Guarded Secrets

Prologue

A woman shivered in the cold night, cradling a small bundle in her arms. Nearby, her husband stood watch. The fire was growing dimmer by the minute, and with the growing threat of monster attacks in the wild, neither of them dared to venture out into the woods to collect more firewood.

"How's he holding up?" the father asked.

"Alright for the moment. But we're almost out of food. And he's getting cold. Are you sure we're close?"

"Positive, my love." He kissed her on the head before continuing. "We'll be there by this time tomorrow."

The baby cooed a bit in his sleep, garnering a weary smile from his parents. He looked no more than a few months old. He had stark blonde hair, with pale skin and bright blue eyes.

"You should lay down," the man said. "You'll need your strength for the rest of the journey. I'll stand watch."

She nodded sleepily, curling up on the ground. She set the baby next to her, sharing her body heat with the child.

Setting his sword on his shoulder, he stood watch, drawing his cloak tightly around his shoulders to ward off the chilly night air. He sunk to his knees shortly after.

About an hour later, his eyes snapped open. The man jumped to his feet with his eyes wide with fear.

"Who's there?" he shouted. His voice quivered with fear.

Seeing nothing, he turned toward his wife and child lying still in the grass. He watched her chest rise and fall, finding relief in the fact that she was still breathing.

He heard some fussing from the baby and scooped him up.

"Little one. If only you knew the future you have ahead of you."

He looked at him fondly with his exhausted eyes, a smile crinkling his face. He took a small hand in his and gave it a gentle kiss.

"Impa has told us too much about the future. If I had a choice I would absolve you from all of it, but I know that is not possible."

He looked up from the infant, contemplating what Impa had told them. This boy had a hard future ahead of him.

The father's musings were cut short by a branch snapping in the distance. Instantly the man was at attention, clutching the boy close to him. He touched the woman on the shoulder, waking her.

She sat up with a start. "What's wrong? I thought the trees would hide us long enough. Do we need to leave?"

"Yes, immediately. This boy needs to get to Hyrule safely or his future may be compromised."

The woman nodded, scooping up their meager provisions and supplies. She sat up quickly, vigorously rubbing her eyes to ward off the exhaustion that threatened to shut her body down.

Her husband helped her up gently, his tired body trying to shut down as well. He cradled the young boy in his arms, willing himself to move forward. Thankfully the night was clear, with almost no clouds and no rain.

Hearing a snap in the distance again put the couple on edge. The baby let out a grunt of displeasure before settling back to sleep. They increased their pace.

After several uncomfortable hours, they finally reached the gates and literally collapsed onto the wooden bridge. A woman rushed to their aid, shouting at the other shocked townspeople to get help.

The couple and child were taken to the inn and slept there for the night. In the morning, they took the child to the king. Bowing, the father began to speak.

"Your Majesty, Impa sent us to you. She believes that this boy is the one the legends tell of."

He stroked his beard, listening intently. "How can we be sure?"

"Impa seemed almost certain he was the boy. I'm not sure how we would confirm that until he came of age. She said that the boy of legend is destined to wield the Master Sword and seal Calamity Ganon away for good."

The king looked down in thought before opening his mouth to speak.

"You have obviously come at great personal risk, and for that I thank you. We will allow him and you both to live amongst our people so we can train the boy when he comes of age."

The parents nodded in appreciation. "Thank you, you are most generous My Liege."

He acknowledged their thanks. "Now, what is this boy's name?"

"Rowley."