The Archaeologist

Chapter 12

               "I remember this place," Ganondorf spoke softly while his hand traced the carvings on the wall of Goron City. He placed his forehead against a carving of a dragon and closed his eyes. His eyebrows scrunched together as if he were in a tremendous amount of pain.

Ahura watched him and gently placed her hand on his arm. "It's in the past. There's nothing you can do now but learn from the mistakes made before now." She turned away from him and walked further into the city following the Goron that led them. The other three stayed behind the guard the place. "Let's hurry so we can prevent history from repeating itself."

Ganondorf nodded slowly and followed her. The pair followed the imposing rock man before they came to a statue. The Goron hunched forwards and pushed against the statue. He grunted as it started to slowly slide along the floor. Whispering was heard for only a short while before they ceased. The Goron turned his head towards the Gerudo and the Hylian and motioned for them to venture into the room. The pair walked in the dimly lit area. It took a moment or two before their eyes fully adjusted to the darkness. Gorons were huddled with fear present in their eyes as they saw Ahura. Their time in their city was running up.

"I've brought help," the Goron that led them spoke before sliding the statue back. He turned his head towards a Goron that appeared to have a gray beard. "Elder, they say they're working with the Zoras and Sheikah."

The Elder raised an eyebrow as he observed the two that were obviously injured. "What happened? They seem weak."

Ahura held her breath and stared the Elder right in the eyes. She tried to hide her injured hand from him. Ganondorf didn't appear at all phased. His breathing remained ragged from his crushed ribs. The Goron that led them there shook his head. "This man stopped three of us at once and was able to throw us as if we were nothing, Elder."

"I see," the Elder crossed his arms and pondered what to do for a minute. "Where is your army?"

"The Lost Woods," Ahura spoke. "Near the Forest Temple. We need your help before we raid the Hylian forces. We need into the Fire Temple if we're going to succeed. I need to speak with the Sage that resides there."

The Elder chuckled. "Very well. But please heal in the hot springs." He looked towards the Goron that led Ganondorf and Ahura. "Please take them there. Meanwhile, I'll send my people to the Lost Woods. I'll then take you to the Fire Temple myself. We don't have much time. We only have a day or two before the Hylian forces break through."

"Thank you." Ahura bowed before she and Ganondorf followed the Goron. The heat grew slightly, but it wasn't unpleasant. It was comforting. Finally, a pool emerged in view. The water sparkled as if fairies were dancing about the ripples. Steam rose from the surface and fluttered in the cavern's air. Below the surface was a golden shimmer.

"Elder will meet you here. Please take your time," the Goron spoke before running off.

Ahura sighed and rolled her pant legs up. She dipped a toe in and bit her lip from the intensity of the heat. She'd look like a lobster by the time she got out. Slowly, she got down and slid in. The muscles that were held tightly relaxed. She sighed and closed her eyes. However, she opened them when she didn't hear the Gerudo get in. She lifted her head to gaze at him.

"Are you going to get in? You're in a worse state than me."

Ganondorf sighed and got in next to her. "I don't deserve their hospitality."