The Lost Hero

Chapter 2

Dahvi had traveled out of Gerudo Desert a few times in his life, often traveling with the Gerudo soldiers to the stables at the end of the canyon, guiding various travelers and merchants safely back. At times, he and Riju even played along the canyon and climbed the mountains and plateaus. He enjoyed visiting the stables and seeing the horses and wagons bringing their riders and goods into and out of the desert. They weren't like the sand seals; they were big and intimidating at first. But after a couple of apples and a refreshing scratch on the withers, he quickly fell in love with the beasts. But now, as he traveled with Urbosa and a handful of her guards, they did not stop at the stables, and he could only admire the horses from afar.

It was the first time in his life he would step into Central Hyrule, and naturally, he was dressed for the occasion. Even though the days were scorching in the desert, the nights proved to be just as deadly cold at times. Their homes stayed warm in the city, however, and it wasn't often that he ventured out late at night, so he was not as accustomed to the heavier styled clothing. It felt limiting and uncomfortable, though he supposed he would have to get used to it sooner or later.

The walk through the canyon seemed endless, perhaps due to his anticipation, but by mid-morning they had finally come to the end, and after crossing the Regencia River, they stepped foot into Central Hyrule, leaving the dry, Gerudo region behind them. As they walked, their surroundings gradually turned green and lush with life. The air was remarkably cooler compared to what he was used to, though still warm enough that he did not feel he needed his extra layers, so he tucked them into the pack on his back.

His pace quickened eagerly as their path moved around the edges of the Great Plateau, then cut north towards Castle Town. He admired his surroundings with awe; Hyrule Field was far more colorful and full of life compared to Gerudo Desert. He jumped as a flock of birds fluttered through the trees of the nearby forest. Alerted to their presence, a small herd of deer leapt deeper into the forest, out of his sight. High above, he could hear the lone call of a hawk, and he paused to watch it fly, admiring it as it soared effortlessly through the air before diving toward its lunch.

"What do you think?"

He jumped at Urbosa's voice, and he turned to face her. She had a hand on her hip, and she smiled. She took a moment to look around at their surroundings, but she had traveled this path many times; none of it was new to her. Still, she did not lack appreciation for Hyrule's beauty.

"It's alright," Dahvi said.

"It's far different than the desert, no doubt. But Hyrule has its own kind of beauty, don't you think?"

Dahvi did not respond, but continued to take in their surroundings. Urbosa continued forward, and Dahvi broke into a jog to catch up to her.

"There's a lot you haven't seen," Urbosa continued. "While we've been fortunate enough to have a lot of people visit the desert over the years, not everyone is as able to do so. You've seen the Gorons and even the Rito, but you haven't seen a Zora yet, have you?"

"No," Dahvi started. "I s'pose not."

"I have some business to tend to with King Roham," she said. "Perhaps you will be able to meet King Dorephan when we arrive. I suspect each of the leaders will be there."

Except for the casual chatter among the guards, they continued on in silence. By mid-day, they arrived at the Exchange where they stopped to rest before continuing on once more. Now in the heart of Hyrule, the world was as lush as ever. The landscape rolled away from them in either direction, but as they continued to walk through the afternoon, Dahvi could start to see the castle growing in the distance. By evening, their path took them around a small forest until the tall walls of Castle Town loomed before them. A handful of guards stood at the gate, bowing their heads to Urbosa as they walked through and into the city.