Darkness’s Bane

The pale moon was rising in the deep blue sky. Wind howled through the tall grass and the hoot of a night owl could be heard in the distance. Three dark figures, on horseback, stood at the edge of Hyrule field. Their long, black cloaks billowed in the wind. They silently stood with their gazes fixed on Hyrule castle. They had come far from the west for one reason and one reason only. They were seeking the Hero of Time.

Rumors of an evil force had been circulating around Hyrule. Everyone was on their toes about anyone or anything that looked the least bit suspicious. Few people traveled outside the safe walls of their villages and security was tight everywhere.

Princess Zelda sensed a great evil approaching the kingdom. She had had nightmares for nights now and was beginning to become more concerned. She informed Impa of her restless nights of horror.

“Could these terrible dreams have meaning to them, Impa?” asked the princess.

“It’s definitely possible. It has happened before.” Impa replied.

Just then, a guard popped into the room. ”Impa, the king wishes to see you.”

“Stay here, Zelda.” said Impa protectively.

The guard left and Impa followed. He led her to the great hall were the king had been waiting. Link was there too. He often came to visit with the princess, but this time he was here for a different reason.

“Impa, I want you to keep a very close watch on Zelda. There have been reports of abnormal behavior in the town recently.” cautioned the king.

“What is it?” asked Impa.

The king replied, “There are three wraithlike strangers wondering around town. They say that they are messengers from Ninoria.”

“I see. Why don’t you at least check them out? They just may be telling the truth. You should never judge someone until you really know what they need or who they are.” said Impa.

“You may be right. Link, you are a good judge of character. Can I ask you to speak with these strangers? said the king.

“Of course, sir.” Link said. Impa went back into the room to look after Zelda. Link went straight to town to speak with the three. He spotted them near the Temple of Time. They wore long, dusty, black cloaks with hoods that hid their faces. They had obviously traveled a long way. He approached them cautiously.

“Hello.” said the tallest, as she pulled down her hood, revealing a friendly, slender face and long locks of raven black hair.

“Hello.” said Link,” I hear that you are from Ninoria. Is this true?”

“Yes. We are messengers sent by our queen. We are here to speak with the king of Hyrule, but I’m afraid we can not enter the castle. The guards think we look too suspicious and won’t let us in.” said the woman.

“What is your message?” questioned Link, “I can deliver it to the king for you.”

The other two had revealed their faces by now as well. The smaller of the two had dark hair and was very tan. The other was tall and muscular with light blonde hair and deep grey eyes. They looked at each other then one of them spoke up, “Can we really trust you?”

“Of course. You have my word.” replied Link.

“I think that we can trust him, boys. He has an honest face.” said the woman calmly,”First off, let us introduce ourselves. I am Fanci. These are my partners Ekibe and Bodi.” They gave a little waving gesture and then Fanci continued, “Over the past few moons, many monsters have invaded our land. The skies remain dark even after the sun has risen into the sky. This is all do to a great evil- an evil known to the Ninorians as Olak. He is a dark and evil being. Many old Ninorian legends speak of this man.
Our queen has sent us here to seek the one who can defeat this foe and to guide him on his journey- The one known as the Hero of Time.”

The expression on Link’s face became more serious as he spoke out and said, “I am him”

The three Ninorians stood in shock. “You are the hero of time?” asked Bodi.

“The one and only.” said Link proudly.

“Then you must come with us! You have to save Ninoria!” said Ekibe.

Link was a little hesitant. He wanted to help these people, but he wasn’t so sure about leaving Hyrule. He looked up at the pale blue sky and thought for a moment then said, “When do we leave?”

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