use for competitions," said the officer. "Even the beginner course is challenging. Are you sure you want to try it?"
"Pretty sure," said Astra. "I like challenges."
"Then please follow me," said the officer with a shrug of his shoulders.
The officer led Astra to one of the courses, where a target was positioned at the far end. A collection of arrows in a quiver stood nearby, and there was also an elevated wooden platform with a seat you could sit on to practice shooting as if riding a horse. Astra took out her bow, tested it, and then turned to the officer.
"Don't let me keep you," said Astra.
"I'll wait just in case you want to move to the beginner course," said the officer who had been skeptical of Astra since she had arrived.
"Very well. To start, I think I'll pretend I'm on horseback," said Astra, who climbed into the seat facing the target. "So, I'm riding along, minding my own business, and suddenly, out of nowhere, three enemies attack. What to do?"
And with that, Astra pushed herself off the seat into the air and drew her bow. Time seemed to stand still as she threaded and fired three arrows in rapid succession. Two hit the bull's eye, and the third missed by only a small distance. Then Astra landed back on to her seat.
"Gee, I missed one. I guess I do need to get in more practice," said Astra as she shook her head.
Meanwhile, the officer watching was speechless and trying to recover his composure.
"Holy Hylia, what just happened? You fired all three arrows in what seemed like only an instant and with unerring accuracy! I've never seen anything like this, even from a Rito!"
"I've practiced before," said Astra. "I think this course will do for now. But, as I said, don't let me keep you. I prefer to practice alone."
"As you wish," said the officer. "Just let me know if you need anything else, and apologies for my poor attitude. I can see it is unwise to form judgments too quickly based solely on appearances."
"I'm glad you realize that now," said Astra. "If you keep it in mind, I think you will be much the better for it in life."
The officer nodded and left, leaving Astra to practice.
It was just after finishing dinner later that night that Astra spoke privately with Zelda while seated across from each other.
"If I may, I would like to discuss something with you," said Astra.
"Yes, of course, anything you wish."
"As we move toward the next phase of our plans to combat the Yiga Clan, I still feel it's essential that I scout out their hideout," said Astra. "I know you worry about my safety. But I was sent here for a purpose, and I cannot achieve it by remaining safe inside the castle. So I hope you will come to trust that I can take care of myself."
Zelda looked at Astra and smiled, then sighed.
"You're right, of course," said Zelda. "I shouldn't stand in the way of your mission, and I have seen how capable you are. But try to understand that you are the answer to my hopes and dreams after all I've lived through. I don't want to think about losing you. Just humor me a bit longer, Astra, give me time to grow more comfortable. There is still time."
"And that's fine," said Astra. "It may still be premature to undertake such a mission, anyway. But I thought we should at least discuss it in advance. We both know neither of us will be safe until our enemies are destroyed. And trust me - I don't want to lose you either. Father would never forgive me!"
Zelda burst out laughing.
"You have a fine sense of humor," laughed Zelda. "But I know you care more about me than simply worrying about Link's displeasure. Now, shall we move on to more pleasant things? How about a stroll in the castle garden together before it gets too dark? I have many more questions about your early life. I hope you don't mind talking about it."
"Not at all. I'll be happy to tell you all I can remember," laughed Astra. "Though it may feel strange for me to be telling you things I did with the other you. However, a stroll in the garden together sounds like a nice way to end the day."
They made their way to the castle garden and were soon lost in conversation.
Meanwhile, later that day, it was early evening in Kakariko Village, and rain had just started to fall. Paya and her daughter, Layna, had finished dinner, and Layna now stood looking out at the village from the shelter of the open doorway at the top of the stairs. Several people began to run, seeking refuge from the rain, but others simply pulled up their hoods and continued on their way. The torches behind the small statue of Hylia in the village center hissed and went out. They would be re-lit once the rain ended. Fortunately, there was no lightning, just a steady rainfall, a not uncommon event in Kakariko Village. At least it helped grow the pumpkins and carrots that the village was famous for.
"I'll just go now and pay my respects, Mother," said Layna as she pulled the hood of her Sheikah garment over her head and prepared to leave.
"Be careful, dear," said Paya. "And don't stay too long."
"I won't. Just long enough, Mother," said Layna.
Layna picked up the flowers she had picked earlier from the table to the left of the door then made her way down the stairs. The two guards at the foot of the stairs nodded to her, and one spoke up.
"Do you wish someone to accompany you, Miss Layna?"
"No, thank you, I'm just making my usual visit to pray my father rests in peace. I won't take long."
Layna turned to the left and began walking alone up the path toward the village cemetery, frightening a Hightail Lizard that scampered for safety. The road to the cemetery was empty, and the only sounds were the patter of raindrops and the jingling of the wood chimes strung across the path as they blew in the breeze. Such chimes were believed to keep away evil spirits and were common throughout the village. The rainfall grew heavier, but Layna's Sheikah outfit, like everyone's, was made of water-repellent material and kept her quite dry.
When she reached the cemetery, Layna looked back down the path she had just traveled, but no one was there. Then she took a moment to look to the north and admire the view across Telta Lake and the wetlands. There was not too much to see in the dark. Hyrule Castle was visible to the left, and across the marshes, you could make out the blue glow of two ancient Shrines and the Lanayru Tower in the distance toward Zora's Domain. Still, no matter the view, it was Layna's habit to spend a moment looking around and listening for anything unusual.
Layna had been paying a solitary visit to her father's grave every day since she had completed her Kaishi Trial and was thus deemed fully capable of protecting herself. By now, nobody in the village paid any attention to her daily walks there, which is precisely what she and her family wanted. They knew there were Yiga Clan spies in the village. But spies wished to remain undetected and only took the risk of discovery when there was something valuable to learn. Risking discovery and an end to their usefulness simply to watch someone pray for a deceased relative was not considered wise.
Most days, Layna's trips to the village graveyard were utterly uneventful, Layna simply stopping by her father's phony grave, laying some flowers before the headstone, and praying. But other days, this was one way her father could contact them, leaving a message she could retrieve as she knelt to place the flowers she always brought with her.
Layna turned from admiring the view and then approached her father's grave. She squatted down and arranged the flowers she had been carrying. And with care to conceal her movements and in the guise of cleaning the gravesite of leaves and debris, she removed a message hidden there and cunningly inserted it into her sleeve. Then she rose, bowed, said some prayers, and made her way back down the path to her home.
"I'm back, Mother," said Layna as she entered the residence and threw back her hood, sprinkling some water on the floor.
"I'm making us both some hot tea to warm you up, dear," said Paya. "The night is cold and damp."
When the tea was ready, they sat down, and Layna unfolded the message and handed it to her mother. There was a small note and a larger document enclosed, all encrypted. The note said:
ICMLDVIKLRVXDNLDMHXRDCVURSHTHQQRDQVLYQW
"Help me with this," said Paya. "Today is the fourth day of the week, so the cipher key is 'TOUGH PUMPKINS ARE SWELL,' and we shift the plain text alphabet four positions, right?"
"Yes, let me write out the decryption key, eliminating duplicate letters and the full alphabet underneath, so we can easily substitute the bottom letters for the top ones in the message," said Layna.
TOUGHPMKINSAREWLBCDFJQVXYZ
WXYZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUV
"Now, if you read off the message letters to me one by one, Mother, I will write down the substitute letters," said Layna.
The message
ICMLDVIKLRVXDNLDMHXRDCVURSHTHQQRDQVLYQW
decrypted to
ENCLOSED LIST OF LOCATIONS YIGA WARRIORS LURK
"It seems Father has been busy gathering information for us," said Layna.
"Yes, and this will be useful to Her Majesty in planning the attack," said Paya. "We will want to eliminate as many of those away from their headquarters as possible or be prepared if they teleport back to headquarters during our attack."
Layna tossed the cover note into the fire and watched it burn.
"I will bring the list of locations to Hyrule Castle personally," said Layna. "And I will decrypt it only once I am safely there."
They finished their tea, and then Layna retired to her room. She fell asleep to the sound of the rain beating against the roof overhead.