The Legend of Zelda: Real Courage [1ST DRAFT]

Chapter Six: Meeting Him

The Legend of Zelda: Real Courage

Chapter Six: Meeting Him

Lila wore the chainmail under her tunic and cloak when she walked into Lord Ganondorf's hall. She waited for him to finish speaking with the person ahead of her, then moved forward and knelt at his feet. Her sword and shield were resting neatly on her back.

"Rise," Lord Ganondorf said. "Did you succeed?"

"Yes, my lord," Lila answered. She unbuttoned part of her tunic to show him the chainmail underneath.

He smiled and relaxed on his throne. "Well done. You must begin your next task immediately before Volvagia can return. You see, the next item you are to obtain is in his domain."

"Death Mountain?" Lila asked, shaking.

"Yes, you are correct. The chainmail you just acquired should help protect you against the flames. This time you are looking for gauntlets."

Once again, Lila was confused. "Um, you want me to look for... cups?"

Lord Ganondorf's smile dropped. "Gauntlets, not goblets, you foolish girl. Gloves! They're said to increase one's strength. I tire of speaking with you. Leave my sight!"

Lila hurried out. She was used to her Lord's anger, and she didn't want to have to deal with it. Mori met her outside the hall.

"Where are we going this time?" Mori asked.

"Death Mountain," Lila answered gravely. "I swear, Lord Ganondorf wants to kill me."

"He's sending you to find items that will help you be stronger," Mori said. "That suggests he wants you to live."

"Yeah?" Lila argued. "For how long? No way can I fight Volvagia and win."

"You beat Gyorg."

"Gyorg is tiny compared to Volvagia."

"Lord Ganondorf wouldn't send you if he thought you would fail."

"I wouldn't count on that..."

"Why do you think he waited all these years to send you on these missions?"

Lila didn't have an answer for that. She wondered if Mori was right, but couldn't help but worry that she wasn't safe with her Lord. His missions might just send her to the grave.

∴

"So, where in Death Mountain are we going?" Lila asked her flying friend. They had arrived on the outskirts of a mountain village called Kakariko. Though it was practically dried up except for the sacred spring in the south, the place was bustling with energy. Buildings made of haphazard materials climbed the sides of the gorge, with the smallest of paths leading to each doorway. Some doors even opened on roofs of other buildings. The narrow street was filled with merchants and natives, bargaining for the best prices the Kakarikans had to offer.

Most in the village were Hylian, but some were Goron. After all, Death Mountain could only be inhabited by the rock-like creatures because only they could withstand the heat. Lila imagined some of the women were Gerudo, the all-women tribe of Lord Ganondorf's origin. She knew the history well. Every hundred years, no more, no less, a boy was born to the tribe to be the Gerudo king. That was Lord Ganondorf. The women would be in Kakariko Valley because Gerudo Desert wasn't too far to the north, making it the closest merchant town for the desert dwellers.

Lila got off her horse, gathered her belongings, and gave Epona a small pat on the back toward home. She wanted to avoid being noticed, which meant she would continue on foot. As it was, having a keese following her would be conspicuous enough.