The Legend of Zelda: The Missing Link

Chapter 5: Link, In Danger?

"So, queen, where do you plan to get your equipment?" Tristam flew around Zelda's head as she stepped into Castle Town.

Zelda stood in awe at the business of the town, having rarely ever left the castle, and not since she was 12. There were so many people, so much happening, so many sounds and voices to listen to. She saw a small band playing to her right, with a little tin can containing a few rupees, the currency of her world. She walked over and pulled a purple rupee out of the pocket of her gown--she had changed into the least conspicuous one she owned before setting out--and dropped in in the can.

"My, my--50 rupees? You must be one rich gal!" The singer of the band smiled to Zelda and she smiled back.

"I need to find someone that can help guide me, as I do not know of places where to get such things." Zelda told Tristam as she walked slowly through the square, trying to take it all in.

"Oh, there's Malo Mart! I overheard the chancellor taking about that shop!" Tristam flew over to a little shop in the south-west of the square, about 20 feet ahead. Zelda quickened her pace to catch up, and the two entered it.

Inside, it was almost chaos compared to the simple, organized gatherings of the castle. There were lights and colors and moving things everywhere, with loud, happy music playing and outrageously-dressed people dancing and singing along. 'You bought it, you are smart! You bought it at Malo Mart!' continuously rang out. Zelda walked up to the main counter.

A man in bright, busy clothing and a propellor hat danced behind the counter. "Hello, pretty lady! How may I help you today?"

"Hi, I would like some bombs, a red potion, and a Hylian Shield, please," Zelda handed him a bomb bag and a glass bottle with a cork.

"Well, I can certainly get you a potion and some bombs, but for the shield, you'll have to go to our Kakariko branch. Say, what is a young woman like you doing with all of these things?" The man asked as he fulfilled the queen's requests.

"I need to help a close friend of mine who may be in trouble. His name is Link--he wears green clothing and a pointed hat. Do you know of him?"

"Oh, him! I remember him! He's friends with the owner of this store, y'know. They're both from Ordon Village. Well, here you go ma'am! That'll be 90 rupees."

"Here you go," Zelda pulled the rupees out of her pocket and traded them for her items.

"Thank you so much! Have a good day!"

"You too!"

Zelda stepped out of the building and gently shut the door behind her, then put her bombs and potion into her pockets.

"Well, it looks like we need to go to Kakariko Village. Do you have anywhere else you plan on going?" Tristam flew around Zelda's head.

"I plan on visiting a bar in the area, but I do not know where it is located. Have you heard of Telma's bar?"

"Oh, that's on South Castle Town road! Come on, I'll show you!"

"Why hello there, dear!" A large woman asked Zelda as she entered. "The name's Telma."

"I am Zelda," Zelda had to stop herself from adding 'queen of Hyrule,' as that title was irrelevant right now, as she approached the counter.

Telma didn't looked swayed by this. "Oh, queen Zelda? Nice to meet you!"

"It is a pleasure to meet you as well, Telma. I would like to ask you a few questions, if that is fine with you." Zelda carefully took a seat at one of the stools just in front of the bar.

"Well of course, honey! What would you like to know? Would you also like a drink? We have some of Ordon's finest goat milk." She puffed out her chest proudly.

"Yes please, some milk would be prefect. Do you know of a young boy named Link? He wears green clothing--"

"Oh, of course I know of Link! He visits my bar all the time! In fact, he was just here the other day, talking about this new journey he's going on." Telma filled a glass pitcher with milk and set it down in front of the queen.

"Actually, that is relevant to why I am here. I have heard he is in danger and I must go make sure he is safe. Do you know of where I can get some armor, a shield, and a sword?"

"Goodness! Link, in danger? I was sure that he can handle whatever comes his way on his own. But I trust you, queen, and I think I can help you with what you need. Hey guys, can you help this wonderful young lady with something?" Telma called across the bar.

At a table several feet away sat an older man and two younger people, a man and a lady. All three looked up from their conversation.

"Why, of course! What do you need?" The elder man asked.