The Legend of Zelda: Goddess of Secrecy

Overworld Chapter 20 - Somewhere In the Mountains

...and on through the tunnel beyond. The purple runes ran along the walls, flashing bright every once in a while, to illuminate the passage. It was a surprisingly high tunnel, considering the entrance. Tall enough to remained mounted, even if the horses were less than thrilled to be going this way. The sound of water rolled overhead above the ceiling, though none found its way inside the carved pathway through the earth.

As the tunnel began to rise further, the sound of water faded behind them. It wasn't a serious slope, but they were continuously climbing up, enough that it was noticeable. Eventually, as the roof and the floor grew closer, Link had to dismount due to Epona's height. They both preferred this as they continued on.

It was hard to judge time and distance in the tunnel, similar to how it was in dungeons. When they came out though, it was late afternoon. Endeavor brought Quicksilver about in front of them, halting their progression. Their expression was serious as they watched Link and Zelda. "You know the entrance to this pass. It is the only guard remaining to protect my people. You must swear never to reveal it to anyone."

Zelda pulled on Bliss's reins as the horse pranced in place, happy for the fresh air. Once her horse was still again, she asked, "Don't you want people to come visit your goddess's shrine?"

Endeavor turned Quicksilver around, not answering. After a few steps, they sighed and answered, "That is not my decision. It is up to my queen, and her law says that this place must remain a secret. And after these attacks, I am not sure if she will ever let outsiders into this valley again. Nor can I blame her." They shook their head, and asked Quicksilver up to a canter, calling back to them, "We do not have time. I need your word."

Both gave it as they followed after, all happy for the wind and sun on their backs as they left the passage behind for the mountains ahead.

The mountain pass was wide open before them. It was a pleasant change from the cool underground. Nothing blocked the sun from up here, save a stray wisp of clouds that would blow over. Not much could grow on the steep slopes of the mountains surrounding the passage. Zelda asked, "How did you find this path?"

"Reechka opened it for us when we returned to Hyrule with Her," Endeavor explained, a deep well of respect in their voice.

"Where were you before?" Zelda inquired.

Endeavor glanced back, before continuing, "We were in exile with Reechka. We were formerly part of the Sheikah, guardians of Hylia. But the Drex were called by Reechka to protect the truth, the past, and for our support of the banished Goddess, we were sent with Her to live in lands abroad, anywhere but Hyrule."

Zelda whispered to Link, "That would explain why they don't get along with Impa."

"It explains exactly why I do not get along with Impa," Endeavor snapped, eyes darting back. "The Sheikah are traitors, betraying the Goddess like that. If the whole tribe had given their word, we would likely have remained here."

"If the whole tribe had given their word, then the Sheikah couldn't have been here to protect the Royal Family," Zelda countered softly, but with conviction. Enough that Endeavor pulled back from their argument to face forward once more.

Nobody said anything after that. Link didn't think Zelda wanted to argue with Endeavor about the matter. The silence was terrible after a while, nothing in the pass to break it save the wind. Just when Link thought it wouldn't end, Link heard the call of a hawk. He looked up and saw hawks flying above them. Unlike Yore though, these hawks had silver-tipped wings.

Endeavor glanced at them once, before looking on ahead down the road. Link wondered how much further until they reached the Drex's city. He looked up over the horizon, trying to see if he could see the beginning of a settlement. Rather, he saw a herd of horses coming down the mountains, followed by a man on horseback. Link pulled Epona to a halt as the herd cross their path.