CHAPTER 32: THE LETTER
(unrevised)
_Rusl set aside the pain in his foot. Now was not the time to give in to
such wounds. The temple was coming down, and he and Link sprung back
into the corridor filled with traps. They dodged the blades and beams as
well as the stones that shook loose from the walls, crashing down all
around them and upon some of the blades and white sculptures.
Link held onto the mirror shard so tightly that its jagged edges were digging into his arms, but he could not allow it to shatter. If he lost the piece, there would be no way for Midna and him to put an end to Ganondorf and his minion.
Link and Rusl danced around the increasing number of obstacles, sustaining several scratches. A beam tumbled down from their right and just as it was breaking apart and falling in sections into the corridor, Link and Rusl raced beneath it.
At last, they reached the doorway spilling into the main chamber. The ceiling and the walls were quaking insanely, displacing stones as dust rose into the air. Quickly, they made their way toward the opening that would lead them back into the Master Sword chamber. Just as they passed through the door, the corridor flooded with crashing debris that clouded out toward them.
The exploding sounds of the rooms behind them thrashed through the sword chamber, jarring the walls and shattering most of the windows. Link and Rusl darted down the magical stair steps, but a vibrating crack of the back wall caused Rusl to lose his balance and trip over the pedestal. Link had managed to remain on his feet. Turning back to the faux window, Link saw the wall crumbling down. Within seconds its stones would come crashing down upon them.
Rusl had landed on a puddle of broken glass, his hands and arms sliced in various places, and the stones were about to smash on top of him.
He is the closest thing you have to a father, Link heard himself screaming.
Holding fast to the mirror shard with one arm, Link ran to Rusl's side, and with all the strength within him, he jerked Rusl to his feet despite the glass that cut into his hand when he grabbed for the older man. Once standing again Rusl struggled forward with Link's help, his injuries beginning to drain his energy. The limp in his foot propelled them slower; however, Link was able to pull Rusl from the chamber before they had been caught in its collapse.
They struggled forward, racing along as quickly as they could without looking back. Link focused on the door ahead, the door that would bring them once more into a lively world. He could see the lush overgrowth on the other side as he ascended the stairway, and just as he heard and felt another rumble, Link leapt through the portal, clutching tightly to Rusl.
===============
Just as Link and Rusl tumbled back into the real world, the portal behind them closed, sealing away the destroyed temple of the past. Link rose to his feet and helped Rusl to stand. The both of them were littered with scratches over their faces and arms, and while Rusl had trouble with the extensive burn on his foot, Link's shoulder and chest ached from the injury the dark knight had inflicted upon him.
"Not so bad, eh?" Rusl said in his usual tone, as he and Link looked out beyond the ancient door upon the rest of the ruins.
Link could not help a smile. They had traversed the terrors of the Temple of Time and survived. Rusl ... had survived. And I will save the rest of the people, Link asserted. No child will lose a parent as long as I draw breath. As thoughts consumed Link, he realized the state of the temple. The windows and the back wall in the sword chamber, the torn steps of the grand stairway ... all of these had happened during their escape just moments ago, but now ... looking upon the temple....
What he now stared at was how he supposed the wreckage would have appeared after their journey into the Temple of Time. They had caused the current state of the temple. What he saw now ... was a scene that had happened so very long ago ... because of him. The mere thought of causing the disaster was unsettling, and Link shook himself loose from it, for it plagued him with too many questions to which he could already guess their answers.
"Link," Rusl called. Link turned to him and immediately perceived the worry and confusion within his eyes. "Where is the mirror piece?"
Realizing just now that he no longer held it, Link searched about, but a voice assailed their ears.
"The evil within these shards is more powerful than you can possibly imagine," the nasal, feminine voice spoke.
Link had recognized it directly, but when Rusl had turned about to face the small black and white, helmeted figure behind them, hovering in midair, he paused momentarily before ripping free his sword and charging forward. Startled at Rusl's sudden movement, Link darted after him, yanking back his attack directly before it struck the little imp, "No!"
As Link held Rusl at bay, the older man switched his gaze between the small body holding the mirror shard and the young man keeping him from attacking it.
"What is going on, Link?" Rusl demanded.
"Midna's a friend," Link explained plainly. "Put down the sword."
Link's words poked a nerve inside Midna then. A friend. Just thinking about the word made Midna's skin crawl with an unfamiliar tinge of embarrassed joy. They had crossed the line of being simple partners long ago, but this was the first time that Link had truly acknowledged her with such a status. But she tossed away the sentiment when the still skeptical Rusl sheathed his blade once more, and when the mirror shard disappeared into the realm of her magic, she could see the surprise and the unvoiced dismay within his eyes.
"We could assembling something truly terrible here ... something that we might ultimately have to destroy," she said.
"We'll worry about that when the time comes," returned Link.
Rusl looked between the two during their exchange, and the way that the imp had directed her statement to only Link combined with the way that he had regarded her so casually, he understood that they had traveled together for some time.
Midna followed Link and Rusl as they returned to their horses. Rusl noticed the way that the little creature nonchalantly looked over Link's injures, but when she saw the old man glancing at her, she turned her eye from both of them. Without having any other knowledge of the imp's behavior, Rusl knew the look in her eye, the one that wanted to ask Link if he was all right but also not wanting either of them to know that she cared.
It was perhaps that single, almost-human gaze that made Rusl more comfortable with the thought of her being the one to possess the mirror shard. He now understood why Link had gone off alone in Snowpeak. He already had a companion, and at least ... she seemed to care about Link's wellbeing. More than he could say for Ashei, who was used to looking out for herself.
When Midna descended into Link's shadow, Rusl was again disquieted, but the blank gaze in Link's eyes told Rusl that this was perhaps not so unusual ... for Link at any rate.
Just as they climbed into their saddles, Rusl tossed a glance toward Link. "You have a lot of explaining to do. And I'm not taking excuses this time."
===============
Link had finally come to a place where he could finally let go of his resentment toward Rusl. Perhaps it was their journey into the temple together that had forced these feelings away, or it was just that he had simply come to understand that such bitterness was a childish game that he had used to fill the void where his parents had once been—or rather ... where they had never existed. Whatever the reason Link's breath seemed to flow more smoothly, as if a weight had been lifted from his chest.
He had saved Rusl's life so that his children did not suffer the same empty life that he had been forced into. Colin so wants to be like me, but that is the last thing I would want in this world. He deserves a chance at a fuller life, a life that does not linger in the shadows of this world.
Yet there was a part of Link—a part that would always exist—that would look to Rusl as a father figure. It did not matter that Link had grown up as the only one that had not truly belonged in Ordon. He would always have friends there, people who cared for him. And that small thought ... was enough to make him smile.
On the long road back toward Castle Town, Link told Rusl how his journey had begun, how on that fateful day those weeks ago the bulblins had invaded the spring and taken his friends. He still did not entirely feel comfortable telling Rusl about his experience as the wolf, but he had remained in the shadows long enough. It was time to let go of the secrets that he held within his heart. And so ... he told Rusl of his transformations, the excruciating pain that he had endured each time. He spoke of Princess Zelda, of the Gorons and the Zoras, of the terrors of the Arbiter's Grounds ... and that he had come so close to killing an innocent in the mountains of Snowpeak, a day that haunted him like no other.
He discussed the Fused Shadows and the Mirror of Twilight with Rusl, Zant's attack against him and Midna ... and lastly of how he missed the sparkle in Ilia's eyes, a glimmer that had once been so full of life. All his worries, all his doubts had been bottled for so long.
But there were some things that he had left unsaid....
He would never be able to tell Rusl how he had nearly given up, how when all hope seemed lost as he sat in the Mirror Chamber ... he had wanted to sit there forever to become a part of that dust filled wasteland. He could never tell anyone how he had nearly given up on their kingdom.
And he would never give light to his confusing feelings for his companion ... someone he had so loathed so long ago....
===============
Rusl and Link reentered Castle Town through the southern entrance and guided their horses back to the public corral. Taking leisured steps for the first time in a while, Link stepped silently through the streets alongside Rusl. Again he had lifted his hood over his eyes, but it seemed that his cloak had become rather iconic of his presence nevertheless. Many eyes were watching Link, as Rusl told him with a grin. Link paid them no mind, only mingling with them when a young woman dropped her knapsack. Her eyes and hair were the same color as Link's tunic, and she smiled shyly as she took her bag from his hand.
Yet, she had seen the few bloody scratches across Link's fingers and knuckles, and she had immediately receded in thanks. Link heaved a sigh at the too familiar sight of the townspeople whispering, as the green-haired girl flitted through the street spreading word of their hero's injuries.
Link looked toward Rusl, who grinned toward the youth, but Link's lips did not reflect his amusement. The townsfolk seemed so preoccupied in discussing him, all due to Telma spreading the truth of his deeds. There were times when he was grateful that the people knew that someone was fighting for them, but it just felt wrong for him to accept their gossip with silence. Although, he understood why Telma had leaked word of what he had done for them. They needed hope, that one thing to hold onto and to see them through the dark times. Without Princess Zelda able to speak to them, to reassure them ... they needed him. She needed him.
As soon as Link and Rusl entered the tavern, Auru noticed them immediately and motioned for them. Rusl took up a seat thankfully beside the white-haired man in the second room. Link followed behind him, but leaned against the back of a chair instead, tossing back his hood and folding his arms across the chair. Normally, the bar would have been bustling with patrons, but its usual customers and Telma and the other members of the Group were naught to be seen.
"What did you find?" Auru asked.
"Exactly what I was hoping for," Rusl answered. "Another piece of the puzzle."
"So, you acquired another shard then?" he said, directly this question more toward Link.
Link nodded.
"I'm glad it was worth it. You two don't look that great."
Rusl tossed off the remark with a smirk. "I've had worse."
Link had to agree. The trip into the Temple of Time had not been the worst journey he had undertaken on his quest. He also understood the weight behind Rusl's casual attitude. He could remember seeing Rusl lying severely wounded on his bed ... a crying Uli ... a missing Colin.... All that was different now. Everything would change. Link would see to it.
Auru heaved a wearied breath. "All this makes my stomach turn," he said, his mouth flat lining into a grim frown.
Link settled into quite for the moment. He had not heard the peace of true silence for some time, yet, even here, he could not grasp its slippery fingers.
"So, where is everyone?" Rusl finally asked, propping his foot up on the nearest seat.
"Oh?" Auru woke from his quiet trance with a tilt of his head. "Ashei has not returned here since she left after her argument with you," he said looking toward Link. "And Shad went off babbling some time ago. I don't really know where he went."
"What about Telma?" Link inquired.
"She left on a few errands, so she closed down the bar until she returns," he said. "Which reminds me." He dug into a pocket and pulled forth a small leather pouch. He tossed it toward Link, and it landed on the tabletop directly in front of the youth. "A little something from Telma."
"What's this?" Link asked, grabbing for it and pulling the strings of its mouth open, revealing shining gemstones within. There was an assortment of different colored stones—green, blue, yellow, and red. Rupees, the currency of Hyrule. "I couldn't possibly—" Link started, looking to Auru.
But Auru laughed ... for the first time in Link's presence. He stood up and circled around the table to stand beside Link. "Don't treat it like a reward that you can refuse, Link. By the look of your quiver, I'd say you at least need to find someone who sells arrows around here." That fact was true, for Link's quiver was bare save for one or two arrows, but when Link still remained unsure, Auru added, "If Telma had been here to give it to you herself, she would have kicked you out the door with the rupees, so I'm afraid I cannot let you leave without them."
Still Link felt wrong in accepting such charity, but Auru was right. He needed to restock his quiver. He nodded then, tying the pouch to his belt tightly.
"Good, now why don't you clean yourself up and then buy some more supplies," Auru suggested. "When you're done, we'll discuss our next step."
Perhaps it was the unusual cheerfulness within Auru's tone that unsettled Link. He had been so used to the pessimistic Auru that questioned every step and word that he took. Maybe the old man was beginning to have a brighter outlook on their plan ... and with that a little hope restored within him.
===============
His wounds washed, the only remaining evidence of his battles were the thin red lines that had begun to crust over his scratches. Thankfully, his cloak served him in shielding his torn collar from view. The cuts on his hands burned more than those across his cheeks, but Link tried to ignore the pain as he passed through the crowds of Castle Town.
He had not spent any time associating himself with the merchants in the town, for he had always visited simply on the business of information. As he walked through the streets, searching for any vendor that sold arms, Link took the opportunity to marvel at the town. There were so many different people within its borders, but the main races were that of the Hylian residents and the Gorons. Link had not expected to see any Zoras about, for their people seemed much more secluded than those across the other lands of Hyrule.
A feeling of peacefulness washed over Link in those moments, his gaze traveling from one corner of the streets to the next. He could feel several pairs of eyes staring toward him as he walked, but their curious looks were becoming easier to bear. He could remember Midna telling him one day long ago. ...no one knows what you have done. You may be doomed to toil in obscurity forever.... How false that statement had become.
True, Rusl was the only one that knew the full details of what he had done, but the people of Hyrule now knew that someone stood up to fight for them, and that was all that Link needed now to continue on. He would continue on to keep his word to the Old Hero, and he would never falter again until Ganondorf and his minion were gone from light and shadow. For Ilia ... and for all those of Hyrule.
Link stepped into the main square where the town's water bloomed forth from the large, decorative fountain at the center. Lines of busy people carrying bundles and crates or pulling along their children swarmed through the space, and a troupe of musicians were playing a rather merry tune. It was amazing how much the townsfolk wanted to forget the ominous state of affairs in which they now lived.
Link approached an outside café and asked the woman selling drinks where he could find the type of merchant he was searching for. Pleased to help she pointed toward a stone building that rose up on the opposite side of the square, facing the castle's entrance. It was interconnected with the homes next to it, but this section rose into a short tower, a ledge overlooking the square. Link marched toward the wooden door leading into its interior and pulled it open.
Through a short passage, Link came to the base of a spiral staircase. After he climbed its many steps, he was assailed by the sight of lounging Gorons. Many of them were children, playing through the long hall at the top of the stairs. Link smiled at the small ones' high pitched laughter. Not the type of laugh he would have expected from little Gorons, he had to admit.
One of the larger ones approached him. Though their boulder-shaped bodies were enough to intimidate any ordinary person, Link had long ago grown accustomed to their gruff ways. When asked of his intent, Link replied evenly, his eyes glimmering with only confidence. Nodding jerkily, the Goron mentioned a deck and pointed toward the end of the hall. Link thanked the Goron and passed through the throng of rock men until he reached the ledge that he had seen from the square.
The observation deck provided a magnificent view of Hyrule Castle, its towers and spires rising high in the sky, its countless catwalks appearing as a beautiful maze, and its throne room high at the center of its construction glowing like a beacon of power and serenity. However, the darkened barrier that hazed over its elegant design returned the anger to Link's heart.
A Goron of to the side of the balcony approached Link then, arms folded across its vast chest. "It is disturbing, is it not?"
Link turned to the Goron. Oddly, there was something familiar with this one, for the patterns on its exposed belly resembled those of another Goron he had met within the mountain. Perhaps it was this thoughtful gaze that drew the crude smile across the Goron's face. "Indeed we have met before, hero. I was among those that took you to see Gor Coron."
Link nodded at the recognition that then stabbed his mind. He remembered now. His skin had nearly been bruised from the strength this Goron had exerted in restraining him when their people had thought him an enemy.
A short conversation spawned between them from that point, Link afterward offering the Goron two red rupees in exchange for restocking his nearly vacant quiver. Link had also spotted a bag of the bombs that Barnes had created, and he offered over more rupees to fill the pouch on his belt. He then set off to return to the bar; though, he took the long way about the town, stopping to buy a handful of his favorite Ordonian berries from one of the vendors.
As Link returned to the less traveled street where the bar sat snugly between other houses, he tripped over one of the stones in the path. Though it had not been enough to unbalance him, he turned to look toward his misstep and found a grisly bone. At first, the sight alerted Link, but as soon as he noticed the small face lurking in the shadows of the houses, he smiled. There lay a white puppy.
"Hello there," Link greeted. Link bent over to pick up the bone, and immediately the young pup barked and raced toward him playfully. Link laughed as it licked his fingers. He picked up the animal, resting its bottom against his forearm and cradling with the other it as it lay upright within his arms. It began to lick at his face, and as Link spluttered another laugh, he scratched at the pup's ears. "Where is your master, huh?"
Just then a boy entered the area, but he hung back away from Link.
Link noticed the boy and stepped up to him. "Hello, Soal."
Either thrilled or amazed that Link had remembered him, Soal smiled.
"This fellow wouldn't happen to be yours, now would he?" Link asked.
"Yeah," returned the boy shyly.
Link offered the pet to Soal, and the boy took it within his small arms. "There now. I'd keep a better eye on him, if I were you."
Soal noticed Link's scratched fingers and face. Silence cascaded upon them then, and Link took it as his cue to leave; however, Soal called back to him. "Are you all right?" the boy asked, unsure perhaps if he should ask one older than him such a question.
All the weariness of his situation again weighed against Link. For a moment he had forgotten about the rest of the world, the scale of what was happening. During his walk about the town, he had felt more relaxed than he had in weeks, but the truth of his existence again bore upon him, and the reminder had come from within this small child, a child that had had his innocence of the world stolen away.
Link turned back to Soal, saying simply. "You remember what I told you?"
I will save Hyrule even if it means my life. Link could see the recollection with Soal's eyes. "I will never break that promise," Link assured.
Link could see the glimmer of hope and happiness—but also sadness—within the boy. "Thank you," said Soal's small voice.
But Link turned once more to the tavern, his hand on the knob. "None will ever be needed." And he pulled on the door and entered.
Once again, the bar was filled with the many drunken patrons of Castle Town, those who seemed to only find salvation from their current doom in the dregs of their mugs. That meant that Telma had returned, and indeed, she stood in front of her bar. Rusl and Auru had grouped by her in hushed discussion, and Ashei had finally returned, sitting at the Group's usual, secluded table, arms folded as she stared off with an expression vacant of all emotion save bottled fury.
The whispering haze over Telma, Rusl, and Auru's voices disturbed Link, and just as he had entered the bar, Auru had been the first to notice him. The others had turned to his presence soon after, their countenances displaying all that their voices no longer said. "What is it?" Link demanded, uncertain if he truly wanted to know the answer.
"There's a letter for you, Link," said Auru. "It arrived while you were gone."
Questions still lingered within Link's eyes as he approached them, and Telma clarified with only three words. "It's from Renado."
Immediately, Link grabbed the letter from Telma's hands, noticing that a strange man clad in a large red hat was also watching him from out of the corner of his eyes as he ate the meal Telma had obviously given him. The letter was still sealed, and Link could see the worried anticipation in all their faces. Unable to stand due to the terrible news that the letter could hold, Link plopped down in a bar stool, staring at the envelope made of animal skin for a long moment.
He could feel Rusl's worry more than the others' apprehension, for the older man was the only one within the bar that also knew Ilia....
At last, he tore open the laces and pulled out a folded piece of parchment. He read the short letter quickly and only once before—his eyes widening—he tossed it down and headed toward the door.
"Link—" Telma started.
But he cut her off. "I have to go." Link yanked open the door and dashed out into the streets beyond.
Rusl stepped over to where Link had left the letter and picked it up.
Link,
I am entrusting this letter to Telma, for I know she
will find a way to deliver it to you. I have urgent
news about Ilia's memory. She is beginning to remember.
Please, visit Kakariko as soon as you can.
--Renado
Rusl sat down in the stool where Link had settled moments ago. He knew the depth of Link's care for Ilia ... knew that he would do anything for her, and Rusl only prayed that Link would at last find some amount of peace in seeing her finally beginning to recover.
================
Within moments, Link had guided Epona as hurriedly as he permitted himself toward the eastern bridge leading out of Castle Town. Drawing attention to himself would only slow his progress, for he imagined that the guards would stop him for answers. As soon as he reached the bridge, Link mounted Epona and dug in his legs. Epona galloped away toward Kakariko, and within a few hours he cantered onto the village thoroughfare.
Colin and Malo were the first to emerge from Renado's house, and as he dismounted, Link asked them where the shaman and Ilia were. They pointed toward the sanctuary, and Link marched toward the partly damaged structure. His hand trembled over the handle for one instant before he banished the weakness and pulled the door open.
Link held onto the mirror shard so tightly that its jagged edges were digging into his arms, but he could not allow it to shatter. If he lost the piece, there would be no way for Midna and him to put an end to Ganondorf and his minion.
Link and Rusl danced around the increasing number of obstacles, sustaining several scratches. A beam tumbled down from their right and just as it was breaking apart and falling in sections into the corridor, Link and Rusl raced beneath it.
At last, they reached the doorway spilling into the main chamber. The ceiling and the walls were quaking insanely, displacing stones as dust rose into the air. Quickly, they made their way toward the opening that would lead them back into the Master Sword chamber. Just as they passed through the door, the corridor flooded with crashing debris that clouded out toward them.
The exploding sounds of the rooms behind them thrashed through the sword chamber, jarring the walls and shattering most of the windows. Link and Rusl darted down the magical stair steps, but a vibrating crack of the back wall caused Rusl to lose his balance and trip over the pedestal. Link had managed to remain on his feet. Turning back to the faux window, Link saw the wall crumbling down. Within seconds its stones would come crashing down upon them.
Rusl had landed on a puddle of broken glass, his hands and arms sliced in various places, and the stones were about to smash on top of him.
He is the closest thing you have to a father, Link heard himself screaming.
Holding fast to the mirror shard with one arm, Link ran to Rusl's side, and with all the strength within him, he jerked Rusl to his feet despite the glass that cut into his hand when he grabbed for the older man. Once standing again Rusl struggled forward with Link's help, his injuries beginning to drain his energy. The limp in his foot propelled them slower; however, Link was able to pull Rusl from the chamber before they had been caught in its collapse.
They struggled forward, racing along as quickly as they could without looking back. Link focused on the door ahead, the door that would bring them once more into a lively world. He could see the lush overgrowth on the other side as he ascended the stairway, and just as he heard and felt another rumble, Link leapt through the portal, clutching tightly to Rusl.
===============
Just as Link and Rusl tumbled back into the real world, the portal behind them closed, sealing away the destroyed temple of the past. Link rose to his feet and helped Rusl to stand. The both of them were littered with scratches over their faces and arms, and while Rusl had trouble with the extensive burn on his foot, Link's shoulder and chest ached from the injury the dark knight had inflicted upon him.
"Not so bad, eh?" Rusl said in his usual tone, as he and Link looked out beyond the ancient door upon the rest of the ruins.
Link could not help a smile. They had traversed the terrors of the Temple of Time and survived. Rusl ... had survived. And I will save the rest of the people, Link asserted. No child will lose a parent as long as I draw breath. As thoughts consumed Link, he realized the state of the temple. The windows and the back wall in the sword chamber, the torn steps of the grand stairway ... all of these had happened during their escape just moments ago, but now ... looking upon the temple....
What he now stared at was how he supposed the wreckage would have appeared after their journey into the Temple of Time. They had caused the current state of the temple. What he saw now ... was a scene that had happened so very long ago ... because of him. The mere thought of causing the disaster was unsettling, and Link shook himself loose from it, for it plagued him with too many questions to which he could already guess their answers.
"Link," Rusl called. Link turned to him and immediately perceived the worry and confusion within his eyes. "Where is the mirror piece?"
Realizing just now that he no longer held it, Link searched about, but a voice assailed their ears.
"The evil within these shards is more powerful than you can possibly imagine," the nasal, feminine voice spoke.
Link had recognized it directly, but when Rusl had turned about to face the small black and white, helmeted figure behind them, hovering in midair, he paused momentarily before ripping free his sword and charging forward. Startled at Rusl's sudden movement, Link darted after him, yanking back his attack directly before it struck the little imp, "No!"
As Link held Rusl at bay, the older man switched his gaze between the small body holding the mirror shard and the young man keeping him from attacking it.
"What is going on, Link?" Rusl demanded.
"Midna's a friend," Link explained plainly. "Put down the sword."
Link's words poked a nerve inside Midna then. A friend. Just thinking about the word made Midna's skin crawl with an unfamiliar tinge of embarrassed joy. They had crossed the line of being simple partners long ago, but this was the first time that Link had truly acknowledged her with such a status. But she tossed away the sentiment when the still skeptical Rusl sheathed his blade once more, and when the mirror shard disappeared into the realm of her magic, she could see the surprise and the unvoiced dismay within his eyes.
"We could assembling something truly terrible here ... something that we might ultimately have to destroy," she said.
"We'll worry about that when the time comes," returned Link.
Rusl looked between the two during their exchange, and the way that the imp had directed her statement to only Link combined with the way that he had regarded her so casually, he understood that they had traveled together for some time.
Midna followed Link and Rusl as they returned to their horses. Rusl noticed the way that the little creature nonchalantly looked over Link's injures, but when she saw the old man glancing at her, she turned her eye from both of them. Without having any other knowledge of the imp's behavior, Rusl knew the look in her eye, the one that wanted to ask Link if he was all right but also not wanting either of them to know that she cared.
It was perhaps that single, almost-human gaze that made Rusl more comfortable with the thought of her being the one to possess the mirror shard. He now understood why Link had gone off alone in Snowpeak. He already had a companion, and at least ... she seemed to care about Link's wellbeing. More than he could say for Ashei, who was used to looking out for herself.
When Midna descended into Link's shadow, Rusl was again disquieted, but the blank gaze in Link's eyes told Rusl that this was perhaps not so unusual ... for Link at any rate.
Just as they climbed into their saddles, Rusl tossed a glance toward Link. "You have a lot of explaining to do. And I'm not taking excuses this time."
===============
Link had finally come to a place where he could finally let go of his resentment toward Rusl. Perhaps it was their journey into the temple together that had forced these feelings away, or it was just that he had simply come to understand that such bitterness was a childish game that he had used to fill the void where his parents had once been—or rather ... where they had never existed. Whatever the reason Link's breath seemed to flow more smoothly, as if a weight had been lifted from his chest.
He had saved Rusl's life so that his children did not suffer the same empty life that he had been forced into. Colin so wants to be like me, but that is the last thing I would want in this world. He deserves a chance at a fuller life, a life that does not linger in the shadows of this world.
Yet there was a part of Link—a part that would always exist—that would look to Rusl as a father figure. It did not matter that Link had grown up as the only one that had not truly belonged in Ordon. He would always have friends there, people who cared for him. And that small thought ... was enough to make him smile.
On the long road back toward Castle Town, Link told Rusl how his journey had begun, how on that fateful day those weeks ago the bulblins had invaded the spring and taken his friends. He still did not entirely feel comfortable telling Rusl about his experience as the wolf, but he had remained in the shadows long enough. It was time to let go of the secrets that he held within his heart. And so ... he told Rusl of his transformations, the excruciating pain that he had endured each time. He spoke of Princess Zelda, of the Gorons and the Zoras, of the terrors of the Arbiter's Grounds ... and that he had come so close to killing an innocent in the mountains of Snowpeak, a day that haunted him like no other.
He discussed the Fused Shadows and the Mirror of Twilight with Rusl, Zant's attack against him and Midna ... and lastly of how he missed the sparkle in Ilia's eyes, a glimmer that had once been so full of life. All his worries, all his doubts had been bottled for so long.
But there were some things that he had left unsaid....
He would never be able to tell Rusl how he had nearly given up, how when all hope seemed lost as he sat in the Mirror Chamber ... he had wanted to sit there forever to become a part of that dust filled wasteland. He could never tell anyone how he had nearly given up on their kingdom.
And he would never give light to his confusing feelings for his companion ... someone he had so loathed so long ago....
===============
Rusl and Link reentered Castle Town through the southern entrance and guided their horses back to the public corral. Taking leisured steps for the first time in a while, Link stepped silently through the streets alongside Rusl. Again he had lifted his hood over his eyes, but it seemed that his cloak had become rather iconic of his presence nevertheless. Many eyes were watching Link, as Rusl told him with a grin. Link paid them no mind, only mingling with them when a young woman dropped her knapsack. Her eyes and hair were the same color as Link's tunic, and she smiled shyly as she took her bag from his hand.
Yet, she had seen the few bloody scratches across Link's fingers and knuckles, and she had immediately receded in thanks. Link heaved a sigh at the too familiar sight of the townspeople whispering, as the green-haired girl flitted through the street spreading word of their hero's injuries.
Link looked toward Rusl, who grinned toward the youth, but Link's lips did not reflect his amusement. The townsfolk seemed so preoccupied in discussing him, all due to Telma spreading the truth of his deeds. There were times when he was grateful that the people knew that someone was fighting for them, but it just felt wrong for him to accept their gossip with silence. Although, he understood why Telma had leaked word of what he had done for them. They needed hope, that one thing to hold onto and to see them through the dark times. Without Princess Zelda able to speak to them, to reassure them ... they needed him. She needed him.
As soon as Link and Rusl entered the tavern, Auru noticed them immediately and motioned for them. Rusl took up a seat thankfully beside the white-haired man in the second room. Link followed behind him, but leaned against the back of a chair instead, tossing back his hood and folding his arms across the chair. Normally, the bar would have been bustling with patrons, but its usual customers and Telma and the other members of the Group were naught to be seen.
"What did you find?" Auru asked.
"Exactly what I was hoping for," Rusl answered. "Another piece of the puzzle."
"So, you acquired another shard then?" he said, directly this question more toward Link.
Link nodded.
"I'm glad it was worth it. You two don't look that great."
Rusl tossed off the remark with a smirk. "I've had worse."
Link had to agree. The trip into the Temple of Time had not been the worst journey he had undertaken on his quest. He also understood the weight behind Rusl's casual attitude. He could remember seeing Rusl lying severely wounded on his bed ... a crying Uli ... a missing Colin.... All that was different now. Everything would change. Link would see to it.
Auru heaved a wearied breath. "All this makes my stomach turn," he said, his mouth flat lining into a grim frown.
Link settled into quite for the moment. He had not heard the peace of true silence for some time, yet, even here, he could not grasp its slippery fingers.
"So, where is everyone?" Rusl finally asked, propping his foot up on the nearest seat.
"Oh?" Auru woke from his quiet trance with a tilt of his head. "Ashei has not returned here since she left after her argument with you," he said looking toward Link. "And Shad went off babbling some time ago. I don't really know where he went."
"What about Telma?" Link inquired.
"She left on a few errands, so she closed down the bar until she returns," he said. "Which reminds me." He dug into a pocket and pulled forth a small leather pouch. He tossed it toward Link, and it landed on the tabletop directly in front of the youth. "A little something from Telma."
"What's this?" Link asked, grabbing for it and pulling the strings of its mouth open, revealing shining gemstones within. There was an assortment of different colored stones—green, blue, yellow, and red. Rupees, the currency of Hyrule. "I couldn't possibly—" Link started, looking to Auru.
But Auru laughed ... for the first time in Link's presence. He stood up and circled around the table to stand beside Link. "Don't treat it like a reward that you can refuse, Link. By the look of your quiver, I'd say you at least need to find someone who sells arrows around here." That fact was true, for Link's quiver was bare save for one or two arrows, but when Link still remained unsure, Auru added, "If Telma had been here to give it to you herself, she would have kicked you out the door with the rupees, so I'm afraid I cannot let you leave without them."
Still Link felt wrong in accepting such charity, but Auru was right. He needed to restock his quiver. He nodded then, tying the pouch to his belt tightly.
"Good, now why don't you clean yourself up and then buy some more supplies," Auru suggested. "When you're done, we'll discuss our next step."
Perhaps it was the unusual cheerfulness within Auru's tone that unsettled Link. He had been so used to the pessimistic Auru that questioned every step and word that he took. Maybe the old man was beginning to have a brighter outlook on their plan ... and with that a little hope restored within him.
===============
His wounds washed, the only remaining evidence of his battles were the thin red lines that had begun to crust over his scratches. Thankfully, his cloak served him in shielding his torn collar from view. The cuts on his hands burned more than those across his cheeks, but Link tried to ignore the pain as he passed through the crowds of Castle Town.
He had not spent any time associating himself with the merchants in the town, for he had always visited simply on the business of information. As he walked through the streets, searching for any vendor that sold arms, Link took the opportunity to marvel at the town. There were so many different people within its borders, but the main races were that of the Hylian residents and the Gorons. Link had not expected to see any Zoras about, for their people seemed much more secluded than those across the other lands of Hyrule.
A feeling of peacefulness washed over Link in those moments, his gaze traveling from one corner of the streets to the next. He could feel several pairs of eyes staring toward him as he walked, but their curious looks were becoming easier to bear. He could remember Midna telling him one day long ago. ...no one knows what you have done. You may be doomed to toil in obscurity forever.... How false that statement had become.
True, Rusl was the only one that knew the full details of what he had done, but the people of Hyrule now knew that someone stood up to fight for them, and that was all that Link needed now to continue on. He would continue on to keep his word to the Old Hero, and he would never falter again until Ganondorf and his minion were gone from light and shadow. For Ilia ... and for all those of Hyrule.
Link stepped into the main square where the town's water bloomed forth from the large, decorative fountain at the center. Lines of busy people carrying bundles and crates or pulling along their children swarmed through the space, and a troupe of musicians were playing a rather merry tune. It was amazing how much the townsfolk wanted to forget the ominous state of affairs in which they now lived.
Link approached an outside café and asked the woman selling drinks where he could find the type of merchant he was searching for. Pleased to help she pointed toward a stone building that rose up on the opposite side of the square, facing the castle's entrance. It was interconnected with the homes next to it, but this section rose into a short tower, a ledge overlooking the square. Link marched toward the wooden door leading into its interior and pulled it open.
Through a short passage, Link came to the base of a spiral staircase. After he climbed its many steps, he was assailed by the sight of lounging Gorons. Many of them were children, playing through the long hall at the top of the stairs. Link smiled at the small ones' high pitched laughter. Not the type of laugh he would have expected from little Gorons, he had to admit.
One of the larger ones approached him. Though their boulder-shaped bodies were enough to intimidate any ordinary person, Link had long ago grown accustomed to their gruff ways. When asked of his intent, Link replied evenly, his eyes glimmering with only confidence. Nodding jerkily, the Goron mentioned a deck and pointed toward the end of the hall. Link thanked the Goron and passed through the throng of rock men until he reached the ledge that he had seen from the square.
The observation deck provided a magnificent view of Hyrule Castle, its towers and spires rising high in the sky, its countless catwalks appearing as a beautiful maze, and its throne room high at the center of its construction glowing like a beacon of power and serenity. However, the darkened barrier that hazed over its elegant design returned the anger to Link's heart.
A Goron of to the side of the balcony approached Link then, arms folded across its vast chest. "It is disturbing, is it not?"
Link turned to the Goron. Oddly, there was something familiar with this one, for the patterns on its exposed belly resembled those of another Goron he had met within the mountain. Perhaps it was this thoughtful gaze that drew the crude smile across the Goron's face. "Indeed we have met before, hero. I was among those that took you to see Gor Coron."
Link nodded at the recognition that then stabbed his mind. He remembered now. His skin had nearly been bruised from the strength this Goron had exerted in restraining him when their people had thought him an enemy.
A short conversation spawned between them from that point, Link afterward offering the Goron two red rupees in exchange for restocking his nearly vacant quiver. Link had also spotted a bag of the bombs that Barnes had created, and he offered over more rupees to fill the pouch on his belt. He then set off to return to the bar; though, he took the long way about the town, stopping to buy a handful of his favorite Ordonian berries from one of the vendors.
As Link returned to the less traveled street where the bar sat snugly between other houses, he tripped over one of the stones in the path. Though it had not been enough to unbalance him, he turned to look toward his misstep and found a grisly bone. At first, the sight alerted Link, but as soon as he noticed the small face lurking in the shadows of the houses, he smiled. There lay a white puppy.
"Hello there," Link greeted. Link bent over to pick up the bone, and immediately the young pup barked and raced toward him playfully. Link laughed as it licked his fingers. He picked up the animal, resting its bottom against his forearm and cradling with the other it as it lay upright within his arms. It began to lick at his face, and as Link spluttered another laugh, he scratched at the pup's ears. "Where is your master, huh?"
Just then a boy entered the area, but he hung back away from Link.
Link noticed the boy and stepped up to him. "Hello, Soal."
Either thrilled or amazed that Link had remembered him, Soal smiled.
"This fellow wouldn't happen to be yours, now would he?" Link asked.
"Yeah," returned the boy shyly.
Link offered the pet to Soal, and the boy took it within his small arms. "There now. I'd keep a better eye on him, if I were you."
Soal noticed Link's scratched fingers and face. Silence cascaded upon them then, and Link took it as his cue to leave; however, Soal called back to him. "Are you all right?" the boy asked, unsure perhaps if he should ask one older than him such a question.
All the weariness of his situation again weighed against Link. For a moment he had forgotten about the rest of the world, the scale of what was happening. During his walk about the town, he had felt more relaxed than he had in weeks, but the truth of his existence again bore upon him, and the reminder had come from within this small child, a child that had had his innocence of the world stolen away.
Link turned back to Soal, saying simply. "You remember what I told you?"
I will save Hyrule even if it means my life. Link could see the recollection with Soal's eyes. "I will never break that promise," Link assured.
Link could see the glimmer of hope and happiness—but also sadness—within the boy. "Thank you," said Soal's small voice.
But Link turned once more to the tavern, his hand on the knob. "None will ever be needed." And he pulled on the door and entered.
Once again, the bar was filled with the many drunken patrons of Castle Town, those who seemed to only find salvation from their current doom in the dregs of their mugs. That meant that Telma had returned, and indeed, she stood in front of her bar. Rusl and Auru had grouped by her in hushed discussion, and Ashei had finally returned, sitting at the Group's usual, secluded table, arms folded as she stared off with an expression vacant of all emotion save bottled fury.
The whispering haze over Telma, Rusl, and Auru's voices disturbed Link, and just as he had entered the bar, Auru had been the first to notice him. The others had turned to his presence soon after, their countenances displaying all that their voices no longer said. "What is it?" Link demanded, uncertain if he truly wanted to know the answer.
"There's a letter for you, Link," said Auru. "It arrived while you were gone."
Questions still lingered within Link's eyes as he approached them, and Telma clarified with only three words. "It's from Renado."
Immediately, Link grabbed the letter from Telma's hands, noticing that a strange man clad in a large red hat was also watching him from out of the corner of his eyes as he ate the meal Telma had obviously given him. The letter was still sealed, and Link could see the worried anticipation in all their faces. Unable to stand due to the terrible news that the letter could hold, Link plopped down in a bar stool, staring at the envelope made of animal skin for a long moment.
He could feel Rusl's worry more than the others' apprehension, for the older man was the only one within the bar that also knew Ilia....
At last, he tore open the laces and pulled out a folded piece of parchment. He read the short letter quickly and only once before—his eyes widening—he tossed it down and headed toward the door.
"Link—" Telma started.
But he cut her off. "I have to go." Link yanked open the door and dashed out into the streets beyond.
Rusl stepped over to where Link had left the letter and picked it up.
Link,
I am entrusting this letter to Telma, for I know she
will find a way to deliver it to you. I have urgent
news about Ilia's memory. She is beginning to remember.
Please, visit Kakariko as soon as you can.
--Renado
Rusl sat down in the stool where Link had settled moments ago. He knew the depth of Link's care for Ilia ... knew that he would do anything for her, and Rusl only prayed that Link would at last find some amount of peace in seeing her finally beginning to recover.
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Within moments, Link had guided Epona as hurriedly as he permitted himself toward the eastern bridge leading out of Castle Town. Drawing attention to himself would only slow his progress, for he imagined that the guards would stop him for answers. As soon as he reached the bridge, Link mounted Epona and dug in his legs. Epona galloped away toward Kakariko, and within a few hours he cantered onto the village thoroughfare.
Colin and Malo were the first to emerge from Renado's house, and as he dismounted, Link asked them where the shaman and Ilia were. They pointed toward the sanctuary, and Link marched toward the partly damaged structure. His hand trembled over the handle for one instant before he banished the weakness and pulled the door open.
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REVIEWS FOR THIS CHAPTER:
~silverheartlugia2000 Dec 13, 2011 awww puppy puppy puppy!!!<3 when i found one id just pick them up and dance around in circles its too cute
~Ninja-Jaiden Dec 13, 2011 I liked the incorporation of the Rupees and the puppy. A nice reprieve. I'm glad the Rusl thing cleared up, I was beginning to get concerned, really because Link's sudden resentment for Rusl didn't quite sit right. I'm assuming this is what you intended though, which is actually quite clever. I did like how it resolved; it allows the Temple of Time sequence to make a little more sense and have a little more meaning. I'm looking forward to more.
~Ninja-Jaiden Dec 13, 2011 I liked the incorporation of the Rupees and the puppy. A nice reprieve. I'm glad the Rusl thing cleared up, I was beginning to get concerned, really because Link's sudden resentment for Rusl didn't quite sit right. I'm assuming this is what you intended though, which is actually quite clever. I did like how it resolved; it allows the Temple of Time sequence to make a little more sense and have a little more meaning. I'm looking forward to more.