The Legend Of Zelda: The Curse Of Zant

Chapter 23; Yeto

Epona slowed down to a walk as they entered Castle Town, and once they were through the gates, Link dismounted her and led her by the reins to where he used to board her during the Twili invasion. After paying a small fee of ten rupees, he and Midna set off for the castle entrance. It was almost dawn, which would make it easier to get to the Snowpeak entrance.

"So, Link… once we've helped Yeto, we should get back to finding the shards. Only three remain now."

"I agree." He nodded. "I just- I'm not even sure where to start. We have been very fortunate in finding the first."

Midna stopped as they reached the doors of the Castle, and turned to Link. "But, where do you think they could be?" She sighed. "We don't really have the time so search the entire kingdom for them."

Link's neutral expression twisted into a frown as he thought hard about the likely locations of the remaining shards. That first one had been in the randomest of locations, and if Midna hadn't pointed out the bulbin then he would never have guessed it to be on them. Throughout the entire journey, he'd been pushing aside his fear of not finding the shards in time and ignoring the voice in his head that had been planting doubt, but now that she'd brought the subject up, he could no longer ignore it.

"Link?"

Realizing he'd spaced, he shook his head. "Let's not worry about that. I'm sure it'll work itself out."

"But we should really talk about-"

"No!... Midna, I can't. Not yet. It'll only distract me from what I need to do. I can't let that happen."

"I know. But if we don't plan then-"

"I said I can't! So, please… just drop it."

"O- alright."

"We can figure it out when the time comes."

Link walked on ahead, leaving Midna standing still for a moment before she trailed along. From the beginning she could see his doubt, and it had only grown bigger with each day that passed. She feared that if she couldn't get him to talk soon then it would surface horribly at a time when he couldn't afford to lose.

As he hastily made his way through the halls, he pushed back all the memories that were attempting to flood his mind, and instead focused on getting to where they needed to be. Midna caught up as he neared the throne room and then turned off of the path and headed out towards the waterfall.

"Uh Link, do we still have to-" Midna began, but watched as he dived down before she could finish. "Dive." She muttered and followed his lead with a shrug.

Link kicked his legs as hard as he could, swimming down to the bottom right and through a narrow gap. Breaking the surface of the water and climbing onto the path, he gasped as air rushed to his lungs and then turned, waiting for Midna who appeared only seconds later. Though she looked rather unimpressed.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" He scratched his head.

"Hmm, I don't know… maybe because I could have just warped us here!" She pointed out, clapping him around the back of the head.

"Oh well, it hardly matters now." Link rolled his eyes. "Let's get going. We have a life to save."

Side by side, they walked down the path that led up to two large double doors; the entrance to Snowpeak. Link looked to Midna, who gave him an affirmative nod, and then he pushed his body weight against the right door. He struggled a bit before the door gave way and opened just enough for them to be able to slip through.

The howl of ice cold wind echoed through the air, sending chills down his spine. He sucked in a breath and folded his arms against his chest in an attempt to keep his body warmth. Unlike the last time he'd been here, he wasn't totally prepared. He carried only weapons with no change of clothes or armour. Midna, although she wore only her Twili dress and cape, did not react to the cold. She didn't even shiver.