The Archaeologist

Chapter 14

               Ahura breathed in the fresh morning air and closed her eyes. The breeze blew her long bangs around, but the weight of her braid kept the rest of her hair in place. The Hylian's gloved hands clenched into a fist before she opened her eyes once more. She took a deep breath and started to head back to the barn where the rest of her belongings were. When she was about halfway there, someone called her name. She turned around seeing Ganondorf standing there.

"Can you come here for a moment?" he asked with a patient tone. Almost immediately, Ahura quickly made her way over. She noted he was already in his armor. Most of it was a dark hue of blue with gold and ruby embellishments. A golden crown with a jewel centered on his forehead made him appear as if he were the king of the sun. All of his protective gear added onto his already immense size, making her seem almost insignificant when compared to him.

"What did you need?" Ahura questioned while managing to get over her awe.

Ganondorf started to lead her towards the horse stalls. "I feel as though I owe you something. It was my followers that killed your horse. I know it won't be able to replace the bond that you built with your horse, but I hope it can help you heal." Ganondorf opened the door to the stables. "She has a lot of spirit, but so do you."

Ahura stepped in and looked up at the horse with wide eyes. She was a paint with patches of brown and white fur. Her mane and tail were both brown and hung freely. Carefully, Ahura stretched her arm out and placed her hand on the horse's nose. She smiled softly and moved to her shoulder and pet it.

"Thank you," Ahura whispered and rested her forehead on the horse. "I appreciate it."

"Do not thank me," Ganondorf state. He sighed and decided to drop it. "She'll keep you safe when we leave later today. I'll have her ready, so you should prepare yourself." Ahura nodded and stepped away from the horse before walking towards Ganondorf. He looked down at her and quirked an eyebrow out of curiosity. A slight gasp of shock escaped his lips when the Hylian embraced him in a hug. He returned the hug and ran his hand her braid. He smiled, enjoying the moment before the pair broke apart.

"I'll see you in a little bit, I'll be sure to hurry!" Ahura spoke as she ran off to gather her things. She opened the door to the barn and quickly started to get ready. She was already wearing a blue tunic with tan leggings. The thick material of the tunic would keep her torso relatively safe in battle. Ahura placed her leather satchel's strap over her shoulder so the bag was on her back. She then placed the cloak that Ganondorf gifted those many months ago around her shoulders.

"Here." Ahura turned seeing Sheik hold a dagger and a leg sheath out towards her. "You'll need a weapon for when we go."

"Oh, thanks." Ahura took the weapon from him and secured it around her leg. "Is everyone ready?"

"Yes, everyone has already made the necessary preparations. I have a feeling the Princess will be on our side as well."

"Really?" Ahura looked shock. "What makes you say that?"

"A gut feeling." Sheik smirked behind his mask. He backed away before turning around. With the raise of a hand, he lazily waved it. "I'll see you later, Ahura. Until then."

Ahura nodded dumbfounded by him before running out of the barn and back to the stable. Ganondorf was placing armor on her horse. He turned around hearing her and stepped aside to let Ahura inspect the horse. Ahura grinned widely before walking over.

"Have you thought of a name for her?" Ganondorf questioned.

"I was thinking of naming her after one of the great Gerudo queens, if that was okay with you." Ahura watched Ganondorf for his reaction. "Urbosa."

Ganondorf nodded. "It fits her. I like it." Ganondorf dug around in a bag fitted around his waist before he pulled something out in his fist. "I have something for you before we leave." He held his hand out and opened it. An amber and topaz Gerudo dragonfly glimmered from the sun shining it. A golden chain ran through the top of the stunning pendant. Ahura gasped quietly as she took in the beauty of the necklace. Ganondorf gently stepped forward and placed the necklace around her neck. "I am not one for romance, but I do love you, Ahura."

Ahura grinned with tears building up in her eyes. She nodded her head and placed a hand on the necklace. "I love you, too. Let's come back safe, okay?"

"Of course," Ganondorf replied and placed his hand on top of her head and lightly ruffled her hair. He lifted his hand and went to his large stead before mounting it. Ahura followed suit and the pair rode out of the stables and to the exit of the ranch.

Gorons were decorated in some of the most impenetrable suits of armor. They folded themselves into balls and rolled off into the plains. Dust flew off from their paths. Soon after, Sheikah rode off on their horses with Link, Dark, Ganondorf, and Ahura close behind. The Zoras left earlier the previous night and would wait in the moats surrounding Hyrule Castle and Castle Town. It would be around night fall before everyone would get there. The Bulblins would meet them all sometime during the night. In the darkness, the Sheikah and Dark would infiltrate Castle Town. Their speed at night and stealth would insure that the guards wouldn't spot the incoming army. The Zoras would swim through the sewer systems and invade the castle from within. As for the Gorons and Bulblins, they'd lead a frontal assault and distract the Hylian army and lead them away from the castle. Ahura and Ganondorf would seek out the Sage in the Temple of Time as quickly as possible before taking on the Royal Family. That was the plan that they all delegated on for months. They could only hope it'd all work out.