Chapter Seventeen – The Lake
Link felt sensation come back to him slowly. His limbs didn't respond as he tried to elicit some kind of movement out of them. Nothing. They stubbornly refused to do anything, no matter how hard he focused.
He tried to breathe, but even that required a significant effort.
His vision was dim black as his eyes tried to readjust to the world. He couldn't even open his eyelids.
He heard noises coming through his ears, but they all sounded muffled.
What had happened this time? He tried to ignite his memory and recall what he had done.
He knew it was something important...was he supposed to be doing something? Did he have to speak to someone or help with something? Vague flickers of recognition stirred in him. As he did, he felt small trickles of energy returning to him. His eyelids were still impossibly heavy. But the voices were a little clearer now.
He forced himself to think more. He remembered that he'd been drinking with the Gerudo. They had been talking a lot. Then what did he do, he wondered.
Whatever was happening to him, he felt himself gain more control over his body. Forcing his eyes open, he saw a soft orange light covering the sky. The trees looked nice in the sunset. His limbs still refused to move though.
He wondered how the sun could be setting already. It had last been late at night. As his vision adjusted slowly, he started to make out the shapes of more people. The rough ground beneath him felt distant, like a memory he couldn't quite grasp, and the air was thick with the earthy scent of the forest. The one nearest to him came in to focus. It was Zelda and she was talking to someone.
"Zelda?" he murmured as the effort drained him.
She looked over to him in shock.
"Link?! Are you alright? You've been unconscious for two days!"
He lay there in disbelief. He had been tired before but had never been out for longer than eight hours at most.
"Two days?" he managed to say.
"Yes. Sabbah told me what had happened. That you used your piece of the Triforce to heal my hand. Is that right?"
"Yes. Is it ok?" he replied, the short responses getting harder to say.
Zelda held her right hand out in front of him and turned it over for him to see. The sleeve of her top was stained red from her blood. But her hand at least seemed to be fine.
Link sighed in relief. He had taken horrible wounds himself but had never lost a limb in the process. He didn't dare imagine what she must have felt or thought.
"Glad it's back"
She smiled. "As am I. But Link, why did you not wait for me to wake? I would have been able to do the same thing but it would not have cost me like it has you."
Link thought to himself slowly. It would have made more sense if she tried it. Healing someone was and act of wisdom after all. The alcohol had blurred his judgment, but the sight of Zelda's missing hand had weighed heavily on his mind all night. He couldn't bear to see her like that, knowing he had the power to make it right. Perhaps he should have waited, but in that moment, helping her had felt like the only thing he could do.
"I wanted to help" he managed.
"You did Link, thank you. And I owe you professional thanks as well. The Gerudo say they had a lot of fun with you" she said eagerly.
He did recall enjoying the night. It was nice to be able to relax after the intense night they had.
"They were fun too." he replied.
"You drink with us again, I hope?" said Sabbah, leaning over from somewhere, looking him straight in the eyes.
"Yes"
Sabbah smiled as did Zelda. Breaking diplomatic ground with them had been what she wanted most of all.
"Link, can you move? You have been in the same spot for a while now." Zelda remarked.
He tried to lift his arms. Nothing responded. Then he tried to wiggle his fingers. No response. His legs stayed immovable, his toes, his hips and everything else. Panic began to surge through him as he looked at Zelda, his voice trembling with fear.
"I can't move…"
Zelda's smile faded, replaced by a look of growing alarm. Her eyes darted over Link's still form, as if searching for some sign of movement. Sabbah's expression mirrored the worry in Zelda's eyes, and the unspoken tension hung heavy in the air. Zelda looked over him again, recognising something.
"Link… your Triforce symbol...I do not see it on your hand" she said quietly.
His heart sank at the thought. It had been a core part of him for a long time and helped him see the Twilight crisis to an end. He had to be sure.
"Please take off my gauntlet" he asked, hoping it was still there.
Zelda slid the gauntlet off of him and he felt his hand be guided by her. Though he still couldn't muster any movement under his own willpower.
"Ah, the outline of it is there...but it is very faint…" she said, worry seeping in to her voice.
Link tried to calm himself down, which was strangely harder now that he couldn't move. He realised that being able to walk on the spot, shake his hands or rub his temples had been a far bigger help than he had given it credit for. Trying to shift his thoughts, he remembered that this was part of the goddesses security measure placed on the Triforce, as part of the unending conflict between themselves and the spirit of Demise.
When he had last used it outside of its bounds, he had appeared in Kakariko village in an instant and left unconscious for a few hours. Now, paralysis. He didn't feel like trying to find out what would happen if he tried something like that for a third time.
Zelda looked thoughtful whilst Sabbah said something to her warriors.
"Well, it does not seem to have disappeared at least. Perhaps in time its power will return. There does not seem to be anything else wrong with you besides not being able to move. Do you feel alright?" Zelda asked.
"I feel like I've slept and still need to sleep. Please could I have a drink?" he said, as his mouth felt like sandpaper.
Sabbah passed her a canteen and she took the lid off.
"Is it alright if I sit you up for this Link?" she asked
"It's fine. Don't really have another option"
Both Sabbah and Zelda propped him up against a tree. He felt his body move, but the sensation of touch was so weak that it may as well have not been there. It was a stark contrast to his regular self.
Zelda brought the canteen to his mouth and tilted his head back as she poured carefully. Taking mouthfuls, he could at least swallow the water. The relief was immediate, quenching his thirst and sharpening his focus more. He felt more awake, but exactly as unresponsive.
"Thank you. That helped a lot." he said.
Zelda smiled at him warmly. He felt happy to see her so lucid again. Seeing her on the effects of the Gerudo medicine was surreal. Her softened composure was a rare sight, possibly the first time he had ever seen her like that, he thought. Now, she was in control of herself again, with both hands thankfully. A little paralysis was worth it for that.
"Have I missed anything?" he asked.
"We are still outside Ordon village. I spent most of yesterday speaking with the Gerudo," Zelda began, her tone thoughtful.
"We discussed many things—about their time in the desert, the harshness of life under Gannondorf, and how they've managed since then. They were remarkably open, sharing stories of their struggles and triumphs.
They were eager to learn more about Hyrule and were curious about our ways.
I felt like it was the first real exchange we've had in years... it was illuminating, to say the least. And one of their favourite things to discuss, surprisingly, was you!" she added with a smile.
"Me?"
"Yes. You were the first Hylian to have an honest discussion with them about our cultures and history. They never once had that before. Often, issues kept closest to the dark are the ones that need the most light shining on them, and you did that for them." she explained with vigour. Then, a smile grew on her face.
"They... also tell me how much they liked your Cucco meat recipe."
She couldn't suppress a laugh any more and Link found himself smiling too.
"Well...I'm glad I could help!" he remarked.
"Help? Without any formal diplomatic experience, let alone training, you managed to bridge a gap we have been trying to bridge for years. You should be proud of yourself."
Link couldn't move his limbs or feel much sensation. He could still feel himself turn red at her praise.
Sabbah opted to say her piece too.
"She right. Nobody from Hyrule ever spoke to us before you. You helped us get answers we want for a long time. I hope we all drink again one day."
"As soon as I can move again and our problems our resolved, then I would love to." he said honestly.
"The Zora." Zelda said, suddenly sobered. Sabbah looked between the two of them.
"I think I would like Gerudo to come and see how you do this." she suggested.
"You and your warriors would be welcome to join us, Sabbah." Zelda replied.
Link felt a sense of purpose sharpen in his mind. Finally, something to do. Though how he could help, he had no idea. Epona was strong enough to support two riders, but no matter how he imagined it, he didn't see how he could stay on her and also rise and fall in rhythm with Epona's stride.
He recalled one of the first things he was told about riding horses was to move his hips in time with the horses movement. Not doing so would eventually cause a lot of discomfort and backache.
If they had a cart, that might have worked. He was sure there was a few of them back on the goat farm in the village.
"If we're heading to Lake Hylia, then I don't see how I can ride Epona. If we tie her to a cart, I know she could pull a significant amount of weight. Namely me and the other Gerudo."
Zelda thought it over for a moment but Sabbah responded first.
"Is a good idea. Much better than walking. Had enough of that coming here"
Zelda almost did a double take.
"Wait a moment. Do you mean that you walked all the way here from the desert?"
"Yes. We have no horses in mountains. We rode boars across desert but in Hyrule? No boars. Horses good but not know them." she explained.
Link was surprised too. His own time in the desert had been ambitious without Epona there. But the Gerudo made their way through Hyrule on foot. Either they had incredible endurance or their call to serve Ghirahim was a chance they desperately needed.
"I don't envy you." Link added. Sabbah drew a small smile at his remark. Both of them knew the toll travel took, especially on the kind of distances they were used to.
"There should be some carts in the goat farm, past Mayor Bo's house..." he said as he faltered. All of the discussion about the Gerudo had been a welcome distraction. But the recent memories were still vivid in his mind. Trying to snap himself out of recalling the events, he looked to Sabbah.
"I'm sorry to have to ask this, but would you and your sisters be willing to bring a cart here? One should be big enough for all of us. Princess? Sorry to ask you this too, but would you be willing to ride Epona? She already likes you and I know you can ride well."
From memory, Link knew the carts could load at least ten goats in to them and they were large as it was. Normally, it took two horses to be able to move the wagons when loaded with the goats. But Epona was twice as strong as any horse he knew of.
"Oh!" Zelda exclaimed. "A fine idea Link. We were wondering about how to get us all out of here anyway."
"I have no problem with plan" Sabbah said. She turned her head and said something in her language. But to Link's surprise, Zelda spoke their language fluently as she added in details, so he imagined.
He realised he shouldn't have been surprised at her at this point. With the power of the Triforce of wisdom, or just because of the type of person she was, learning other languages was easy. Though he couldn't even turn his head, he heard some of the other voices he knew from when he spoke to them. Then, movement. Sabbah stood and went with them, leaving him and Zelda alone for a moment.
"I'm happy we were able to make progress with them. Does Sabbah actually have any authority as a diplomat though? She's a warrior after all." Link asked
"In a way, yes. She does not make decisions for her whole 'tribe', but considering her prowess, she can have influence with her chief. Whether or not she does though depends entirely on how she perceives us. You have put us in a strong position with them. Thank you for that. But I think they want to come with us to see how we handle a crisis... Ah, how I wish we could have gone through normal diplomacy." she lamented.
"Hah! But we're involved. Of course nothing would be normal!" he joked.
Zelda smiled wryly. "Of course" she said simply.
She looked over his limp form but her face betrayed no emotion. He suddenly felt vulnerable. If she had a mind to, she could have killed him easily. As he surprised himself with such a bleak though, he pushed it out of his mind.
"I have to imagine your paralysis will not last forever. How long though, I could not say. If you need food or drink until then, please let me know." she offered kindly.
Abashed, he wished he could turn his head away.
"Thanks… but it feels strange to have you care for me like this" he admitted.
"I would certainly ask for your help if I was in your position. I would like to be able to help you, Link."
As usual, he couldn't fault her. Eager to help as always and unreserved. He hoped his condition wouldn't last long, or that he would need help relieving himself. That would be too much, he thought.
"Well, if you've got any of those tablet pieces, I'd love one of those please." he asked.
She reached in to her pack and rummaged around. Withdrawing a few of the cubes, she offered one to him in the tips of her fingers. Pressing one between his lips, he managed to get it in to his mouth and chew it.
This sensation, taste, was thankfully not dulled. The tablet crumbled apart as he bit through it. Its concentrated sugars bringing him new energy and focus. His body shivered at the pleasant sensation.
No response from his limbs as of yet, to his dismay.
"So. We need to head to find the Zora. What do you think we'll find?" he asked afterwards, trying to focus on something else.
She paused for a moment as she thought. The Zora had gone missing after all, but the reason why was still unknown.
"Based on how none of the Zora seemed to know why, your guess is as good as mine. I at least hope that they will all be alright. To think, an entire race just disappeared...it is eerie at best" she reasoned.
"I suppose if we find nothing in Lake Hylia, then we will in the Lakebed Temple. Seems reasonable to think whatever happened is sourced there"
Zelda raised an eyebrow.
"What are you basing that on?"
"Instinct mainly. Though the temple itself is a holy place for them that also has function. Maybe one of the mechanisms developed a fault and polluted the water they have to breathe."
"Hmm. I had not considered that. I suppose I was just hoping, for once, everything would be fine when we got there" she said sadly.
Link nodded as Zelda offered him some water. He accepted, grateful for the help.
"There's something else… it's about Ilia and Lilia." he said shyly.
Zelda paid him her full and undivided attention.
"She was...quite adamant she didn't want to see me again. But I don't want that to be the last I ever see of her or Lilia. If you happen to hear she may be willing to see me again, then please let me know. I don't even know where she went." he said, hope draining from him once more. He hated how fickle his emotions had become recently.
"I know where she went. Sabbah sent one of her Gerudo to watch over her. But in respect to her wishes, I cannot say more. I am sorry, Link…"
He had supposed as much already. This is what he got for playing in to Ghirahim's plans, he supposed.
"...but if she does change her mind, of course I will tell you."
Link had learned that Hylian law protected women and their wishes for raising their children very seriously. To try and challenge that would be fruitless. So, time would have to be good enough. Just like his situation with Midna too.
Thinking of her again, he opted to let his memories of her flood him this time, rather than try to fight them off. He was exhausted mentally from constantly trying to bury thoughts of her. Now, he sought to assert control over himself. If given the chance to, he would do his best to apologise to Ilia. He never meant to terrify her so badly.
And his child, Lilia… the name rang in his mind like a chime. She looked all the more beautiful to him now that he knew her name. He imagined himself holding her and a pang of satisfaction rolled through his core. Then, reality came back to him as he realised he still couldn't even move his fingers.
Link let out a quiet sigh, the weight of his thoughts pressing down on him as heavily as the paralysis that held him immobile. The memories of Ilia and Lilia lingered in his mind, bittersweet and persistent, like a melody he couldn't quite forget. He wished he could shake off the sense of loss, but it clung to him, a reminder of the life he could have had.
But dwelling on it wouldn't help now. He had to focus on what was ahead—on finding the Zora, on fulfilling whatever duty still lay before him. The sound of cart wheels in the distance slowly pulled him back to the present. He turned his attention outward, away from the gnawing ache in his heart.
As the cart rumbled over the bridge to Ordon, he couldn't help but marvel at the resilience of the villagers who had built it. The bridge had weathered countless storms and burdens, just like him. He could almost imagine the steady clatter of the wheels as a heartbeat—reliable, enduring, and somehow comforting.
Zelda heard it at the same time and turned to look.
"That was fast! They have a cart. Backpacks too, I think." Zelda said as Link saw her squint her eyes.
A minute later, there were sounds of large wagon wheels coming to a stop. He saw they had thoughtfully brought the one with a canopy above it. Elemental exposure was no joke, Link recalled. The amount of times either blistering heat or chilled winds had made his own travels more difficult, he silently promised himself to buy each of the Gerudo their own bottle of whisky as thanks for this. Whether they meant to be hospitable or not.
Sabbah made her way over to the two of them.
"There. Now, how do we put your horse on this?" she asked earnestly.
Link smiled. Her broken Hylian was endearing.
"Princess, please could you lash Epona to the cart?"
She nodded once and stood to go and help prepare the wagon. As she did, Sabbah came over to him, holding a flower, wrapped tightly with a vine.
"Still broken?" she asked bluntly.
"For now, yes." he said, unable to shrug.
"Then wear this. In Gerudo lands, we wrap flower with vine. Left in the sun and with water, vine helps flower grow strong. Take it, and may you grow strong again." she said as she tucked the flower in to the lapel of his tunic.
Link felt touched at her gesture. Someone who would have willingly cut him down at the slightest provocation was now making him something from her home to symbolise recovery.
"Sabbah...thank you! When I'm better, I'll buy each of you a bottle of whisky!" he blurted out in gratitude.
She wore her veil again, but she smiled wide enough for it to show in her eyes.
"You are good Hylian! Will look forward to your whisky."
Link smiled happily, grateful for the distraction. Sabbah did not remain still however. She and her Gerudo started preparing the wagon for travel as they loaded a few bags of their own supplies in to a stowage comparment. Then, curiously, they laid out some furs. One of them rolled up a patch of leather from their bags and tied a strap around it, keeping it from unfurling. She did this with a few different patches of leather and affixed them to the rear of the cart. Whatever she was doing, Link followed her movements curiously.
There was a bustle of activity as Zelda went to speak to them and helped them prepare, leaving him sat alone to watch. He felt irritated. Being paralysed, however temporary, made him feel like he wasn't helping. He prayed to the goddesses for relief, but they didn't appear to be listening. So, he sat and waited. With all of them helping, he didn't have to wait too long. Ten minutes later, all of the gerudo had prepared the wagon, loaded all of their equipment on to it and Zelda had brought Epona to the forks of the cart and was lashing her to it. He took a measure of pride in his horse. Strong, dependable but oddly social too. From travelling with Zelda for a while, she must have learned that she could be trusted. Though on some level, Link felt as if Epona deemed Zelda worthy.
He broke himself out of his self inflicted misery with a small smile. Zelda, Sabbah and the Gerudo came over to him. It was time to move. Why they would go to so much trouble to bring his immobile self, he couldn't think of why. But Zelda's intuition sharper than his own. She had mentioned that the paralysis would be temporary. Perhaps before they reached Lake Hylia. Sabbah offered to lift Link on to the cart. In no position to refuse, he nodded. Her strength was formidable as she lifted his weight in to her arms as she princess carried him. He recalled old fairy tales of knights carrying princesses away from terrible dragons in a manner like this. Being a damsel in distress didn't suit him, he thought.
She climbed aboard the wagon with no issue, holding Link the whole time. At the end of the cart, the Gerudo had laid out the rolls of leathers and furs in to a makeshift seat for him.
"Sabbah...you had your Gerudo do this for me?" he asked, genuinely touched. "Told them nothing. This was idea of Zara" she said as she pointed to a skinny and shorter sided woman. "Sabbah, could you come closer? I want to ask you something quietly." Link asked Sabbah raised an eyebrow, but leant in, putting her head next to his, ready to hear his whispers. He couldn't threaten her in any way now too. "How do you say thank you in Gerudo?" he asked.
"Shukraa" she whispered back. She stood tall again and stepped out of the way, letting Link see the women.
"Zara?" The woman responded, her eyes widening a little.
"Nava?" she said. Link hoped that meant 'Yes?'.
"Shukraa" he said as clearly as possible, moving his eyes to the seat she had made for him and back again. She followed where his eyes went as she recognised what he meant. What followed next was a torrent of pure and eager Gerudo language as Zara bounced on her feet, eagerly thinking that he knew the language as well as Zelda.
Sabbah laughed at Link's expression. Somewhere between confused and horrified as he couldn't understand a single word. She spoke to Zara, who looked embarrassed and quickly bowed to Link, then excused herself. The other women laughed at the scene. Even Link enjoyed it for a moment. Zelda climbed on to the wagon and addressed the Gerudo in their tongue. After, she explained to Link in their own.
"Getting to Lake Hylia should take about two days with a wagon this size. Epona seems happy to let me ride her too. Is there anything I should know about her, Link?" she asked, making sure she was going to treat his horse right.
"No, she already likes you. You should have no problems. If you think she's getting agitated, scratch behind her left ear. That soothes her the most."
"Thank you. Well, no sense in waiting. Let us set off finally." she smiled as she turned about, got out and mounted Epona.
The Gerudo took their seats, giving Link a little extra space. They sat an inch apart at most. They must have worked together for a long time to allow themselves to be so close with one another. Link was grateful for their consideration. With a faint lurch, the cart began to move as Ordon slowly started moving further away. Link's visit to his hometown could have been so much different. He hoped the villagers would all be able to return one day. To see Ordon village full of life, teeming with goats and pumpkins, would be exactly what the place needed. Though, privately, Link did not envy whoever was going to clean up Mayor Bo's home.
As the wagon trundled along the winding paths, the dense forest gradually gave way to open fields. The sun climbed steadily, casting long shadows across the road as they traveled. The rhythmic creaking of the wooden wheels and the steady clop of Epona's hooves filled the air, punctuated only by the occasional murmurs of the Gerudo. Sabbah translated for him, back and forth as they shared stories of desert spirits, life amongst the desert mountains, and how they had grown crops in such a challenging environment.
Link offered his own stories of life in Hyrule. Though his life was far from normal, the Gerudo seemed interested in his exploits during the Twilight Crisis. He told them of the freezing of Zora's domain, the Yeti's in Snowpeak Manor, and the battle with King Bulbin on the Bridge of Eldin. Their shared stories wove a tapestry of experiences that transcended cultural boundaries, and by the end of the day, they were enjoying each other's company more.
Link, propped up among the furs, found himself drifting in and out of a light sleep, lulled by the gentle sway of the wagon. Hours passed, marked only by the changing light and the distant calls of birds.
As the first day drew to a close, the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple. They set up camp in a small clearing by the roadside, the Gerudo quickly erecting tents and gathering firewood. Zelda dismounted Epona, her legs aching from a full day of riding, and helped where she could. The warmth of the fire soon enveloped them, and they shared a simple meal as the stars began to twinkle above.
Link listened to the soft crackle of the firewood, the comforting sounds blending with the distant rustle of leaves. The conversations grew quieter as exhaustion from the day's journey settled in. One by one, they retired to their makeshift beds, the night air cool against their skin. Link, despite his paralysis, found a sense of peace in the simple act of being present, surrounded by allies who had become friends.
The next morning dawned early, the sun's rays filtering through the trees and casting dappled shadows across the camp. They broke camp swiftly, eager to continue their journey to Lake Hylia. The second day followed much like the first, with the landscape gradually shifting as they moved closer to their destination. Fields gave way to rolling hills, and the air grew cooler as they neared the vast lake.
By late evening, the shimmering waters of Lake Hylia came into view, stretching out before them like a glistening jewel in the moonlight. The sight brought a wave of relief and anticipation to the group, and they quickened their pace. The final stretch of the journey was filled with renewed energy, the promise of answers waiting for them by the lake's edge.
"I believe I see a camp up ahead. They appear to be Hylian soldiers," Zelda called back to the caravan.
"There are soldiers here? Why?" Sabbah asked, narrowing her eyes.
"Zelda sent them here before we came to meet Ghirahim. They were told to investigate the lake and see if the Zora could be found here," Link explained, worried that Sabbah might think this was a trap.
"Hm. Very well. If they are here to capture us, it shall not go well for them," she remarked coldly.
"That's not how we do things," Link replied simply, his tone firm. "We're here to help each other, not to set traps." He hoped his honesty would convince her.
Sabbah seemed satisfied, if only a little. The cart moved along a road down toward the lake's shores. From his fixed position, Link could see several camp lights and tents with the royal crest emblazoned on the sides. There was just enough moonlight to illuminate the area.
Another thing he noticed was a nauseous tang in the air, as if something was rotting. The Gerudo noticed it too, wrinkling their noses in distaste. No one could pinpoint the source of the smell, but an uneasy silence fell over the group as they continued.
They arrived outside the camp as several soldiers stood to attention, wearing iron splint mail and armed with simple swords and rounded shields.
"Who goes there?" one of the guards called out, his voice firm. The Gerudo tensed.
"Princess Zelda, Link, and Gerudo ambassadors," Zelda replied.
"Pull the other one!" the guard scoffed. "Stand by while we come to inspect your wagon."
Link smirked, knowing the guard was about to have the shock of his life.
Sure enough, several guards with torches approached the wagon and immediately set eyes on Princess Zelda. Even in the shadow of night, her perfect posture and neatly bound hair made her unmistakable, regal even in the dim light.
"Are you satisfied?" she asked coldly.
Link couldn't contain his grin as he heard the guard take a dramatic and sharp inhale.
"P...p...Princess! Your Majesty!" the guard stammered. Link heard the sound of knees hitting the ground, quickly and forcefully.
"M...my apologies, Your Majesty!" the guard continued, his voice trembling.
Zelda held up her hand, silencing the stammering man.
"You are forgiven. It is late and dark. Though I would suggest you confirm people are who they say they are before telling them to 'pull the other one.'"
"Yes, your majesty!" came the frantic reply.
Zelda dismounted Epona and the Gerudo got out of the cart. Sabbah taking Link as she had before.
As the guards came in to view, Link saw their faces. None of them could believe what they were seeing. The Gerudo women were one thing, but one of them carrying the hero of the Twilight crisis was entirely different. They said nothing as the Gerudo followed Zelda.
As they came up to the camp, Zelda was greeted by a familiar face that Link had not seen in some time. Karlsman had somehow made it in to the ranks of the Hyrule army as a sergeant.
Unusual, but not unheard of. Normally sergeants required two years of service before they could ever be considered for promotion. Link looked forward to hearing his story.
He froze on seeing Link being carried by the Gerudo, who he had previously seen decapitate a bound prisoner.
"Uh… your majesty? You have a band of Gerudo with you?" he asked, at a loss.
"I do. What of it?" she replied curtly. Her tiredness making her more direct.
"Ma'am, I saw these women decapitate a bound captive for no reason." he exclaimed, looking straight at the women.
Zelda let out a weary sigh and rubbed her temples. She had not learned this. Sabbah was the first one to speak, however.
"You are soldier yes?" she asked
"I am" Karlsman replied, staring straight at her.
"You must follow orders for your job. As it was for us. Your Link here was able to defeat our employer as he violated a contract he had made with us. We no longer serve."
Her explanation was plain and to the point.
"And because of your service, a prisoner died for no reason. Decapitated" he let the word hang in the air for a moment. "He had a wife and child. They would take no comfort from you not working for that employer any more." Karlsman replied firmly.
He was brave, Link had to admit. But the blaming would solve nothing. It was an issue, unfortunately, that would need to wait. Before he could say anything though, Zelda spoke.
"Sergeant, I make no excuses for them. I will attend to this soldiers family personally when our task is done. However, since that incident, both I and Link have made great diplomatic strides with the Gerudo, a people that we have been trying to establish contact with for decades. This issue is complex, and I ask that you put this issue to rest." she replied with an icy calmness.
"As you wish." he said flatly. Not satisfied in the least. But he would respect the princesses wishes at least.
"We will need two tents. Are there any available?" Zelda asked.
"Yes. Follow me"
Karlsman's curt reply would have been grounds for dismissal at best. The soldiers around him looked tense at his attitude, but as their sergeant, they didn't dare question him. Zelda strode behind him as the Gerudo followed with Link in tow.
The camp was nestled some distance from the edge of Lake Hylia, its sprawling waters stretching out into the distance like a vast, dark mirror under the night sky. The royal soldiers had pitched their tents in a rough semicircle, the canvas structures sturdy but simple, their tops fluttering gently in the cool evening breeze. Torches had been staked into the ground at regular intervals, their flickering flames casting long shadows that danced across the trampled grass and packed earth.
The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and wood smoke, mingling unpleasantly with the acrid odour that seemed to drift from the lake itself. It was a smell that made the hairs on the back of Link's neck prickle—a smell that spoke of decay.
The soldiers moved with quiet efficiency, their armour clinking softly in the otherwise still night. Some stood at the perimeter, their eyes scanning the darkened horizon, while others huddled around small fires, their faces illuminated by the warm glow. The lake's surface, usually serene, seemed to ripple uneasily, the water lapping at the shore in a way that was almost restless.
In the distance, the moon hung low in the sky, its pale light reflecting off the water in broken, shimmering patterns. The night was cool, a welcome relief from the day's heat, but the atmosphere was thick with an unspoken tension, as if the very land itself was holding its breath, waiting for something to happen.
All heads turned as they passed, wondering at the sudden arrival of the princess.
Paying it no mind, Link let himself be carried by Sabbah. The Gerudo were all given their own tent to share. Set up by the army, it was basic. But far better than open ground at least.
"Where we put him?" Sabbah asked.
"Link, there is a separate room in my tent." Zelda said as she took her head back out of her own tent. "I suggest you stay in there for now."
He knew that she was exhausted from the long ride, and that Karlsman's issue with the Gerudo caused her concern. But her blunt tone made him feel like he had done something wrong.
"Sorry Zelda. With any luck, I'll be fine tomorrow." he said.
Zelda softened her posture and relaxed her face.
"Please do not apologise Link. You have done no wrong. It has been a long day and I knew I would have to deal with something like this regarding the Gerudo. With a good night of rest, I should be fine." she smiled.
"Sabbah, put him in the room would you?" Zelda asked, more coldly than she had with her until this point.
Her tone carried all of the message. 'You need to answer for this'. Both Link and Sabbah seemed to know this as she tensed a little.
"Good night, let us hope tomorrow brings fruitful answers. Especially about the damned smell."
She went in to her tent as Sabbah helped link on to his bed in the joining room.
"There. You feel any different?" she asked
"No, not yet. My head works fine, just not the rest of me"
"Tomorrow may be better" she said with a shrug.
"I hope. Sabbah, Shukraa. I appreciate you helping me like this"
She raised an eyebrow to him, her face hidden behind her veil.
"You do not mind me? Even after the death of one of Hyrules soldiers at our hands?"
He thought for a moment. He remembered feeling horrified by it. But he found brutality and gore easier to process than he recalled. Maybe due to everything he had already seen and experienced. In spite of what they had done, here they were trying to learn more about Hyrule and make some kind of peace. The gesture where she gave him the vine wrapped flower, wishing for him to grow strong again was not something he had imagined he would experience with them. The effort was worth it. But something had to be done, he felt. To get away with killing someone needlessly just because of the need for diplomacy didn't sit well with him.
"I see you making a huge effort to talk and learn. I still think it's worth working with you. But that mans family needs a measure of peace. If Ilia or Lilia had died when Ghirahim was there, I don't think I could ever forgive you." he said, honesty driving him.
Sabbah looked thoughtful for a moment.
"I am not happy that this thing happened. We let Ghirahim poison our minds against Hyrule. We believed you all thought of us as scum. I do not know how we can make this thing better. But if chance comes, we will try".
Link felt a burst of hope that took tension away form him in an instant.
"Thank you Sabbah... Oh wait! Shukraa, I mean."
"One more advice. Name of person always goes before what you wish to say. So, 'Sabbah, Shukraa'. To you? Link, Shukraa. For trying with us."
She bowed her head slightly with closed eyes. Then, she left to head to the tent with the other Gerudo.
Link lay flat on his bed. Staring at the brown fabric of the tent, he hoped that some measure of reconciliation could be reached. Hard things were usually worth doing though, he thought.
As the fatigue from the day caught up with him, he felt his eyes grow heavy as he lay just as paralysed. He slept deeply.
Eventually, he felt the stirring of energy inside him that compelled him to open his eyes. Blinking away the sleep, he adjusted to his surroundings. To his regret, his body remained just as unresponsive. Letting a long sigh out, he wondered how much longer he would have to wait, if he was going to be able to move at all.
Although, he felt something at his feet. Unable to move his head, he wondered what it was.
"Someone there?" he asked aloud.
There was no response. He assumed Zelda must have woken earlier and gone about her duties. So what was happening to his feet?
He tried to elicit movement once more. His legs didn't respond, neither did his head or arms. But he felt his toes move in his boot.
He sat still for a moment as he tried again and felt the same sensation.
Elated at finally being able to move, he pushed as hard as he could, getting a little more range out of the limited movement. It wasn't complete movement, but it was a vast improvement.
Excited, he tried to move more. Then, Karlsman entered his tent.
"Ah you're awake! Morning Link, how are we today?" he asked
"Karlsman! It's good to see you again. I'm glad you got out of that mess a while back." Link replied, happy for a chance to meet the man he had saved from bandits so long ago.
"Heh! It's been an interesting week. When we walked in to that Gerudo ambush, I managed to give them the slip. I hid amongst the trees and managed to spy on them for a while. Had a spyglass for it" he said as he held it up for Link to see.
"But then I saw them cut one of the soldiers heads clean off… After that, I made for the horses and rode straight back to town. Told the guards about what I saw and what was happening."
So that was what happened to him. Link had wondered where he had gotten to. He was relieved he had made it out.
"After that, I got interviewed in detail about it from a commander of the army. They knew of my past working as a mercenary and asked if I wanted to join as a Sergeant right away, bypass the two years of service in an instant. The pay is way better than any mercenary work I had, plus dependable people around you? I agreed before the commander even finished talking." he explained, a little smugly.
Link was happy for him. He deserved better prospects.
"That's good to hear. I'm happy for you! Hell of a turn of fortune."
Link filled Karlsman in on what he and Princess Zelda had been doing, even going as far as to explain what had happened in Mayor Bo's home with Ghirahim.
Karlsman recoiled in horror at the reveal of Ghirahim's manipulation.
"I...have no words…" he said, looking in to space as he tried to comprehend it all.
"All of that, just to screw you over? That's a hell of a lot of effort he could have spent actually doing something useful…"
Link managed a laugh.
"I know right? Could have picked flower arranging, but no, convoluted revenge was clearly the best option"
They both laughed at the idea.
"I suppose I shouldn't really be surprised. He's an aspect of Gannondorf after all, I imagine he carries a significant amount of his spite. Screwing with me like that must have been a pleasure for him." he realised, grimly.
"Well it didn't turn out so well for him."
No, it hadn't. Or Link. Feeling discomfort settle, he wanted to learn more about what the army had found out about the Zora.
Karlsman explained that nothing had been found of the Zora, but the entire like was covered in a thick algae bloom. Normally it never had a chance to multiply thanks to the effects of the Lakebed temple purifying the whole lake regularly. That explained the smell. Link had heard that algae blooms released pungent smells as they died and decayed.
Soldiers had opted to not go near the water, just in case it was toxic. They had sent for specialists who could determine what was going on with the waters. They had already arrived and were setting up some equipment to help examine the water.
He had filled Zelda in on the progress too, and reluctantly the Gerudo women too.
They were apparently around the camp, helping organise supplies and going on patrols too.
Link felt a flush of pride in them for being so proactive. He hoped they could work with the Hylian army despite.
"Did anyone tell you about...my condition?" Link asked timidly.
"Yes. Temporary paralysis they said. Sorry Link. I wish I knew how to help. But if they say temporary? That's far better than it not being so"
"Yeah, wasn't looking forward to spending my whole life like this. But could I ask, would you please help move me outside? I hate laying down so much. I'd like to look over the lake, see it with my own eyes."
Karlsman shrugged. "Sure. They moved your cart in to the camp. Should have a good view on that nice seat of yours."
Link smiled. Karlsman didn't princess carry him thankfully, instead opting for a fireman's carry over the shoulder. Despite it being more comfortable, it felt oddly more dignified.
A few moments later, he brought Link to his seat with the sides of the cart lowered to provide a better view.
The entire lake was vivid green and patchy brown, the decaying algae producing the rotten odour. The whole lake looked surreal. No algae bloom could spread this far unless the water had been seriously polluted somehow.
"Well, enjoy the view for what it's worth. I've got to get a patrol ready, see if we can find anything. I'll b back in an hour or so, check on you and all those nice things. Maybe I'll put a daisy chain on you?" he teased.
"Please do. I'll get some nice mangy rats to put in your bed in exchange." Link retorted.
Karlsman laughed as he waved to Link on his way to his patrol.
Staring over the lake, Link wondered what could have happened. None of this made any sense.
He saw a group of soldiers haul a heavy looking box to the waters edge. Some men and women in official looking clothes started unpacking it as the soldiers rolled their shoulders. One of them went to the waters edge, his curiosity brimming.
Concerned, Link focused on them. Something didn't feel right. The Zora disappearing, the Lakebed temple being connected to it and the fact that nobody knew the slightest thing about any of it.
Idly curious, the soldier tapped his boot in to the thick water. As he did, bursts of green foam frothed all around the lake. They streaked dangerously fast towards the shoreline. Some thirty frothing streams darted towards them and covered the distance dangerously fast. Link watched with every instinct now screaming at him that something was very wrong.
"Get back from the shore! Attack incoming!" Link bellowed with all of his might. Several soldiers sprang in to action as they drew their swords and rushed down to the shore.
The solider at the shore hadn't heard him. He looked up at the green froth stream approaching him rapidly.
Out of the foam leapt something sickly green and covered in odd growths as a trident lunged forth and stabbed straight through the man's chest with all the prongs, pushing out chunks of his heart and lungs.
He was dead before he started falling, killed by a Zora.