The Legend of Zelda: Wisdom - Part One

Chapter VI

The entire posse of soldiers were asleep by this hour and Link would be counted as a deserter, the next morning. He had another mission, either way.

Under the cover of night, Link hopped across the Hylian fields, feeling the rush of adrenaline powering his legs. They burned as he scaled a small hill and felt his heart pound when he saw a soft glowing flame at the entrance of a cave.

It was a small opening, just tall enough to let someone in without ducking. Link already expected to find Sahasrala in its center but was surprised at how calm he appeared. His long orange robes and dark oak staff stood out among the flickering campfire Sahasrla no doubt made, just minutes prior. Wonderfully warm and making the shadows dance along the walls of this secluded cave, Sahasrala stoked the fire and asked, "Were you followed?"

Link shook his head.

"Good." He tapped his staff against a rock which rolled obediently away from the two men. Behind it, was a chest, moldy and brown. Sahasrala opened it, never placing his hands inside it. Link stepped forward and saw laying in vibrant red silk, a rather short but shimmering sword.

"Take it." His words showed no other chance for debate or doubt, but Link showed confusion on his face. But, he already had a weapon.

"The closer you get to Ganondorf and his army, Link," explained Sahasrala, "the stronger the enemies you will encounter. This sword has remained in my possession for decades. Its magic is weak, almost nothing now, as it sat unused bleeding it's power for so long. I cannot accompany you in this journey. No one can, Link. But it's foolish and dangerous to go alone. So, take this."

Link, then, without hesitation, grabbed the hilt and lifted it towards the ceiling. It had a soft yellowish glow, and it trembled slightly in his hand, but it was far lighter than the swords he was used to at this point. Once he sheathed it and hung it on his back, Sahasrala added, "I know. A sword is a terrible gift. Because, a sword has one purpose: to destroy those who destroy, to kill that which kills. It won't give you peace; if anything it will bring you more hardship and pain than ever before. But, know that the moment you leave this cave, you, Link, will be on a path to achieve something much greater than anyone. Because, what power can a sword have, if the one who wields it has no courage? Endure. Show courage, Link. And you will see how you bring peace to Hyrule."

The moment Sahasrala closed his mouth, Link could see Zelda in his mind, feel her warmth beside him, while taking to heart all the words the old Sage told him.

It was time.

Across the bridge, and over the Great Hylia River, in the darkest time of the night, Link asked for a mare at the stable, recently tamed, and virtually unbeknownst to anyone. A red colored mare, with pale white pasterns and mane, the long hair mostly covering her neck. She was tall, brooding and gentle, but fierce when ridden, and Link became attached to her immediately. Since the journey was to be mostly on horseback, he decided on a name that would fit such an exemplary horse: Epona, named after the Minor Goddess.

Epona and Link trotted gently together as the castle loomed behind them, growing smaller and smaller the further they went. Link's life had changed so much in such a short amount of time. From being trained in the most rigorous army of Hyrule, to being a scout and eventually, even being foretold as a legendary hero of Hyrule. Doubt had filled his mind, as it would anyone his age and under similar circumstances. But it didn't matter anymore. Destiny would guide him, prophecy would be fulfilled. Link would try to excuse the sudden shift of fate as coincidence but more and more he would see something else entirely guide him his entire journey.

A voice, or something resembling a voice. He could hear it call to him, mumbling, in his sleep. He always knew what he wanted to do ever since he was a child and that reminded Link of his home. No, not the castle grounds. His original home.