If the Boot Fits

Announcement

All day, Ghirahim had been staring at Link, not even trying to hide it. He would watch him through squinted eyes, calculating his every move. He disregarded his usual work in hopes of catching Link doing something he wasn't supposed to. When Link noticed, Ghirahim would scoff and turn the other direction. It was unsettling to think he was skeptical.

As Link cleaned out the stables and fed the horses, Zant burst through the door. Link jumped at the loud sound of the door slamming against the wall.

"We're going to Castle Town today," Zant barked. "For some reason, you're coming with us! Get the carriage ready." With that, he stomped out the barn, making a fuss over not wanting to look at Link.

Rolling his eyes, Link strapped the horses to the carriage, leading them out of the barn. Here they go again. With any luck, Link and Aryll wouldn't be shoved into a fountain this time.

Ghirahim was waiting on the porch, eyeing Link as he wrapped around the house with his ride. Aryll slowly pushed the front door open, not wanting to make Ghirahim mad by hitting him with it. She gently shut it behind her, waiting for him to step inside the carriage. Zant and Groose climbed in first, and when Ghirahim moved to get in, so did Aryll. He turned on her, halting her in fear.

"You are to remain here," Ghirahim hissed. He turned on his heels, gracefully climbing onto the seat next to his son, and closed the door.

Link looked longingly at Aryll, wishing he could stay behind with her. He could see the uncertainty in her eyes, the way she wanted to go with him, but she had to stay. Besides, she would be free for some time while Ghirahim was away. She would be all right.

Clicking his tongue, Link guided the horses down the familiar road. During the ride, all he could think about was the ball and Ghirahim's strange looks. If he hadn't stolen that loaf of bread, he and Aryll would be halfway across the kingdom by now. But since he did, the castle staff noticed and called the knights to swarm the halls. It was all over bread. Bread. Something so small shouldn't have caused so much trouble, even if Link and Aryll were grateful for the stolen loaf. They hid in their room and devoured the sweet bun after Ghirahim retired for the night. They hadn't tasted something so good in many years, but Ghirahim ruined the satisfaction with his side looks.

That morning, Ghirahim forced the two to watch him eat his breakfast in the dining room. After, he gave them chores that kept them close to his whereabouts. He never let them leave his sight, not for a second. He seemed ruffled by Link's new boots- well, different is more like it- and had been keeping a close eye on him as if he would float away with the wind. Link's stomach churned at wondering why Ghirahim took him and not Aryll, but was nonetheless happy she was safe.

Parking the carriage on a small side road, Link tied the horses to the corner of a shop where other steeds were waiting for their owners. He slipped off the driver's seat, opening the door for Ghirahim. He took his time to place his feet on the stones, chin held high as if he were the king. Link trailed behind his stepfamily as they moved through the crowded streets with no apparent destination. He dared to glance across the square at the very spot he lost his boot, finding it gone. He didn't know what to expect, but was glad it wasn't there anymore. Above, the castle looked huge and foreboding. He never really looked at it before, but was now trying to figure out how the halls had twisted him up so much.

In a daze, Link followed Ghirahim through an alley between two shops. He blinked a few times to clear his head as Ghirahim opened an old, creaky door in the shadows of the wall, slinking into the hidden store.

A little bell announced their entry as the door shut behind Link. The shop was dark and many cobwebs covered the shelves overflowing with books and bottles labeled in strange lettering. A few candles rested along the shelves and squeaky floorboards, casting eerie shadows along the dust-covered walls. The cramped place smelled of mildew and something burnt, stinging Link's nose. A rat scurried across his feet, making him jump. What was this place?