The Lost Hero

Chapter 11

Over the next few weeks, Kaifa offered to stick around, helping Dahvi to give Epona more solid training. She helped him introduce a saddle and bridle to Epona, which she took to with calm confidence. Kaifa taught Epona how to turn, stop, and back with the reins, and even how to stand quietly on the hitching post.

"I know you prefer to ride bareback," Kaifa said, "but I have some extra equipment that will fit you both nicely. I'd like you to have it; you've earned it."

Dahvi thanked Kaifa for all of her help and generosity, and once more, they bid each other safe travels. Dahvi rode Epona back to the lab where Robbie was outside waiting for him.

"So, this must be Epona, hm? Took you long enough to introduce us. Kaifa told me everything. She's quite impressed with how you were able to tame this wild mare." He continued to speak as Dahvi unsaddled the horse. "I suppose, then, that you want to keep her, hm? Of course you do. But we're not equipped to keep horses around here, you know."

Dahvi shook his head. "She doesn't need a stable," he said, then pushed at her rump, encouraging her to walk off. Epona snorted and mozied along until she found a patch of grass she approved of and grazed quietly. "She lives out here."

Robbie raised a brow at him. "You'll lose her out here in the wild," he said.

"Nah," Dahvi said. "She comes when I whistle for her."

"Does she?" He put his hands on his hips. "Well, then. She's your horse, I suppose you can do what you want with her. She's your responsibility, now, remember that. I don't ride, nor do I want anything to do with those things."

"Yessir," Dahvi said with a grin.

"You've come a long way since you've been here, Dahvi," Robbie continued. "Can you believe it's been nearly eight months? I guess you've learned a little something since then, hm? I got word from Urbosa asking about you. Perhaps she and Riju should come our way sometime soon. I'm sure they would love to see you."

Dahvi nodded in agreement.

"You know," Robbie continued. "You're getting older. Have you thought about your future at all?"

Dahvi frowned. "Not really."

"I have," Robbie said. "And I must say, you have quite a knack for adventure. But wherever life takes you, you may need to learn more than just surviving off the land, hm?"

Dahvi turned his gaze to Epona, watching her graze. "Like what?"

"I don't take you for a fool, Dahvi," Robbie said, his tone turning serious. "War is coming. And whatever that may bring, we all must be prepared."

Dahvi turned to Robbie, his gaze narrowed. "What are you saying?"

"Everyone should learn to defend themselves. I know you've had some training with the Gerudo, but I think it's time to take that more seriously, now. You're getting older, and I know there's a lot of fight in you. You can't hide much from us Sheikah; I know you've considered your place when this war comes. You want to help Princess Zelda. You want to protect Mipha and the Zoras."

Dahvi turned his gaze to the ground. "What good can I do?"

Robbie smiled. "You have courage, Dahvi. I know if you set your mind to it, you can do whatever you want. I know you will do whatever you have to do to keep your friends safe. That's just who you are." He sighed. "So, instead of letting you run recklessly into trouble, you should know how to fight, how to defend, and how to survive anything this world throws at you. Do you understand?"

Dahvi nodded. "Could I join King Roham's army?" he asked.

"Perhaps," Robbie said thoughtfully. "Is that something you want to do?"