Chapter 3: Mysteries



Mishcana patrolled the courtyard carefully. Guard duty was usually uneventful and boring but today she had been uneasy. No one was in sight thus far, yet she felt like she was being watched. Today was rather cold and the ice was chilling right through her thick duty cloak. As she looked up at the high tower's windows all the shutters were closed. No one was watching her from there, either. In the distance the sound of a horse galloping could be heard. Mishcana rushed towards horse yelling "Halt!" as she ran over the hill. Below her riding on Epona was Link dressed in a heavy, brown riding cloak. His green Kokiri cap was a model designed by Zelda just like hers. They both looked like Kokiri hats but were warm and laced with soft fur on the inside. They covered their ears rather than tucked behind them as well. "Mishcana! Glad to see you hard at work." He shouted, "Open the gates, will you?" She nodded and rushed to the bird's head that lay over the stone bridge. There, behind the head was a small switch. She carefully struck it with her sword and the gate slid open long enough for Epona and Link to get through. The next guard came and relieved her and she ran down to Link after thanking her replacement. "Hey! Link, what's the bag for?" Link dismounted and sent Epona to the stables with a pat. "Eh? Oh, this? This is for Zelda's birthday next month. Spring's almost here, you know. I'd say the first robin will arrive in a week or two. Come to think of it, you might like to get her something. It's a surprise party, so, of course, you're invited."

Mishcana beamed. "That sounds great. I know what I want to get her, too." She grinned, "but, uhmmm. . ." Her cheeks turned red as she looked away from him. Link smiled generously, "Need a bit of money? You know I can give you some . . ." Her head shook in response to his kind offer and inwardly he smiled. "Actually, I was wondering if you knew of any odd jobs I could do to get a little extra? I've helped you with Poe hunting before; maybe that or something similar?" Link smiled deeply, "Well, actually, I do. Come to my room, and I'll tell you where to go."

Two weeks later, spring blossomed over Hyrule field. The winters were short but cold while springs were long and luscious. Mishcana had been working very hard the past few weeks. She had borrowed Epona and helped a man catch fairies, poes and bugs for his store. Every Friday night she had rushed off to Kakariko village to help with the "Heart Pounding Graveyard Tour." Spring had brought her a new line of work; Milking the cows with Malon. Malon was a cheerful redheaded girl who was fond of Link. She always dreamed of being swept of her feet by a knight and shining armour and had confided so in Mishcana. "Link's not really a knight, and he certainly doesn't have shining armour; in fact, he doesn't have any at all, except that shield and those gauntlets." She said sadly, "I'd rather it be a knight from a fairy tale. They're much more charming. And they don't get mud all over their clothes. " Malon often talked like this while they worked and Mishcana was happy for it. The jobs didn't pay much but with the money she was making at the castle as a fill in guard she was sure she'd have enough for Zelda's present by her birthday.

The day before the party, Mishcana went to the market to buy her gift. During one of her tours guarding the princess through the market, she and Zelda had seen many things in the store windows. One had nearly brought tears to the young princess's eyes. It was a beautiful dress made of the finest satin. Embroidery of golden leaves ran down the sleeves and across the shoulders. Long trails hung from the arm pieces. Zelda had sighed softly as she looked at it. "Oh, I would love that dress," she had said, "But Impa would never let me buy it; I have my royal dresses and I lack nothing. To have something like that, though, for casual wear . . ." The princess had trailed off sadly and beckoned Mishcana to move with her to the next window. When Mishcana arrived at the store, the dress was still there. Relieved, she went up to the salesperson and gave him the correct amount of rupees. He carefully folded the dress and settled it into a bag and handed it to her with a smile. "I hope the Princess will like it Mishcana. Be sure to wish her happy birthday for me, will you?" Mishcana nodded excitedly and left the shop her package clutched tightly to her chest.

In the shadows two dark figures watched the purchase of the dress. As Mishcana became distanced from the shop she became aware of something following her. Holding her package tighter she began running faster and faster towards the castle.

Out of nowhere two people dressed in the garb of high-ranking Hylian guards jumped out. "Halt! You are wanted for theft. You are under arrest; please surrender the package and come peacefully with us." Mishcana stood stunned in disbelief. "But," she stuttered, "I just bought this! It's the Princess's birthday gift. I'm Mishcana, guard in training. Don't you recognize me?" The guardsman shook his head and snatched the package out of her hands, "It matches the description of the one stolen perfectly. You can come peacefully miss, or forcefully. But either way you're coming with us." Sweat trickled down Mishcana's face. She had been so excited about getting the gift that she had forgotten all of her weapons in her room. Worry began to flow through her as she continually stared at the guards' faces; she didn't recognize them. Sighing, she lowered her head and offered out her arms to be bound. "Very well. Link will not be happy with you when he finds out. I'm sure Impa will straighten this all out." They bound her hands tightly with a coarse rope. A blindfold fell over her eyes and guards grabbed her under her arms and dragged her off.

The halls near Zelda's room were dark. Link strolled forward as quick as he could towards the elaborate doors that led to the Princess's room. "Zelda!" he called anxiously, "Zelda, have you seen Mishcana? She was supposed to meet me in the training room an hour ago for a sparring match, but she hasn't showed."
Zelda shook her head sadly looking at Link. "I haven't seen her since she left this morning. Did she ever come back from the errand she left on?" Link shook his head, "The castle guards say she did not re-enter the castle; that's why I'm worried."
Impa appeared from the shadows of Zelda's room her eyes looking Link over carefully. Startled by the sudden appearance of the shadow sage, Link jumped. "This is worrisome indeed. Are you sure she did not go to complete one of her, ah . . . " she looked uneasily at Princess Zelda, "Tasks?" His head shook, as he looked downward. "I will ask the guards to begin searching for her in the market. That is where she meant to go, is it not?" He nodded solemnly, "Yeah. She wouldn't miss practice for anything. I hope nothing's happened to her."

Impa left Zelda and Link to sit together in silence. Zelda's soft and delicate hands stroked his cheeks sympathetically. His head came to rest on her small bony shoulder and he sighed. "If only she would call you. I can't figure out how to call someone that far away. Especially if I don't know where they are." Zelda's deep blue eyes looked into his, "We should practice sometime. I'll keep an "ear" open for her, at any rate." Link nodded and silently gazed into the fire. Its snapping heat sent sparks flying in the air. These floated gently down to the hearthstone. The fire's brilliant movements entranced him and he began to hear something off in the distance of his mind. Something that was scared and terrified.

"Link." The voice said dreadfully in a whisper, "Two level two guards took me away." Panic crept into the mental tone, "It's so dark in here. They told me I was accused of stealing and imprisoned me. I'm scared, Link." Link blinked away and turned from the fire. "Zelda? Did you hear that?"
"Hear what?" she replied thoughtfully. Link looked perplexed and worry crossed her face. "I though I heard Mishcana. She said two guards locked her up in a dark dungeon for stealing." Zelda blinked in shock, "Mishcana would never steal anything." He nodded gazed back into the fire. "Go ask Impa if anyone's been thrown in the dungeon; I can't remember any of them being dark but Mishcana's afraid of prisons. So, they might seem darker to her."

Zelda left the room quietly for Link was gazing into the fire again his eyes unfocused. "Mishcana are you alright? We're going to try and find you. Just hold on, alright?" Her slow but fearful reply echoed in his mind for a long while. "Alright, then. It's so dark, so small. Hurry. So small. . ." she trailed off again.

The guards had searched all of Hyrule's market town in vain. Impa confirmed that no one had been put into the dungeons all day. Link sat alone in his room, staring at the wall. Mishcana had been quiet a long time and that worried him. "If I get busy looking for her, I might not be able to hear her." He murmured to himself sadly. A loud hasty knock thundered on his door. Zelda rushed in, her face twisted with alarm. "Impa and I just talked to all the guards; we found two level two guards knocked out and unclothed in the back of a bar. Tell Mishcana to get out of there; they're not Hylian guards!"

Astonishment enclosed on Link. He nodded forcefully and his eyes unfocused. Shock hit him like a kick in the teeth and he breathed out slowly in disbelief. "It's too late." He said shaking his head, "They gave her a drink about an hour ago. Her magic's not working and she feels weak." He shook his head, "We took too long. They're moving." Dreadfulness filled Zelda as she stared at Link. "Get going hero. They must be in the field then; Go!" He nodded in response to her and numbly grabbed his magic pouch, sword, and shield. Soft bunny ears mounted his head and he was off like arrow flung from a bow.

He could no longer hear Mishcana nor could he seem to talk to her. Several guards accompanied him on his search each riding their own steed. "Send a messenger if you find them. Group one, head towards Kakariko village, Group two, towards the Gerudo Desert." The groups departed breaking up as they rid. "Group three, you're with me. Break up and head in different directions towards Lake Hylia. Margret, Unisan and Karit, head down by Zora's domain. Hashire, Yuke and Tayler, check the west side of LonLon ranch. I'll head for the Kokiri forest; Raner and Pwert, you follow after checking LonLon ranch. They admit everyone and I doubt they'd check their luggage. Halt any wagons or carriages and search them. All right, you have you assignments. Get going!" Each guardsman took off in his or her assigned direction. Link stroked Epona's neck gingerly, "I need you to run fast old friend. You know the way." Epona reared up and neighed and took off like lightning towards LonLon ranch. The fields flew by them as she ran at full speed over the hill. Hours melted away and the moon rose overhead. He began to loose hope. At the top of the hill he pulled Epona to a halt. He dismounted and looked around. For kilometres the road lay open and green; no one seemed upon the road tonight. The night was quiet. Neither bird nor stalchild was about. Link closed his eyes and listened. Nothing. Beside him Epona stirred. He remounted her and followed her lead. "You see something girl?' he asked the horse fondly as it ran. There, hidden in the trees by the Kokiri forest was a wagon with a large wooden box in its centre. The wagon seemed to have stopped for the night. Link dismounted and sent his horse back towards the ranch. Quietly he crept towards them hiding behind trees as he went. Their conversation drifted to his ears.

"I reckon she'll be recovering soon. He said she had magic and to keep giving her the potion to keep her from escaping. I don't believe it; she doesn't look like one of them magic users. It's keeping her quiet at any rate, so we'd best give her more." The burly bandit had spoken roughly and the scrawnier one nodded. "Aye, she's weak enough. It'll be easy to give her more." The burly bandit reached into the box and yanked Mishcana's head out by her long brown hair. Her hat had fallen off and her eyes were terrified. She was limp as spaghetti and offered no resistance. The skinny man forced her mouth open and poured in the draught. Her nose and mouth were closed forcing her to swallow. She coughed helplessly, her eyes half open as she was allowed to breath again. The burly man released her hair and she fell silently back into the crate. With the top door resealed, the bandits seemed more relaxed.

"She ought to be out a while longer now, and she won't give us no trouble if we do anything. Too bad he said not to touch her or there'd be no reward." The thin man sighed and shook his head sadly. "We could get some sleep I suppose. I don't imagine they'd be looking for her yet. He says she's prone to going off on her own so they'd suspect nothing."

"That's where you'd be fatally wrong." Link jumped out from behind the final tree. "Release her at once or you'll regret it." He flashed his gilded sword and held his shield prepared. Laughter echoed in the night as the two men watched him.
"Blimey, look here. A little boy had come to play. These Hylians keep getting crazier; Imagine giving such a sword to a child like that." Both men chuckled and drew their own swords. Cold steel flashed in the moonlight. The swords were as long as Link's but twice as broad and thick. "Run along little boy, or we'll make you join your friend in there. There's not much room, but we're sure we can fit another." They advanced towards him still chuckling cruelly. Link laughed in turn, "These crooks and hired kidnappers keep getting dumber. Don't you know who I am?"

The guards were still laughing, trying to surround him. Link looked bored and stated, "No matter. I could use some entertainment. I hope you have life shields because this is going to hurt." The men attacked as he lowered his sword. Link simply rolled out of their way causing the two men's swords to clash into each other. They stood together and stabbed at him in unison. In counter attack Link flipped backwards and then rolled forwards between them. His own horizontal cut hit the man in the back and he fell screaming in pain. No wound showed and Link laughed in a sinister way. "So, you're strong enough to have developed life shields? No matter. Much easier for me; now I know I won't kill you if I don't hold back." The other man scowled, "Lucky shot, baby. Now we're going to crush you!" The man ran forward with the intention of horizontally slashing Link. Link giggled and sidestepped and tripped the man sending him down onto his own sword. The point drove hard into the man; His life shield prevented him from dying but the man passed out. The burly man stood up, his eyes still showing the echoes of pain from the slash Link had given him. "You fight like an imp, baby, but you're just lucky. You won't be so again!" The man charged Link but feinted. Link was caught off guard and for his lack of observance earned a slash across the shoulder. Pain exploded on the site of impact. He drew from it concentration and focus but most importantly anger. He rushed the bandit and whacked him over the head with the blunt side of his blade. The man sank to his knees and passed out.

The two hylian guards, Raner and Pwert came over the hill shouting Link's name. Link stood there holding his arm and concentrating, panting slightly. Raner forced his horse all the way up to Link, and then dismounted. "Master Link sir! Are you all right? Here! Take a sip of this LonLon milk Malon gave us; she feared you would get injured should you find the kidnappers." Link nodded and took the bottle from the young guard and drank deep of the bottle. The pain disappeared and he wiped his milk moustache off with the back of his hand. The box lay silent in the back of the wagon. Link nodded to the two bandits on the ground. "Take them to the dungeon at the castle and lock them up tight, Raner. Pwert, go find the others and let them know they have been captured. Tell the Princess I will be back in the morning. I'm taking Mishcana into the Kokiri forest tonight. They gave her something and I fear it." Pwert seemed scared but Raner nodded. "The Kokiri know much about poisons and antidotes, do they not? Very well. We will do as you say. Take good care of her, Link. She's a nice companion on tours of duty." He said fondly. Raner was a fairly young guard. He couldn't of been older than seventeen but seemed to understand better than his older companion. His hair was chestnut brown was pulled back into a high standard military ponytail. Green eyes hardened by some unknown pain glared at the kidnappers. Tying up the two guards over the back of his horse he moved to the crate and helped Link lift Mishcana out of the box. "Aren't you going to call your horse, sir?" he asked leisurely. Link shook his head, "Nah, the bridge freaks her out. I'll carry her; it's not too far." Raner nodded as Link showed him his Goron's bracelet. "Very well then, sir. We'd best get going; it's a long ride back with three times the weight." The young guard mounted with a flourish and the older guard merely grunted and left with promises to tell the others.

Spirits of the forest flew over Link's head as he carried Mishcana over the bridge. The forest was calm and relaxing. Peace filled him. "It's been so long." He whispered to himself. He emerged in the small village of the Kokiri but to his sadness he realized they were all asleep indoors. A curious green fairy flew over from Saria's house and floated in front of him. "You're Link!" said the fairy in a high, excited tone. "You're back! She's back!" the fairy chattered excitedly and flew towards her partner's house shouting in her tiny voice, "She's back! Saria! She's back. Link too!" Link smiled to himself; Saria's fairy had always been over energetic. Assured his friend would know to visit his house he secured Mishcana to his back and climbed his ladder to the house. Among all the houses of the Kokiri, Link's was the strangest. It was the only house to feature a ladder to start, and was more like a tree house then anything else. Outside a cow was feeding on the long grass around his house. On the large root at the bottom of the ladder was a small drawing he had done as a young child. It showed him fighting some sort of lizard monster. When he had drawn it, he smiled silently to himself, he had know nothing of real adventures, real heroism. He had truly been innocent of the truth. He cast open the leather door and entered his house. Inside, a small table with two smoothed out logs sat at one end of the circular room. A bodhran, a large hand drum, leaned against the wall on his counter gathering dust. Tools and implements of his former life, farming at the edge of the village, lay in their racks on the wall. A small dresser covered in skulta webs lay with its doors half open. It was full of his old Kokiri clothes, most of which he had now out grown. At the end opposite to the door a small but comfortable bed lay. Above a small window was covered with canvas. Mishcana was shuffled to allow him to open it carefully. His bed, he was surprise to find, was not covered in dust or skulta webs. It had been laid recently with fresh sheets. "Saria's been looking after it, no doubt. Hoping I'd visit soon." He sighed regretfully. "And I should have." Drawing back the covers of the bed he slipped the sleeping Mishcana into them. The covers were drawn with ease to her chin and he dragged one of the logs over to her bedside. She seemed to be sleeping peacefully and nothing seemed wrong. Still, he wished Saria would come soon to set his mind at rest.

The door cover was drawn aside and a green haired figure crossed the threshold. He stood up and rushed to greet her. He was a bit taller than her now, Saria realized. The girl's arms were open wide and she hugged him fiercely. "It's been too long Link! You haven't visited since you got back from Termina." He returned the hug and apologized profusely, "I'm sorry, Saria but I've been so busy . . ." Saria nodded wiping tears of joy from her eyes. She didn't look at him but smiled, "It's just, I've really missed you, that's all. I know you're busy with the princess but try and come back more often all right? Are you staying long?" She continued, not giving him time to answer any of her questions, "By the way, what's my fairy chattering about? She kept saying 'She's back" but I couldn't get it out of her." Finally she stopped talking and looked expectantly at Link.

Link stepped aside and gestured towards his bed, "I'm just here fore the night Saria, I'm sorry. I came because I feared some kidnappers might have poisoned my companion. Do you recognize her? Her name's Mish-" Saria cut him off, her eyes wide with amazement, "Mishcana." Without further a due the forest sage rushed for the girl, and kneeled beside the bed, observing her face. "She's grown so much, but I would recognize her any day." She brushed aside the hair on Mishcana's face happily, "I don't sense any poison, and so she should be fine by morning. Do you remember Link, when we all played together? I've missed her so." Link stared at Saria in bewilderment. "Saria, I only met her a few months ago when she saved Zelda's life. What are you talking about?" Saria stared at him in return, and then shook her head. "The Deku tree never restored your memories, I guess. Let's leave at that until morning. Do you want to get some sleep, or, would you like to stay up and talk like we used to in old times at my house?" Link looked uncertainly at his sleeping friend, then back at Saria, "I don't think I should leave her." He said hesitantly. Saria sighed sadly. The door curtain drew back and a small, arrogant blonde Kokiri entered. His demeanour was unlike his normal behaviour. He seemed cowed, bewildered and happy all at the same time. "Is it true, Saria? Is she really back?" Saria nodded and pointed to Link's bed. "She's over there Mido. Go see her if you like." Mido stood there hesitantly looking at Link. "How?" he asked simply his eyes filled with disbelief.

Link explained to Saria and to Mido the strange appearance of the girl and told of, because of their interest, up to the proceedings of that day. Mido seemed satisfied and volunteered to watch her while Link and Saria went to talk. He was quieter than usual, and offered no spiteful remark or insult for Link.

Link and Saria now sat in her house upon her bed and were talking happily. "Mido's really happy Mish is back. He helped raise her when we were younger. I'll tell you more about that tomorrow. How are you?" Link shrugged; he was far more curious about Mishcana than himself. A smile crossed his face; however, and he began to answer her. "Pretty good I guess. It seems I'm always off saving a damsel in distress or running errands for people. Fortunately, Mishcana usually takes care of herself; in fact she's often very helpful to me. Zelda's the one I'm always saving. Saria," he leaned in closer to her, "Dark Link's back." Saria gasped and nodded and Link continued, "Mishcana saved me from him. Or, at least, from being hit hard. I think if he wanted to, we both would have been dead. He had what he came for. One of Zelda's magic books I think. Trouble is coming Saria. He is not that shadow from the future; he is a solid man quite capable of destroying me. I fear little but I believe it wise for me to fear him." Link sighed as Saria listened quietly, "Will I never be able to rest Saria? I suppose not. It is my destiny to play the role of hero, and I doubt I would stay sane without adventure. I am glad Mishcana came to the castle. I was in sore need of a friend. Few people have time to spend with me, Saria. Zelda's often busy with training either magical or royal, Impa does her best to give me lessons in special Shiekah techniques and in triforce magic, but she is very busy as queen regent. With Navi gone," tears roller down Link's cheeks, "I was starting to feel like I was all alone. Even before I left for Termina I had begun to withdraw and talked less. It was so refreshing to have someone to talk to. Someone who shared my interests and had time and the reason to be with me. She's my apprentice of sorts. Impa'd like to train her herself but as I said, she doesn't have time." Saria listened patiently and laid her arm across her friend's shoulder. Gently she wiped away his slow tears of joy as he continued. "You should see how good she is with that bow she stole. Zelda's better, I imagine, but Mishcana's my superior in it. Her magic isn't bad either." Saria grinned and ruffled his hair, "No wonder! Look who she's got as a teacher." Link looked away sheepishly. "I didn't teach her the bow, and Zelda and Impa have been doing a lot of the magic work with her. When they have the time, that is." Saria smiled nonetheless and looked at him confidently. "Don't underplay yourself, Link. I know you had a hand in it some time or another. You're a great person. Never forget that." He nodded and promised, "I won't, I won't. I have to admit it; I'm always worried for her. She's like my little sister."

He rested his head on Saria's shoulder and she ruffled his hair again. "Getting sleepy are we?" she asked him comically. His head nodded and his eyes were left half closed his emotions and energy exhausted with the unburdening of his person. She smiled gently at him, and gave him a hand up. "C'mon. You'll want to sleep in your house and no doubt you have mind to sleep on the floor. I'll bring some blankets and a pillow for you. I dare say you've been sleeping often in the open air." She said accusingly and he nodded, "Whenever I'm not in the castle." He murmured. "Silly boy!" she chastised. "Keep a blanket in your saddle bag you fool of a Kokiri!" She led him outdoors, propping him up with her shoulder, "You draw yourself out too far, Link. You should take more time to sleep. Look at you! Barely able to walk on your own." He shook his head sadly and drew out his black mask again and covered his face with it. It's red eyes flashed in the moonlight and he began to walk straighter. "That mask makes me feel sad for some reason," Saria spoke sorrowfully, "What's it do?" Link smiled under his mask, "It keeps me awake. It doesn't work if I pass out though. You know, from using too much Magic. Found that out the hard way. Don't worry. I promise I'll sleep tonight." He said as Saria glared at him angrily. She had stopped and began tapping her foot but with the promise she continued towards his house, "It's just so I don't fall asleep while we're walking. You've got all those blankets with you; you shouldn't have to carry me too." Link scurried up his ladder and Saria flung the blankets up to him.

They entered in silence careful not disturb the sleeper within. To their surprise Mido sat propped against the wall, his head at odd angle. He was sleeping soundly despite the night's cool air. It was warmer in the Kokiri forest in spring than in the rest of Hyrule but it was chilly nonetheless. Link took pity upon his old rival and used one of his blankets to cover the sleeping Kokiri. Saria laid a sheet and a pillow on the ground for Link by his bed and motioned for him to lie down. Exhausted he flopped onto the makeshift bed. Saria tucked him in tightly as she had often done when he was very little. She pulled off his mask and as if by magic his eyes closed and he drifted off to sleep. The mask was swiftly placed on his mahogany dresser. By the doorway she paused, smiling softly at the three sleepers. Behind her the leather covering fell back across the doorway.

Return to Part/Chapter list
Go to the Chapter Four: Echoes of the Past.