Gerudo Town
"Screeeee!"
The piercing wail came just seconds before a Red Bokoblin, stubby frame with emaciated appendages, plunged down from its cave, a crude club circling over its head. Another bokoblin, following in its ally's steps, wielded a hacked spear, jabbing at the two trespassers.
Princess Zelda, long blonde hair tangling in her face from the barreling of wind in the Gerudo Canyon, yanked strands hurriedly out of the way, jerking on Storm's reins. Her white horse immediately neighed in outrage at the harsh action, tossing his head around.
The bokoblins drew closer, animalistic snarls on their pig features, stunted horns on the top of their heads becoming clearer.
This is not the place. Zelda jerked on the reins once more, attempting to regain control of her horse to spur him past the monsters. Storm ignored her, stomping the dry valley earth and kicking up dust. Zelda coughed. The bokoblins screeched from feet away.
The slightest trickle of fear slid down her back.
Through the dust, something raced past Zelda, another rider and horse. They kicked up more dust, sending Zelda coughing again as she lifted a hand to her mouth. Through watery eyes, she peered through the grainy cloud, sunlight glinting off of a sword.
"Screeeee-ah!" One Red Bokoblin fell to the ground, pole rolling across the barren earth. The sword flashed again, another screech cut off.
A hand still poised to her lips, Zelda waved at the dust fogging the air, coughing one last time. She could taste the dirt coating her mouth and skin now, the grains of dried mud bringing tears to her eyes, and she blinked to clear them.
A brown horse clopped towards her, Storm whinnying in complaint, jostling her in the saddle.
Sliding the Master Sword back into its sheath, Link pulled up short just before Zelda, giving her and Storm a good berth to ease the horse's jumpiness. His shoulder-length hair, pulled into a low ponytail, loose strands blowing around his face, was dustier blonde-looking than usual, the Gerudo Valley baptizing him in its terrain. But unlike her, where every inch the dirt touched Zelda longed to scratch it, Link remained ramrod straight, face expressionless, hands firmly on his horse Epona's reins, as if the dirt didn't bother him. Link's seriousness belied youthful looks, whose looks hinted at the fact that he wasn't much older than Zelda.
Rubbing her shoulder against her cheek, Zelda scrubbed some of the dust away that he had kicked up passing by her. Disdainfully, her eyes narrowed at him.
She despised Link.
With his blue champion tunic, the legendary Master Sword on his back and silent demeanor that felt like he was judging her with every step, Zelda couldn't stand him, and she didn't want to be near him.
Kicking the sides of Storm, she urged her horse onward. Storm tossed his head, eyes swiveling back at her once almost in a glare. Link watched on mutely. Haughtiness quickly turned into a flush up her neck, and Zelda kicked Storm harder, which at least made Storm start walking. She straightened her spine as she rode past Link, refusing to look at him.
The bodies of the Red Bokoblins were the only splotch of color among the orange hues of the canyon walls and floor, and despite Zelda's abhorrence of the creatures, her eyes still lingered on the corpses.
These monsters had been two more besides the seven others they had discovered hiding in grooves of the canyon walls.
There had been a time where Hyrule, her kingdom, had never seen creatures such as these terrorizing the Hylian citizens. But now, their presence was apparent, and it only warned of a dangerous future. A future Zelda refused to think about now.
Hooves clopped behind her, and Zelda ground her teeth. She didn't know what was more problematic: the foreboding future or this doltish knight her father, King Rhoam, had assigned to guard her that refused to let her go anywhere alone.
Thankfully, up ahead, was the Gerudo Canyon stable. That meant they had finally reached the end of the canyon and the annoyance of trying to control Storm, who had been fighting for control ever since they left the castle. could count on one hand the number of times she'd ridden him in her sixteen years of life which probably figured into his distrust of her and his rebellious nature. But Storm should behave like the noble steed that he was raised as. She would have to have a talk with the head groom when she returned to the castle.
The stablehands at the stable excitedly met Zelda, offering her a hand down, and taking Storm from her. The stablemaster asked if she would be lodging for the evening, but Zelda waved him off. There were still many miles to go to reach her destination, and as she walked to the edge of the canyon where steps led down into the endless desert, she knew she had precious little time to make it before the light was gone.
Out of the corner of her eye, Link handed his horse to another stablehand, patting his steed before jogging her way. Zelda huffed out an annoyed breath, starting down the steps, his presence soon taking up residence as her constant shadow.
They paused briefly at the Kara Kara Bazaar, a solace from the intense heat of the desert which offered travelers and tourists food and the only source of water on the road to Gerudo Town. Filling her water skin, Zelda took a few sips, eyeing Link who cupped some water from the oasis and dribbled it over his head.
He carried his weaponry consisting of the Master Sword of course, a soldier's bow, a quiver of arrows, packs full of different tips for the arrows, and dried jerky and fruit, all of which she had figured out during their two-day journey to reach the Gerudo Desert. And since the horses couldn't cross the desert, he'd also attired himself with the over-the-shoulder strap saddlebag containing essential medicines and clothes for Zelda.
She supposed the weight of all of those things would be made much worse in the irrepressible heat bearing down on the backs of their necks and soaking their clothes with sweat. But honestly, Zelda could care less what burdened him. If he would just stop following her, he wouldn't have to put up with any of that.
As if he sensed her staring, Link paused with cupped hands, looking over his shoulder in her direction. Zelda twisted away. The sun, still potent as ever, was beginning its gradual decline towards the horizon. It was time to leave.
The trek from Kara Kara Bazaar to Gerudo Town was only about five miles, but during the time it took between the two places, the change in temperature dropped significantly. Despite the unbearable heat during the day, the desert became as chilly as Hyrule in the winter, except without the snow. The wind kept beating against their face as they walked into the gusts, sand still flying in their faces.
She shivered as a particular gust of wind swept from the Karusa Valley to the east of them. The Yiga Clan, trained assassins in the dark arts, were rumored to be hiding out somewhere in the canyons of those red rock mountains. But any time the Gerudo, deadly warriors of the desert themselves, attempted to infiltrate their encampment, they found it barren and empty. It was near impossible to surprise them. The Yiga were notorious for their stealth and cleverness, making no sounds as they stole goods from the surrounding towns and secreting away all knowledge of what really went on in the Yiga Clan realm. They were a ghostly pall of the Gerudo Valley and a blight on the kingdom of Hyrule that kept the locals persisting that the king take extended measures to exterminate them.
The moon was rising along the horizon as they drew nearer the walls of Gerudo Town. By the time they reached the guards outside the city gate, the moon was high in the sky, casting a blue glow across the dunes.
"Halt!" In sync, the Gerudians lowered their spears towards the visitors. Zelda saw Link's hand hovering over the hilt of his sword out of the corner of her eye. "Who goes there?"
The Gerudians were a fierce and proud people. Entirely made up of women, except for extremely rare cases, they were the perfect protective force for Gerudo Valley. And so proud were they of their heritage, that only females were allowed into their city. A fact Zelda didn't mind one bit. With some smugness, Zelda stepped forward.
"Princess Zelda of Hyrule accompanied by the Hylian Champion, Link." Her response caused exchanged glances between the guards. They quickly lowered their weapons and bowed their heads towards her. It was the greatest sign of respect they could give an outsider of high rank besides their chief.
"Princess." No apologies. Only acknowledgement of her power. "You are allowed to pass."
Link's hand dropped from his hilt, and the guards parted to allow them to enter. Zelda stepped forward past the two warriors. Immediately after, a clanging sound rang behind her. Zelda turned.
Gerudian spears locked together separated her from Link. "Despite being the Princess's escort, men are not allowed in this city. You shall have to wait for her out here." The guard's voices were firm, and the response was to be expected. Zelda reckoned this must be the first time the Hylian Champion had been denied entrance anywhere in Hyrule.
His fame was known throughout the land for pulling the Master Sword free from its pedestal where it had lain dormant for centuries. Everywhere they went, people clamored to look at Link, wanting to glimpse the hero that would save them. It made Zelda sick to watch. The reasons why…no, she wouldn't think of them now.
Slowly, Link removed the saddlebag over his head, holding it with one outstretched hand in Zelda's direction. She reached out to grab the bag quickly, but in doing so, accidentally brushed his hand. The contact automatically directed Zelda to his expression.
In the moonlight, Link's face showed no surprise, no anger. In fact, it was difficult to tell most of the time what Link felt. But when she looked at him, his gaze flickered to hers. Her breath caught slightly. Why Zelda had never noticed this, but with the pale, white light dipping into the pools of his eyes, his irises flushed a clear underwater blue. They were startling to look at. Beautiful to look at.
Zelda revolted in horror, quickly jerking the bag from him and looking away. Where in the name of Hyrule did that thought come from?
To Link, the Gerudians said, "We are more than capable of protecting the Princess within the city. To think differently is an insult. She will be returned safely to you." With that, the Gerudians resumed their original positions, certain Link understood.
He did. He always did as he was asked.
But when Zelda glanced once more at him, there was a hardened set to his mouth. She sighed.
"You will have to wait along the perimeter. Or if you were wise, you'd go back to Kara Kara Bazaar where food and shelter await you. I'll send a messenger to notify you when I'm ready to leave." Zelda waved a hand in dismissal. Link remained firmly in place, unmoving, his gaze unsettling.
He's always so concerned about following my father's orders. Zelda clenched the saddlebag to her chest as she headed in the direction of Urbosa's throne, shoving away the memory of that brief, split-second thought from when she touched his hand. So annoying.
The shops along the main pathway to the chief's palace had closed down already, lamps alight in the residential section. Through open windows, Zelda made out many Gerudians preparing themselves for bed, smiling and conversing with fellow Gerudians. They were, for the most part, a happy people; all had a confidence about themselves that added to their happiness. They relied on each other in this town to keep them safe and prosperous. And prosper they did. Gerudo Town, despite not allowing any men entrance, had become one of the most famous cities for trading.
Climbing the steps to the palace, Zelda knew that having the Gerudians as partners was important in more than one way.
Along with their financial prosperity, the Gerudos were incredibly skilled in all forms of combat. They made daunting foes and paramount allies. Despite her obligation to rule over her people, Urbosa, the Gerudos' head chief, was the most skilled Gerudian of all and out of the five Champions that had been chosen to protect Hyrule, she was the one Zelda felt most glad about having on their side.
Zelda's footsteps echoed on the short walkway to the judgment seat. She was surprised to find it empty.
"Princess." Zelda turned in surprise as a guard appeared from behind a pillar. The better to attack anyone who attempted to sneak in. "Lady Urbosa is to be found in her chambers. I shall have an escort take you there."
Zelda nodded her head in thanks. "That is thoughtful of you. However, I am familiar with the way."
The guard nodded, stepping back into position. The varying colors on the pillars in the room caught Zelda's attention as she turned to go.
The artwork of the Gerudos was colorful yet simple. They had the texture of more like hieroglyphs from Hyrule's ancient days preserved on the walls of the palace. No hung paintings of past rulers, only handprints proving that they existed at all. Some would think it barbaric, a people content on staying linked so long to the past. But tradition kept the Gerudians alive. It also had created the mess that Hyrule now found themselves in.
A male Gerudian was extremely rare, only one birthed every 100 years. Because of this, whoever was the only living male Gerudian, was immediately declared ruler and king over the Gerudians. Most males hadn't lived long lives, allowing the females to rule as they liked. However, one male, thousands of years ago, had refused to follow the current king of Hyrule, seeking the power needed to place himself on Hyrule's throne. One myth told of this male becoming living darkness, allowing it to consume him and take over, continually perpetuating his life.
Zelda paused before one ancient depiction of this male heir, sorrow and anger filling her at once.
His name, whatever it once had been before, was now known to all as Calamity Ganon.
Darkness and power itself.
Completely intent on the annihilation of the Kingdom of Hyrule.
Calamity Ganon had surfaced 10,000 years ago, the people of Hyrule forcing it back into its hiding place. But years ago, a seer appeared, foretelling the return of Calamity Ganon. Since then, Zelda's life had never been the same.
Forcing her eyes away, Zelda climbed the stairs to Urbosa's chambers.
There was no door, seeing that no one would have even made it alive to this part of the palace if they attempted to sneak in. Urbosa, however, was enough of a diswayment to cause anyone pause before trying anything.
Sitting at her vanity, removing her earrings, Urbosa's fierce green eyes met Zelda's own in the mirror. A smile immediately crossed the Gerudo Chief's face.
"My Little Bird!" Twirling elegantly to her feet, Urbosa held out her arms as she crossed to Zelda, Zelda embracing her warmly. Urbosa was all toned, lean muscle, shown through the metal armor she had sparsely covering her body. However, her hugs were more soft and comforting than anyone else's. The Gerudo leader's scent enveloped Zelda, calming her worries and anxieties instantly with the sharp, tangy scent of chile and cinnamon, a distinct Gerudian spice.
"Urbosa, it is good to see you," Zelda said, pulling out of the hug. Urbosa held Zelda at arm's length meeting her eyes.
The smile faded slightly. "I sense something wrong with you." The green eyes nitpicked at Zelda's appearance.
"There were monsters…in Gerudo Canyon." Zelda stepped back, showing Urbosa her full frame. "I am unharmed though."
Urbosa's eyes narrowed, face hardening. "Bokoblins."
Zelda nodded.
Urbosa turned her head to glare menacingly out into the night through the windows that lined one whole wall of her room. As if she could pierce those shadows that crawled through the night with one look. "They have become bolder."
Indeed. They used to only be a threat every full moon and only at night. An attack outright in the day signaled nothing positive. In fact, all over Hyrule, signs of an impending darkness that sought to ensnare the kingdom were everywhere. It only made sense that darkness called to more darkness, gaining strength.
"But this is not what really bothers you."
Zelda flinched in surprise as Urbosa turned her head back to look at Zelda, a knowing look in her eyes. Zelda opened her mouth to respond, but could say nothing. She had never been good at hiding anything from the Gerudo Chief.
Urbosa laughed lightly, placing one slender hand on her hip, leaning to one side. Her thick, red hair, pulled up into a high ponytail, swayed with the movement. "I know you too well, Little Bird. The Queen was never good at hiding anything from me either. Come, sit, and tell me more." She waved a hand for Zelda to take a seat on one of the vibrantly-colored plump cushions on the floor.
Zelda settled herself, enjoying the feeling of taking the weight off her legs after a long day of walking. The miles and miles traveling across the desert would be hard on any traveler, even a physically fit person such as Link.
Link.
Outside waiting beyond the gate for her.
"Ah, I am familiar with that look, Little Bird." Zelda glanced up, startled to find Urbosa holding a cup of spiced tea down to her. The green eyes twinkled mischievously.
Zelda took the cup from her, cheeks burning as if the Gerudo Champion had read her traitorous thoughts.
"So," Urbosa continued, taking a seat on the cushion next to her. "This is what has been bothering you." A smile spread easily across her face. "A boy."
The tea was hot, but the sip Zelda took felt good as warmth flooded her insides. "You know this isn't what I came here to discuss."
Urbosa laughed. "But far more entertaining simply because these are emotions I've had yet to see in you." Leaning back on her hands, she relaxed her head on her bare, sun-kissed shoulder, eyes half-lidded in amusement. "I can only suspect this has something to do with your personal guard."
Zelda met Urbosa's gaze, voice firm. "Absolutely not."
Another laugh escaped the Gerudian warrior. "But it does."
Zelda avoided her gaze as she took another sip of her tea.
"What I'm trying to work through right now is how you are actually feeling towards him. Anger? Annoyance?...Affection?"
Zelda accidentally sipped too much tea, burning her tongue. Setting down the cup on the platter next to her, Zelda wiped at her mouth. "Most certainly not the last one."
"And what brings these turbulent emotions regarding him?" The question, though asked more out of curiosity, sobered Zelda.
"I don't need humiliation from my father thinking I cannot take care of myself…making the Hylian Champion, Keeper of the Master Sword, even, oversee me. What a waste of his and my time."
Urbosa's response came quickly. "Don't you think that safe-guarding the savior of Hyrule to be the most important thing that boy could do? Would want to do?"
"I don't like it when you call me that." Zelda rose, suddenly feeling jittery and anxious with the thoughts that came. She crossed to the windows, breathing in the cold night air. The room felt too warm, too enclosed. Any trivial thoughts left in Zelda's mind flew away as a familiar weight fell upon her. Looking out into the darkness, light from Gerudo homes puncturing the night, she was reminded of all the people harboring hopes that she, Zelda, would step up and take the place her mother had stood in. The only one who could replace her mother. The only one who could stop Calamity Ganon from rising to power.
Zelda's heart beat faster. The pressure of succeeding was too much. It was crushing her.
A hand placed on her shoulder startled Zelda. Urbosa's grip tightened, calming Zelda's racing heart. Zelda let out a shaky breath.
"Princess."
Urbosa hardly ever called Zelda that, preferring to use the more familiar term, Little Bird. The name of her title was meant to reverence and respect Zelda for more than the friendship between them.
She turned to meet Urbosa's solemn expression. Urbosa's other hand came up to grip Zelda's other shoulder. "You are not alone. All of us Champions, the people of Hyrule…we all stand with you. To fight, to defend, to win. I promise you, Princess, no matter what happens, we are with you."
It was surprisingly hard to swallow back the sudden tears that came to Zelda's eyes. She could only nod in response.
Urbosa enfolded her into a brief hug, releasing her with a sudden smile that teased her lips. "Come. Rest. I suspect you have a lot you want to accomplish tomorrow while here, and I can't have our Little Bird falling apart now, can I?"
Zelda accepted the offer gratefully, allowing the burden of the day to fall away into sleep.
*Author's Note
Thank you to everyone who has read Zelda's Story with me! I have gone through and added in/edited chapters and scenes that I hope make the story even more enjoyable. Thank you for all the comments and feedback from the reviews! These really helped with the editing process. And with that, I give you the final version of The Silent Princess (a.k.a Breath of the Wild: Zelda's Story).
