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"Aganhim's Seal"Aganhim's SealBy: AlagborThe company left without a sound, they slipped off into the woods and set off towards the Zora river valley. The first order of business was to slip quietly and safely out of Hyrule and head north into Termina. Alagbor had discussed a possible route through the Great Zoran Caves underneath Hyrule. Konra said he could navigate them through to the massive Lake Hylia where they would have to sneak through the Gerudos' country. They proceeded through the river country, until they came upon the maze of bridges at the waterfall. Lossenisel looked around for an entrance to the Zoras' realm, but saw nothing. Alagbor walked over to the bridge closest to the waterfall. Konra followed. "Loss, I need your ocarina here", said Alagbor, uncovering something in the earth. "You need too play the hymn of the royal family, do you know it?" Asked Konra. Lossenisel hummed the tune to himself trying to remember it and then lifted his ocarina to his lips and played the main verse to the song. Magically the waterfall created a passageway into the Zoras' Domain. Everyone jumped across to the threshold and quickly moved out of the way as Haseem did a charging roll reach the waterfall by rolling himself in a ball and launching off the bridge the doorway. They entered the caves to find a wide expanse of beautiful crystallized stone and an underground river flowing below them in a small ravine. The place had a strange eerie light to it though it wasn't quite bright enough to travel through without a torch. Alagbor and Duradar each lit a torch and they began on a long trek through the Zoran Caves. "The Zoras actually used to inhabit most of these cave systems but they were too vast for our small population and most of the caves were abandoned. The Zoras live primarily in the King's domain now", said Konra. Nobody was really listening. They were staring at the magnificent caves and the seemingly endless expanse. Usually there was water beneath them, and underwater canal or lake. They spent most of their time hiking along elevated paths built into the cave walls, which were usually about a hundred feet up, at least. They stopped to rest a few hours later and that's when it struck Saria how much the scenery had change since that morning when they were preparing to leave from Tol Ostar. Though as peaceful as that haven was... there was something tranquil about this place too. The reflection of the water dancing on the stone ceiling of the cave, the sound of trickling water echoing in every corner of the place. It was soothing and Saria began to understand why the Zoras might like it here. Saria was leaning against a wall looking out into empty expanse of the caves when Duradar sat down next to her. "Beautiful place, eh?" he began. "Its soothing, quiet", she said quietly, closing her eyes. She had a grim smile on her face. Duradar nodded. "Sort of eerie, the world above is at full war... yet down here life is timeless", he remarked. "It's going to be very chaotic when we get out of here", she said, her fake smile now fading. Duradar shrugged. "There isn't much down the Lake Hylia region", he said. Saria smiled and looked at him. "Let's hope not" They had been journeying through the caves for five days now. What the companions had found beautiful and mystical in the caves before had now faded and they were now more than eager to leave the place behind. Even Konra, who as a child loved to explore these places, was getting fed up with the place. They half-heartedly pushed on with only one thought on their minds 'get out of the caves'. Lossenisel's habit of singing when he's bored was beginning to get on everyone's nerves too. "We're almost there", Alagbor and Konra would say, but they all knew it would be another three days before they reached Lake Hylia. Food was also becoming a problem. Legolas and the Kokiri generally didn't eat much but Haseem, Konra and Galandrim were starting to run out of food. "Will it be much of a problem for you?" Asked Alagbor to Galandrim. "We should have enough rations to last just until we get out to the lake, then I'll have to hunt for some more food", he replied calmly. "We still have another two days right?" he asked cautiously. "No, we should be out by tomorrow with all luck", said Alagbor. Galandrim nodded and they continued onward through the caves. Sure enough, the next day they stood squinting in the bright morning sunlight of Lake Hylia. They had come out via a cave in a shallow stone cliff at the edge of the Lake. "Alright, Konra, swim to other side of the lake and see what its like on the other side. Nil, go help with Galandrim with the hunting, will you?" While Alagbor got everyone to work, he Lossenisel and Legolas pulled out a map. "What is the alternative if we can't cross the lake?" Asked Legolas. Alagbor pointed out the Gerudo valley on the map. "We sneak up north at the bottom of the Gerudos' canyon. I think that is our road since I can't seem to find any boats", responded Alagbor. "Then why did you send Konra to the other side of the lake if we're not going there anyway?" Asked Lossenisel looking up from polishing his ocarina. "He was getting on my nerves", said Alagbor. "Anyway, if we wait until nightfall we can sneak through unnoticed there is a passage that goes from the bottom to the top of the canyon that we use. From there we simply head north... into Termina", he explained. "Wouldn't have been easier to go north from the Lost Woods?" Asked Legolas. "No, that region is crawling with Aganhim's minions. We must not alert them that the ring bearer is leaving Hyrule or else we will be chased the entire journey", Alagbor said looking down at his map. Konra rose out of the water and approached Alagbor. "The far side of the lake is crawling with orcs, it will be impossible to cross", he said in dismay. "Then it appears we will have to take the route through the Gerudo Valley", he said looking off down the lake to where the land began to rise in a slope. For the rest of that day the company relaxed at the lake and prepared for their next leg of the journey. They would soon be in Termina. "You think we'll ever return to Hyrule again?" Asked Duradar. "I should hope so, the situation looks grim", said Alagbor "Yet, Aganhim is turning his attention away from Hyrule. He is sensing that we no longer have his ring here", he continued. He and Duradar were walking down along the shoreline. Duradar nodded with agreement as Alagbor spoke. For a few moments they said nothing, just took in the peaceful environment. "Its strangely quiet here", said Duradar. "Yes, there is a strange quiet over Hyrule. The fear of Aganhim and Ganon is spreading", said Alagbor looking around thoughtfully. "I personally have no interest whatsoever in crossing the lake", argued Haseem. "What are you afraid of getting a little wet?" Mocked Konra. "For a being that is essentially a living rock, yes", said Haseem firmly. "Well I think that passing through Gerudo territory undetected is impossible. We'll be caught and this whole vendetta will be worthless", protested Konra. "That is sure to happen if you don't keep your mouth shut while we're there", argued Haseem. "I will, will", he assured. "The path will be long and hard, The road will be mingled and jarred, But hope remains! It flows in your veins, Just never let down...get around... umm" "Nil, how does that song go again?" Asked Lossenisel to his older brother. "Just when I thought you had nothing left to sing..." Complained Nilalkar. "I'd start singing the songs over again Nil, what can I say, I love music!" He said pulling out his ocarina. "Try to hold your stance sideways so your opponent has a smaller striking range. There, good. Now when you attack always make sure your opponent is not in a position when he can strike when you perform and aggressive attack..." Explained Legolas as he trained Saria with her daggers. "Like this?" Asked Saria as she parried with him. She quickly spun around behind him and before he could turn to defend himself. "Yes good, it always helps to be quick. But you did that last time. If at first this attack fails then you must have some alternative attack or you will not be able to overcome your foe", explained Legolas. Galandrim finished drying the meats and approached Saria and Legolas. He watched them training chuckling sometimes at the scene. "Use that knife for defense!" He called to Saria. He would call out tips and tricks every once and a while to help her. He lit his pipe, still watching over the training. Alagbor walked over with Duradar. "Galandrim pack up those meats, we're leaving soon", he said. Legolas and Saria ended their training session and walked over. "Good work Saria", said Duradar. "Thank you, let's see how you do in a fight", joked Saria. Duradar blushed: "Oh well I don't know how..." he started. "Now, no more fights for now Saria, you'll throw out your arm", said Legolas. Saria laughed. "Yes you're probably right", she said. "Yes, well we must get down to business, we will be leaving soon so get packed and ready to go in an hour", said Alagbor putting out his pipe. They got onto the path going through the canyon and made their way up along the riverbed into the Gerudos' territory. Night was falling rapidly as the massive canyon closed in around them; they were perfectly quiet as they made their way up to the passage to the top of the canyon. Above them they saw a wooden bridge and some lit torches. "We're getting close", said Alagbor. Finally after stopping and stumbling in the dark for a bit they found the stairway built into the cliff that would take them up. They would soon find that it was A LOT of steps to the top. But they got there soon enough to find themselves right outside the main complex. A Gerudo guard performed her usual patrol around the front of the complex. She came to the road heading back down to the canyon. She stopped here and started to turn around when suddenly an arrow struck her in the head. She was dead before she hit the ground. The other guard in that area rushed toward her dead comrade when she too, was hit right between the eyes. Saria walked out from behind a nearby boulder and walked toward Legolas who had fired the second shot. "Good shot" "Hopefully the last", replied Legolas. "What's to worry about, the Gerudos' haven't got a clue about what's going on", laughed Saria. "Shh, they'll hear us", whispered Lossenisel who was walking over with the others. "What is it?" Asked the Gerudo leader. "The ring bearers are here, it seems the scouts were right. They'll stumble right into our trap", responded the captain. The Leader laughed. "Let us have some fun, begin the ambush. Start with the archers then bring out the spears and scimitars to finish them off", she ordered. The company started to walk around the complex but were still in the area in front of the main building. Saria heard a noise as she walked and stopped. "Duradar, did you hear that?" She asked. Duradar, who was walking next to her, looked around. Suddenly from on the walls Gerudo archers opened fire on the company. "Take cover, its an ambush!" Yelled Alagbor. The group jumped down behind some boulders to find themselves on the road leading to the canyon. They heard yells and the footsteps of many Gerudos up by the fortress. "What do we do now?!" Asked a despairing Nilalkar. Alagbor paused for a moment and turned around. "Quickly! To the Canyon!" He yelled running past his companions. They followed him down to the canyon. The stars and moon shone overhead. The sound of rushing water far below mingled with the distant battle cries of the Gerudos. They ran out onto a wooden bridge built over the narrow, steep ravine. They heard Gerudo warriors approaching from both sides of the canyon. "We're surrounded!" yelled Galandrim, drawing his sword. The five Kokiri and Legolas readied their bows. Saria, Duradar and Legolas aimed up at one side of the bridge while the other three took the other side. Konra readied his fins, prepared for a fight. Haseem clenched his fists; if he could have gotten to the edge of the bridge he would be able to plant a bomb flower in the soft dirt. Suddenly Gerudo warriors came out on both sides of the bridge. Arrows flew and three Gerudo dropped dead on either side of the bridge. Konra and Galandrim ran up the far side of the bridge and attacked the Gerudos. Alagbor, Lossenisel and Nilalkar were quick to follow. Haseem charged up the side with Legolas, Saria and Duradar. Konra chopped and sliced furiously with his fins; Galandrim wielded his sword with strength and powered charges. The three Kokiri were quick and dodgy sweeping gracefully around their enemy. On the other side Haseem was a powerhouse of furious punches and would literally pick up the Gerudo and throw them into the canyon. Duradar wielded his sword, swinging and slicing in lightning quick movements often leaping and kicking or awing high kicks utilizing his superb balance. Legolas fired shot after shot at the attackers and any who got too close received mortal blows from deadly daggers wielded by the Wood Elf archer. Saria followed pretty much along the same lines using her daggers in lethal combinations. More and more of their rat foes ran out to stop the small company. Alagbor realized that they could not fight forever and would have to get out of there soon. "Alagbor! We cannot stay here!" Yelled Legolas. They had been at the opposite side of the bridge at first but were now back to back near the middle. Alagbor looked down at the river far below them. Nilalkar was fighting next to him and looked at him queerly. "You don't mean to.." he was cut off by Alagbor, "JUMP!! BAIL OUT!!" For a moment everyone hesitated. Alagbor and Nilalkar then dove off the bridge. Lossenisel followed, then Konra. Duradar and Saria reluctantly took the plunge. Legolas looked back at Haseem who was about fifty yards down from the bridge. He plowed through the Gerudos when Alagbor had given the bail out call and now he rolled up in a ball and started rolling. He picked up some speed and then went flying down into the canyon. He landed on the path like a plane on a runway, nearly glided on. Legolas looked around backed up slowly to the edge of the bridge, surrounded by the rat-like warriors. Then he jumped into the canyon himself and escaped capture. After they had clambered back down the path to Lake Hylia they set up camp and took some rest. Alagbor and Nilalkar pulled out a map and began devising an alternate plan than the Gerudo Valley sneak. "We have no boats, we cannot cross the lake", said Nilalkar looking at his weary companion. "The crossing would have been better, could have saved us time", replied Alagbor looking at the map. "I have a feeling war is coming soon to Termina, it may be of better judgment to avoid it all together", replied Nilalkar with a sigh. "Yes, make for our territory instead. If we can get to Firimar Tal, we can save time", said Alagbor pointing a finger down on the map. "We would travel around the lake", he continued. "Into the wilds, nobody in those parts but it cuts mighty close to the Easterlings' territory", responded a worried Nilalkar. "We'll be alright" "Right then Alagbor around the south side of the lake it is", finished Nilalkar. The next morning the company was up early and quick to pack. It was a warm beautiful morning; sunny with a slowly lifting mist on the lake. They began moving along the tranquil, sandy shore; the sun shone upon their faces; there was no wind, not even a light breeze. The only sounds were the thumping of Haseem's feet and the steady lapping of small waves. All was still, soothing... waiting. There seemed something eerie about the silence over the lake. Saria walked hand in hand with Duradar, she looked over at him to see his eyes fixed at the woods not far off shore. Alagbor looked over now and then, and Legolas. They seemed to be bothered by the silence. Maybe it was just the strange emptiness in the air. Usually Lossenisel picked a time like this to play his ocarina or sing or do anything for some attention. Saria turned around to see that he seemed paranoid of the silence as well. Legolas began talking with Alagbor in a muffled voice and Saria began to feel a little more at ease. She looked at Duradar. "There is something strange about this place. Its so... quiet", she said. "I sense an almost tense atmosphere", replied Duradar looking around. "No bird nor beast utters but a chirp here", he continued. "Its so peaceful though", Saria persisted. "It is, there is no war here, when we delve into the vast wilder lands there will be only peace. We are on our own out there", he explained. Saria smiled, "Easier then war, seclusion can be a powerful advantage. It shall be" The next part of the journey is already underway; I'm working my butt off on it, putting all my ideas together. It should be finished soon, can't say how long but soon enough. Hope you enjoyed the first part! I have a last minute cite to make. The character Prince Xavier belongs to a wonderful fanfic writer called Post Rapture, he gets his credit for that. I think the names of the Know-It-All brothers are his too. He is one of my favorite fic writers and really inspired me to write, and some of his concepts really helped me to formulate Aganhim's Seal. Thanks Post! Anyway you check out his works on www.nintendoland.com/zelda. Go to their BIG fanfic section and you'll find a bunch of stuff by Post. |