The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Novelization

“Hey, Link! Are you there?” Link jerked awake with a startled cry and tumbled out of bed. His head struck the floor with a painful crack. For a moment he just lay there, groaning, before pushing himself upright and rubbing the back of his head. That’s going to bruise. He looked toward the window. Golden morning light spilled through the glass, filling the room in warmth. Link’s eyes widened. If the sun was already up… Oh no! I slept in! Scrambling to his feet, Link rushed to the window and leaned out. At the foot of the treehouse stood Fado, the young owner of Ordon Ranch. He waited with his hands on his hips, a knowing smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “There you are!” Fado called. “Long day yesterday, huh?” “Yeah,” Link said groggily. “You still up for helping me herd the goats? I’d hate to overwork you, but they won’t listen to a word I say.” Fado looked like he had seen better days. His short brown hair stuck out in every direction, and dark circles beneath his eyes betrayed a sleepless night. His sleeves were rolled up and sweat dampened his clothes. The goats had kept him up again. Link had a feeling this was going to be a long morning. Like Link, Fado was an orphan. He inherited Ordon Ranch at fourteen, along with the responsibility of tending the village’s livestock. Losing his parents so young meant he had never properly learned how to run the ranch. Link helped whenever he could, but sometimes he could not shake the feeling that Fado was struggling to keep up. Where would he be without me…? “Sure. I’m on my way.” Link quickly dressed in a white shirt, baggy beige shorts, and sandals. He tied a brown goat-leather sash around his waist, snatched a slice of bread, and hurried out the front door. Sliding down the ladder, he landed face-to-face with a panicked Fado. “Where’s Epona? She’s not here!” Link rushed to his mare’s stable, his brow furrowing when he found it empty. I tied her up last night. I know I did. He knelt and studied the mud. Fresh hoofprints marked the ground, accompanied by a set of smaller human footprints. They led toward Ordon Spring. Aha…so that’s where you are. Link turned to Fado. “Head back to the ranch. I’ll catch up once I find Epona.” “Okay, but don’t take too long. One of the goats might get loose.” Parting ways with Fado, Link followed the path into the woods toward Ordon Spring. The humid summer air hung heavy, but the morning was still beautiful. Birds chirped in the trees overhead, and a soft breeze brushed against his face. Ahead, he could already hear the quiet trickle of water flowing from the spring. Like its Faron counterpart, Ordon Spring sat within a quiet alcove. It was the first sight to greet travellers entering Ordon. Several stone pillars rose from the water, which was fed by a creek flowing down from the nearby mountain. Link spotted Epona standing in the spring, happily chewing on a carrot. He started toward her but paused when he noticed who was standing beside his mare. Ilia, the mayor’s daughter and his closest friend. Her pale blonde hair fell in a neat bob at her shoulders, and her emerald-green eyes sparkled in the morning sun. Sandals dangling from one hand, she waded barefoot through the clear water, looking radiant in the soft morning light. His heart racing, Link exhaled and stepped forward. As he approached, Ilia caught sight of him and turned. The moment she did, her face lit up. “Hi, Link! I washed Epona for you!” Ilia’s gaze left Link speechless. Say something, he told himself. Don’t just stand there like an idiot. Yet all he could do was smile, quietly admiring how her face glowed in the light of the spring. “Do you two have to work today?” she asked, lacing her fingers together in front of her. “You know Fado,” Link said at last. “He’d fall apart without me.” Ilia watched closely as Link whistled three descending notes. Epona lifted her head and answered with a soft bray as she rose to her feet. The simple tune had always calmed her, even when she was a restless foal. Around the village, most people called it “Epona’s Song.” Link scratched Epona’s chin, earning an affectionate snort from the mare. Ilia had always admired the bond between them. She remembered how jealous she had been when Link first brought Epona home years ago. Her father had spent hours comforting her when she realized she would never have a horse of her own. “What are you up to today?” Link asked as he swung onto Epona’s back. Ilia blushed suddenly. “Me? Um… I’m working on something special for you. I have to finish it before you leave, so I’ll probably be locked in my room all day. And no peeking, okay?” “I wouldn’t dare.” Link glanced toward the village. “I’d better get going before Fado has a breakdown. I’ll see you tonight?” “Sure.” Ilia smiled as Link nudged Epona forward. “Don’t work too hard today!” The steady clop of Epona’s hooves drowned out the forest’s wildlife as she carried Link along the path. Soon the trees parted, revealing Ordon Village. The settlement rested within the forest’s largest clearing, divided by a narrow creek. The water flowed eastward into a small pond where Jaggle and Pergie’s water wheel provided the village with clean drinking water. Ordon Village was a far cry from the bustling streets of cities like Hyrule Castle Town. Life here moved slowly. Only a few villagers had started their days, and the village lay quiet beneath the early light. Colin and Uli sat on the creek bank beside the wooden bridge that connected the two halves of the village. Not far away, Rusl stood in the shallow water, training with a new broadsword. Its straight metal blade guard and leather-wrapped grip gleamed faintly in the morning light. A small forest emerald had been set into the weapon’s round pommel. To Link’s left, Jaggle stretched out on a vine-covered rock beside Sera and Hanch’s convenience store, enjoying the morning sun. The sound of Epona’s hooves made him perk up. Short and stocky, Jaggle had closely trimmed brown hair and a thin goatee along his square jaw. His skin was tanned from long hours spent working under the summer sun. “Mornin’, Link!” Jaggle said, lifting a hand in a casual salute. Link waved back. “How are you today?” “Bored, I guess.” Jaggle leaned back with a shrug. “I’m supposed to cut the grass around the pumpkin patches, but I just can’t bring myself to do it. You’re headed to the ranch, huh?” “Yeah, the goats gave Fado trouble last night.” “Hah, poor kid. I won’t hold you up then. See you around!” Link guided Epona toward Uli and her family. Colin sat beside his mother, fast asleep with his head resting on her shoulder. Epona leaned down and licked his face like an eager dog. Colin jerked awake with a startled gasp, and Link laughed as he hurriedly wiped the saliva from his face. “Gross, Epona! What was that for?” Colin groaned. “She’s just keeping you on your toes.” Link smirked. “Tired?” “Dad and I were up late finishing the gift for the royal family. I didn’t get much sleep.” “I’m sure it was worth it.” “Definitely. It’s some of Dad’s best work.” Colin straightened. “Oh, that reminds me. The fishing rod is waiting at my house. Can you come by when you’re done working?” From the creek, Rusl slid the royal gift into its leather scabbard and turned toward them. “Still driving Link crazy, I see… Don’t rush him, son. He’ll come when he has time.” “Sorry…” Colin muttered. Link chuckled. “I shouldn’t be too long. I’ll stop by as soon as I’m done.” “We’ll be looking forward to it,” Uli said with a gentle smile. “Before I forget,” Rusl said to Link, “I sharpened your sword. I’ll drop it off at your place.” “Thanks. I appreciate it.” “Anytime.” Rusl nodded toward the road. “Now get going. Fado needs you.” Link nodded silently and crossed the wooden bridge. After passing Ilia’s house, he followed the winding mountain trail until Ordon Ranch appeared at the hill’s peak. An aging oakwood fence enclosed the property. Inside stood a wide pasture, a large barn, and Fado’s farmhouse. Ten Ordon goats milled about the field, bleating nervously as they grazed. Their charcoal-gray fur was thick, and their paired horns curved together to form rings above their heads. It looked like Fado had managed to herd a few of the restless goats into the barn while Link was away, but he looked exhausted. I’d better help him before he collapses. Link urged Epona forward at a slow trot, careful not to spook the herd. “Hey, Link,” Fado said. “Sorry to pull you and Epona over here in such a rush, but these guys have been awfully skittish lately. They won’t listen to a word I say.” Link brought Epona to a stop. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll take it from here.” “Much obliged, bud! Go ahead and herd those little scamps into the barn.” “You should get some sleep in the meantime. You look awful.” “I’ll wait until you’re finished. It’s the least I can do.” “If you say so.” Link glanced at the restless goats. “I shouldn’t take too long…hopefully.” Fado retreated to the barn as Link urged Epona into motion. As always, he started by gathering the goats into a tight cluster at the centre of the pasture. Whenever one tried to break away, he rode ahead and cut off its path, forcing it back into the herd. That was the easy part. Getting them into the barn would be the real challenge. Slow and steady. Link pressed his feet gently against Epona’s sides, and she advanced on the herd. The goats tried to scatter, but Link blocked every escape. Oh no you don’t… The next half hour passed slowly. One by one, the goats were driven toward the barn until nine of the ten stood safely in their pens. The final goat refused to cooperate. After several failed attempts, Link changed tactics. He slid down from Epona’s saddle and approached the nervous animal on foot. “It’s okay.” Link raised his hands when the goat threatened to charge. “I’m not going to hurt you.” He slowly reached out, but the animal shied away. Easy now… He took another careful step forward. Easy… The goat bleated nervously, then sniffed his hand. A moment later it relaxed and nudged his palm with its snout. There you go… “Watching you work sure is a treat,” he said with a tired grin. “You’re all done for the day.” “You don’t need any more help?” Link asked, guiding the goat into the barn. “Nah, you’ve done more than enough, bud. Go home and rest up. It’s too hot to be working today. Besides, you’ve got more important things to do.” Link nodded and climbed back onto Epona’s saddle. “Okay, you’re the boss.” “It sure doesn’t feel like it sometimes,” Fado muttered under his breath. “Anyway, off you go. Enjoy your day.” Link bade farewell to the rancher and started down the hill toward the village. Looks like I’ve got some time to kill. I should go see Colin and check out that fishing rod. Rusl and his family lived on the western edge of Ordon Village, tucked away from the rest of town. Their house had been built from the wood of a sturdy oak tree. A vegetable garden lined the porch steps, and flowerpots hung from the windows. Link chuckled softly, remembering how many of them he had shattered with his toy sword when he was a child. Uli used to get so angry. I have no idea how she ever put up with me… Link dismounted and tied Epona’s reins to the porch. Tired from the heat, the mare settled into the shade and drifted off almost instantly. Link scratched her neck as the front door creaked open and Uli stepped outside with a basket of laundry under her arm. She smiled warmly. “Hey, sweetie. How was work?” “Eventful. The goats were all riled up today. Something’s bothering them.” “That’s strange. I suppose it could be this heat wave…” Uli set her laundry basket down and called toward the house. “Colin, Link is here!” A moment later, Colin appeared in the doorway, smiling brightly. “Link!” Link rubbed the top of his head. “Hey, buddy.” “Do…do you want to see the fishing rod?” “You bet.” “Great! I’ll be right back!” Colin spun around and ran back inside the house. Uli giggled as she settled into her porch rocker. “Thank you so much, Link. He’s been looking forward to this all morning. The fishing rod is a little…unpolished, but I hope you like it.” “It’s the thought that counts. Where’s Rusl?” “He’s in the smithy finishing the royal gift. You know how obsessive he gets.” Link chuckled and nodded. I do. Rusl had always been a perfectionist, and Link had inherited that trait from him. It could be both a blessing and a curse. A moment later, Colin reappeared in the doorway holding the wooden fishing rod. It was not elaborate, but Link admired its simplicity. The handle was painted forest green – his favourite colour – and a thin white line ran from the small metal reel. “Do you like it?” Colin asked shyly. Link took the fishing rod with a smile. “It’s perfect. Thank you, Colin.” Colin’s face lit up. “No problem! Dad helped a little with the reel, but I mostly made it myself.” “Wow, that’s great! You’re already a better smith than I’ll ever be.” Link had known for years that smithing was not his path. Ranching was what he was good at. Colin, on the other hand, had inherited his father’s passion for building. The fishing rod was proof that his skill was growing. Rusl was convinced that one day his son would surpass him. Link looked up from the fishing rod. “How about we try it out?” Colin turned to his mother, eyes wide with excitement. “Can we?” “Of course,” Uli said. “Have fun, you two.” After gathering worms from the garden, Link and Colin walked to the eastern edge of the village, where the water ran deepest. They sat at the end of a rickety old wharf and prepared the fishing rod. Link hooked a worm onto the lure and cast the line into the water. For a while, the two of them sat in silence, watching the lure bob gently on the surface. The trickling water and warm breeze soon carried Link off into deep thought. “Are you excited for tomorrow?” Colin asked, breaking the silence. Link nodded. “Yeah, it should be fun.” “I wish I could go.” Link remembered all the times he had begged Rusl to take him along on his trips to Hyrule. He knew that restless longing all too well. Colin found little joy in ordinary chores. He wanted to see the world and build new things. Link could not help wondering if his own thirst for adventure had rubbed off on him. “You’re still young,” Link said after a pause. “The outside world can be a dangerous place.” Colin blew a strand of hair out of his eyes. “But it’s so boring here. The most action we get is when a goat gets loose.” Unsure of what to say, Link turned his attention back to the water. Life in Ordon was slow and peaceful, but he would be lying if he said he was fully content. He at least had Epona and Ilia for company, but Colin did not have many friends. Perhaps that was why he threw himself so deeply into smithing. It was the only way he could express himself. “Link?” Colin started. “Yeah?” “Do you–” Colin stopped and rolled his eyes. “Never mind.” Before Link could respond, the fishing rod jerked in his hands. The lure dipped beneath the water, and Colin perked up. That felt like a catch. Link lurched forward as something seized the lure and pulled hard on the line. Yeah, definitely a catch… Link jumped to his feet and widened his stance as he reeled in the line. The fish burst from the water, thrashing wildly, and he quickly loosened the line to keep it from snapping. Link gritted his teeth as it fought back. It leapt again, nearly dragging him into the water. “He’s strong,” Link grunted. Colin jumped to his feet. “You can do it, Link!” Link reeled faster and leaned back with all his strength. Almost there… With a final tug, he hauled the fish from the stream. It was a Greengill. Normally they were small creek fish, but this one stretched nearly two feet long. It would keep Link fed for days. Colin gaped at the fish. “Wow, it’s huge! I didn’t know you were such a good fisherman.” “Neither did I,” Link admitted with a laugh. “Do you want to take some home?” “Nah, you caught it. It’s yours.” Link detached the struggling Greengill from the fishing rod and stuffed it into an empty leather sack. “Well, I should probably head home and get ready for my trip. Thanks for the fishing rod, Colin. This was a lot of fun.” Colin hugged Link. “I’m glad you like it.” Slinging the sack over his shoulder, Link followed Colin back across the village. After retrieving Epona and parting ways with the youth, he started for home. When he reached the small clearing near his treehouse, he realized he would not be alone. Three children – two boys and a girl – waited by the ladder. At the sound of Epona’s hooves, they turned eagerly. So much for getting ready. Link chuckled lightly and shrugged as he approached them. Oh well… Jaggle and Pergie’s eldest son, ten-year-old Talo, rushed toward him in a burst of excitement. His white tank top and baggy blue shorts suggested he had dressed himself in a hurry. A red bandana wrapped around his head kept his shoulder-length brown hair out of his eyes. In his hand, he brandished a sharp stick he had fashioned into a toy sword. “Link! You’re here!” Talo shouted. Link laughed at the boy’s excitement. “Hey, Talo. I’ll be right back. I have to take this fish inside.” “Okay!” After tying Epona in her pen, Link stepped inside his house. He placed the fish on the table and turned to leave but paused when he noticed his broadsword leaning against the bed. Oh yeah. Rusl had sharpened it. Link crossed the room and picked it up. Rusl favoured practicality over extravagance, designing the hilt to be simple and comfortable in the hand. Pulling the blade from the scabbard, Link examined it carefully. The sword was light, trading a bit of cutting power for speed, but that suited him just fine. Sheathing the blade, Link slung it over his shoulder and stepped outside. As he approached the children, Talo noticed the scabbard on his back. His eyes lit up with excitement. “Is that your sword?” Malo rolled his eyes at the question. “What do you think?” Like Talo and his father, Malo had a slightly upturned nose. Thick eyebrows framed his sharp eyes, and his straight brown hair was cut short. His oversized white shirt hung loosely on his small frame. Link had always liked Malo. The seven-year-old carried himself with unusual maturity, often delivering dry, sarcastic remarks well beyond his age. He was also remarkably persuasive. Link was convinced the boy would grow up to be a fine salesman. “I have an idea, Link! Maybe you could teach us how to use a sword,” Talo blurted, the words rushing out in a breath. Beth, the thirteen-year-old daughter of Hanch and Sera, kicked Talo in the shin. Though older than the two brothers, she spent most of her time with them anyway. Short, curly brunette hair framed her sharp blue eyes. Unlike most Ordonians, Beth had no interest in their usual garb. She favoured flashier fashion instead, wearing violet pantaloons and a magenta sash over her pink shirt. “Give it a rest, Talo,” Beth hissed. “Link has more important things to do.” “Please, Link? Just a little lesson?” Talo begged. “A sword isn’t a toy,” Link replied sternly. “I know. I just wanna know how to use one.” “It isn’t as easy as you think,” Malo said. Link nodded. “Your brother’s right. I practice every day. I don’t think you’re ready yet, buddy.” Talo possessed a great deal of natural talent with a sword, but he was reckless to a fault. Trouble seemed to follow him wherever he went. It was the reason Link and Rusl were hesitant to train him. The boy still had some growing up to do. “Will I ever be ready?” Talo sighed. “I gotta stop those monkeys.” Link tilted his head. “Monkeys?” Beth frowned. “You haven’t heard? They’ve been coming out of the woods to play tricks on us.” “Can’t say I have,” Link admitted. “Once I know how to use a sword, I’ll teach ’em a lesson,” Talo muttered. For a moment, no one said anything. Then Talo looked into the forest and gasped. Link spun around, one hand instinctively resting on the hilt of his sword. Behind him, a small forest monkey peeked through the foliage. Her grey fur was speckled with white patches, and a red flower rested above her left ear. The moment she realized she had been seen, the monkey let out a playful shriek and darted toward the Faron Woods. “C’mere you!” Talo shouted. He tore after the monkey and disappeared into the foliage. Malo hurried after him, as younger siblings so often do. “Talo! Malo! Get back here!” Beth yelled. They did not listen. With an irritated grumble, she ran after them. Link was left alone in the clearing. He cursed under his breath. Only those with special permission could enter the Faron Woods, and the children certainly did not have it. Knowing Talo, the rules meant very little. He’s going to get hurt. Link hurried to Epona and gently woke her from her nap. Sorry, girl. I need your help again. The mare stretched while Link climbed onto her back and gathered the reins. As he settled in the saddle, he spotted Colin approaching with a bag of fresh vegetables in hand. “Hey, my mother wanted you to have these.” He placed the bag beside Link’s treehouse and raised an eyebrow. “Where are you headed?” “Talo and the others chased a monkey into the woods.” Colin’s expression tightened. “They did? Are you going after them?” Link nodded. “Yes. Tell your father what happened. I’ll be back soon.” At the flick of the reins, Epona burst into the forest. Before reaching Ordon Spring, Link caught up to Beth waiting beneath the shade of a large pine tree. She scowled as she peered toward the Faron Woods. “Where are they?” Link asked, pulling Epona up beside her. “They went chasing after that monkey like crazy people! I couldn’t keep up!” They should know better than this. Link sighed heavily. Talo charging into the woods without a second thought was exactly why training him with a sword would be a mistake. He was still just a child. Discipline had yet to find him. “Head home and stay out of trouble,” Link said before riding on. Malo was the next one Link came across, standing alone near Ordon Spring. Talo was nowhere to be seen. As soon as Malo heard Link approaching, he pointed across the gorge toward the Faron Woods, his expression uneasy. “Talo kept going. I told him to stop, but he wouldn’t listen.” “I’ll handle it,” Link said. “Go back to the village.” Link and Epona dashed across the bridge into the Faron Province, leaving Malo behind. On the other side, Link slowed the mare to a trot and studied the dense foliage surrounding the trail. Cupping his hands to his mouth, he called for Talo. Only his echo answered. He could be anywhere. Where do I start? Link focused on the narrow trail ahead. Talo was reckless, but not foolish. The boy knew the dangers of the Faron Woods. Hopefully he had the sense to stay on the path. Link slowed Epona to a stop and listened. The silence around the spring felt heavier than usual. Normally he would have taken a moment to enjoy its tranquility, but something was wrong. Glancing down, Link spotted his first clue: two sets of footprints in the sand. He slid off Epona and knelt beside the tracks. One set belonged to a human. The other was unfamiliar – far too large to belong to the monkey. Dread settled in Link’s chest. What have you gotten yourself into, Talo? Climbing back onto Epona, Link forced down his unease and followed the footprints. They vanished into the foliage beyond the spring, leading into a tunnel carved through the trunk of a fallen tree. The trail stretched beyond the charted regions of the woods – a troubling realization. The deepest parts of Faron were dangerous even for seasoned explorers. At Link’s guidance, Epona advanced cautiously into the tunnel. The moment they emerged on the other side, the mare suddenly bucked, throwing Link hard to the ground. Damn… Something clamped onto his leg, and he lifted his head from the mud. Twisting around, he saw an armoured blue Baba Plant clamped onto him. The carnivorous plants of the Faron Woods were lethal predators, capable of pinning down larger prey while their acidic saliva slowly digested it. The thought of being eaten alive jolted Link into action. He tried to force the Baba’s jaws apart, but its grip held fast. His struggle stirred the ground nearby. Two more Babas burst from the soil, seizing his arms. Link cried out, thrashing wildly as he fought to break free. Just as hope began to fade, a man emerged from the trees and rushed to Link’s aid. Producing a small dagger, he seized one of the plants and severed its head in a single stroke. Its grip loosened instantly, and Link kicked the plant away. The severed head writhed in the grass before going still. The remaining two Babas released Link and lunged at the stranger. He moved quickly, pinning one of the plants beneath his boot and slicing its head from the stem as it writhed. The last Baba snapped at his throat, but he jerked back just in time. A swift kick knocked it off balance, and he severed its stem while it was stunned. Sword in hand, Link scrambled to his feet and turned toward his rescuer. The man was a young Hylian with tanned skin and a thick brown afro. A small patch of hair marked his angular chin, and his cropped shirt did little to hide his round belly. Link exhaled. “Thanks for the help.” “No problem. I heard you shouting and came as fast as I could. I’d hate to see anyone get hurt by Babas. Sneaky little scamps.” No kidding. Link brushed the mud from his clothes and spotted Epona hiding behind a nearby tree. As he approached, he whistled her favourite tune, the familiar melody coaxing her from her hiding place. She stepped forward and nuzzled his cheek while he gently took hold of the reins. “You’re an Ordonian, aren’t you?” the man asked from behind him. Link turned slightly. “Yeah. I’m Link.” “Name’s Coro. I run a lantern and oil shop in a clearing just over there.” He pointed over his shoulder. “Don’t see many Ordonians out this far.” “A child from my village chased a monkey into the woods. Have you seen him?” Coro’s expression darkened. “I heard a ruckus a few minutes before you arrived. When I went to check it out, I saw a Bokoblin dragging a monkey and a little boy into that cave.” Link went pale, his carefully held composure wavering. Rusl had told many stories about Bokoblins – violent, unpredictable mercenaries from the Hinterlands far to the east. The thought of Talo in the hands of one made Link feel sick. Swallowing his fear, he looked toward the cave. A wooden gate barred the entrance, which had been cut into the face of a small cliff. Thick chains wrapped around it, secured with a heavy padlock. Beyond the gate, the tunnel sloped downward into darkness. Coro followed Link’s gaze. “I was afraid the Bokoblin might come back to rob me, so I locked the gate. You’re not thinking of going in there, are you?” Link tied Epona’s reins to a nearby tree. “I am.” Coro shook his head. “I admire your bravery, but you’re not going in there without a lantern. It’s pitch black and full of creepy crawlies. I’ve got a spare back at my place. Come on.” The shopkeeper led Link into the clearing where he lived. Quaint. Link brushed a hand through the tall grass as he looked around. At the northern edge of the clearing, a wooden gate barred the main road. A sign nailed to the planks read, “South Hyrule Field ahead.” Coro disappeared into his small wooden shack, leaving Link alone to wait. He started to pace back and forth through the tall grass, trying to steady his racing thoughts. Hold it together, he told himself. Don’t panic. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Coro reappeared. He handed Link a metal lantern, along with a pack of matches and a rusty key. “Sorry I took so long. There’s enough oil in the lantern to keep it burning for about three hours. If you run out, I’ll give you a refill.” “Thanks, Coro. I owe you one.” Coro waved it off. “Don’t worry about it. That kid needs your help. Good luck out there.” Bidding farewell to the lantern salesman, Link ran back to the gate and unlocked it with the key. Near the mouth of the cave, something caught his eye. A stick jutted out of the ground. Talo’s play sword. Link’s hands balled into fists. Hang in there, buddy. I’m coming. Link struck a match and ignited the oil in his new lantern. The flickering firelight cast back the darkness, revealing a snaking pathway beyond. Exhaling, Link raised the lantern started forward. As he rounded a sharp corner, Link failed to notice the wall of webbing ahead until he walked straight into it. He struggled to break free but only managed to entangle himself further. Great… Now what? Link sighed irritably, then looked up. Eight yellow eyes stared back at him from the darkness. A fist-sized plated spider, a Skulltula, hissed as it descended from the ceiling. Though smaller than its larger cousins, it was no less dangerous. Its venomous bite was potent enough to kill a fully grown bear. Come on…! Link gritted his teeth and ripped his left arm free as the Skulltula closed in. Snatching up his sword, he hacked wildly at the webbing around his feet until he cut himself loose. Realizing its prey was escaping, the Skulltula lunged. It landed on Link’s lantern, but he jerked back and flung the creature to the ground. He stepped forward and drove his sword into its gut, killing it instantly. Link brushed the Skulltula’s webbing from his shoulder and continued down the tunnel with a frustrated growl. So far, he had nearly been eaten twice. How was he supposed to stop a Bokoblin if he couldn’t even survive the forest? He had to do better. Talo was depending on him. After a few minutes, Link emerged from the cave into the remnants of a bog. A decaying wooden wharf stretched out over what had once been marshland, while gargantuan trees overhead formed a dense canopy that smothered the landscape in shadow. Link tied his lantern to his waist as he approached the wharf. This must be Deep Faron, he realized. Rusl had always warned him about this place. Even he refused to venture into its depths. Much of the region remained unexplored, and terrible beasts were said to lurk in the darkness. Each year, a handful of adventurers attempted to explore Deep Faron. Few ever returned. They’re just stories. I’ll be fine. Link descended into the old bog with his lantern lit. He moved slowly and cautiously. The last thing he needed was to be ambushed by whatever lurked in Deep Faron. Near the midpoint of the bog, Link crept around the decaying trunk of a massive tree and froze. A monstrous figure stood guard by another cave. He had never seen a Bokoblin before, but he was certain this creature was one of them. It wore no shirt, exposing its purple, wart-covered skin. The monster slouched heavily, its ragged beige pants barely containing its sagging belly. Its piglike snout flared as its pointed ears twitched, listening to the forest. Link’s hands trembled. He rubbed them together, forcing his breath to steady. Stay calm. He advanced with strained stoicism, his hand hovering over the hilt of his sword. The mercenary spotted him immediately and raised its wooden club. Its yellow eyes narrowed, studying him with suspicion. “You intrude!” it snarled. “You no belong here!” “Where is the boy?” Link asked calmly. “Bokoblins keep him! Hold for ransom!” Link’s temper flared. “If you hurt him…” “Child live.” The creature grinned sadistically. “Unless payment not enough.” “Tell me where he is. Now.” Steel flashed as Link drew his sword, his grip tightening until his knuckles turned white. The Bokoblin answered with a feral growl. Link’s stomach dropped. What am I doing? It’s going to kill me! The Bokoblin attacked without warning, its club whipping toward Link’s chest. Instinct took over. Link slipped aside, deflecting the creature’s follow-up strike with his blade before snapping forward with a jab that drove it back. Pressing forward, Link found his flimsy sword was no match for the Bokoblin’s club. The creature batted his slash aside and hurled him to the ground. Scrambling to his feet, he barely avoided the club as it crashed down where his head had been. How do I break its defences? I can’t overpower it. Link lowered his blade, memories of Rusl’s training flashing through his mind. As a child, brute force had never won him a sparring match. This was no different. He needed to think – outsmart his foe. The Bokoblin had strength. Link had discipline. Drooling and snarling, the Bokoblin roared and charged. Link held his ground until the last possible moment, then darted aside. The creature stumbled past him, nearly falling. As it spun around, Link drove the hilt of his sword into its skull. The Bokoblin howled and staggered backward. Expecting his foe to yield, Link relaxed his guard. It was a mistake. With a desperate snarl, the Bokoblin lashed out, swiping for his jaw. Link dropped beneath the club and drove his sword forward on instinct, impaling the creature through the chest. He wrenched the blade free and held it at the Bokoblin’s throat as it sank to its knees. “Where is the kid?” Dark blood spilled from the Bokoblin’s wound as it choked and sputtered. Its eyes went blank, and it collapsed in a heap at Link’s feet. He stared down, his face paling. It’s dead… I killed it… A sick feeling settled in Link’s gut as blood pooled around the creature’s body. He had trained nearly his entire life for this moment. He thought he was ready to take a life. Why did it feel so wrong? You did what you had to. Get a hold of yourself. Link tore his gaze from the fallen Bokoblin and looked toward the cave it had been guarding. I need to get out of here. Exhaling shakily, Link stepped over the corpse and moved toward the cave. He plunged into the darkness without hesitation. He did not look back. Link navigated the twisting tunnels in silence, trying to push the Bokoblin from his thoughts. It was not easy. The urge to retch rose in his throat, nearly overwhelming him, but he forced it down. Now was not the time to fall apart. He still had to find Talo. Emerging from the caves, Link stopped and took in his surroundings. A vast clearing stretched before him. He extinguished his lantern and gazed around in awe as his unease turned into wonder. Towering trees loomed above him, far larger than any he had ever seen. One stood apart from the rest. Encircled by a deep ravine, the colossal oak dwarfed every other tree in the forest. I guess that’s where I’m going. As Link approached the oak, the overgrown path gave way to a weathered marble walkway. A crumbling boardwalk carved into one of the colossal roots stretched across the ravine, leading to a dark, cavernous opening in the tree’s trunk. Up ahead, he heard the whimpers of a familiar young voice. Talo…! Link broke into a sprint, determination burning in his chest. Talo and the forest monkey were trapped inside a small wooden cage before the tunnel entrance. Two Bokoblins stood atop eroded pillars flanking the cage, while a third guarded it from the front. Link slowed and drew his sword. The creatures turned toward him. The Bokoblin in front sneered grotesquely. “What do we have here? A Hylian? It’s our lucky day. Your lot sell for a pretty rupee.” “Let the boy go,” Link said evenly. The Bokoblin leader bared its teeth. “You don’t make demands here, Hylian.” The other Bokoblins drew rusty broadswords and growled. Link was the better fighter, but he was outnumbered. Even if I beat them, Talo would have to watch me kill. The boy had already seen too much. The solution to a problem isn’t always at the end of your sword, Rusl once said. Link slowly sheathed his blade and raised his hands. “I just want my friend. I don’t want to fight you.” The Bokoblin leader scoffed. “Wise choice, Hylian. What do you have to offer?” At least they could be bargained with. Link reached into his pocket and pulled out his rupee pouch, holding it out before him. I hope this is enough… “Five hundred rupees. It’s all I have.” The Bokoblin leader’s ugly face twisted into a crooked grin. “Hand them over.” Link tossed the pouch to one of the Bokoblins behind the leader. The creature counted the rupees inside, then gave a satisfied nod. The Bokoblin leader turned back to Link and snickered as it slid its sword into its sheath. “Pleasure doing business with you, Hylian.” The Bokoblin signalled to its underlings, and they scattered into the trees with their loot. Link kept watching until the last of them vanished and the forest fell silent again. All that for five hundred rupees… Using his sword as a lever, Link forced the bars of the cage apart. Talo leapt into his arms, and he pulled the boy into a tight embrace. The monkey scrambled up the colossal oak and disappeared among the branches above. “It’s okay,” Link whispered. “You’re safe.” “I… I…” Talo couldn’t finish. Link glanced up at the twilit sky. “Come on. Let’s go home.” * The sun had dipped below the treeline by the time Link and Talo emerged from the cave near Faron Spring. Epona stood in the long grass and whinnied excitedly when her master appeared. Link tied his lantern to her saddle and lifted Talo onto her back. The boy had barely spoken since the rescue, but Link knew he would recover. Talo was a resilient kid. “You ready to go?” Link asked. “Yeah.” Talo stared at the ground. “Thanks for saving me, Link. If you hadn’t shown up, those monsters would’ve eaten me.” “Now you know why you can’t wander out of the village. The woods are dangerous.” “Yeah…I know. I’m sorry. Are you mad?” “Of course not. I’m just glad you’re safe.” Talo managed a small smile. “That monkey’s actually a nice gal. When those monsters showed up, she tried to protect me. That’s how we got captured.” Link chuckled. “That was nice of her.” “Yeah…” Talo looked sheepish. “Um…Link? You’re not going to mention this to my dad, are you?” Link started to respond but stopped when someone called his name. He turned and saw Rusl approaching from the direction of Coro’s house. The blacksmith breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that Talo was safe and sound. The child immediately looked away, already realizing how much trouble he was in. “Colin told me Talo disappeared into the woods and that you went after him,” Rusl said. “Is he okay?” Link nodded. “He’s fine. A gang of Bokoblins kidnapped him, but I handled it.” “I’m sorry. That responsibility shouldn’t have fallen to you.” The blacksmith stroked his beard, staring off in thought. He seemed calm, but Link knew his mentor too well. Something was troubling him. “What is it?” Link asked. “It may be nothing,” Rusl said slowly, “but the woods have felt different lately. I feel…uneasy about what may lie in wait.” Rusl’s concern filled Link with dread. The Faron Woods were dangerous enough to act as a natural barrier, shielding Ordon Village from outside threats. If Bokoblins and other monsters were bold enough to venture into the woods, did that mean Ordon itself was in danger? The thought lingered in Link’s mind. Rusl’s expression lightened. “Anyway, tomorrow’s finally the day you leave for Hyrule. I left the gift with Mayor Bo. He’ll give it to you in the morning and see you off.” Link forced a faint smile. “I’m looking forward to it.” “If you’re lucky, you might even meet Princess Zelda.” Rusl laughed. Link rolled his eyes. “Yeah…like that’s ever going to happen.”