The Legend of Zelda: The Garo’s Curse- Part 5- The Pact, The Wager, and The Lead.

Ikana Castle, 10:15 am
Sheiyalei du Ikana was livid, though her face did not betray her feelings. Her clumsy daughter had demanded a conference as if the world itself were going to unravel. Sheiyalei’s guest was no doubt important, and for Rheyisa to interrupt was unthinkable. It is so unlike her, the Queen thought. She better not be vying for my attention over some trivial nonsense.
Rheyisa lead her mother into a room adjacent to the Great Hall. Sheiyalei made eye contact with Rheyisa, her telepathy perfectly clear to her youngest: This had better be worth my time. As soon as the door was locked, the princess sputtered alarm as a paper cut would gush blood: “Mother! Its terrible! There is a great travesty on our House!”
Sheiyalei glared. “A travesty? Elaborate. If it were so awful, I would’ve know it by now.”
“The prisoner, mother. Leirya` is his lover!”
The Queen’s eyes widened. “Surely you twist truth. There is nothing that-”
“ It is true, every word! I heard them myself.”
The elder pondered silently. “She told me he was a friend. I respect that notion, but she is his lover?”
Rheyisa nodded solemnly.
“Well. She is in love with a Garo.” She thought aloud.
“Father was the one who discovered them.”
Sheiyalei inhaled sharply. “Oh no…”
“That’s not the worst of it!“
The Queen rubbed her temples and sat down. “Please tell me you’re joking.”
“I wish I were, Mother.”
Sheiyalei shook her head, and muttered something incomprehensible.
“Alright. Tell me straight out. The Gods could not have too much of a worse fate for my Leirya` than my husband.”
Rheyisa sighed deeply. “Leirya` does not only is love this Garo, but she is now carrying its’ child.”
The Queen’s eyebrows lifted slightly. Whatever her daughter had just said did not register. “Come now! Maybe you misheard! Your sister has more sense, Rheyisa. While I can’t deny her feelings are somewhat strong for this prisoner-”
“Mother, honestly.” Rheyisa paced. “It is truth, I heard her admit it to the prisoner. Why must you be so blind to the obvious?”
“Watch your tongue.”
Sheiyalei thought frantically. If this was all true, Leirya` would be faced with the full extent of the law…
Ludicrous! My husband would not kill a child, and not his own…
Rheyisa cut into her mother‘s thoughts.
“It doesn’t matter who kills her, Mother. But, do not do the law an injustice by saying she doesn‘t deserve it. Any one of our citizens who committed the same crime would be punished.”
Sheiyalei did not respond. “How can you be so quick to send your own sister to her death? If there is a way out of this-”
Rheyisa took offense.
“I am not saying butcher her for no reason! I am saying she should not be spared because of her lineage, and that she has done wrong and must pay the price! What she has done is heresy. It is a direct blasphemy to our beliefs as sun-worshippers! She must be put to death, for she is a traitor as well as a liar! Do you want our citizens to think you weak because you did not uphold the law?”
Sheiyalei lost her composure. “Rheyisa! I do not appreciate your interruptions! When I speak, the whole of Ikana listens! You are a Daughter of this Desert, therefore you listen!”
Rheyisa hung her head. “Yes, Ke‘iah.”
The Queen thought deeply for a few minutes, trying to account for the information her daughter had given. “It is no secret how you envy your sister.”
“I must admit I-”
“I did not ask your opinion.”
Rheyisa was silent.
Her mother continued. “How do I know what you say is true? Many times have you invented stories to lay blame on your sibling.”
“When I was a child, yes. I am no longer a child.”
“True. But you have only been a woman for three seasons.”
Rheyisa ignored the last comment. “The tales of my youth were indeed elaborate, but have they been so urgent and bizarre as this? Would I dare to interrupt your company if I knew the news could wait?”
Sheiyalei shook her head. “As foolish as you are, you hold your tongue well.”
“And despite my flaws and my jealousy, I have never violated anyone’s honor. Surely, I would not violate my own sister’s honor!”
Sheiyalei sighed. “While I believe you mean well, I still have my doubts, Rheyisa. I believe the hope of the throne blinds you to truth.”
Rheyisa clenched her fists. “Of course I desire the throne! But it does not blind my judgment! I would not lie to obtain it! I never have! And I never will! My sister is the liar! She is the one who stabbed House Ikana in the back while-”
The sorceress held up her hand, and Rheyisa stopped.
“The Garo prisoner is to be tried in three days. If we inquire about his intimacy with your sister, it should clear this up. And if you speak truth, you will indeed inherit the throne, by law. That is my command.”
Rheyisa kissed Sheiyalei. “Sun, be praised! Thank you mother! You shall find I am telling the truth!”
“It is settled. Now, leave me! I have a guest to attend to.”
“Mother, wait!”
“What is it?”
“I am concerned about our guest. She may be a spy. She does not speak our language, nor know our customs. I think we should assign her an entourage of sorts.”
The Queen answered hastily. “Rheyisa, you know that I can read hearts! My guest is my concern, she is an ally and a friend.”
Rheyisa nodded her head in understanding.
“Go now, fetch my guest and bring her to me.”
Rheyisa bowed and left. Her thoughts were venomous:
I hate this family! I always have! And now, the time has come for retribution: I am sick of playing doormat! While Leirya went gallivanting with a Knight of the Shadows, I was the dutiful one, and this is the thanks I get! Disbelief and distrust! For all of my life I was the good sister, and yet they all turn their heads! How dare they!
Her tirade turned to her mother:
And how dare she! Taking my sister’s side as usual! ‘Oh, she didn’t do that!’ I never mingled with the darkness, and yet I am despised! I will only be too glad to dispose of her.
And to her sister:
If she chooses to be the dog that the Jackal Moon rides, so be it! They were meant for each other!
She arrived at Zelda’s room.
Hah. After all this, I bet the blond is a spy, and she has already fled.
Rheyisa knocked on the door to where Zelda was staying. No answer. The sun-princess flung the door open, and was content to find the room was empty.
And of course, it is as I suspected. They will all pay for calling me a liar! Lord my sister, whore of the Moon, over me? I think not! All of them shall suffer for not recognizing the true heir to the throne!
Rheyisa paused in mid reverie, and headed down a long corridor. After numerous twist and turns, She arrived at her own chambers. The princess cracked the door opened, then quickly locked it.
The room was cool and dimly lit. The symbols for “Sun” and “Life” were etched on the walls, and the dozens of candles gave off an eerie glow. Satisfied by her surroundings, the princess continued her mental ranting.
And yet, though Leirya` ransomed her body to the filth of the Desert, How wonderful indeed she is! Because she cannot control her own urges, the throne will indeed pass to me! By law!
A revelation dawned on her. But law! Doing things by the law will take months! I will be Queen, and I refuse to wait months to do so! Perhaps I can speed things up, if only I had some help in bringing my traitorous sister to justice…
The sun princess sauntered over to a bookshelf, and pulled a bible-sized book from the very end. She smiled at the title: “Retai’de, yedu, ve, Ce’dahi” (Guardians, Demons, and Agents.)
This should serve me well. Perhaps, some other person hates the 30th dynasty of House du Ikana as much as I do. Funny, my sister would think I was ‘playing with fire.’
Well, I am a True Daughter of the Desert, the fire should indeed be mine to play with!
Her thoughts turned briefly to Zelda. She had escaped, and had some potentially damaging information about Sheiyalei. No one knew about the prisoner, save the castle’s inhabitants, and the trial was meant to be secret. If Zelda leaked the information, there might be a panic.
Rheyisa shrugged. No matter. A spy can be found and exposed. As for my sister, A traitor is a traitor. Once this trial is over, I shall banish her to the Land of the Shadow, where she belongs.
Her focus switched to the source of her anger. And mother is a traitor of a whole new breed! She is a traitor to the House and the People! A traitor is not fit to reign.
Rheyisa skimmed a spell that would summon a powerful Agent. One powerful enough to help achieve her objectives. With outside help, Sheiyalei’s and Leirya’s heads would soon be on a plate.
A smug smiled slipped across Rheyisa’s face.
Mother’s reign comes to an end. Sister’s will never start.
And mine shall be Forever!
***
Ikana Canyon, 12:15 pm
Not two seconds after Jim finished his sentence did Zelda materialize out of thin air. Jim dropped his jaw: “Hey Link! Look who’s here!”
Zelda laid eyes on Link and cried tears of joy. Link ran and hugged the princess. “Where have you been?”
“It’s a long story. Where are we? What’s going on?”
Link‘s heart sank. There would no doubt be questions after this little appearing act.
As if on cue, the Garo‘s leader exploded in a fit of fury. “What is this?!” The Garo’s leader asked indignantly. “You knew you were in trouble, so you summoned a witch for help? A curse on you!”
Link’s hopes of exposing the enemy without their knowledge were now in flames: If they were to survive, they would have to tell the Garo who was who and what the problem was.
Leirya du Ikana made a disgusted face. “I trusted strangers! How foolish I was to be compassionate! You are agents of my father’s and now they will expose us because of me! Hei’dan, I order you to execute me with them! ”
“Wait! Please, this is my fault! There‘s been a big misunderstanding! We can explain!” Zelda said.
“Yeah, yeah! What Zelda said! We’re not here to hurt anyone!”
Link glared at Jim. “Haven’t you gotten us in enough trouble for one day?”
Zelda turned to Link: “We can’t quell the crowd! What are we going to do?”
“We have to tell them the truth.”
“Are you nuts?? Do you know how many times you told me to destroy evil-”
“-from within, yeah, I know. Circumstances call for honesty, though.”
“What about the book Igos du Ikana gave us?”
Link motioned to Jim.
“Look, it was either the book or me, and honestly I’m glad they threw the book in the fire!”
“IN THE FIRE??”
Link hung his head. “Yes, Zel. In the fire.”
“Well, I guess we’ll do it your way,” Zelda said quietly. “But, you tell them.”
“Me?? I’m the warrior! You’re the princess, the public speaker! You appeal to the people, not me!”
Jim tapped Link on the shoulder. “Hey, maybe I can-”
“NO!” Zelda and Link said simultaneously.
“BURN THE WITCHES!“ Came from the background. The Garo weren’t going to wait on explanations. Some had torches, and others started to chant fire spells.
Link sighed. “Okay, I’ll tell them! But that’s only so we don’t burn to a crisp first!”
Link cleared his throat and stuck out his chest in mockery of hyrule castle’s guards: “Hear ye! Hear ye! We have an announcement to make! We wish to inform you of-”
Zelda rolled her eyes. Link‘s bantering only made him sound like a pompous ass and was only “Digging a deeper hole,” as Dampe` the Gravedigger used to say.
“What my friend is trying to say, “ Zelda added, “is that we are on the same side! A lot of strange things have been happening lately, and we‘ve been sent here to help.”
“We’re from the future!” Jim blurted out.
The trio’s words sank like lead into the Garo’s ears. Gasps were heard from all over the camp.
“I do not believe it!” The Garo’s leader said. “ If that were true-”
“My Ke’jai, I have heard of such things! Guardian spirits do return to the past for help, at times. Perhaps their story is true!”
Zelda was amazed. The defense had come from a Garo! Maybe they would believe the Hylians’ story!
“Yes, yes, you are correct,” The Garo’s leader admitted.
“How else would they know of our troubled times?” Came another Garo‘s voice. “Yes! Maybe they aren‘t trouble!”
Princess Leirya` relented. “It seems a good enough story. If it is true, tell us, why are you here?”
“Events are happening, or going to happen, that will end our world and yours as we know it,” Jim said bluntly.
“They are people who are going to die.” Link put in. “If they do, it’ll start a war! Our worlds will be destroyed!”
“Well, if it’s a war that must be, who are we to stop it?” The Garo’s leader said. “The Garo are warriors, and our code states that we fight to the finish!”
“If you allow this war to occur, it will be the end of your race!” Zelda said.
The Garo were indeed upset.
“Does the Messenger know this?” A Garo called out.
“He must know!”
“Our race shall not perish! He would not allow it!”
The Garo’s leader hushed the crowd.
“Who is ‘the Messenger?’ ” Link asked.
“He guides us, He has offered us prosperity! He is chosen by the Gods! And his respect is deserved!”
The Garo’s leader turned to Leirya. “Are they telling the truth, Princess?”
Leirya` spoke. “Yes. I know something is terribly wrong at the castle, and I have no doubt it will spread to the plains.”
She turned to the crowd. “My brethren, I sense much confusion among you! I know messengers from the future is a rare occurrence, but you must trust my judgment!”
The Garo fell silent.
“Their words ring true, and their hearts are clean, for I can feel their intents! We must ally ourselves with this people! Now, I ask you as a sister, and as your Ke‘jai‘s Chosen: Are you with me?”
Their was a deafening roar.
The Garo‘s leader bent low towards Link and the others.
“Forgive our blindness, friends. Our land is troubled, and my people are on edge. My apprehension was in their defense only.”
“Consider it nonexistent,” Link said. “If we are allies, then our wrongs must be laid to rest.”
The other continued. “As my first act of hospitality, I offer you my face and my name, the greatest honors a stranger can receive.”
The Garo removed his mask. His hair was dirty blond, his tan skin tanned and tattooed in black designs over his face. He offered his hand: “I am Hei’dan Corei, Step-brother to Zaron Tei’ishi, who is our Great Ke’jai. On behalf of my people, I ask for your hand in friendship.”
Link extended his hand. “I am Link of the Hylians, adopted son of the Kokiri. I accept your hand, and I offer mine. I thank you for helping us extinguish this evil.”
The two shook hands, and there was another great roar.
Hei‘dan addressed his people. “My friends and kinsmen! Tonight we feast! We talk! And tomorrow, we will help extinguish this plight of confusion!”
The Garo approved.
***
The Sacred Realm, Ganon’s Prison
Ganon witnessed the groundbreaking handshake, and several veins popped. He swore in every language he could possibly think of, and pummeled the invisible walls of his prison with fists of fire. His yells echoed into time and space.
“Fools! Idiots! How dare they! Curses on them!”
Balls of fire formed in the sorcerer’s hands, he threw them forcefully against the makeshift projection screen, aiming particularly for Link’s head. If only they could kill him from here…
Ganon waved his hand in disgust, and the images before him faded. He raised an eyebrow. “Perhaps things are going better at the castle.”
The “screen” shifted to Ikana castle. He beheld Rheyisa du Ikana seething, willing violently for her sister’s end. She was in the middle of a summoning spell.
“How I do hate injustice,“ He said mockingly. “Especially if it is done to such a pretty, smart girl!” There was a pause as Ganon studied the girl’s features. She wasn’t too bad-looking. Interesting…
It was then Ganon got a devilishly brilliant idea. His magic was indeed stronger than it had been, maybe now was the chance to do some damage with it.
“Perhaps I shall pay the princess a visit,” He said evilly.
The black-hearted Gerudo disappeared, leaving nothing but his belly-laugh behind. ***
Ikana Canyon, 12:30 pm
Link, Zelda and Jim sat in a semicircle debating their next move. The Garo were busying themselves with a party. Link breathed deeply, in an effort to release tension.
“Alright. First off, here’s what we have to do: figure out if anyone here is a threat to the timeline. Jim? Which events are supposed to trigger the abnormalities?”
Jim cleared his throat and smiled wide. ‘Well, Link- I know this: There is going to be an assassination attempt on Queen Sheiyalei in three days. Zaron Te’ishi is supposed to get the axe in two. If one or both of these people die, we’ll be in trouble.”
“Who’s Zaron Tei’shi?” Zelda asked. “And what’s he got to do with-”
Jim held up a finger. “Zaron was the leader of all the Garo for this time period. The Ikanese troops caught him and he was executed for “unlawful entry.”
Link piped up. “That’s just a minor charge, there’s got to be more to the story than that!”
“Leirya` wanted to speak with me tonight, I’ll ask her about it.” Zelda said.
“Be careful! Timelines are really sensitive, make sure you know its okay to ask first!” Link put it.
“Hey? Jim to Lovebirds! I’m not finished!”
“WE ARE NOT LOVEBIRDS!”
Jim shrugged “Yeah whatever. Anyway…we have to make sure the queen and Zaron stay alive. The reason being, the princesses of Ikana are supposed to go to war with each other at a later date- and it’s a good bet the cause of that war is over the supposed deaths of the other two.”
“You do realize a war could break out anyway,“ Link said.
“Yes, but it shouldn’t right now! That event looks like it’s supposed to happen, just 10 years down the road, when the two have their own armies! If they do it now, both the Garo and the Ikanese will be wiped out!” Jim explained.
“Okay, so let me get this straight. If a war breaks out, we’re doomed.” Zelda said.
“Exactly.”
“Jim, I hope your memory is as good as you claim it to be.”
“I’m pretty sure I got it right.”
“Look boys, this is the only lead we have, we might as well take it.”
An important tidbit of information had risen to Zelda’s conscious mind.
“Link, Jim? I never got to explain how I got here. Nabooru sent me with a teleportation spell, to make up for abandoning the Sages.”
“Well gee, isn‘t she thoughtful?,“ Link said, dully. “Nabooru ought to help us, not just you! If she feels so guilty, why isn’t she here?”
“For your information, she used all of her reserve power to get me here, so be thankful! And besides, all of the information she found was in the Gerudo archives.”
“Yeah, so?” Jim asked.
“Her race is related to the two we’re dealing with. I don’t think she’d want to her erase her existence by accident.”
“Yeah, I don’t think I’d want to do that either,” the Bomber remarked.
“And another thing. She warned me Ganondorf was indeed behind this. He could have spies anywhere, so pay close attention to people’s personalities and their doctrine. If anything looks funny, tell someone!”
“Agreed,” Link said.
“I need to point out that our first priority is to rescue Zaron as soon as possible, and peacefully! Otherwise, we could start something.” Jim added.
“Link, surely Hei’dan would see that point?”
“I’m sure he’s thought about it. I’ll bring it up again. ”
“And I guess once that happens, I’ll protect the queen,” Zelda said.
“Oh no you don’t! I’m coming with you!”
“Link I’m a big girl! I can take care of myself!”
“Ok then!” Jim said, in an effort to hush his friends. “We’ll blow up that wall once we find it! Everyone go find your people and start pumping the info!”
“Hey! What’re you gonna do?”
“Actually, I was hoping to explore their culture a little,” Jim admitted.
“Jim, why don’t you take a quick look around camp? If you see anything suspicious, tell us!”
“’Kay, princess, but you be careful too!”
“Everyone meet back here when you’re done. If we need to change plans later, we will.” Link said. “Keep your eyes and ears open!”
“And most importantly,” Jim said, “ Don’t tell anyone too much about the future, or about yourself! Anyone here could be an enemy!”
The three dispersed.
***

Ikana Castle , 2:00 pm
Rheyisa concluded her spell. She waited for ten minutes.
Nothing.
In a fit of rage, she threw the book on the floor. “That’ll teach me to use my mother’s magic!” She said aloud.
“On the contrary, if you would’ve said nothing, I wouldn’t be here.”
Rheyisa turned sharply and grabbed a sword that was mounted on a wall. She edged it against Ganondorf‘s throat. “Who are you? How did you get past the guards?”
“Silly girl, you summoned me, remember?”
She looked hard at Ganondorf. “You do not appear like an Agent. What are you?”
“You are such a smart girl! But as for what I am, do not be concerned with it. I am a friend.”
Rheyisa lowered the sword. “Alright then. I need you to-”
“I already know what you want- The throne of Ikana, of course.”
Rheyisa made a face. “Are you some mind-reader? How do you know so much? Agents are for commanding, not for asking questions.”
Ganon shrugged. “Well, there’s no fooling you, that’s for sure.”
“What do you mean? You aren‘t an Agent are you?”
Ganon smiled. “Not exactly. Now, I will be frank with you- I can give you what you want, but you must provide me with a small favor.”
“What’re you saying? I summoned you. You do as I tell you!”
Ganon frowned. “I am growing quite impatient. I didn’t have to come here.”
“Oh, so now I should feel privileged?”
Ganon blasted Rheyisa with a lighting bolt. “I didn’t want to do that, princess; but you left me with no choice. Do not try to answer back for I assure you, my power is more than yours.”
Rheyisa rubbed her head and nodded. “Understandable.”
“Now, for my favor?”
“Name it.”
“Your mother’s guest? Or should I say that sniveling spy? She’s in the canyon, hiding. I want her dead. She has companions, a blond with a sword and a brown haired child. I want them dead as well.”
“What has that got to do with the throne of Ikana?”
“My dear, dear princess! Once you eliminate the people I need, you will get what you desire! I would not…ask it if didn’t apply to you!”
Ganon lowered his face to hers. “I can see the future, you know. If these people aren’t eliminated, you, my dear girl, will be.”
“Well, I have no intention of letting that happen.”
“I’m glad we see eye to eye.”
Ganon cleared his throat. “There is one more thing I‘d like to have, Your Highness. It is optional, but I think it is in your best interest.
“What‘s that?”
“I ask your allegiance.”
“My allegiance?”
“Yes, my dear! I have my own kingdom to govern, you know!”
“ Well, to put it simply, what’s in it for me? Why should I be your ally?”
Ganon was laughed. “You do play this game quite well. You are a tad nosy, but so smart.” He put a hand to her face.
He stroked her. “Yes, well, do we have a deal?”
She shook her head free. “If I may ask a question?”
Ganon nodded.
“It is clear you are no Agent. May I know your name, for when the day of my Coronation comes, I would like to know the name of the God who granted me such fortune.”
Ganondorf couldn’t keep himself from smiling. “I am Ganondorf, Lord of the Darkness, Scourge of the Weak. But most of all, King of Hyrule.”
“Very good.. Alright. I accept. My allegiance is yours, and the spies will be eliminated.”
“Excellent. I shall send word of what you need to know. Strength and Power to you, Queen Rheyisa.”
The stranger disappeared.
Hmmm…Queen Rheyisa. She liked the sound of that.
***
The Sacred Realm
Ganon returned to the miserable prison. He was growing stronger, but he still had his boundaries. The little visit had drained him of all his magic.
True, Link and Zelda had found out more than what they needed to know, But now where there was once a single hand doing Ganon’s will, there were now two. Twice the lackeys, twice as less time until he was free.
Silly girl doesn’t know what she’s got herself into! Oh yes, she’ll have her throne, but I’ll have mine! And when then happens, I shall not be stopped!
***
Ikana Graveyard, 2:30 pm
Zelda sat in Leirya’s tent, enjoying some of the soup her new friend had made.
“So, what exactly is this?”
“Well, its got Cei’jor weed and several different plants in it. The Garo try to live off the land, which is part of the reason I respect them.”
Zelda nodded. “Several races in Hyrule excel at that.”
“Shall I braid your hair, Zelda? In my culture, Braids represent events in your life that you consider important.” Leirya’s hair had four in hers.
“Can I ask what yours stand for?”
“The day I met Zaron, The day I became a woman, The day my sister was born, and the day I found I was pregnant.”
“You’re pregnant?”
“Yes. Its my first.”
“Zaron’s the father?”
Leirya` smiled. “Yeah, he was so happy, he cried! Most Garo don’t care about children, except when they become old enough to handle a weapon. Zaron’s not like that.” “How did you meet him?” Zelda asked enthusiastically.
“We met when we were very small, Zaron was 14 and I was 12. Our eyes locked, and that was it. He was the only other person I would ever look at that way again, or so I decided.”
Zelda looked lovingly at Leirya`’s stomach, which was still quite trim. “How long?”
“I only found out yesterday.”
Zelda sighed. “Y’know, If you two feel so strong, who don’t you just-”
“Marry? Because in the words of my father ‘sun never mixes with the moon, unless you want an eclipse.’”
Zelda gasped at the slur. “That’s awful! I can‘t believe he‘d say that!”
“He was raised that way.” Leirya` paused.
“Zelda, where you are from, if I understand it correctly, you are free to love whomever. if you haven’t told someone you love them, you should. You never know what’s around the corner.”
Immediately, Zelda’s thoughts drifted to Link.
“I know you love Link. I’ve felt it all along. You should tell him.”
“Oh, please! I was just wondering where he was, is all!”
“Sure. Whatever. I inherited power from my mother that allows me to see into people’s intent. You can say what you like, but just know that I know.”
Zelda changed the subject. “So your father is holding Zaron because of his relationship with you?”
Leirya’s face hardened. “The official report says he entered the castle unlawfully. There is no mention of our relationship. In my father’s eyes, it doesn’t exist.”
“What did your mother say?”
“Nothing, actually.”
“She’s on your side, I think. She told me a lot about you.”
“When did you meet her?”
“Before I was here, I was sent to Ikana Castle. I can see the family resemblance, in looks and in abilities.”
Leirya chuckled. “She knows the future like the present. She knows what will become of us. My mother’s people have a Divine Sight.” She bowed her head. “I am more like her than my father would care to admit.”
Zelda knew that feeling.
“So what about your sister? You said the day she was born-”
“I love her very much.”
“I never had any siblings.”
“Honestly, I’m starting to wish I didn’t.”
Zelda’s ears perked up. This could be important.
“How’s that?”
“She’s jealous of me, Zelda. I’m older, which means I’m going to inherit the throne on my next birthday. She wants it for herself, I think. She always wanted to make the world a better place, and I guess she’s sad she won’t have her chance.”
“Leirya`? Does she know about-”
“No. Nobody knows I’m with child except Zaron and you. And Hei’dan, of course. He’s like the brother I never had.”
Zelda turned all the facts over in her head.
“Have you ever thought about rescuing Zaron?”
“Hei’dan is working on a plan. He insists that I stay here and away from Zaron so we both don’t end up dead. Zaron will be tried in three days, we’re hoping to get him out of there before then.”
“If you succeed, what will you do?”
“Probably have a Union Ceremony, which is the Garo term for marriage. Then, I suppose I‘d live on the plains with my brethren.”
“I wish it was that simple to do everything.”
Leirya sighed. “So do I. I know soldiers are combing the plains for us as we speak. Hei’dan is cloaking us with magic, so that should buy some time. However, we’ll have to change locations before morning.”
There was a pause, until Leirya`’s eyes lit up. “So, do you want me to braid your hair?”
Zelda smiled. “Sure. Just do 1. So far, there’s only one event in my life that I value.”
***
The Sacred Realm: 3:30 pm
Nabooru appeared without warning. Ganon was sucker punched from behind and sent sailing to what could be considered the floor. “You bastard!” With all of the anger and frustration she could muster, she set to pummeling Ganondorf for five minutes straight.
When she was finished, Ganon stood up and sneered. “So? To what do I owe this visit? Have you vented enough frustration? Believe me, I’m an excellent stress reducer.”
“Pig. I’ll have you know that because of your selfishness, Impa is dead.”
Ganon smiled. “Dead, is she? Well, that means your puny little heroes have lost a day in their quest! Tommorrow, Ruto’s power is mine and then….oh yes!” He said as if he were remembering some important, unknown detail, “then its your turn!”
“Don’t be so sure! I’ve found everything I need to expose you, and as soon as I get out of here, that’s exactly what I’m going to do! The Ikanese and Garo alike will know of your villainous plot!”
Ganon frowned. “Honestly, Nabooru. You’re starting to annoy me with all of your accusations.”
“Like it matters to you.”
“It touches me deeply,” He said, mock-defensively.
“Whatever. Link and Zelda will know of your treachery before tomorrow. Enjoy your little plan while it still works.”
Nabooru closed her eyes and said the teleportation spell, but nothing happened.
“What the-”
“Allow me to explain.” Ganon said, his smile betraying him. “The last time you popped in, I was quite unsettled. Being alone gets awfully boring after awhile. So, as soon as I noticed you were here, I put up a barrier. My dear Nabooru, you will now keep me company until I am reborn again!”
“You three-toed, six-eyed son of a -”
“What, Nabooru? Do you think your little curses give you power over me?”
She shut up, and sauntered to the other side of the “cell.”
“You killed Impa. I’ll never forgive you for that.”
“Like you‘ve forgiven me for anything else.”
A silence. “No remorse at all, huh? Of course you don’t feel bad…that’s just my mind imagining things-”
“Why should there be? Impa was a prodding nuisance who didn’t know when to keep her mouth shut. Very similar to you, actually. She was…in the way. I‘m glad she was disposed of.”
Nabooru made a face.
“Keep heckling me. Obviously, you didn‘t get enough crap kicked out of you.”
Ganon made a thoughtful face, as if he were going to expose his heart, with the chance it might get stabbed.
“Let’s be honest.”
“You were never honest. You want to start all of a sudden?”
“They’re never going to figure it out in time.”
“That’s not honesty, That’s just your hope.”
“Nabooru, I am speaking not only as someone who wishes the world for the taking but as someone who speaks logical fact.”
“Logical fact? I didn’t even think you knew such hard words!”
Ganon scowled. “If I may continue?”
Nabooru just rolled her eyes.
“Oh, forget it. No matter what I say you’ll disagree. Let’s not dance around it any longer.”
“Good. I hate playing here we-go-’round-the-castle-town.”
“The odds against your friends are quite high. I would like to know what you’ll do after I am released from this hell of a prison.”
“If you ever get released from this prison, you mean. And, the same thing I’ve always done- put a boot in your ass!”
“You are obviously unaware of how bad they’re doing. They have two days before Tei’shi dies. Three before the queen is laid to rest. Do you really think three minds can piece together months worth of planning?”
“They’ve done it before.”
“Yes, when they had the power of the Sages behind them. The Sages are all but incapacitated.”
Nabooru’s face lit up. “I bet they beat you like they’ve always done.”
“Really?” Ganon’s face also lit up. “So, now this a game. I love games, especially when I know I can win.”
Another scowl.
“So, how much are you willing to wager?”
“If they solve your puzzle and/or beat you, you will be executed, and your body parts will be scattered so that your soul may never bother another living soul.”
Ganondorf chuckled. “You were always quite the gambler. All or nothing. Well, fine. As much as I would detest staying here for eternity, I accept, because I am a man of my word when it comes to gambling.”
“You just think you have the upper hand.”
“I am pleased that someone knows me so well. Especially someone of your caliber.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
Ganon waved his hand. “Never mind. Time for my part of our bargain. If you happen to be wrong, and I should triumph, You…”
He didn’t even need to think for this one.
“Upon my claiming the throne of Hyrule, I will take you as my wife, and you will serve me with no dissension.”
Nabooru made a face, as if to take a bad taste out of her mouth.
“No! Absolutely not! You couldn’t pay me-”
“Fine. Then all bets are off.”
Nabooru had a chance to keep Ganondorf out of Hyrule forever. For her to dump that chance meant more suffering.
“If I didn‘t value my word or my person, I’d tell you to go to hell. And if there were any other way out of this, you know damn well I’d take it. ”
“Of course, You never resorted to radical ideas, except as a last-ditch effort.”
She sighed. “Alright. If you win, I will…do as you asked. But you know that the chance of that happening is nil.”
“Don’t be so cocky.”
“Look who’s talking.”
Ganon smiled. Not an evil, I’m-going-to-kick-your-ass smile, but a smile of contentment.
She could match him in every way. She was going to make a great companion.
***
Ikana Canyon, 5:00 pm
Link and Hei’dan Corei sat cross legged next to one of the many campfires lighting the canyon. The Garo spoke first:
“So tell me friend, why did you decide to help us?”
“Our world is parallel to yours. Terrible things have been happening there. The very life is being sucked from the land.”
Link chuckled slightly. “As for the actual getting here, It wasn’t my choice. We cast a spell, and Jim and I happened to end up outside your camp.”
Now it was Hei’dan’s turn to laugh. “Fate works in mysterious ways!”
“Tell me about it.” Link stared into the fire. “My turn to ask a question.”
“Of course.”
“Why do your people hate the Ikanese?”
Hei’dan’s tone changed. “We do not choose to hate. If your people were enslaved and called ‘evil’ for no good reason, would you not despise the people who called you such?”
“I never thought about that. But yeah, I think I would.”
“Our God has sent us help, as you have heard. Along with your addition, The Messenger has promised that the problem will be solved, and that soon our persecution will end.”
“Hei‘dan, what is this messenger like? Is it a fellow Garo? A shimmering body?”
“I am not allowed to give details to anyone. The only people who are allowed to speak of him are myself and Zaron, our Great Ke’jai.”
Strange, Link thought. If we’re supposed to be allies, why doesn’t he let me in on the other source of help?
A change of subject by Link. “Leirya spoke earlier about Zaron being captured.”
“He is being held in Ikana Castle, for unfair reasons.” Hei’dan said acidly. “The king believes anyone with a tattooed body is a scourge upon the land.”
“Aren‘t you being a little over the top? I‘m sure its not that bad.” Link said.
Hei’dan’s eyes flashed. “Are you so sure? Our people have been scorned for centuries, milennia! We are moon-worshippers, The Ikanese believe in the Sun’s superiority. Any moon-worshipper found is automatically executed. I am not going ‘over the top’ as you say.”
Link thought hard. Despite all Hei’dan had told him, he got the feeling he didn’t have the whole story.
“If your leader is being held unfairly, then perhaps we should attempt to rescue him.”
“ I already have my men working on a plan. I‘ve had them working for days! The city is almost impenetrable, and there is not a single one of us with enough magic to cloak all of us at once. You state too much of the obvious, my friend.”
Acting a little hasty, aren’t we? Link thought.
“I wasn’t referring to a battle. What I was thinking is we should beseech the Royal Family and get a pardon. A battle would only make things worse.”
“You are a warrior, built for battle. As are we.” Hei’dan retorted. “If you’ll excuse me.” The Garo took his leave.
I don’t like this guy. He doesn’t think before he acts.
Link rose also. After talking with Hei’dan, his nerves were shot. He had spent the entire time assuring himself that Hei’dan was a friend. But after hearing the Garo’s arguments about a rescue, he came to one conclusion: He’s lying! This guy had days to rescue Zaron!
***
Ikana Graveyard, 9:00 pm
Jim was the first back at the “spot.” Link came next, and stopped in mid-step as he observed his friend. Jim’s chest was bare, and had been tattooed over. A silver earring adorned Jim’s left ear, and he held a single scimitar identical to the ones the Garo used in battle. Link‘s breaths came in ragged, as he tried in vain to shrug off the shock.
“Jim! What did you do to yourself?!”
“Ya like it? Ker’as says it’s the markings of a warrior. Me! A warrior! Isn’t that cool?”
“But…your ear…”
“So? You’ve got two of them!”
“I’m also a man.”
“Well, I am too!”
Link lowered his voice, and drew Jim close to him.
“Maybe in this backwater culture, but you still don’t know hold to wield a sword or fight. And that, my dear friend, is what differentiates a man and a boy!”
Jim crossed his arms.
“I can fight! I fight with bullies all the time! And Ker’as says as long as your old enough to fight, you are a man. He said I was a man! He said I was good enough! He said so!”
“I don’t like this Ke’ras guy, and I don’t think you should hang around him anymore!”
“Yeah? Who’s gonna stop me?”
“ME!”
“You’re not my dad!”
Princess Zelda walked in amongst the commotion. “What is going on here?”
“Uh, hey! You’re back!” Link said. “I was just explaining to Jim-bo that even though he looks like one of our friends here, (He eyed the Bomber sharply) that it doesn’t entitle him to be a warrior.”
“And I was just explaining to Link-o ( Jim looked daggers at Link) that just because I’m younger than him doesn’t mean I can’t fight!”
“Okay! Guys, it doesn’t matter!”
The two guys were locked in a menacing stare.
“Look, something’s terribly wrong-”
“Got that right. Mr. Hot stuff went and got made over.” Link said out of the corner of his mouth.
“I can‘t sense Nabooru‘s life-force anywhere! I think she‘s been taken prisoner!”
“So? What do you want me to do about it?” Link said, unenthused.
“Like he can do anything about it,” Jim shot back.
“Can you two nimrods act like you’re friends just for a minute?”
“I dunno, princess, that’s an awful long time for me to tolerate an enemy,” Jim said.
“That’s so funny. I’m grabbing my sides in pain. Look, after I ‘m finished, you can continue with your little feud, I promise!”
“What is it Zelda? What can possibly be so important as to top Jim’s little transformation into a caveman?”
“Watch it, fairy boy!”
Zelda stood up and put her hands against the boys’ chests, to restrain them from throwing punches.
“Alright! Enough already!” She motioned to Jim’s forearm, where a ghastly cut was crusted over. “Let me see your arm.”
Jim eyed her suspiciously, as if she were a re-dead who was bent on getting he boy’s blood. The princess simply laid her hand on the cut for a few seconds. When she removed it, it was still there.
“Gee, thanks! What good did that do?” Jim spat.
Link’s eyes widened. “You can’t heal?!”
Zelda shook her head. “In Ikana Castle I had a hard enough time lighting a torch. After my meeting with Leirya` du Ikana, I tried to heal myself of a few minor scrapes. I couldn’t do it.”
“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” Link asked in alarm.
“I only found out a few minutes ago! With you and Jim and my just popping in on the Garo, I had totally forgotten about my situation. This is really bad. If I can’t heal, and something happens-”
“Yeah, yeah, I get the picture,” Link said nervously.
“Look, all I have left is my telepathy! And I don’t even know how intact that is!”
Jim gasped, and muttered something-
“The Leader, whom they hold so dear,
Will walk among men, no different from the rest.
Stripped of power, and knowledge.”


Zelda turned to the bomber. “What are you mumbling?”
Jim repeated the line.
Link grew impatient. “Louder, Jim! We can barely hear you!”
Jim said it again, slowly, and a massive stone of fear lumped in Zelda’s stomach. She stared straight ahead, unblinking.
“Link? Did you hear that?”
“Yeah…and it didn’t sound good, either.”
Jim gulped. “Whoa! Zelda, I think you’re in trouble!”
“I’d say so,” Link said coolly. “According to the curse-”
“I’m about to lose my memory,” The fazed princess stated.