Chapter 12 - Astra Returns to Kakariko Village
Summary: A Yiga Clan spy reports a concern. Astra, Purah, and Zelda return to Hyrule Castle and discuss their next steps. On their way to Hateno Village, Astra and Purah stop at Kakariko Village for the night, and Astra meets someone new.
It was evening, and the meeting with Master Kohga at the Yiga Clan hideout was not going well.
"All of a sudden, the news is all bad now!?" exclaimed Kohga as he frantically waved his arms about. "Ever since I became leader 25 years ago, we've been making steady progress toward rebuilding the organization. But first, we lose Donga, and now you tell me this?"
The room was silent as everyone waited for Kohga to calm down, which he did after another moment and after taking a deep breath.
"All right, Fandah, so you rushed back here to report that you think Purah's assistant was carrying the sword of the goddess? That's a rather extraordinary claim!" said Kohga.
Fandah was the youngest Blademaster in the organization and excelled at combat, which he loved above all else, sometimes to a fault. He was assigned to watch the road between Hyrule Castle and Zora's Domain, report on anything suspicious, and look for opportunities to recruit new members.
Fandah was not thrilled about the assignment, as he thought it presented little opportunity for him to advance in the organization. But his superiors found his over-eagerness toward attacking others a handicap. Waylaying random travelers accomplished little and risked drawing more Hyrule Guard attention. To prove a point, Fandah had once violated the standing Yiga Clan order that if confronted by three or more guards at one time, warriors were to avoid combat and teleport to safety to preserve their numbers. That earned him a reprimand for not following orders and his current assignment. In any case, Fandah was known for seeking ways to enhance his reputation, which meant there was a degree of skepticism attached to his claims.
"I admit I am uncertain, Master Kohga," said Fandah. "I caught only a brief glimpse of the sword's hilt as Zelda, Purah, and her assistant rushed by on horseback without stopping. Unfortunately, the four Hyrule Royal Guards that accompanied them also obscured my view. But it looked to me like the goddess sword. And that's not the only…."
"There are many swords that look similar from a distance, Fandah, such as the Royal Broadsword," interrupted one of the older warriors named Longha. "You could easily have been, and likely were, mistaken."
"I was about to say before I was interrupted that it was not only what I saw that convinced me to report this. It was also what I felt," said Fandah, with an annoyed glance at Longha. Fandah thought Longha was overdue for retirement, but Master Kohga knew him for some time and respected his knowledge of past events. "As the party passed by me, I felt a tingling sensation, as if some magic power was present. You know that those of us trained in dark magic are sensitive to the presence of what we call light magic. So, that is more evidence of the goddess sword's presence."
"Now you're definitely mistaken, Fandah," said Longha, shaking his head. "I know for a fact that the goddess sword does not cause any such feelings, not unless it is drawn in combat or one not chosen by the sword attempts to wield it. Back in the day, I often disguised myself as a traveler and was able to stand near Link on more than one occasion. I felt nothing from the sword he carried on his back, and I have practiced dark magic since before you were born, Fandah."
"I can believe that - way before!" said Fandah sarcastically. "But I'm not crazy - I know what I felt. So, what was it then, if not the sword?"
"I may be older, but I know a good deal more than you, and I can suggest an answer," said Longha. "Assuming you weren't imagining it…."
"I didn't imagine it!" shouted Fandah.
"All right, calm down, Fandah," said Kohga. "What were you getting at Longha?"
"I'm saying it is possible that Fandah felt Zelda's power. Some of you are too young, but did you ever visit the Fort Hateno area before they cleared it of debris? The entire field was littered with destroyed Guardians. And written accounts of Fort Hateno survivors from 125 years ago said it was because of a massive burst of radiant power. They did not know who or what caused it at the time, but we know now that it came from Zelda. And don't forget that Zelda had the strength to imprison Lord Ganon for one hundred years. That tells you how strong her magic is. So I think it is possible that Fandah felt Zelda's power as she passed by."
"That's old history, Longha!" said Fandah impatiently. "Who cares what happened 125 years ago? And has old age made your memory so feeble that you've forgotten Zelda lost all her power?"
"That is also what I've been told, but is it possible Zelda recovered it?" Kohga asked. "Or perhaps that meddlesome Purah figured out some way to restore her power? That might also explain Donga's disappearance since it happened after Zelda visited the Military Training Camp."
"I think it unlikely, Master Kohga," said Rohga, Kohga's chief advisor. "Our spies have overheard conversations, and Zelda herself has spoken of no longer feeling the power once within her. We believe her hundred-year restraint of Lord Ganon and her ending battle with him drained her of her power, or at least so much of it that whatever remains would pose no threat. And Purah is a scientist, not one steeped in magic or spiritual matters. Purah would not know how to accomplish such a feat even if it were possible."
"So, what's the explanation, then?" asked Kohga. "All this uncertainty is giving me a bad headache!"
"I do not know," said Rohga thoughtfully. "Something we haven't thought of, obviously. But we have two different events to consider, one involving the goddess sword and the other the presence of light magic. Fandah, your evidence that the goddess sword has found a new master is inconclusive. As Longha said, many swords resemble it. And whatever you felt, Longha says the sword could not be the cause, and he is the only one of us alive who personally stood near it. It's possible the feeling you felt could be from some modest residual power within Zelda."
"The power I felt seemed more than residual, but I admitted I was uncertain about the sword," said a disappointed Fandah. "However, I thought it proper to report my observations."
"And quite right, too," said Kohga. "But as for the sword, can we not send someone to investigate if the sword still lies where it was placed?"
"The magic in the Lost Woods is old and dangerous, Master Kohga," said Longha. "It senses the presence of intruders, and the trees have swallowed up those who ventured too far and stumbled into one in the fog. The former Master Kohga sent three warriors there to investigate once, and none returned."
"I agree with Longha," said Rohga. "It would be unwise to risk losing any more warriors in the Lost Woods."
"Well, whatever is going on, it doesn't sound good," said Kohga, shaking his head. "So, what should we do? All this worry is tiring me out!"
"I suggest we assign someone to spy on Zelda, Purah, and Purah's assistant and seek to learn more, Master Kohga," said Rohga. "However it will be challenging to get close to them undetected now, given the heightened security after the death of Zelda's husband."
"Why spy on them? Why not simply eliminate them?" said Fandah. "We wanted to get rid of Zelda and Purah, anyway."
"Because the heightened security now will make that more difficult to accomplish without the risk of losing warriors," said Rohga. "And we need to build our forces, not recklessly throw away lives."
"Do you have someone in mind who is skilled enough to handle such an assignment, Rohga?" Kohga asked.
"I can do it!" said Fandah before Rohga could answer. "I'm good at disguise, and as a full-fledged Blademaster, my combat ability is excellent."
"We need someone whose expertise is stealth, not combat, Fandah," said Rohga. "I would do this myself, but I think the warrior Pangha who eliminated Paya's husband is an even better choice. He has shown himself to excel at stealth. He can even elude detection by the Sheikah guards at Kakariko Village, which is no mean feat. So, with your approval, Master Kohga, I will get word to him."
"Fine," said Kohga as he stretched. "Fandah, thanks for reporting your observations. You did right and may have alerted us to something important. But, for now, I need you to return to watching the roads from Zora's Domain to Hyrule Castle. Anything else?"
Nobody spoke, and the meeting adjourned.
Meanwhile, it was late evening when Zelda, Purah, and Astra returned from Zora's Domain, reined in their horses at the entrance to Hyrule Castle, and dismounted.
"Thank you and your men for your protection, Captain," said Zelda as she petted her white horse on the neck and fed him a carrot she had been carrying.
"As always, Your Majesty, we are honored to be of service," said the captain, who then left with his three fellow guards.
Zelda and the others then handed their horses over to the care of some attendants and entered the Castle.
"I'm exhausted!" said Zelda as they walked toward the living quarters. "I haven't done this much horseback riding in years, but it was a worthwhile visit. Shall we meet for breakfast and discuss our next steps?"
"Yes, it's better to discuss plans with a clear mind after a good night's sleep," said Purah.
They had stopped at the Wetland Stable for a light dinner on the way back, and so everyone was more tired than hungry. Purah said goodnight first when they passed her room, and then Zelda and Astra continued walking to Astra's room.
"I wanted to wait until we were alone to apologize to you, Astra," said Zelda. "Forgive me for overreacting before breakfast this morning when you told me privately that you had revealed what happened to Link to Prince Sidon. Unfortunately, I spoke before thinking, and …."
"It's fine, Mother," interrupted Astra with a smile. "I know you're not used to having a rebellious teenage daughter."
Zelda burst out laughing.
"No, indeed I'm not!" said Zelda as she reached out and took Astra's hand. "But I guess I shall have to grow used to it!"
Zelda held Astra's hand as they walked the rest of the way to Astra's room.
"Are you doing all right, Mother? I know this must be a difficult time for you."
"I'm coping. I miss my dear husband, and especially so when I'm alone. But having you here is helping."
"I'm glad of that at least," said Astra as they embraced upon reaching her room. "And please let me know if there is anything more I can do. I'm not just here for Hyrule, Mother. I'm here for you, too. Goodnight."
"Goodnight and sleep well, dear," said Zelda.
Zelda wiped away a tear on her way to her room as she felt moved by Astra's remark that she was here for her too. When she entered her room, her cat Mia approached her and meowed, rubbing against her leg.
"Did you miss me, Mia? "said Zelda as she bent down and petted her while Mia purred contentedly. After being rubbed a few times, Mia returned to her favorite spot on one of the armchairs and curled up.
As Zelda got ready for bed, she chuckled again at Astra's remark about being a rebellious teenager and then thought back to her own teenage years. She had been rebellious, too, in a way, spending time delving into ancient Sheikah technology despite her father's reprimands. Astra had been right to share that Mipha was alive and well somewhere, as it comforted her remaining family somewhat. Just as she had been right that spending more time studying ancient Sheikah technology was worthwhile. It might even have prevented Ganon's corruption of the Divine Beasts and Guardians. In fact, she had probably not been rebellious enough, essentially following her father's wishes to pray for her sealing power. But without her mother to guide her, she hadn't known any better at the time. Anyway, she was tired now, and after her nightly prayers, she fell asleep quickly.
Meanwhile, Astra entered her bedroom and closed the door. And after freshening up and changing into sleepwear, she opened her bedroom window and stared out into the night.
It was her habit to do that, something she had done since she was a little girl. She enjoyed looking out her window and gazing up at the stars when they were visible. And you never knew what you might see or hear. For example, it was how she learned her sister Zelda was kissing Randall when they began dating. She smiled, remembering the conversation the next day with her sister.
"Are you dressed yet, Astra, and ready to go to breakfast?" said Princess Zelda as she waited for her little sister outside Astra's bedroom.
"Yes, I'll be right there!" said Astra.
Astra emerged from her bedroom and hugged Zelda. Then they held hands as they began walking toward the small family dining room together.
"We're a little late this morning," said Zelda.
"Can I ask you something, Zel?" said Astra.
"Of course."
"Does Mommy know you and Randall kiss?" said Astra.
"What?!" said Princess Zelda, blushing and squeezing Astra's hand.
"I saw you last night when you came home," said Astra. "I was looking out my bedroom window."
"Does Mother know you were up past your bedtime looking out the window?"
"I asked you first," said Astra.
"No, she doesn't know," said Princess Zelda. "But sisters are supposed to keep each other's secrets."
"It's a secret, then?" said Astra.
"It is a kind of secret for now."
"Why is it a secret?" said Astra.
"Because Mother or Father may worry about me that I don't know how to behave properly, and we don't want to worry them, do we? Besides, if you tell them, they will know you stayed up late, and you may get in trouble too."
"I guess that's true," said Astra. "I was looking up at the night sky, the moon, and the stars. It's so interesting! Then I saw you and Randall."
Astra's mind returned to the present as the wind rippled one of the enormous banners that flew from a nearby flagpole, causing it to make a flapping sound in the breeze. The weather was clear tonight, and the sky was mostly free of clouds, so you could see the stars shining brightly. Her star, the one she was named after, was long gone now. She remembered asking her mother about it when she was still a very young girl.
Her mother was holding her in her arms so she could have a better view of the sunset as they stood on one of the castle balconies.
"Wasn't that sunset beautiful, all pink and gold and orange?" said Zelda. "I thought it was especially pretty today and wanted you to see it."
"It was Mommy," said Astra. "I can't wait to tell Zel!"
Zelda smiled and kissed her on the forehead as they watched the sunset fade. The brightest stars were just becoming visible.
"Which star is mine, Mommy?" said Astra.
"You mean the star you were named after? You can't see it anymore, sweetheart," said Zelda. "That's because it was a very special star that shone brighter than all the other stars in the sky. But eventually, it faded away."
"That's sad," said Astra.
"No, sweetheart, it's fine," said Zelda as she kissed her on the cheek. "It means that you are that star to us now, and you shine brighter in our lives than the one in the sky. And maybe someday, you will even shine like a star for all of Hyrule. Now, how about a bedtime story?"
Astra sighed. So many things reminded her of precious moments with her family, even just looking out the window. She closed the window and went to bed.
The following morning, Zelda, Purah, and Astra met over breakfast to discuss what to do next.
"I need to arrange meetings with the other leaders next," said Zelda.
"That would be wise. But in the meantime, if we are to keep up appearances that Astra is my assistant, I believe she and I should return to Hateno Village for now. It doesn't seem natural we would remain here indefinitely and only travel with you, Zelda," said Purah.
"On the other hand, if you prefer me to stay, I will," said Astra.
"I would love you to stay, Astra," said Zelda. "But Purah is right. We should keep up appearances as long as we can. And I need to attend to some duties here anyway. It's not fair to Myra to leave everything to her. But I wish I could assign guards to accompany you for protection."
"That would look suspicious, Zelda," said Purah.
"And I can look after Dr. Purah and myself," said Astra.
"We will only travel by day and break our journey at Kakariko Village, meet with Paya, and spend the night there," said Purah. "Speaking of Paya, I think it's time we share with Astra the secret of Paya's husband, don't you?."
"Yes, I agree," said Zelda. "But you will only be the seventh person who knows the truth, Astra. Only Paya, her daughter Layna, Purah, Jerrin, Granté, and I know."
"Talan is Paya's husband's real name, but he goes by the name Pangah now. He is a member of the Yiga Clan, or at least they think so," said Purah. "He's actually our spy and playing a dangerous game, as he has to conceal his real identity from both the Yiga Clan and our guards. He has specialized in stealth. He studied under Palan, Paya's father, who was a legend at concealment. Palan, in turn, studied under his father, Kalan. So you might say spying and stealth run in the family."
"Yes, a lot happened with Impa and her family during the hundred years I was busy," sighed Zelda.
"The Yiga Clan believes Pangah slew Paya's husband," said Purah. "We had a nice funeral service for Talan, and both Paya and Layna pay visits to his grave on the outskirts of the village. But Talan tries to sabotage the Yiga Clan's efforts whenever he can without compromising his identity and periodically reports on their activities. They use him for missions requiring a high degree of concealment. He pretends to be a weak fighter to avoid being assigned to missions involving combat and hurting others."
"I see," said Astra. "Thank you for taking me into your confidence."
"Well, we have another long ride ahead of us today," said Purah. "We should leave right after breakfast."
"I'm certainly getting a lot of horseback riding practice," laughed Astra.
After finishing breakfast, Zelda prepared to say goodbye.
"Is there anything else you need, Astra?"
"A Royal Bow and an assortment of arrows would be nice," said Astra.
Zelda passed along the request to one of the guards, who made his way to the armory and returned with a bow and a quiver of arrows of each variety. Astra tested the feel of the bow, then slung it across her back alongside the quiver. Then Zelda walked Astra and Purah to the Castle entrance, where two fresh horses awaited them.
"Stay safe, both of you," said Zelda.
"We will, Your Majesty," said Astra as an attendant handed her the reins to her horse.
Astra mounted her horse alongside Purah, and Zelda waved once as they rode off. Then she sighed and returned to the Castle to meet with Myra and plan the day's work schedule.
"I can see you're getting much more comfortable horseback riding," said Purah as they rode, and Astra handled her horse more skillfully.
"Thanks, I'm learning," said Astra. "But I think they've been deliberately giving me the most mild-tempered horses."
"You're very observant," laughed Purah. "But perhaps now we could discuss the technology you referred to in Zora's Domain?"
"Perhaps just a bit," laughed Astra. "My father warned me not to sidetrack you too much. I will share all I know when the time is right."
"As you wish, of course," said Purah. "But perhaps you can tell me just enough to whet my appetite? And the conversation will make the journey seem shorter."
"Very well," laughed Astra, who gave an enthusiastic Purah a high-level description of Tabs.
The weather was fair, and their route to Kakariko Village was the reverse of the one they made to the Castle. They encountered no one hostile or suspicious along the way, and it was early evening when they finally arrived at Paya's dwelling and handed off their horses for feeding and caring.
"Please go right in," said one of the guards at the entrance.
Both Paya and her daughter Layna were home this time, and after the door was securely closed, Layna approached Astra, knelt on one knee and bowed her head.
"I am Layna, Your Highness, and your loyal subject," said Layna. "My mother informed me of everything."
"Pleased to meet you, Layna, and thank you," said Astra. "I welcome your help, and feel free to call me Astra."
Layna rose, hugged her Great Great Aunt Purah hello, then spoke up.
"May I serve everyone tea? Then I will prepare a dinner of Fortified Pumpkin Stew if that is acceptable," said Layna.
"That would be perfect, Layna," said Purah. "By the way, Astra, Fortified Pumpkin Stew is a village specialty. Besides tasting delicious, it's beneficial for your health."
"I'm looking forward to it," said Astra. "Can I help, Layna? I don't mind."
Layna looked at Paya, who nodded yes.
"It would help me if you stirred the pot while I added the wheat, goat butter, and milk to the pumpkin slices," said Layna. "But let me serve tea first."
Layna was quite pretty and looked a good deal like a younger Paya, but taller and more athletic. She served everyone tea, and then Astra joined her at a cooking pot to prepare the stew.
"I understand you are doing some training, Layna?" said Astra as she stirred the pot.
"Yes, Highness, I mean Astra," said Layna. "I successfully passed my Kaishi Trial last year, but am seeking to enhance my skills, especially in the area of stealth, as my father did."
"That is very impressive," said Astra. "I also studied some of the ways of the Sheikah, and I know how challenging they are. Perhaps, if you have time someday, you could help me improve my skills?"
"My time is yours to command, so of course, I would be happy to assist you any way I can," said Layna. "But you should study under a true master, not a pupil such as me."
"I don't think my Sheikah skills are proficient enough to be worthy of taking up the time of a master," said Astra. "But perhaps tomorrow I could show you what I know, and you can judge?"
"Of course," said Layna. "And if I may be so bold, would you be willing to spar with me briefly? Not that I expect to be victorious, but Mother told me of your skill in combat, and I would love to see it in person."
"Happy to, Layna," said Astra with a smile. "I could use the practice as I'm still getting comfortable with my new sword."
"You are too modest, Astra," laughed Layna. "Thanks for your help. I think the stew is ready now."
Layna fetched bowls and served the stew, then they all sat down to eat.
"Delicious!" said Astra after taking a sip. "And I can already feel its effect."
"I'm glad you like it," said Layna. "It's Mother's favorite."
Purah then described their visit to Hyrule Castle and Zora's Domain, with Astra adding a comment here and there.
"I am glad your travels were productive, Aunt Purah," said Paya. "But the word is your travels did not go unnoticed."
"Ah, I see," sighed Purah. "I feared as much."
"I want you both to sleep here tonight, as it will be more secure," said Paya. "Astra, you can use Layna's room upstairs. She is always welcome at her friend Rayna's house."
"I do not want to inconvenience Layna," said Astra. "And I would want her also to be safe."
"You won't be inconveniencing me, Astra, and I will be quite safe," said Lanya. "I will ask one of the guards to accompany me on the short distance to Rayna's house. And I will have more fun staying with my friend. She and I study under the same master, and have been good friends for years."
"Lanya also means she can stay up late chatting with her friend without me nagging her to go to sleep," laughed Paya.
"That too, Mother," laughed Lanya. "But I will return in the morning."
"That's fine, dear," said Paya.
"Then I will go right after cleaning up and collecting a few belongings," said Lanya, which she did after wishing everyone goodnight.
And nobody was suspicious when Layna told her guard she wished to stop before the goddess statue and say a brief prayer, or dreamed that what she did then was a signal to someone watching from a hilltop.
After some further conversation, it grew late, and everyone agreed to retire for the evening. Purah would sleep on the first floor along with Paya, while Astra made her way upstairs to Layna's room.
Layna's room was clean and tidy, everything neat in its place. She had an extensive collection of books, and her desk showed she had been studying. Unfortunately, the only windows were high near the ceiling, so Astra could not easily gaze out of them. So instead, she lay down and closed her eyes, using her sensitive Hylian ears instead.
As she lay in bed, Astra could make out the steady chirping of insects, the splash of water from nearby falls, the intermittent rustling of apple tree leaves from a passing breeze, and the occasional hoot of an owl somewhere in the distance. But Astra concentrated on the sound of the insects as she remembered what her father Link had once told her.
She had just turned fifteen then, and after her birthday party at Zora's Domain, her father took her camping overnight for some private time together. They had shared a meal around a campfire and then set up a tent. And when it grew late, they lay down to sleep but felt like talking a bit longer first.
"I guess camping out like this must be a bit like old times for you, Dad," said Astra.
"In a way," said Link. "But as much as I loved Epona, you're better company, sweetheart."
"Thanks for the compliment," laughed Astra. "But you said Epona used to look after you at night?"
"Yes, she stood guard and would wake me if she smelled danger," said Link. "But there were times I had to camp alone. In those cases, let the sounds of the night be your friend, especially the chirping and buzzing of insects. Let your mind grow attuned to the pattern of their sounds. If someone or something approaches, the pattern will change as some of the insects who sense the intruder's presence will stop chirping. It's not foolproof, but the change may awaken you if you focus on it enough before sleeping. At least it's better than nothing if you must sleep."
"Good advice," said Astra. "I'll keep it in mind. Goodnight, Dad."
"Goodnight, sweetheart, and sweet dreams," said Link.
So Astra concentrated on the rhythm of insect sounds as she thought about her father and how much he wanted to help her prepare to be like him someday.
Midnight passed, and the quiet village slumbered. Torches flickered in front of the goddess statue near Paya's house, and one could see the occasional glow of a firefly hovering near the stream. All seemed at peace throughout the village as the two Sheikah guards stood watch in front of Paya's house.
But appearances were deceiving.
Someone clad all in black from head to toe moved slowly and silently along the backs of dwellings, often stopping to check if he had been detected. The intruder worked his way past some water to the area above and behind Paya's house, then lowered himself to the roof. He paused again and waited, listening for any sound of movement. But there was none, save perhaps someone turning in their sleep. He waited patiently for any further sounds, as he was in no hurry. But hearing none, he silently opened a small triangular window to Layna's room and lowered himself to the floor without making a sound. The room was dimly lit by moonlight, and the intruder could make out the slow, steady sound of breathing from a sleeper coming from the bed. He tiptoed over to it, and with his left hand, pulled back the blanket.
But there was only a rolled-up pillow there. And then he felt the press of a blade against him from beneath the bed as someone emerged from hiding there.
"Master Pangha, I presume?" whispered Astra as she held the sword pressed against him. "I infer that since you are not holding a weapon."
"Well played!" whispered Talan. "Yes, I go by that name. Lanya signaled to me you had arrived. We need to talk tomorrow. But you can safely get some sleep now. You are in no danger and I will keep watch from outside."
Talan made his way back out the window, then took a position at the rear of the house on the landing there. Astra closed her eyes and slept.