The Legend of Zelda: The Regal Flame

Chapter 11: Let's Go, Mari!

The sun sat low to the east as it slowly made its way into the sky. Link breathed in the fresh morning air. It smelled different from the Castle Town, which always had so many scents. Purfumes, food, manure, etc.

Link couldn't help but admire the calmness of Kenton.

    "It's mornings like this," Shrou, who stood next to Link sighed happily.

They stood on the back step to the potion shop, and Shrou would occasionally toss some feed to the cuccos that wandered around the yard. Darcy stood under a tree, picking the fruits from its low branches.

    "So, why do you raise cuccos as potion mixers?" Link wondered, observing their morning chores.

Shrou sprinkled another handful of feed on the ground. "Some animals can be specially bred," He explained. "Like these cuccos. My grandmother bred them to have magic properties. Their egg yolks are very useful in our potions."

     "Your family's lived here a long time, huh?" Link noted.

Shrou nodded. "It's our home, and always will be. Because of that, I always feel responsible for it. Like I'm the one who's job it is to protect our life here."

Link closed his eyes and smiled. "I think I know the feeling."

Shrou looked at Link. "You know, I'm thankful for what you're doing. I think everyone around here is."

Link had noticed that. Every time he'd pass someone, or someone would pass by, they'd gawk at him, like he was some celebrity.

       "Word spread quickly after you arrived," Shrou confirmed his suspicions.

       "I don't mind," Link admitted with a slight chuckle. "It'll probably be the last time I'll be appreciated until this is all over. "

Darcy walked over to them, holding a basket of apples. "Link, you're leaving, right?"

       "Well, yes." He answered honestly.

       "Where are you going to go, and when will you be back?"

Link had to think about his answer, but simply said, "I don't know." He looked around, really asking himself when he would be back. Then he looked back at Darcy. "But I will be back."

Shrou and Darcy smiled. "Come on," Shrou gestured to Darcy to come inside. "Let's get those apples to Bian so he can make us breakfast."

But upon entering the house, they found Bian and Zelda looking very serious and worried, speaking in hushed voices.

       "What's wrong?" Link asked, immediately concerned.

Zelda and Bian looked at them, then back at each other. Bian gestured for Zelda to speak, and she turned back to them.

       "Um, it's Impa," She began. "She said she would be back before dawn." Zelda really seemed worried.

Link, Shrou and Darcy all exchanged looks.

       "It hasn't been long since sunrise," Shrou suggested. "She could just be running late."

      "It's not like her to show up late..." Zelda paused. "But I suppose I could consider the possibility..."

      "We'll wait for her," Bian decided. "And if she's not back by noon, then..." He trailed off, not sure what they would do.

Zelda looked back at Bian objectively. "But Link has to get going soon!"

Link held his hand up. "About that. I actually don't know where to go, or how to get there."

       "I guess we should get this plan straightened out then." Bian told them.