The next day the company was again on the road, this time to the valley of Anglon, a sight that once the home of a sacred chapel, secluded from society. Galandrim and Alagbor guessed that is was good three days through the wilderness to get there, but at least it was on the borders of the land. Beyond was the modern day kingdom of the Kokiri; and for awhile they would travel mere plains before the land broke into mountains. For now they traveled the dismal wilderness of seemingly endless hills.
The rain had held off again that morning though it was still cool, this was a pleasant treat though. For once the company was dry and keeping a good pace. As they continued Alagbor walked along side of Saria, who had by each day grown more and more curious of Firimar Tal, and Alagbor’s place within it.
“What does the city look like, Alag?” She asked curiously, looking over at her dark-haired friend.
Alagbor shrugged, looking straight ahead, “It is built not onto a mountain, but into it. We first found the mountain, full of cliffs and rocky pinnacles, primarily made of a beautiful white stone, much like the stone we used for our cities in the Golden Realm. We built our roads, walls, buildings… all into the mountain. The city shows its beautiful white stone in the lower levels, which are bright as this strange rocks reflects light brilliantly. The upper levels, on the roofs and whatnot, we plant gardens, many of them, beautiful ones. And on the lower levels over many of the streets we planted trees that would grow and drape over the roads forming like great long archways throughout the city. But one great aspect of the city is its double-peak. Since the peaks were nearly equal in height the engineers had the idea to build a great, beautiful bridge across the two peaks. It was staggering, magnificent… Twas the most beautiful bridge I have ever seen, called the Sky-Bridge in the common tongue…” As he described the city Saria pictured it in her head, and speculating about how beautiful it must be.
She looked again at Alagbor, who had stopped talking now, “You said you had a son, I can’t remember where or when, but you did mention it. What is he like?
“Yes, Alanol is his name, he much like me in appearance, slightly more brownish hair. He is a mere seventy years of age; a bright lad, though… still has much to learn. I feared to leave in command for he has had a history of disloyalty… more or less being ill taught by nobles who like their way with power. So he is closely advised by my brother Elegbor”, he explained, then sighed, “Maybe it’s the pressure of the diplomacy with Rhun, that corrupts them… but… the nobles have become… greedy, devious, and competitive. Tis likely that the Aran (king) will take his power as supreme ruler, which only applies under a war crisis… and then… disband the Arcora, which is the council of nobles”, he said gravely.
Saria frowned, looking over a precipice, something strange was down there. It seemed like a small village, built hastily and consisting mostly of large tents and crude wooden buildings. There was a lot of movement and it seemed to be a bustling place.
She pointed to it, “What is that?” She asked aloud. The whole of the company looked down upon it from the small bluff.
Galandrim spoke, “Euhh, it’s a research camp, Hylian probably, scholars and philosophers have been turning this place upside down for nearly a century trying to find that gem”, he explained.
“Shall we go down there? Maybe they know something of the Anglon Region”, said Nilalkar.
“I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to ask; if they’re Hylian they are likely to be friendly as well”, said Alagbor looking down at the camp.
The company made their way down the hill; the slope was dotted with various thick conifer trees and shrubs. The companions reached the bottom to find themselves facing a flimsy palisade wall made apparently hastily. On a nearby pole was a white flag with the symbol of the Triforce on it in gold.
Galandrim stared at the flag for a moment, then spoke aloud, “That is Hyrule’s banner, either this camp be of our friends or else an elaborate trap set by our foes… though they seem scarce out here in this vacant country”, he said looking down at Alagbor, who stood next to him.
“Well then, let us proceed, I could take a fair guess that they might aid us in some way”, said Alagbor tightening the strap on his pack as he walked forward.
The others followed after him, walking down a small roadway. On either side of them were rough wooden huts and small buildings and tent. Makeshift tarps had been thrown in the middle of the space that which seemed to be a road of some sort. Under each tarp were tables lined with artifacts and specimens of all sorts, the place seemed to be set in a messy slapdash condition. Weaving in around the various tables were Hylians, mostly scientists, scholars and naturalists.
The nine weary travelers continued down the road mostly taken by the sudden change in environment and moving in no general direction that would be suitable for any purpose in the immediate future. But unbeknownst to them they were heading right in the direction where one such figure, in one such hut, was expecting them to arrive exactly when they were inevitably going to. Only one among the companions knew this was going to happen, and only she knew that whoever was in that hut was expecting company and particularly her.
She stopped suddenly and the other Kokiri turned around, “What is it?” Asked Duradar.
“Someone is expecting us here. I’m not sure, I just have this feeling like someone is waiting for us”, she said concentrating.
Nilalkar frowned, “Is this good or bad for our sake?” He asked.
“I don’t know…” Responded Saria, looking up. In front of her about thirty yards was a small building, made of logs with a straw roof.
“Is our host in there?” Asked Alagbor pointing to the building in front of them.
“Because that is our destination and if there is anyone who doesn’t like us in there, we should be ready for a fight”, he continued.
“It might not be an ill presence. Whatever you do, do not be aggressive… If there was to be a fight, then we would be dead before we even drew our weapons”, she said gravely. Duradar frowned, his eyes fixed on hers. She had never been so assertive in all the time he had known her. In truth everyone in the company knew exactly how she knew all this, it had become more and more obvious since the day in the Lost Woods outside of Tol Ostar, when she saved Lossenisel from the attacking orc. She was becoming ever more powerful as a sage. All Kokiri knew that their patron sage was the most powerful and wisest Kokiri alive. Saria was that sage, and her companions were watching her become powerful.
They proceeded on toward the battle, more slowly now; cautiously, for they knew that they were approaching a great and powerful force… one that, perhaps might not be driven to their favor with a sword or spear.
Alagbor stopped at the door and turned toward Saria, “Shall we leave our weapons?” He asked.
Saria shrugged and looked at Galandrim who spoke, “The door bears the symbol of an executive power, it is in Hylian etiquette to remove ones effects before approaching a superior in a non-military situation”
Alagbor sighed and motioned toward the other Kokiri who began removing their weapons, which for a Kokiri, was a long process. First Alagbor removed his pack which contained a quiver of silver arrows, an attached bow, two small pouches of pebbles, a powerful slingshot, and three small knives. Then he reluctantly un-strapped his utility belt, which bore his sword and a dagger made of drakkin. Two have such a dagger was a great honor. Drakkin is a metal so valuable and rare, that only the grandest of nobles or the bravest of heroes might possess even a goblet made of it. Not a substance has been discovered that can counter or damage drakkin, and only Kokiri bear such weapons.
After all the companions had disarmed, they proceeded into the building, Alagbor leading the way. It was dark in there, but pleasantly warm. A single burned to give enough light to see that the place was full of crates and boxes in every corner and strange and beautiful objects everywhere else. Alagbor’s eye caught some movement in one side of the small hut. An old man was bending over a desk apparently looking over something. He wore a thick dark cloak, made of a pelt of some sort, and he had long white hair.
Alagbor frowned, “Sir?” He asked, trying to get his attention.
He did not look up, but spoke softly, in a kind raspy voice, “Ah yes, the great Alagbor. I’ve been waiting for you”, he said turning around, slowly rising to his feet, “What took you so long?” He asked smiling. He had aging face, warm eyes and a thin, short white beard. He seemed to be kindly, a pleasant looking man; friendly, but Alagbor was suspicious.
“How do you know me?” He asked looking at him queerly.
The man chuckled quietly, “Oh I know a lot about you. But I doubt that is any surprise to you, after all… Saria told you that I am powerful”, he said nodding toward her.
Legolas frowned, “You are the prophet of the east, Hassale” He said knowingly.
“That I am, Legolas, Son of Thranduil. Ah, I see an exciting future fro you, this is not the last time you will join an adventurous company”, He said sitting down. He motioned for them to come forth. They all walked over and took seats on various chairs and sofas within the room.
“Knowing that I am a prophet, your minds are all clouded now with questions to ask. But most importantly, you must know what is needed to continue your quest”, he began. Everyone had their eyes fixed on him, listening intently, “The future is ever in motion and rarely can I tell or see things to complete accuracy, though I can interpret, and share what knowledge comes to me. Everything you do from here on end must be in the best protection of the good in this world. You intend to travel to Firimar Tal, that is the wisest decision, you are safer there than in the wild”, he explained.
“Yes but Aganhim is bound to strike there after he takes Termina, he may have already done so”, protested Konra, who was standing behind Duradar and Saria.
“He has, the Hylians more or less gave him the land so to buy you more time. The people of Termina fled into Hyrule, where they joined ranks with the Hylians’ Grand Army. They will chase Aganhim’s hordes, which are led by Ganon, all across Hylia. They need to buy you time to prepare”, explained Hassale.
“I understand, they want to corner the army at Firimar Tal, end the war before it spreads to the west”, said Alagbor.
“I see no other alternatives, they do not underestimate your powers either. I hope that is what will happen, though I cannot foresee the battle… and I wonder what else could occur”, Continued Hassale.
“Many things, just for the thought… say Aganhim’s army found out they were being followed and turned around to attack the army”, suggested Haseem.
Hassale shook his head, “No, that is not destined to happen. I see the power of that army doing great things. Hylians, Gorons and Zoras fighting together is a powerful opponent. If anything Ganondorf will be ordering his army to flee from them…”
Saria interrupted, “Why would Ganondorf be fleeing if he has captured the Triforce piece of Power?”
Hassale gave her a narrow look, “That is the key weakness to his army. Ganondorf is simply not among them, he is giving commands from his new fortress in Hyrule”, he explained with a beaming smile.
“That will severely slow the progress and reaction of the force, therefore making it easier to defeat”, he continued standing up.
“Alagbor… you must make haste to your city. Soon, they will need you when war comes to Firimar Tal. The city is immense, and will stand a good fight, but I fear that leadership is poor there. You can re-stock what supplies you need here, though I suggest you leave immediately, you must keep a good pace”, he said as they made their way to the door.
He smiled then, his kind, old bright smile, “Remember Alagbor.. Luck never lasts a lifetime unless you die young. You are brilliant, and you have saved your people time and again. You can do this, don’t let this path unfold before you and hope for it to be in your favor because it won’t be”, he said gravely, then smiled, “Fair winds my friend.. and don’t forget your weapons”, he said as the companions each stepped outside into a now bright, sunny day. Saria lingered though, and now approached the aging prophet.
“You summoned for me?” She asked.
Hassale nodded as he crossed the room; he dug through some crates on the far end of the hut.
“I have something for you… Ah yes… here it is. I am glad that Alagbor took interest in visiting this camp, because I wanted to give this to you” he said walking back over to Saria. He carried with him a wooden staff, nothing special looking but she sensed it to be giving off great amounts of magic.
“A few of my pupils came upon this in an old excavation site a few years back. I immediately identified it as the staff of an earlier Forest Sage, who perished fighting here in this land”, he explained handing her the staff. She ran her hand along the fine polished wood and felt power pulsing into her arms.
“Its very powerful”, she said raising an eyebrow as she looked down at it.
“Yes, it should give you some help gaining your magic as a sage”, he said with a smile.
A few moments later she emerged from the hut holding the staff to find her companions re-arming themselves. They looked up and each nodded or smiled at her.
Lossenisel spoke, “That would not happen to be a magic staff would it?” His bright delighted eyes followed it. Saria nodded, a certain amount of pride built up inside her.
She suddenly chuckled and dashed over to the dark-haired Kokiri, “And if your not careful I might turn you into a Deku Scrub!” She said pointing the staff at him. Haseem let out a deep, hardy laugh. Lossenisel staggered back and tripped over his pack, a cheerful smile on his face the whole way. Upon hitting the ground he looked around for a weapon to play with himself. He picked up Alagbor’s drakkin dagger and stood up.
“Alright Saria! Turn me into a living log and I’ll have your head hanging on that post!” He joked. Saria laughed so hard she nearly fell over.
“Oi! Careful with that dagger now Loss, its very dear to me. If you do anything to that It’ll be your head on that post. He-he, you know you have to wonder though”, said Alagbor, “Would Loss here be more irritating as he is or as some little wooden waif?”
“Hmm, I couldn’t quite say Alag, I though he was the only one who could make merry in a time like this but I don’t know why you would be so light-hearted right now Saria” Said Duradar walking over to her. He kissed her on the fore-head and picked up his pack that was sitting next to her.
Saria still smiled brightly, “Ah, I don’t know, maybe I’m just happy to see the sun again. But I think it’s the staff, its very powerful you know, makes me feel powerful, and safe, and warm. I could get used to using this”, she said spinning it around a few times. Alagbor walked over to Lossenisel who just stood there watching Saria practice some impressive moves with her new weapon, he took the dagger out of his hand.
He watched Saria for a moment then spoke quietly to Lossenisel, “Face her with this?” He said holding the dagger up to his face, “You’d probably be dead by the time you raised it above your head”, he said smirking. He tapped him with the flat of the blade on the head, then he sheathed and walked away.
“Alright, let’s depart shall we?” He asked.