The Legend of Zelda: Goddess of Secrecy

Overworld Chapter 7 - Boulders and Soldiers

...but he soon found himself struggling through the morning rush. Shopkeepers were up early to open up their storefronts. A few soldiers tumbled out of the inn, heading back towards the mountain. Workers dispersed out through the village.

Link headed for the herb gardens he had seen on his way in. A few people flagged him down, handing him huge baskets of herbs that he hardly managed. Those with their baskets ready were kind enough to point him on to the rest of the houses, particularly as his pile started to block his view.

Some people had smaller baskets of herbs, and made very little conversation with Link. Link had the feeling that they had been to see the medic, even though they were being paid by the healer for their herbs. He said nothing though, not wanting to make things worse for anyone. Two or three houses went out and shooed him off, leaving Link standing blankly at the door.

After about two hours, Link started taking the baskets back. He ducked behind a few shops to avoid the waking villagers on their way to work, or shop, or wherever they were planning to spend their day. Then began the slow climb back up the mountain to the hut.

As Link set the baskets down, he heard rattling metal. Link looked up at the healer as she held up the shield he had seen the previous night. She said, "There is only one person who would know I'm doing poorly with the medics, and that's my son. I went by his shop and asked him about what you were looking at."

She set the metal shield in Link's hands, and gave him a toothy smile. "Consider this your payment for the errands."

Link looked up, shaking his head. "I couldn't. This is too much."

"He's my son," Heytha replied. "He lets me buy things for much cheaper than he would you." She chuckled. "Good luck. Your friend has been pacing outside for a half hour now. You best hurry before they hurt themself."

Quickly, Link unstrapped the wooden shield he had been using and stuffed it into his pouch. He slung the metal shield over in its place, adjusting himself as he waved goodbye, and hurried to meet Endeavor.

Endeavor was perched on a branch hanging over the road. They dropped to the ground, saying, "Finally." They paused, studying the design for a moment. They added mostly to themself, "An interesting design, not been seen in an era."

Link looked back at his shield. "What?"

"Not the time," Endeavor replied, holding up a hand to bar further question. "I have found us a way passed the guards. Quickly." Endeavor began to jog up the path. Link followed, looking for Quicksilver.

"Quicksilver and Journey are not suited for this trip," Endeavor explained. "Even Quicksilver is not this surefooted, and the heat is too much for Journey's coat. They will wait for us." Yore hovered overhead, and Link was glad that at least one of Endeavor's companions was coming along. At least he wouldn't have to worry if they got separated.

They reached the barricade at the top of the path. A guard woke up, gripping his spear, quickly commanding without much confidence, "Halt."

The guard's partner stood up with a yawn. "Don't worry. It's them again."

Endeavor growled, "Yes, it is me again. You will be letting us through this time."

"They sound pretty certain," the first guard teased.

From their cloak, Endeavor produced a seal. It was a dark purple waning crescent moon, with three dots inside of its curve. Endeavor retorted, "Even footmen as yourself must recognize Queen Justice's royal seal." Link realized quickly this was a bluff, but Endeavor's tone certainly made the guards start. "I am her ambassador, and we have business with the Gorons."