[EDITING] The Legend of Zelda: Goddess of Secrecy

Overworld Chapter 65 - The Last Outpost

...landing in a field at the base of a small mountain. Around the slope, he saw tents pitched on all sides. The banners of Hyrule flapped in the wind underneath birches and aspens heavy with the fall.

Link took a moment to adjust himself to the new location, turning to familiarize himself with Akkal's terrain. As he did, he caught people looking at him, a mixture of relief and awe on their faces. All of them appeared tired.

Just as the portal winked out behind him, Link saw a flash of gold and then Yore soaring overhead. He was relieved to have some contact, but for the moment, Endeavor had no messages to pass along.

Scanning the horizon, he saw the outpost Dominus had described. It was truly only an outpost, pushed beyond its limits to contain the forces and refugees that had fled to Hyrule northeast. On the other side of the mountain, Link could see the ocean crashing far below. Ships dotted the makeshift docks built out along the coast, and Link wondered how many had managed to escape by sea.

As the crowd started to creep closer, Link asked Epona on. The mare responded into a canter and then a gallop as the crowd backed away. Link knew his presence would have an effect at this point, but he didn't have time to push his way through a crowd of people.

Epona's hooves clattered on stone and then dirt as Link made his way up the switchbacks to the outpost. His arrival proceeded him, and he heard shouts above him as he and Epona made their way up the mountain.

By the time Link and Epona made their way into the yard of the outpost, they were well known to the soldiers on duty. While many let out cheers at Link's appearance, they didn't abandon their posts. Preparations were being made everywhere, new arms being made, armor being repaired, wounds being tended. There was no time for fawning over the Hero in the middle of a war, and Link was relieved of this even in the stakes of it.

"Hero!"

Link turned towards the voice to see a young, dark-haired knight approaching him. He had the emblem of the Royal Guard on his tabard. While Link was struggling to recall the knight's name, he knew he recognized him from somewhere.

The knight stopped at Link's side, saluting quickly. "Glad to have you with us, Hero."

"Sorry I took so long," Link asked, tugging on Epona's reins to keep her still. The movement in the courtyard was unsettling her a little, and she was pulling to run again.

"Better late than never," the knight replied. "I can take your horse to the stables. The commander and the princess will be happy to see you."

"She's got a temper," Link warned as he swung out of the saddle, still trying to recall the knight's name.

The young man must have noticed, and he smiled a bit. "Derek Crost, sir."

"From the Deku Fortress," Link finished, kicking himself a little for struggling so much. It was obvious now that he had the name.

"It's been some time now, and you've been busy," Derek answered, taking Epona's reins. "Hope I get the chance to repay the favor."

Link shook his head. "I hope you never have to."

Derek nodded grimly, the preparations around them loud enough. Link would have preferred he'd never accrued anyone's debts, let alone as many as he had.

The moment passed, and Derek dipped his head in a curt bow to break the tension. "Well, don't let me keep you. The command center is that way, heart of the keep." He pointed towards a structure built into the top of the mountain. It was small, and had been reinforced recently with spikes.