Haunting Shadow of the Past

Part 16

Link's chest was heaving up and down by the time he put the master sword away and it took him a minute to control his breaths. He rolled his shoulders back then turned back to the stable. From inside there were several people gawking at him and the dead moblins. Link looked away and made sure, as he walked to make sure Zelda was okay, to not make eye contact. Zelda was in the front and as soon as Link was a few meters away she left the inside of the stable and walked over to Epona and her horse. She jumped onto the back of her horse and started it off at a slow trot. Link quickly climbed on the back of Epona and followed the Princess.

After about half an hour of riding Zelda turned around on her horse to look at Link. "That was very reckless of you, taking on two Moblins on your own. Foolish even."

Link shrugged. "I was only doing my duty." Zelda sighed and turned back around. After a while longer of riding Link realized that they missed several of the roads that led back to the castle. "I hate to interrupt, but we have missed the past few roads to the castle. We should probably turn around."

Zelda looked back. "We aren't going to the castle, we are going to Gerudo town."

Link frowned. "I wouldn't be allowed inside."

Zelda had the shadow of a smirk on her face. "I know." Link sighed but didn't say anything despite the worry that filled him. The desert, especially around Gerudo town, had an excessive amount of yiga and Link wasn't sure how he felt about the Princess being in Gerudo town without him there to protect her.

As they got closer to the desert the amount of shrubbery and grass decreased and the temperature increased. By the time they had gotten to the Gerudo Canyon Stable the sun was beating down on them and their horses were getting tired. They dismounted and gave their horses to the stable manager. Link noted that walking around the stable was a person who looked a lot like that Beetle man from Rito stable.

On the way to where they were now Link hadn't noticed any figures ducking out of sight and although seeing them made him uncomfortable, the figures not being there made him even more so. He hoped that the Yiga hadn't hidden somewhere along their path in a hope to ambush them. As Link and Zelda entered the actual desert region Link kept himself sharp and ready in case any yiga decided to jump out in front of them or even behind them to attack.

When they had arrived at the stable Link had thought the temperature was uncomfortably warm but as they continued through the desert the sun beat on them harder than ever. Although Link's knight training had prepared him to handle extreme temperatures he was beginning to get weary and he could see that Princess Zelda was as well. Fortunately, after not too long palm trees came into view and Zelda pointed them out.

"Look, I think that is Kara Kara Bazaar. It's an Oasis and we can probably get a drink and something to eat. Unless you are so wonderful and strong that you don't need food and water." She said the last part in a mocking tone but Link didn't respond and just continued to follow after the princess.

When they finally got into the shade of the trees Link and Zelda both let out a sigh of relief. The Bazaar was indeed an Oasis and there were several people standing around and chatting while someone was playing music. Link saw Gerudo, Hylians, and even some Gorons and Rito scattered around all having a good time. Some were sitting in the oasis water and others were buying some fruits from a gerudo that sat with several Hydro Melons, berries, and other fruits in front of them. Zelda and Link headed over to the Gerudo selling food.

She was a young woman with long red hair that was tied up out of her face. She smiled up at Link and Zelda. "Vasaaq, what can I get for you?"

Zelda looked at all the fruits. "We'll take a Hydromelon to split between the two of us." The Gerudo woman nodded and handed them one the large green ball and Link accepted. Zelda looked around before looking back at the Gerudo. "Do you know where we can get water?"

The woman nodded. "If you go inside there," She pointed at the large rock, "you can purchase some clean water. Also the Hydromelon will be 16 rupees." Zelda handed her the money before thanking her. The woman waved as they walked away. "Sav'orq."

Zelda and Link headed over to the large rock and to their surprise noticed that it had been hollowed out and inside was a small shop. "Vasaaq," The woman inside greeted them, "what can I help you with?

Zelda gave a friendly smile. "We are in need of some water." Zelda set both hers and Link's canteens down and the woman grabbed them.

"Of course, let me get that for you." The woman disappeared for a moment before coming back out with both of them filled. "I can also cut that Hydromelon for you."

"That would be wonderful." Zelda said with a smile. The Gerudo pulled out a small knife and after Link set the melon on the counter she cut it into four sections. Zelda thanked her before grabbing both canteens, the melon slices, and then turning to leave. When they got back outside Zelda handed Link his water and two slices. "We can eat and walk, I want to at least get there before it starts to get too dark." Link nodded and hung his canteen to his belt. Link then took a bite into the Hydromelon and to his delight found it to be extremely refreshing. The pair quickly finished both their slices before quickly reaching the front of the town.

"I can take those to a garbage for you." Zelda offered holding her hand out for the melon rinds.

"Thank you." When they got to the entrance the two guards crossed their spears blocking the path.

"Halt! No Voes are allowed in our city."

Link held up his hands. "Is there any way you can make an exception? I'm the protector of the princess and I've been ordered to not let her leave my sight."

"We make no exceptions. The Princess will be safe within our walls."

Zelda had a knowing smile on her face and she turned to look at Link. "I'll be fine." With that the gerudo separated their spears and let Zelda walk through then they recrossed them.

"What am I supposed to do then? I won't just leave because what if the princess wants to leave. I need to be here."

"You can wait here and we can tell the other guards to have the princess exit through this exit. That is all we will do for you through"

Part of Link wanted to remove his sword and ask if they knew who he was but that wasn't the type of knight he aspired to be. Instead Link sighed. "Alright, as long as you make sure she exits through here." The young knight then walked a few meters away from the entrance and the guard talking to him told the other to go inform all the other guards.