The Legend of Zelda: Goddess of Secrecy

Overworld Chapter 34 - Shadow of the Vale

...as they raced across Hyrule Field. Endeavor seemed like they were ready to be back in action, nearly pushing Quicksilver and Epona a little harder than they should have. Endeavor's impatience would end up costing them more though in the end.

Epona came to a standstill. Link slid forward, holding on tightly so that he wouldn't be thrown from his saddle. Link leaned back as the momentum washed over them, patting Epona on the side as the mare snorted with discontent.

Endeavor turned Quicksilver about. "What is wrong?"

"You're asking her to go too fast," Link answered. Quicksilver tossed his head in agreement, pulling the reins from Endeavor's hands.

Picking their reins back up, Endeavor sighed but nodding in agreement. "Very well then. At your pace then?" Epona threw her head, before cantering past Endeavor and Quicksilver. Link held onto the reins as the horse acted on her own.

Without any more stops, they reached the outskirts of the marsh in a few hours. The moon hung high above them, though its silver light did little to light up the faded path that twisted through the marsh. The brown-green plants almost consumed the road itself, if it weren't for the sunken stones still peaking out from the soggy soil.

Endeavor took the lead at this point. "Stay close. These waters are not forgiving. Leave the path and you may never find it again, their pull is not to be taken lightly." They turned back towards the road, pointing it out as they rode to make sure Link knew the markers.

Epona flicked her tail, keeping up with Endeavor and Quicksilver as she sensed the danger. After a while, Link asked, "You said these marshes were dangerous. Why is that?"

"The Twili may be allies to the king, and citizens of the kingdom, but they still do not trust outsiders easily again," Endeavor answered, some degree of mutual agreement in their eyes. The Drex also seemed rather reclusive. "Much less large armies that they cannot stop. If an army must march in a row of one, it is much easier to pick off. These marshes provide that barrier for them."

"That doesn't tell me why the marshes are dangerous," Link replied. "That's just a marsh."

Turning back over their shoulder, Endeavor stated, "It is because the Twili cursed them to be that way. And only the Twili are not affected by that curse. The magic in these waters would send you into the place between our world and what was theirs. And unless a Twili finds you, or luck blesses you, you will not escape." With that, they turned back in their saddle. "Grim's Vale is miles away, though I doubt you would like to stop now."

"No," Link answered, looking cautiously at the water.

"Do not stare for long, Link," Endeavor said as they focused on the road. "Illusions haunt these waters, shadow mires that called the Shadow Sages here. They were not known for kind images."

As they rode, Link thought he saw the reflection of a face in the water, a woman's he thought he recognized. He quickly looked away, a chill running down his spine. He wished he had listened sooner.

The road twisted in and out of the marsh, leaving Link disoriented and confused about their surroundings. He tried to look up at the stars to give him some guidance, but a thick layer of clouds had rolled in. Thunder clapped behind them, and Link wished he had Endeavor's cloak.

Epona lowered her head as the overcast caught up with them. The ground started to grab at them as the already soggy dirt turned to mud. Epona snorted, splashing herself in the face several times. Soaking wet himself, Link just pat the mare on her side and said, "I'll give you a proper wash when we get to Grim's Vale."