Chapter Fifteen – The Berserker (8,553 words)
Link and Zelda spent the better part of an hour rushing around the Zora's palace and surrounding areas, desperate to find any trace of the former residents.
They found nobody. No signs of force, no spilled blood or errant moulted scales. It was as if every person had just walked away somewhere.
Since the Zora normally swam, there was no way to tell if they had all traversed the river. As Link came back out from the Palace, Zelda came up from the side of the lake. They both met up at the tree where they had hitched their horses, the only other beings still there with them.
"I wish I knew what to say! There's nothing in there. Didn't even find a lone note or cryptic smudged message on a wall…" Link said, taut with worry.
With Prince Ralis missing too, it didn't bode well at all. People depended on the Zora to ensure the drinking water was clean. Without them, the entire realm was under threat.
"I may have found something, but I have no idea at this point. Follow me to the rivers edge" Zelda said, walking ahead of him.
Following her, he knelt next to her as she pointed in to the river. He looked and his eyes took a moment to adjust.
"Do you see it? On the waters surface?" she asked, focusing as much as he could, he eventually noticed it. On the surface sat an almost see through film, with a very slight tint of grey. It webbed across the surface of the water. In small parts of the river where the water wasn't cascading as much, there appeared to be a thin cloudy residue under the surface.
"Yeah...that doesn't look like anything that should be in a river…" he remarked.
They both spent a moment looking around the river, finding the strange fluid all around the place. At best, it was hard to notice. At worst, it could be what had caused the disappearance of Zora.
"Link, I am gravely concerned...if something is happening at the Lakebed temple, then we need to find it as soon as possible…" Zelda said, feeling paralysed by the disappearance of an entire race.
But Link couldn't afford to divert there. Not now at least. He still had his deadline to keep with Ghirahim.
"Zelda...This is horrible… We will find the Zora and return every last one them home. But I still need to keep this deadline…" he said, hating that this had to be a choice at all.
Zelda looked to him desperately. "Link...I...but…" she stammered, for the first time he had ever heard.
He felt awful, having to put this amount of pressure on her. The ruler in her screaming to save an entire people spirited from their homes. As hard as it was, he wouldn't deny Ilia and his child. Hopefully, the Zora would be alright. Or so Link tried to justify it to himself.
Zelda looked frantic as she paced back and forth, an inch from riding off by herself. Torn by both decisions, she got more agitated. Wisdom wouldn't provide an easy answer here.
"Can we really not just go and check if they are there at the temple?!" She finally managed to get out. Hating himself for denying her, he stood his ground nonetheless.
"No." He said flatly. "I want to make sure Ilia and my child are both alright. Afterwards though…"
"Link! Afterwards, they could all be dead! All of them!" she said frantically, unable to stop pacing.
He looked her straight in the eyes this time. He knew how panic could set deep roots if it was allowed. He needed to help snap her out of this.
"Zelda! Listen to me. We don't know that for sure. I know you are worried about them, but don't let yourself fall to fear! I promise you, we will find them all! But you know I need to do this first… Do you think you could ignore people important to you?"
He was making himself sick. That he felt he had to give such low blows to her when she was panicking for a valid reason. She wasn't soothed, if anything he had made things worse for her.
"Ignore people important to me?! Link, I am a princess! I worry about everyone in danger! Do you think I find this choice easy to make?!" she said forcefully.
He felt bile rising in his throat, threatening to make him vomit. Spurred by desperation, he stepped towards her and cupped her face in both of his hands. She was taken aback for a moment, her eyes widening in shock.
"Zelda, please. I need you to focus," he said softly, his voice trembling.
For a moment, everything went still. She felt the warmth of his hands, the firmness of his touch grounding her. Her breath caught in her throat, and the world seemed to narrow to the space between them. The panic that had gripped her began to ebb away, replaced by the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath.
"By the goddesses...I hate this" she whispered, her voice breaking.
As he released her, she took another deep breath, trying to steady herself. The frantic energy dissipated, leaving a heavy weight of decision in its place. She opened her eyes and looked at him, seeing the earnest desperation in his gaze.
"Alright, Link. Alright. We will do it your way," she said, her voice steadier now. "But promise me we'll look for them. The second that we can."
"I promise" he said, his voice filled with relief and determination.
Zelda breathed a deep and shaky sigh of relief. Link couldn't fathom what dark force had orchestrated this chaos. But one thing was certain: he would hunt it down and tear it apart, no matter the cost.
They worked in silence as they mounted their horses again and galloped them hard, back to Hyrule Castle. The ride was relentless as they pushed both Epona and Cyd to their limits. Driven by dread and guilt, they wanted it to be done with as soon as possible.
Wordlessly, they tore through the Zora river and hurtled on to Hyrule's vast plains and fields even before the sun started its descent.
Link's back was hurting from riding for so long and his legs burned from the strain. Zelda had broken in to a sweat under her own strain. But they pushed on. Time now, was critical. They moved so fast that they drew the attention of a patrol of Hyrule's armed forces. The dust trail they were kicking up was visible from a long way and a squad of mounted troops moved to block their passage, worried there was an attacking force coming for Castle Town.
Both Link and Zelda shared a look and nodded. They couldn't afford a single delay. As the neared the blockade, they heard a booming voice of the mounted troops commander.
"Halt!"
As they neared at speed, Link saw the guards had readied spears and the mounted troops had drawn bows.
"Move aside! We are Link and Princess Zelda!" he shouted back as they neared, the troops close enough to distinguish now.
He saw the soldiers look to each other in confusion, there was not enough time for them to stand aside now. Both Link and Zelda moved their horses to either side of the blockade to ride around it. Hyrule's fields being wide both wide and flat enough to attempt the move. To his relief, he heard the same booming voice.
"Stand down! Stand down!"
He would make his apologies later, as they passed the blockade in a near blur.
Without being pursued, Hyrule castle was coming in to view, with the roofs and peaks of Castle Town surrounding it. So they rode on. Looking over, he could see Zelda focused on the ride, staring coldly ahead.
Cyd was barely managing to keep up. Epona was strong but she outmatched most horses. He prayed that Cyd would be able to keep his efforts up until they got back to the stables.
As they rode, the looming castle grew larger as they neared. Glad that the ride was close to over, they both pushed on.
"Link!" Zelda shouted over the noise of galloping hooves.
He looked to her, raising an eyebrow.
"When we get there, I'll let the guards know you can go to the archives. Ask the staff there to help you find diplomatic documents sent to the Gerudo in the past five years, that is the earliest I started trying to communicate with them" she said as she wiped her eyes, stinging from the wind.
"I need to send troops to Zora's domain, and Lake Hylia, to try and get some help for the Zora. Let us meet back at the stables once we are done" Link nodded wordlessly.
He didn't dare oppose that idea. It was a good one after all. Any help the Zora could get now would be vital. The sun sank lower, starting to turn the land a light shade of orange. Link didn't know how many miles he had pushed Epona but she likely wouldn't be very happy with him, he thought.
They finally started slowing their pace to a fast trot as the Castle Town bridge came upon them. Guards at the bridge almost challenged them, but Zelda had removed her head covering. Cyd was a distinctive horse too, as the guards eyes went wide, recognising her.
"By my authority as Princess, stand aside." she said bluntly. The guards could not have rushed aside faster as they stood at a perfect salute, holding their breaths. Passing through the gates, Link felt a twinge of awkwardness at Zelda's driven demeanour. But efficiency was needed. He pondered the impact of court life on her, how she must have balanced decorum and decisiveness over the years. Had his own straightforward approach influenced her? He mused over it as they navigated the crowded streets, citizens bowing to Zelda and even to him. He nodded and smiled briefly, feeling the imposter syndrome gnaw at him, despite understanding the respect they felt.
Following the paths up to the Castle gates, the had to slow their horses to a quick canter, to avoid the throngs of people going to and from one place or another. They were quick to get away thankfully, horses being bigger, faster, and far stronger after all.
Finally, they made it to the royal stables. Attendants rushed out of various doors and buildings to take Cyd from Zelda and begin providing expert care. Some offered to handle Epona too. Her breathing was laboured and there was a slight tremble in her legs too. Cyd was worse off for the hard ride. Grateful for the attention she would receive, he dismounted. Patting Eponas thick neck, he scratched her ear.
"I'm sorry. I know that must have been hard. But as always, you were wonderful" he said to her.
She bumped her muzzle against Link's shoulder gently, no love lost. One of the many aides took Epona's reins and guided her in to a stable next to Cyd. The attendants were rushing around, bringing fresh water to a trough and laying down a salt lick for both horses. It brought Link some peace to know Epona and Cyd would be well looked after for however long they would be in the castle. Zelda was in discussion with several of her aides. Through her intense conversation, several of the aides nodded briskly as she delegated roles and responsibilities. Some left for different routes around the castle, but one came straight over to Link. A balding older man with a bushy grey beard and a pair of thin half moon glasses stood before him.
"Master Link, I am the custodian of the royal archives, Egon." he said, bowing politely
"Well met, Egon. Has Princess Zelda told you of our urgent needs?" he asked, with as much tact as he thought he needed.
"She has told me to take you to the archives, with urgency. To find copies of diplomatic messages sent from us to the Gerudo, if I am not mistaken?"
"Yes. Do you know how many copies of those messages there are in total?" Link asked.
Egon looked thoughtful for a moment.
"From what I recall, there should be at least four different messages. Shall I take you to the archives now, sir?" he asked, a little on edge.
Zelda's urgency must have been beyond what he was used to. Link nodded, following Egon as he led him deep in to the castle. Zelda was too preoccupied with trying to deploy her troops so, Link left her to her work. She was the expert in this after all. As they walked further through, he could see a flurry of activity. Councillors moved urgently with bundles of documents, military staff ran in unison to their barracks and armouries, servants assisted or got out of the way, They hadn't even been here a few minutes and already things were in motion. Link's gratitude to Zelda grew even further.
"May I ask why the Princess has asked for these documents, Master Link?" Egon asked, brimming with curiosity.
Link thought for a moment. Neither he nor Zelda had thought about the level of secrecy that may be needed with their plan. Or if there was a need for one at all. He supposed there was no harm in letting the custodian of the archives know why.
"We may have a way to contact the Gerudo finally, which in a double stroke, may solve an issue of national security we are facing. More than that though, I cannot say."
The custodian nodded in response as they walked on.
"Also, please just call me Link. I've never really been fond of honorifics" he said, a little sheepishly. Egon smiled.
"I understand Link. Truth be told? That's one of the more frustrating things about working here. Having to wonder what the right title is for the fifty or so people you have to interact with. It's as if the persons title is more important than their own name!" he remarked.
"Exactly! I was never 'Lord Link' in my earlier life. Just Link!" he enthused.
"I've even been called 'Your eminence' before… I'm not even King!"
Egon wheezed as he laughed.
"Well if I may say Link, that humility? And your attitude in general? I think you would have made a fine King" he remarked happily.
"Oh! Thank you Egon…" Link said, taken aback by the heartfelt compliment.
"It was my pleasure."
Turning another corner, Egon opened a large set of doors. The smell of paper and ink wafted through in to the corridor. As they entered, Link was amazed to see tall rows of solidly crafted shelves, loaded neatly to the brim with boxes and bound papers. The room itself stretched beyond sight. Books, tomes, documents...everything was here.
Egon took Link to a desk a little further in. Heaving a large book out of a draw, he flicked through it, peering closely at the pages as he murmured to himself. Link stared around the rows upon rows of accumulated knowledge, wondering what he could learn with an unlimited amount of time to read through it all.
"Aha! Diplomatic documents are not too far from here. Please, follow me Link." Egon said energetically. He led him around the imposing and tall bookshelves to a row further down the room. Each of the bookcases reached the ceiling, so there were ladders on rails attached to each of the bookcases to reach them.
"My apologies Link, but at my age I'm more likely to fall from a ladder than to climb up one. If you wouldn't mind climbing for me?"
"Of course." Link replied instantly.
Egon pointed at the bay he needed to find. There was a box labelled 'DI-H' for containing historical diplomatic invitations. Egon unlatched the sliding ladder, moved it along and locked it in to place.
"You'll not find a more stable ladder even if it was made by the goddesses themselves" Egon said with a wink.
Smiling, Link clambered up. It took him no more than a minute, after he was done staring across the tops of the rows of bookshelves, seeing that they went even further back than he thought. How big was this room? It was almost as large as Zelda's throne room. As he lifted open a lid on the marked box, he found several bound folders inside. Searching through, he eventually found one labelled 'DAO: Gerudo'.
"Direct attention of?" Link wondered.
Opening the folder, he found several neatly folded documents sealed with a dense wax. They were still pliable enough to unfold. As he read through one of them, he marvelled at Zelda's writing.
Your Eminence,
I extend my warmest greetings and sincere salutations on behalf of the Kingdom of Hyrule. It is with a heart full of hope and a vision for a prosperous future that I, Princess Zelda of Hyrule, seek to re-establish and strengthen the bonds between our two great peoples.
Our histories have been intertwined through both times of peace and conflict. Today, as we stand on the threshold of a new era, I believe it is imperative for us to rekindle the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect that once flourished between Hyrule and the Gerudo.
It is in this spirit that I reach out to you, seeking to foster a relationship based on trust, respect, and shared prosperity. The Kingdom of Hyrule recognizes the strength, resilience, and rich cultural heritage of the Gerudo people.
We are keenly aware of the challenges posed by the harsh environment of the Gerudo Desert and the extraordinary efforts your people have undertaken to thrive in such conditions. It is my hope that through open dialogue and cooperative efforts, we can work together to address these challenges and ensure the well-being and prosperity of both our peoples.
I propose the establishment of formal diplomatic channels between Hyrule and the Gerudo. Through these channels, we can discuss matters of mutual interest, including trade, cultural exchange, and security cooperation.
I envision a future where goods and knowledge flow freely between our lands, bringing bounty and enlightenment to both our peoples. To initiate this process, I humbly request a meeting at a location of your choosing, where representatives from both Hyrule and the Gerudo can come together to discuss and formalize our cooperation.
I am confident that such a meeting will pave the way for a fruitful and enduring partnership.
In closing, I extend my personal respect and goodwill to you and your people. I look forward to your positive response and the opportunity to work together for the benefit of all.
May the goddesses watch over you and grant wisdom to our endeavours.
With the highest respect,
Princess Zelda
Kingdom of Hyrule
Folding the letter back up, he saw it was dated from around five years previously. Well before the Twilight Crisis. If the Gerudo leaders, besides Ganondorf, had seen this then their reply would have practically been guaranteed. If Sabbah saw this, then it could shift her perspective of Hyrule entirely. He opened and read through four others which read roughly the same. Each of the letters was spaced around six months apart at a time. Zelda had certainly tried her best. Link took all of the documents, carefully closed the lid and slid down the edges of the ladder.
"I never thought you could descend a ladder like that… Do you not worry you might lose your footing and fall, Link?" Egon remarked, eyebrows both raised.
"Hm. The thought never really crossed my mind. As long as you keep your weight forward as you do it, it shouldn't be a problem."
"Hah! Even if your weight is considerable?" Egon laughed, slapping his protruding gut.
Link, caught off guard, couldn't help but laugh too. How long had he known Egon now? Thirty minutes or so? He was already fond of him.
Having retrieved all of the relevant diplomatic letters, they went back to the desk at the front of the archives. Igon gave Link a lockbox to store the documents in safely. The box could apparently resist the effects of weathering and heat quite well, according to Egon.
"Egon, thank you. You may not realise it but what you've done may have helped a great deal with two problems. If it does, then I hope you and I can talk again someday." Link said, eager to spend more time with the charming custodian.
"See to it Link! The drinks they serve in our halls have no equal." Egon said with a warm smile.
"Until next time then." Link said, smiling himself.
Egon remained in the archives, taking care of more documents as he waved Link off. He left for the stables as he had agreed with Zelda. Returning through the castle, it was still busy, but there seemed to be better organisation going on now.
People did not look surprised or flustered any more, but instead moved with intent. They knew exactly what they had to do now. Soldiers wore their armour and carried their swords, marching in neat order through the halls as they went to assemble elsewhere. Staff carried various documents and maps, neatly rolled under their arms. Calm and focused discussions bounded from wall to wall. Despite the urgency, Link felt a little calmer that things were progressing so smoothly and so quickly.
Arriving back at the stables, Zelda wasn't there yet. So he went back to Epona to see how she was doing. In the stables, she was drinking from a water trough and seemed to have recovered from the journey in a short amount of time. Cyd however was still exhausted as attendants fussed over him. Epona seemed to hear his laboured breathing and poked her head out of the stable door. Was she worried about him? Link went to Cyd's stable and saw the attendants rubbing his muscles to soothe the soreness he would likely be experiencing for a few days. He lapped at his near empty trough eagerly. Heading back to Epona, satisfied, he rubbed her head gently.
"Don't worry. He's really tired, but they're taking good care of him." he assured her.
She snorted in satisfaction. As he waited for Zelda, he decided to brush Epona down. He hadn't done so in some time. Epona rasped happily as he brushed dirt and dust out of her hair and mane. The attendants had a skilled farrier amongst them. She had been given new horseshoes and her feet had been trimmed, balanced and cleaned too. Link found tore a small sheet of paper from a notebook he had and wrapped several red rupees in it.
He wrote on the paper 'For caring so well for my horse. -Link' Then he left it in easy view in Epona's stable. Zelda came back to the stables shortly after. She looked exactly as focused as she had earlier. Looking over to Link, her expression softened slightly as she managed a small smile.
"Well, I have done what I can. Forty of our finest soldiers are being deployed. Twenty to the Zora's palace and another twenty to Lake Hylia. Those who can swim will search the lake for our missing allies and the others will keep watch. I feel a little easier about this now."
She moved to the stable and leaned against the door, sighing.
"It would be wonderful if things could be just 'fixed', rather than some new disaster showing its ugly head whenever it felt like it…" she mused.
Link shared the sentiment. Lasting peace wasn't an impossible dream. But it was unreasonably hard to take steps towards it, he thought.
"You handled yourself well. The amount of focus and drive you had was almost frightening!" Link teased.
She smiled at his remark, looking over to him.
"Thank you. I appreciate you saying so. For the amount I complain about my position sometimes, I am pleased that I can utilise it to its best abilities when I need to."
"Of that, I have no doubt."
Link looked back to Cyd's stable, thinking how exhausted he was.
"Are you sure you want to come with me? I have no objection if you do. But Cyd is spent. I wouldn't recommend you ride him for a few days at least…" he offered.
"No, I want to come along for this, especially if the Gerudo are there. Not only have I been trying to contact them for years, but if we are able to show them we intended to contact them, then we may be able to forge the path we originally wanted. If I am there, then I can answer any question they may have." she said honestly.
"It's a good idea. The only issue I have is that they serve Ghirahim now. They have had years of being manipulated against Hylians so they may not be so easily persuaded. Plus, he may not appreciate us trying to appeal to his assassins…"
Zelda considered what he said, thinking quietly for a moment, but it didn't take her long to reply.
"I have no doubt of you or that Link. But if they have been manipulated for so long, they deserve to voice their problems to me as Princess. I would be a poor ruler if I made no effort with them." she said, looking him straight in the eyes.
She would not relent on this. Link nodded, then opened Epona's stable. Taking her reins, he eased her forward and out in to the courtyard.
"Epona is strong and reliable. You can tandem behind me if you wish, unless you have another horse you trust for this ride?" Zelda walked to Epona and faced her.
"Epona, I ask a lot of you, but may I ride along with Link?" she asked.
Epona nuzzled her with a snort.
"I think that means yes!" Link exclaimed, eager to begin.
They both started packing their equipment and loading Epona's saddlebags with extra rations and supplies. Link mounted Epona and helped Zelda up, sitting her behind him on a dual saddle she had ordered as they packed.
"Right...it's time. Have you spoken to everyone you need to? Because things are about to get busy again" he asked.
"Yes, mother…" she replied dryly.
Smirking, Link spurred Epona in to a quick canter as they set off from the Castle grounds once again. They made their way through the streets as the sun was beginning to set, casting a rich orange tint over the sky. Twilight, and it was serene. If not for reaching Ghirahim, Link felt he might have enjoyed lazing on some balcony somewhere with a coffee. Maybe a whisky.
Later, they emerged back on to Hyrule field as the sky was starting to darken once more. Here, they could finally begin in earnest. Spurring Epona again, Link took her in to a gallop. Less intense than the one they had ridden all the way here, but the wind whipped at Link's face anyway. Both he and Zelda felt the nerves tensing as they rode south in to the Faron Woods. What awaited them both, he thought.
"Link, do you ever get used to the wind?! My eyes are stinging again." Zelda said, annoyed.
He smiled privately. He knew exactly what she meant. The times he had ridden Epona like this in the past, his eyes had stung too against the rush of wind.
"Not really. It's always going to irritate your eyes if you're going this fast. Goggles might help though. But usually, most people don't ride their horses as fast as we have." he offered.
"Is it any better in warmer places?"
He took a minute to think about the warmer places he had been. He hadn't ridden Epona in the desert before, but he had ridden fast and powerful boars there.
"No, if anything it's worse. The hotter air dries your eyes out faster, so they hurt more. Usually you'd have to ride whilst you were squinting. And that only helps a bit. Keeping your eyes shut that tight for that long though? Makes your eyebrows ache!"
She laughed at his remark. He wondered if he should invest in a couple of pairs of goggles though. It could be a good idea.
Focusing, he rode onwards with Zelda as the trees started to envelop them. The ones that had survived the forest fire after all. Charred remains still marred the landscape but most of the ash seemed to have been washed away by rain. The forest looked uninviting with so many dead trees and blackened remains perforating the landscape. He pressed on, spying a few trees that had avoided most of the firestorm.
Time and landscape continued to pass as the rode further and further in to the woods as they started to get more dense. The path he had cleared with his empowered boomerang was still gouged ahead of them. He recalled the villagers having to make their way through here by foot. He could reach Ordon village within a few hours on Epona, but to walk from there to Castle Town must have been exhausting for the villagers, even if the woods were not burning. Shaking the thought off, he pressed on.
"It is surreal seeing the damage caused by the fire when you are this close to it…" Zelda remarked as she took in the surroundings.
"As bad as it was, the forest will endure. In a month or so, we should see new trees sprout and the plants too. It's really hard to defeat the designs of nature" he replied.
"Very true. We are lucky for natures resilience."
They eventually came to the bridge leading in to Ordon Village. At the opposite side, Link spied the imposing figure of Sabbah. She stood taller than the other Gerudo women he had seen.
"Zelda...I think this woman is called Sabah. She seemed to lead to Red Vipers when I last saw her. Are you ready?" he asked, hiding how on edge he was.
"Yes. I have to try. A great many things could hinge on what we discuss today" she replied, a small amount of tension carrying in her voice. They both dismounted her. Link scratched her ear lightly.
"Stay here please. I don't know how long I'll be in there, but I will return as soon as I can. Hopefully, with good news"
Epona rasped and rolled her head from side to side. Link knew she wouldn't bolt if left untied. Walking to their end of the bridge, they stood together. Link swallowed and raised his arm, waving to Sabbah. She did not respond.
"Off to a good start then…" he bemoaned. "Let's go. She should make her intentions clear very soon…"
Zelda remained stoic. They both stepped on to the bridge, their eyes straight ahead as they took measured steps over the old wooden bridge. Sabbah's figure growing more imposing the closer they got. Link heard a rustling noise behind him as they reached the halfway point of the bridge. Turning, he saw two smaller Gerudo women now blocking the way out. Their arms folded, they said nothing and made no move. But their curved swords glinted under the light of the moon, now high in the sky. Exhaling, they both turned back and walked towards Sabbah. They ended up standing a few feet from her before she finally said anything.
"Who is girl?" she asked, whilst pointing, in her thick accent.
"Well met, my name is…" Sabbah held her hand up, stopping Zelda.
"I ask him, not you" she replied coldly. "Who is girl, boy?"
"Her name is Zelda. She is princess of Hyrule. She wanted to meet you and the Gerudo" Link replied, as calmly as he could.
"Why?" came the quick reply, directed at Link again. Zelda remained calm, somehow.
"She wanted to speak with you about why your letters, and hers, never reached either side."
Sabbah looked at Zelda finally. She also leaned forward, bringing her face an inch from Zelda's own.
"Hm. You are ruler?"
"I am." Zelda replied, sensing that direct answers was what Sabbah cared about.
"Because of you, Gerudo suffer. You ignore letter of plea? We ask for help many time!"
"I never got any letters from any Gerudo. The last time Hyrule heard from the Gerudo was twenty years ago." Zelda retorted.
Link was surprised she could maintain a calm voice despite being pincered by dangerous assassins.
"Was told you would say that. Enough talk. Follow." Sabbah replied bluntly.
She turned around and started walking the path to the village. Looking to her, Link saw Zelda shrug. So, they followed. It was time to meet Ghirahim again. Walking through the village, he saw that a lot of it had been converted in to a ramshackle fort. Several fences of wooden stakes had been built, providing vantage points for other Red Vipers to guard. Each of which stared at the two of them relentlessly as they walked the path to Mayor Bo's home. Link felt his heart beat harder. He took deep breaths as he walked.
"Hah! You are scared, boy." Sabbah said, cutting to the root of the matter.
"Of course I am... The mother of my child, and my child are in danger. I have no idea how volatile Ghirahim is either."
"At least you honest. If only brave too" she tutted in response. The village rolled by slowly. The peaceful farming town now an outpost for the Red Vipers. Link looked ahead. Recalling the past wouldn't serve him now. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they arrived at the lit building. Draped in red cloth, it looked more imposing than it ever had in Link's memory. Sabbah opened the door.
"In" she gestured with her thumb sharply.
Looking at each other and sharing a nod, they crossed the threshold. Six Red Vipers stood at an equal distance around the room, covering every angle. Their arms folded and their faces veiled. Sabbah stood to one side and pointed at the floor in front of her. Link and Zelda took the cue.
Ghirahim stood with his back to the door, he was playing with Link's child. Holding her in the crook of his arm, he made gestures to them as they giggled innocently, trying to grasp at his waggling fingers.
"And would you look at that! The father finally arrives! I almost had to dispose of you, yes I did!" he said in mocking childish voice, wiggling his slender fingers over the baby's head as they continued to giggle.
Ilia sat in a chair, unbound this time but unharmed. She looked well enough, but stress had taken its toll on her. Dark circles rounded her eyes, her skin pale.
"Link!" she said, her voice worn out.
Her smile looked like the first one she had had in a long time. In an instant, before Link even saw it, Ghirahim appeared in front of her, making her jump slightly. He held the baby out to her.
"Ah no, no, no!" he said as he waved his finger in front of her "The men of the house must have a chat. You be a good darling mother now and stay quiet."
Ilia's brief smile was wiped away as she took the baby back in her arms, holding them close to her chest. Link managed to force a smile to Ilia before Ghirahim turned to face him.
"Oh another guest?" He said, his calculating eyes wandering over Zelda
"Ghirahim?" she asked without a hint of warmth.
He span on the spot and flourished in to a smooth bow. He flicked his head up from the low bow.
"Well done, your most royal majesty! Your ability to determine self evident facts is truly enviable" He clapped his hands, applauding to set the tone for the night.
"What a wonder indeed! To have the owners of the Triforce of Courage and Wisdom in the same place? Delicious!" he said, licking his lips with his long tongue.
"Perhaps it was a waste of time to send you after the Triforce of power, hmm?" His sneer was infuriating. Link couldn't help but admire his charisma, though he would never admit that to anyone.
"Yes, I imagine if you both pooled your pitiable brain power, we may be able to achieve my aims!" he clapped again, bouncing on his feet.
Turning his head to look between them, the playful side of Ghirahim disappeared in an instant.
"But no, my master would despise that. To be brought to life by the most reviled aspects of the goddesses? Hah! I spit at the notion!" he spat, the wad of phlegm landing an inch from Zelda's feet.
Link, seething, rooted himself to the spot. He knew Ghirahim was dangerous and powerful. He would do better to control his emotions here.
"Well boy! Chop chop!" he slapped his hand twice, imitating a head waiter. "Out with it then! Tell me you retrieved it?"
Ghirahim placed both hands on his chin, imitating an eager young child. The resemblance was uncanny.
"You do love the sound of your own voice don't you? Of course I retrieved it." Link said though gritted teeth.
"Oh! The bite! The wit!" He slapped both hands to his cheeks, leaving his mouth open.
"I have personally been more threatened by wilted lettuce than you. Now before you melt your brain trying to pretend you have a lick of intelligence…" He opened extended his arm, opening his hand slowly.
"The piece of the Triforce of Power, if you would be such a darling?"
Slowly twisting his head, he spread an unnatural grin across his smooth pale face. Biting his cheek, Link did his best to not let Ghirahim's needling provoke him again.
"Do you think it a coin or something? I have no idea how to give you something intangible" he bit back.
Ghirahim threw his head back and laughed a cruel, mocking laugh.
"The lettuce wilts further! Ahaha! I suppose it was too much of me to expect you to know anything beyond the alphabet and it's assemblages."
Zelda remained stoic and unflinching as she raced through options in her mind. Link knew all that his opponent had were childish insults to rile him up. But if he gave in, Ilia and his child were still in dangers reach.
"If you do so wish to spare your beauty of a woman and your darling child, give me your hand!" he said, full of energy.
He pointed to Links left hand, the glow of the Triforce of courage visible through his gauntlet. As well as a partially filled segment of the Triforce of Power atop the other two pieces.
"And if I do, you guarantee their safety?" Link asked, honestly preferring the option if it got this over with faster.
"Link, no!" Ilia cried from her seat.
"Link, yes!" Ghirahim said over her, wearing his arrogant grin.
"It's quite simple isn't it! You simply remove your left hand, where the Triforce has anchored itself, then you give me said hand! And after I thoroughly wash the filthy thing, I extract the relic of the pitiable goddesses and...away I go!" He bounced on his feet again, rolling on his the balls of his feet.
Link looked to his hand. Would Ghirahim be able to extract the Triforce from his severed hand? Not wanting to risk Ilia or his child though, any price was worth paying. He withdrew the Master Sword from its scabbard and slipped off his gauntlet. The Gerudo guards, and Sabbah, turning their heads to witness the sight. Slowly he held his hand out in front of him.
Ilia looked mortified, her eyes wide, streaming with tears. She hid the baby's face in her chest. He brought the blade of evils bane to his wrist as he sized up the best place to strike, his heart hammering now. He heard the heartbeat in his ears. Was he really about to do this? He knew that pain eventually subsided...but to lose his hand? He stared at it for a moment and took a light test swing with the blade. Ghirahim cackled at the tension and hesitation.
"I can wait as long as you wish! But until I possess what rightfully belongs to my master, then your time for our deal continues to run out! Oh no!" he taunted, in his childish voice.
He could still wield the Master Sword with one hand. So he told himself anyway. Cold sweat formed at his brow as he continued to stare at his hand. At that moment, his memories of his life with Ilia until now replayed in his mind. Playing together as children, caring for forest animals, sharing meals together, playing in the fields...he wanted her to have her freedom. He wanted to know his child! He wound his sword arm back and tensed with power, ready to make the cut.
"Wait a moment." Zelda said, grabbing everyone's attention.
"Oh, of course the woman wishes to speak. Why don't you cook us men a nice supper instead? Perhaps then, you may be allowed to speak." sneered an irritated Ghirahim.
He hadn't noticed the heads of some of the Gerudo stare at him with supreme disappointment. Zelda didn't take the vile bait.
"The Triforce is not some toy so easily passed around. By the goddesses very design, it may only reside in the bodies chosen by them. Myself, Link, and your dessicated master. Even taking Links hand, you will never be able to possess, let alone carry any aspect of the Triforce. It is a fools errand." she retorted, impeccably calm.
Ghirahim scoffed, but Zelda pressed on, seizing the moment.
"But perhaps it is not surprising that you, a creature of deceit, would chase such a futile goal. Just as you and your master have deceived these Gerudo women." Ghirahim's sneer faltered, some of the Gerudo shifted uncomfortably.
"You speak of deception? Pray tell, what nonsense are you spouting now?" he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm, but there he was taken aback. A sliver of uncertainty in his eyes that even Link saw.
Zelda locked eyes with Sabbah, then scanned the room, ensuring she had the attention of the Gerudo.
"The Gerudo have been manipulated for years. Ganondorf, your malefactor posing as a king, has used and discarded you as pawns in his quest for power. The letters we sent to the Gerudo, seeking peace and cooperation, were intercepted. Your master did not want peace! He thrives on discord!" She took a step forward, her voice ringing with conviction.
"Your loyalty has been twisted, your purpose corrupted. You fight for a cause that only seeks to keep you under control, to use your strength for his gain, not yours. Why do you think Ganondorf prevented any messages from reaching you? Because unity among us would threaten his power. He feared the strength we would have together!"
The room was silent, the Gerudo warriors glancing at each other, their expressions a mix of confusion and realization.
"Enough!" Ghirahim shouted, but his voice lacked its usual confidence.
"You think a mere Hylian has the capacity to be honest?! Her people ignored your pleas when you needed help the most!"
"A Hylian was just willing to sever his own hand in a bid to save his partner and child, your hostages. And you have the gall to call this dishonest?" Zelda countered, her voice steady and clear.
"You all deserve the truth. And you know it" She withdrew four of the letters and held them above her head for all to see.
"These are the documents we tried to send you! These are what Gannondorf…"
There was a series of magical pops, as several red and black cards appeared in the air. In an instant, they flew through the air and Zelda's hand. Blood sprayed from it as the papers and Zelda's hand fell apart in to bloody pieces on the floor.
Her eyes became pinpricks as colour drained from her face and her blood splashed in to her hair, rolling down her head and face. Crashing to her knees, she cradled her arm and looked at the raw stump. Her breath caught as she choked. Then, she cried a blood curdling scream as the pain tore through her entire body, wracking her to her core.
The piercing cry shook everyone in the small building. Tears flowing freely mixed with the blood. Ilia looked in horror at what Ghirahim had done, bone white. The Gerudo women all jumped at the sudden change in the room.
Link stared helplessly as a powerful inferno of fury burst in to being inside him, threatening to crush him in to dust. His breath staggered at the sudden assault as his mind started to unravel at speed. His blood boiling and his anger unlimited. He tweaked his head to face Ghirahim, his breathing ragged.
"Fabrications, all!" Ghirahim stammered, his sick bravado gone. "Lies! Of course she would lie!"
Link felt something snap inside him as a torrent of fury overtook him. Every vein filled with fire and hatred. On his last remaining instinct, he channelled his fury in to his Triforce of courage. 'Make me strong enough to tear him apart, to rip him with my bare fucking hands…' he thought frantically, with his last clear thought.
The Triforce responded.
He felt power surge in to him as his vision changed its normal hues to blue. Everyone in the room glowed in the blue light, showing the heat of their bodies. His muscles tensed with dangerous amounts of power as he trembled under the rush of strength. His throat clenched as his breath became feral. One thought erased all others.
Ghirahim must die.
In an instant, Link leapt at him and devastating speed as he let out a savage primal roar that shook him to his very core, it empowered him. He swung a clenched fist straight in to his vile foes stomach.
Under his fist, he felt cartilage snap and an organ burst. His fury unabated, swelled in its power. He swung his head down on to his hated enemy with all of the force he could muster. He felt the enemy's bone crunch under the blow as a gout of blood spewed from his wretched eyes. He could not hear his enemy wail in agony. He was nowhere near done with him yet.
He stamped the heel of his boot in to his enemy's knee. With a brutal kick, the leg bent entirely backwards as the hated foe crumpled to the floor, hopefully screaming. He must suffer! How dare he?!
Standing above the hated one, he swung his leg backwards and twisted his waist as he kicked with all the force of his anger in to the vile ones ribs. Several snapped bones burst through his back with chunks of flesh, fat and blood. The hated one must be crushed!
Reaching down, he lifted the wretched body in a single hand and threw it with all of his might straight in to the wall. Were there other screams? They did not matter before the enemy. Blood smeared the wall where his foe had impacted it.
There was his hand! How dare he have those vile things! Grabbing one, he bent the disgusting implement all the way back as bone crumpled in to fragments as the cracks brought a visceral satisfaction to him. The wretched implement flopped uselessly. The hated one cried aloud!
How dare he still breathe! He must be punished! Lifting up the wretch in one hand, he held the despicable head tight, feeling cracks and pops course through his own hand. With his other, he sunk the spear of his fingers in to the eye of the most hated fiend. He felt flesh deform and burst to his pleasure. Withdrawing pieces of the deplorable eye, he jabbed the pointed finger in to the other eye and twisted it in the hole, crushing and rupturing the wicked ones vision. The vile one screamed! What elation!
There were other screams again? There were other ones here besides the hated one? Then, the vision of fury dimmed ever so slightly… the haze of rage and fire dimmed ever so slightly. Just enough for organic thought to occur.
What had happened? Breathing still ragged, the fury looked for the sounds that had distracted him. There were other shapes here… what were they? As his mind realised there were more here, the raging fury dimmed further as the vision became clearer.
They were people? One was one the floor and her colour was all over the floor? There were others… The blue haze dimmed further as organic though took its roots again. What happened? He wondered where he was. He knew he was here for some reason… Then, the vision faded entirely.
Link's sight became his own again. His breathing steadied as he blinked away his delirium. Zelda! He looked to her laying on the floor, her bloodied arm was missing her hand. There were two women tending to her...Gerudo! That was it! Wait, what was the reason...Ilia! The baby! Turning on the spot, he saw her on the couch, mouth agape and tears streaming down her face and ashen skin. He walked towards her.
"Ilia! Are you ok?"
Ilia screamed as he approached and nearly fell out of her seat as she scrambled from him, the baby clutched tight to her.
"Ilia?" he asked, wondering why she was scared of him. "What's wrong?"
"Get away! Get away from me! I don't want you near me or Lilia again!" she screamed at the top of her voice.
She took off at a full sprint through the unguarded door.
"What? Ilia, wait!" he said as he made for the door. Zelda and the two Gerudo women tending to her rapidly scrambled back from his path. Zelda looked at him in abject fear, tears streaming down her bloodied face. Gritting her teeth to deal with the pain, but the fear was stronger…
"Zelda…?" Link asked, scared to his core. Looking around the room, he saw the other Gerudo women shaking. The one pointing her sword towards him couldn't keep her sword arm still as she shook, her eyes as wide as they could go. Others pressed themselves against the wall, trembling in horror.
"What...happened…?" He asked, fear taking root in him now that he could finally think.
A wet gurgle came from the floor near him. Looking over, Link nearly vomited. Ghirahim lay there, a broken horrific mess. Bones piercing through his skin, his skull dented, his leg bent straight back… dark blood pooling around him. The twitching body shook as he vomited a buckets worth of blood from his bent mouth. By some unknown means came a wet, gurgling and weak laugh.
"Oh hero of the realm…" he spat up more blood from his airway. "I didn't even have to do anything to you." He laughed in his sickening gurgle.
Snapping his fingers on his remaining good hand, he dematerialised in a puff of black smoke. As Link looked around, all hope gone and warmth gone from him, the women fled the room.