Chapter 19: Ghosts

Darrow gave him a puzzled look. "It's full of sand?" he ventured.

"That is true enough," Ghirahim responded. "But it is also where Zelda will be."

"Zelda?" the red bokoblin asked.

"The Spirit Maiden," Ghirahim said. "Zelda is what she calls herself."

"Ah." Darrow looked up at him. "You want me to capture her, my lord?"

"If you happen to see her, then yes," Ghirahim said. "But it is Nix and Trelan who I will send to search for her. Mostly I am sending you there to hold the area. You see, the previous contingent I sent has come running back, so we have no one holding Lanayru anymore."

Darrow frowned and tilted his head. "I had thought Lanayru was unpopulated. It should be the easiest place to hold. Why would they return?"

Ghirahim sighed. "I asked the same. They said they were driven out by—angry ghosts."

"Angry ghosts?" Darrow's expression was unreadable.

"Of course, I suspect the soldiers were mostly frightened because several of the sorcerers were torn apart." Ghirahim grimaced.

Darrow frowned. "I don't think that was ghosts."

"I don't either," Ghirahim said. "But whatever it is, it is dangerous. Let me tell you what I know."

He retrieved a paper from his teleportation cache. "This is a picture of what the angry ghosts are said to look like."

Darrow took the paper. The red bokoblin gave it a thoughtful look. "They all look like this? It doesn't look very frightening."

"Yes," Ghirahim said. "I suspect they are simply an unknown type of creature. I also suspect that they were not what killed the sorcerers-at least not directly."

"If you don't think these things killed them, then what?"

"When I visited the mogma king, he had in his possession some power that could tear apart any teleporter who entered its range."

Darrow gave a low whistle. "The mogmas, then?"

"I don't think so. It sounded like he only had one, and I do not think he would have had time to move it that far, even if he wanted to. No, I think our angry ghosts have in their possession the same type of power. They would not even have had to activate it. If the sorcerers stumbled on it by accident, and tried to teleport across, that alone would have been their end."

"I see. Did all the sorcerers die?"

"No, one survived—I think it was because he was not a teleporter. But he is afraid to return to the desert. None of the other sorcerers I spoke with wish to volunteer, either. I think it's best if I don't send them where they are unwilling to go. They will serve better where they are."

"Then you don't plan to send any sorcerers?"

Ghirahim smiled. "Only one."

"Who-?"

"Me."

Darrow's eyes widened. "But—you said the teleporters-"

"Died horribly? Yes. But they did not know what I do now. I think I can avoid their fate if I am cautious with my teleporting."

"That seems very risky, my lord."

"I must take risks if I wish to break the Seal. And I must get to Lanayru before the Spirit Maiden does."

Darrow looked down at the floor for a moment before he turned his gaze back to the drawing of the 'angry ghost'. "How many soldiers?"

"Two hundred," Ghirahim said. "Also, I will be traveling with all four of my guard." Which will be very risky, but also necessary. This is one place where the sword absolutely must travel with me.

"So—you want me to lead two hundred soldiers into Lanayru?"

"Along with myself and my four guards. Yes."

"That will take some time to prepare. Will tomorrow night be soon enough for us to leave, my lord?"

"A bit too soon." And I plan on sleeping through tomorrow night without sand getting into everything, he thought, recalling his unpleasant memories of sleeping in the mogma tunnel. "Anyway, no matter how fast the Sheikah who travels with Zelda is, the desert is much farther away from Eldin than the volcano is from the Sealed Grounds here. I plan to be there well in advance of them, but I am sure we can wait long enough so that we may properly prepare to deal with the hazards of the desert. So plan to leave at dawn the day after tomorrow."

"Understood, my lord," Darrow said.

"Good. Also—do you remember what my orders are regarding the Sky Hero?"

"He is to be captured alive, as per your agreement with the sword spirit. If that is not possible, we are to retreat and notify you of his presence immediately."

"Excellent. You seem to have remembered my exact words."

Luvina stared in deep concentration at Link. "I'm afraid this one is very thoroughly stuck to you. There's no way I can get it off. Must have been the same sorcerer who cast the other spell. On the bright side, it won't do you any harm. It's just a tracking spell. Sorry. I hope that was helpful."

Link disagreed that tracking spell couldn't do him any harm, but he only nodded. She had been able to get the other one off, and that had been the worst one. Link tried to pay the potion-seller, but as he had guessed, she only waved the money away. Link wished he could just pay her. He felt guilty about just leaving.

Link visited the Goddess statue to place the last piece of stone tablet with the other pieces. When he exited the statue, he saw a shaft of yellow light across from the green light that marked where he could travel to Faron Woods.

Link walked to the edge of the island and stood in the darkness. He couldn't summon his Loftwing in this. Of course, maybe one of the Night Patrol could give him a ride. He searched for moving lights between the fixed stars.

Fi jumped out of her sword. "Master, is there some way I can assist you?"

Link let her know that he planned to get started searching for the last temple.

"I would advise against that."

Link turned to look at her in the darkness.

"I was listening when the potion-seller told you of the remaining curse. I can only surmise that one of the demon sorcerers you encountered placed this spell on you. They will therefore know where you are at all times. You must avoid the surface at night when at all possible so that they cannot track you down while you sleep."

Link frowned at her shimmering form in the darkness. But he couldn't be late! He had to find Zelda again before-

"You must rest, Master," Fi said. "Even now, your mental and physical resources are only at 75% peak efficiency and will decline swiftly as the night goes on. Do not allow haste to slow you down."

Link sighed. Fi was right. He was too agitated to sleep, but he was in no condition to deal with the hazards of the surface right now. He turned away from the side of the island and headed toward the Knight Academy. When he arrived, he shuffled slowly towards his room. He was stopped when someone called his name from the lunch room.

"Link, is that you?" Henya called. Link stopped and turned to face her. The aged cook was standing near the fire, a small pot hanging over it. "Would you like some hot cocoa, dear?"

Link nodded and walked into the lunchroom, picking up a clean mug from the counter. Henya brought the pot of cocoa and poured him some. Link drank the cocoa and watched as Henya returned the pot and brought him a plate with a cheese sandwich. "Just a little midnight snack for you. I put extra greens on it, too. Even heroes have to get their greens!"

As Link ate the food, he considered something Zelda had said. According to what she had told him, Ghirahim was able to tell the truth from lies using some sort of magical relic. He smiled slightly as he realized that must have been how the demon lord had known that Zelda wasn't trying to trick him when he had first encountered them. He wondered why Ghirahim hadn't mentioned it, though. Link finished devouring the sandwich and cocoa. He hadn't realized before just how hungry he had been. He supposed it had been a very long day.

"Oh, my. Here, I don't have much left from lunch today, but let me warm up some tomato soup."

Usually Link would not much care for soup, but he devoured two bowls of that as well, crumbling all of the crackers on the side of his plate into it.

"Dear, you need to make sure you're eating right. How are you going to save the world on an empty stomach?"

Link only nodded. He wished there had been more time for eating between all of the times something or someone had tried to kill him.

As Henya took the empty bowl from the table, Link heard a sudden wail.

Henya sighed. "Groose hasn't been the same ever since Zelda was taken by the surface dwellers. I've had students complain that the Academy is haunted, but it's just him crying himself to sleep every night. Such a troublemaker, but I feel a little sorry for him. He still owes me five detentions, though."

Link wondered for a moment why he hadn't noticed Groose before, but realized he had gone straight to bed last time,and there were very few sounds that would have been likely to wake him up.

He considered what he should do. After a few moments, he rose and helped Henya finish the dishes despite her protests that he didn't need to help. Then he waved to her and walked to his room, closing the door behind him.

Jumping into bed, he reflected that he had been right. Groose's occasional wails of despair were really not so loud from here. Link would have no trouble getting a good night's sleep.

Ghirahim walked down the hallway, looking at the darkened windows. The sun had finally faded over the horizon, and the sphere of the moon hung between the stars. Dim torchlight lit the hallways between the windows. He tried to make it a habit to spend some time each day walking between areas rather than teleporting. After all, he had to keep his muscles well-exercised for the fierce battles he had to fight.

He stopped when he noticed a demon he recognized walking down the hallway. "Ah, Astaroth. How fortunate it is to see you again. I was thinking earlier what a pity it was that I didn't really get a chance to meet you."

Astaroth stopped in front of him and bowed stiffly. "Lord Ghirahim. If I may ask, have we met before?"

"Yes, earlier today. When you were at Amelia's tea party with Lord Terrin."

"Ah," Astaroth said, the ghost of a smile on his face. "So that is that is where that most engagingly sunny window was located. Well, I'm sure I made an absolutely wonderful first impression on you all. How embarrassing. Many apologies—I hope I wasn't too much of a bother."

"No, not at all," Ghirahim said.

"Wonderful," Astaroth said. With a grin he murmured, "Well, I'd best be off. So many spells to work on—you know how it is-"

Ghirahim began chuckling.

Astaroth stopped speaking, his expression confused. "I did not notice saying anything particularly amusing." He smiled widely again. "Unless you are merely remembering my earlier appearance at Amelia's little gathering-"

"Oh, no, not at all," Ghirahim said. "But I find that it takes most people some practice, to get used to my—ability. Even if they know of it beforehand. I don't think you are as busy at the moment as you claim."

Astaroth's expression grew chilly. "Ah. Yes. Your ability to unfailingly tell truth from lies. That is—quite the unique talent."

"Useful too," Ghirahim said. "Mind if I ask you a few questions?"

"Of course not-" Astaroth paused when Ghirahim smiled and began shaking his head slowly. The sorcerer's eyes darted around the hallway as if looking for an escape before settling back on the demon lord. "What do you wish to ask?"

"Well, I'll admit to a certain curiosity about an immensely powerful sorcerer that I have never met, never heard of, and never seen before today. And yet, it seems Lord Terrin must have known you for a while, if he was willing to hire you as his assistant."

Astaroth raised an eyebrow. "Is there some requirement that you know about all of those with magic? I am not aware of one. In fact, I'm fairly sure you abolished the requirement that Releris implemented for that."

"That is correct," Ghirahim said quickly. "Of course you were never required to inform me of your existence." I'm just suspicious since Terrin has obviously been hiding you away somewhere for who knows how long.

Astaroth seemed to relax slightly."Thank you for clarifying that. I'll admit that after so many years under Releris's rule, I do not relish the idea of public scrutiny. You see, I spent the entirety of Releris's reign attempting to avoid it." Astaroth clasped his hands in front of his sunburst-patterned robes.

Ghirahim frowned. Astaroth kept mentioning the hated king. Perhaps an attempt to divert attention from himself? it is no secret that I despised the old king. And yet, perhaps Astaroth simply does value his privacy. "I am sorry to hear that. He was a most unfriendly ruler towards those with magical ability."

"To the ones with abilities of note, yes," Astaroth said. "Or to the sorceresses, who he went to such effort to eliminate that even now there are none except for the children born after the end of his reign. The sorcerers with minor abilities were the only ones he occasionally overlooked. But my abilities are hardly minor."

"No, they aren't," Ghirahim said. He tilted his head. "I am sorry if it seems like I am prying. It is simply that your sudden appearance was—unexpected. Was it Lord Terrin who hid you from Releris?"

Astaroth smiled. "I suppose there's no reason that needs to be a secret any more. Yes, it was him. He had a number of methods of hiding me from Releris's little artifacts."

"And you said that you hid for Releris's entire reign?" Ghirahim felt a sense of excitement despite his suspicions. He was sure he knew what that must mean. "If I may ask, how much of that time did you spend studying magic?"

"All of it," Astaroth said, confirming Ghirahim's guess. He gave the demon lord a small smile.

"Then I expect you came to understand—a great deal," Ghirahim said. "You know, it has been very difficult, finding any sorcerer with significant magical knowledge. Power, some of them have in great degree. But I suspect that I know of none more knowledgeable than you must be."

"You flatter me, my lord. In rhyme, no less. A habit of yours?"

Ghirahim grinned. "Occasionally."

"Well, I am not inclined to dissent. I believe that there is no magic user alive who knows some of the things I have learned and even-discovered-in my many, many years of study."

"Might you have the slightest interest in instructing some of the magic users here now on the Surface? After you've had some time to adjust, of course."

Astaroth chuckled. "Yes, I might like some time for acclimating myself to this realm. And of course, I must fulfill the duties which Lord Terrin asks of me. But your proposal sounds most intriguing. I think I would very much like to impart my knowledge to some of the magic users here. Perhaps even you, my lord. Even the most experienced sorcerers that I have encountered of late make some very elementary mistakes. And fixing those could mean the difference between life—and death, here on the Surface."

"That's true," Ghirahim said.

Astaroth's expression became serious. "I heard about the sorcerers in Lanayru." He shook his head. "Terrible, terrible way to die. I could have prevented that, had I come to the surface earlier. If I had been there with them. It is a regret of mine."

"And mine as well," Ghirahim said, grimacing. "I hadn't realized the desert was so dangerous."

"Don't blame yourself, my lord," Astaroth said. "You couldn't have known."

Ghirahim tilted his head. "You wouldn't happen to know what the power in Lanayru might be, would you? The one that killed them?" Of course, Guld had promised to tell him what the power he possessed was, once he got his gems. And Ghirahim suspected the power in Lanayru was the same one. The gems were already on their way to the mogma king, but Ghirahim saw no reason not to ask anyone else who might know anything about such magic.

Disappointingly, Astaroth only sighed and shook his head. "I am afraid not. I am sure there are many magics on the surface I have yet to encounter. But I certainly could have warned them not to teleport around it! It is some spell similar to the one which holds the Seal together, no doubt. If it were not for the Breach, we could not teleport through that, either. Of course, the Seal is somewhat different, in that one is simply deflected away from it if they attempt to teleport through. Any spell which forms a barrier, or a transition between spaces leaves its mark, though. If you know how to look for it, that is. And if you look cautiously, you may also see if it can be of harm to you."

"Could you show me how that works?" Ghirahim asked.

"Certainly, my lord. It would be my pleasure." Astaroth smiled and gave a quick bow.

Ghirahim entered his bedroom. He removed his clothing, dissolved his makeup, and collapsed into bed, pulling the satin covers over himself. What an exhausting day, he thought, closing his eyes. His earlier nap had helped him to make it through the rest of the day, but once he had finished talking with Astaroth, he had retired back to his room immediately. Tonight, I am going to sleep in a real bed, he thought, remembering with a grimace the dark hole in the ground he had been forced to sleep in the night before.

He smiled as his thoughts turned to the Sky Hero, however. I'll have to see if I can catch up with him again in Lanayru. It shouldn't be too hard. We are always both traveling to the same destination.

Within a few minutes, the demon lord had fallen asleep.

Ghirahim dreamed of battle. This dream was something he had experienced, once. But as a sword, not a demon. The dream was about a time when the wielder of the sword was Demise. Ghirahim felt a shudder of unease. Why am I dreaming about this?

To understand who it is you must defeat, The Shard of Truth replied.

The Unbreakable Sword clashed against another. To the extent that a sword could be impressed, it was. The other weapon was an equal, and the wielder skilled. This was a battle its wielder might not win.

Through the sounds of clashing and the other memories of battle, Ghirahim realized not only who the other sword-fighter was, but also what he was. The Chosen Hero of the Goddess. But not Link. The first one.

The battle was long, but Ghirahim remembered the outcome well enough. The other sword-wielder faltered, and he was driven into the heart of the hero.

Ghirahim wasn't sure what to feel. He didn't really know anything about Hylia's first hero. But the hero's similar appearance to Link unnerved him.

Not long after that battle ended, another battle begun. The sword was the same, but the wielder was different. Hylia. She looked a bit like Zelda, he supposed-if Zelda were taller, winged, and glowing, with eyes like endless wells. She was faster and lighter than the hero had been. Her strikes against Demise were swifter and unremitting. And when she drove her sword through the heart of the Demon King, it was the first time the wielder of the Unbreakable Sword had died with the sword still clutched in his hands.

Ghirahim woke just as the sun began peeking over the horizon. Wasn't that a cheerful dream. He grimaced. After he had dressed and combed his hair, he began eating the breakfast that had been brought to his room. As he was finishing up his meal of some sort of bird's eggs and an orange-colored fruit, he heard a knock on the door.

"Who is it?" he asked, although he already knew the answer.

"Ferrik."

"Please feel free to enter, then."

Ferrik walked into the room.

Ghirahim gave him a bright smile. "What is it, Ferrik? You've returned from Eldin already?"

Ghirahim had sent Ferrik with one of the teleporting sorcerers to find out what powerful magical item King Guld possessed—though of course he had warned the sorcerer not to teleport at all around Guld. He planned to ask the sorcerer for his own impression of Guld's power as well, though he suspected it would only confirm his suspicions.

"Yes," Ferrik said. "I exchanged the gems with King Guld for the information you requested, my lord."

"Excellent. What did he say?"

"The object he has in his possession is called a timestone," Ferrik said. "He said it doesn't really allow time travel, but he wasn't really clear on the details. He explained that—it's a portal to another world of sorts that simply looks like the past."

"I see," Ghirahim said. That would explain why the circumference of its power forms such a dangerous boundary. What madness would possess someone to deal in magic that creates an entire world? And here I thought that Guld was exaggerating.

"A portal to a separate world that only looks like the past? I wonder why someone would want to do that?"

Ferrik shrugged. "I have no idea. He didn't seem to know what it was originally created for."

"How did he acquire it?"

"He said he bought it from a mogma named Cobal," Ferrik said.

"I see. Did you ask if he knew where Cobal found it?"

"I did, my lord," Ferrik said. "But he told me that he hadn't asked."

"Ah. Anything else?"

"He said that the 'past world', as he calls it, shows up if the stone is struck. Apparently the vibration causes it to be activated."

"I see," Ghirahim said. "Is that all?"

"Er, not exactly," Ferrik said. "He also told me that they have some demon prisoners in their cells. I went to visit them while I was there. One of them was Lord Rend."

Ghirahim stood up. "Lord Rend?" he said in surprise.

"Yes, my lord," Ferrik said, grimacing. "He was demanding that I release him. I told him I would let you know of his—predicament."

Ghirahim sighed. "I wonder how he found himself in such trouble. This is a tricky situation indeed. I must go soon and help get him out."

"I don't think the cell guards would be very hard to overpower. I could probably do it myself-"

Ghirahim shook his head. "I don't wish to anger the mogmas. It will have to be their decision to release him. And the other demons, once we see why they have been imprisoned. Still, I will make sure that they have someone to speak on their behalf. I have several someones in mind, actually."

"I do not wish to offend, my lord. But do you really think it likely the mogmas would release them just because we ask?" Ferrik said.

Ghirahim grinned. "I think it very likely. Whatever their transgression was, I think we might convince the mogmas to overlook it." He had several ideas for that. Unless Rend and the others had done something truly horrendous, which Ghirahim doubted, persuasion should be all that was necessary to get the mogmas to release them.

"Ah. I'm sure you know what you're doing, then." Ferrik said. "Should I await your further instruction, my lord? Or do you already have another task in mind?"

Ghirahim took a bite of his eggs and considered the question.

"Well, this business with Lord Rend is rather pressing. After all, he possesses our largest army, and his soldiers don't take orders from anyone but him."

"I've always wondered about that, my lord. Shouldn't they also take orders from you?"

Ghirahim shook his head. "Even during the reign of Releris, Lord Rend kept his own army, and there was nothing the king could do about it. He even called himself King Rend—a title he only changed relatively recently."

"I see," Ferrik said.

"You can have a seat if you like, Ferrik." Ghirahim gestured towards a chair on the other side of the table. "Unless you prefer to stand."

"Oh. I'll—just have a seat then," Ferrik said. He sat down at the chair across from Ghirahim.

"Ferrik, you look like you have something on your mind. Is something troubling you?"

"Er-of course not. I'm fine."

"Ferrik, I can tell that's a lie."

"Oh. Sorry. I just-I would ramble, and I wouldn't want to annoy you. It would be unprofessional."

Ghirahim chuckled. "Don't worry about offending me, Ferrik. My profession used to require being-unprofessional. So if there is something troubling you, please let me know and do not fear that a Fool will find it foolish."

"It's just—I was thinking about today."

"Hmmmm?"

"Well, it's the ninth anniversary of the day you killed Releris. Er—well, actually late by two weeks and three days so the holiday coincides with the end of the mushroom harvesting season, but-"

"Yes, you're right. Today is the ninth year of my reign, plus those extra days you mentioned. Interesting, though."

"What do you mean?"

"There aren't many people who would also think of it as commemorating the day I ended Releris. I mean, I certainly do, but not many others."

"Well, I-" Ferrik stopped.

Ghirahim looked up from his food. "Was there something else you wanted to say?"

"I just—wanted to thank you. For killing him." Ferrik said. He looked down at the table.

Ghirahim tilted his head. "And I am happy I could help with that, although I must wonder what could have prompted this."

Ghirahim saw Ferrik take a deep breath and look up. "It's because-I used to be a sorcerer."

"You never mentioned that before," Ghirahim said, surprised. "Releris took your magic from you, then?"

"Yes. I'm sure I wasn't nearly as powerful as you, but I had a lot more magic than Releris did. Before he drained it all from me."

"Drained it from you? Where did he put it?"

"He destroyed it," Ferrik said.

Ghirahim considered Ferrik's words. "I see. But I think you are misinformed."

"What do you mean?"

"Releris never destroyed magic that he could use for himself instead. If he didn't kill you, then he almost certainly took your magic and stored it somewhere else. A bit like he did with me. I'd bet it's still in the palace somewhere with all the other magical relics stored there. I can look for it once I've caught up with Zelda again."

Ferrik gave him a wide-eyed look. "Really?"

"Of course. I'm sure you want it returned."

"I never thought that would be possible. Thank you."

"Think nothing of it. If you had mentioned this earlier, I could have found it for you then."

"Oh. Well, I don't much like talking about it."

"I see." Ghirahim returned to eating. If Ferrik didn't want to discuss the topic, he saw no reason to inquire further about it. Undoubtedly it had been a painful period in his life, and Ghirahim certainly understood how awful it was to be cut off from one's own magic. I would like to know more, but-

"And I never thought you would find it interesting."

"I certainly would. But if you don't feel comfortable telling me-"

"No, I think I should, if you want to know. You see, I was one of the rebel sorcerers Releris captured."

Ghirahim again felt surprise. Ever since he had first encountered Ferrik, he had always wondered what motivated Ferrik to be so loyal to him. But he hadn't asked the question, because he hadn't seen why he should require the answer. "How did you survive? He usually executed rebels." Ghirahim's own parents had been rebels, his mother one of the last sorceresses to oppose Releris during the old king's reign. Releris had never told him what he did to them, but Ghirahim had eventually understood what their final fate had been.

"It's not something I'd ever forget," Ferrik said, looking down. "Even though I try not to think about it these days."

"What happened?"

"Well, first Releris took my magic and dangled me over a pit of toothworms. He tried to get me to tell him where the other rebels were, but I refused. I was sure he would kill me then. But for some reason, he said he would give me one more chance-that he would spare my life if I swore fealty to him. The sight of those slavering creatures in the pit below, their rows of teeth turned upwards, terrified me. I decided that dying that way could not be more noble than speaking a lie to live. So I swallowed my pride and said the words he asked of me."

"Certainly understandable," Ghirahim said. "But I'm guessing that wasn't all that happened."

"You're right. Afterwards, Releris somehow found the other rebels anyway. He made me watch as he executed them all, just to warn me that their fate was the price of defiance. Then he told me to leave the capital and never return. I was led out of the city. But I did return. I hid in the darker places there, and learned how to use a sword. I owed it to the friends I had watched die to do whatever I could against Releris. I swore to myself I would find some way to take him by surprise and kill him, even though everyone said it was impossible. The day I learned you had killed him, I was elated but—I didn't know what to do with myself anymore. I had spent so long having only a single purpose, and suddenly it was gone. For the next several years, I just continued to practice with the blade. I thought I might become a soldier. When I heard that you were looking for an Elite Guard, though, I knew that should be my new purpose." Ferrik gave him a bright smile. "Because you're my hero."

Ghirahim could only stare at his guard for several long moments. I must think of something suitable to say.

"Ah, thank you," Ghirahim said with a smile. "Certainly I think you made the right choice." The demon lord didn't think it was the most inspired response, but Ferrik seemed happy with it.

Ghirahim examined the dark tunnel, lit only by the light globe he had created. He still couldn't see why the mogmas liked these tunnels so much. When Bronzi had told him where the cells were, he had complained that the imprisoned demons were receiving cruel treatment that their crimes could not possibly have earned them. But Bronzi had only shrugged and said that the mogmas didn't have any cells on the surface, and that it had never occurred to him that anyone would find being underground so horrible.

I suppose it's a good thing that the mogmas like the tunnels so much. It makes it easier to negotiate with them for land. Still, I'll be glad to get out of this place. He found the dank smell of earth in the tunnels a bit too reminiscent of the Lower Realms.

They reached the end of the hallway, and Ghirahim saw a long row of cells, their walls, bars, and floor made of thick Eldin Ore.

"Lord Rend! So good to see you again!" Ghirahim said brightly, approaching the blue bokoblin's rocky cell.

Rend turned to face him. "Lord Ghirahim! Get us out of here! I demand that my soldiers and I be released at once!" He clutched the bars.

"That's exactly why I came," Ghirahim said. "And look at who I've brought to help get you out." He gestured towards Amelia, Lady Pyre, Orynx, and Ferrik. Bronzi had said that he should bring a group of people to speak in defense of the accused. Apparently this was the customary method to try to get a person released from the mogma prison. "We are all concerned about your welfare, you see."

"Where's the other two?" Rend asked, scowling.

"Of course, it would have been helpful if Lord Grendel and Lord Terrin could have offered their support as well. But I'm afraid that Grendel could not persuaded to put aside his petty feud with you. And I was not convinced that Terrin could handle this situation with, ah-" A minimal level of bloodshed. But I refuse to say that here. "-the necessary finesse."

"Never mind. Forget I asked," Rend said.

"Yes, it's quite the pity, really."

"Well, I don't need their help anyway," Rend said.

"So—the mogmas have told me their version of what happened. But please, tell me your side of the story," Ghirahim said.

"We were just doing some digging in one of the tunnels," Rend answered. "And then the Sky Hero appears out of nowhere! I tried to recapture him, but—failed, obviously."

Hmmm. Well, you've been quite the troublemaker, Link. Ghirahim thought, trying to keep his expression neutral. Perhaps I need to imprison you after all, to keep you from causing such trouble. He turned to the mogma guard. "What do we need to do to get them out? Will the King hear us?"

"No, I've discussed it with him and—he won't be handling this. You need to talk to the Chief," Bronzi said.

"And where is-?"

"Right here," A voice behind him said. Ghirahim turned around and saw a tall mogma dressed in silver armor. She had a mane of blond hair, much like Bronzi's except lighter and longer, and her gloves ended in longer, thinner claws,whereas Bronzi had shorter, but thicker ones. "So you're the one calling yourself Lord of the Surface, then?"

Ghirahim gave a small bow. "Yes, that's right. I do plan to make my move to the Surface permanent, after all. If I may ask, what is your name?"

"Chief Mercuria," she said. Her eyes flicked towards his four companions. "And who are these?"
"Ah, allow me to introduce them," Ghirahim said. "This is Orynx and Ferrik, of the Elite Guard and the Diamond Table." He gestured towards them.

Ferrik gave a small bow. "Pleased to meet you."

The Chief looked over at Orynx, who only nodded slightly.

"Ah, don't mind Orynx," Ferrik said cheerfully. "He always scowls like that, because he's always in a bad mood. In fact, this is probably one his good moods."

Orynx narrowed his eyes at Ferrik, but as Ghirahim expected, did not respond to him. Instead he turned to the Chief and said, "Good to meet you."

"See? Just like I said." Ferrik smiled. "He's bursting with goodwill today."

Ghirahim gestured to the other two.

"And this is Lady Pyre and Amelia, also of the Diamond Table."

"I hope we can resolve this quickly," Lady Pyre said, leaning on her spiked club. "This place is simply dreadful."

Amelia gave the Chief a smile. "Yes, we are quite anxious to deal with this unfortunate misunderstanding as soon as possible."

"Indeed," Ghirahim said. "We have come to vouch for Lord Rend and ask for his release. We are all most eager to put this rather awkward mess behind us." So much so that I asked Orynx to come with us, even though I prefer to keep the sword under the shield whenever possible. The mogmas, as I understand, place great weight on having several supporters to speak for the accused rather than only one. Perhaps if Grendel and Terrin hadn't been so useless in that regard...

"As much as I would like to rid myself of this one," Mercuria said, gesturing to Lord Rend, "and his troublesome friends, you must convince me that they will not make such trouble again. If they convince me they will no longer trespass, then we will release them."

Ghirahim turned to Rend. "Do you agree to this?"

Rend scowled. "No."

The Chief raised an eyebrow. "I see a problem here. Our prisoner seems unrepentant. I won't release one who is likely to re-offend."

Ghirahim turned back to Rend. "Lord Rend, as much as it pains me to say this, I believe a different answer is required. I assume we all wish to leave this place as soon as-"

"I was only taking what is rightfully mine!"

"That's what they all say." the Chief sighed. "But the gems in that tunnel rightfully belong to-"

"I couldn't care less about the gems," Rend said, waving a hand dismissively. "I have more than enough of those."

Amelia smiled. "Well, that's good news, isn't it?" she said to Mercuria. "Certainly it makes more sense that he wouldn't be trying to take any gems-I can attest that he has those in much abundance. Perhaps he and his soldiers could get a shorter sentence? Such as one possibly ending in the next few minutes?"

"We'll see," Mercuria said. She turned and gave him a puzzled look. "What were you digging for?"

"Perhaps you could enlighten the Chief on that topic, Lord Rend?" Ghirahim said. "So that we all may soon be enlightened by a cheerful yellow orb which is not to be found here?"

"Yes, very well," Rend said, his tone reluctant. "I was looking for artifacts from my ancestor's estate."

"Wait," Ghirahim said, holding up a hand. Rend's intentions were suddenly clear to him. "This is the ancestor you're always talking about, isn't it?"

"Of course," Rend said. "Who else would it be but Sir Percival? The Slayer of Serpents! He with the strength of steel arms! The one who held the Triforce with his own bare hands!"

"Yes, you've mentioned before," Ghirahim said. "Quite a few times, actually." Though Rend was obsessive about his famous ancestor, Ghirahim hadn't previously anticipated what he would do once he had unfettered access to the surface, and by extension, those relics he had been so industriously digging for. I should have, though. It could have saved us all a lot of trouble. Oh, well.

Lady Pyre turned to the Chief. "Perhaps an arrangement can be worked out? He does not want the gems—only these relics he searches for." She glanced momentarily at Ghirahim. "I'm sure he did not know he would cause such trouble."

It was an utter lie, that much Ghirahim could tell. Now that's interesting. Of course, I surely have no intention of disagreeing with her here—it won't do to leave Rend and his soldiers to rot in this dreadful place. But I must wonder if she knows something that I do not. Ghirahim filed that thought away for later investigation.

Mercuria frowned. "He would have to agree to pay the owners for the trouble he caused them, and for his future use of the tunnel. He would also have to pay us, the mogma peacekeepers, for all the hassle he's caused."

"Those artifacts belong to me!" Rend said.

Ghirahim scowled. "Yes, but the tunnel does not. Now, I have put in a great deal of effort at diplomacy here, and I will not see you or anyone else undo it so easily. If you want these artifacts you seek, then agree to the terms you have been given."

Of course, Ghirahim didn't want to incite any lasting grudges from Lord Rend. As he had told Ferrik earlier, that would invite nothing but trouble. And as difficult as Rend was, he was considerably more reasonable than most of the other nobles, which was why Ghirahim had chosen him as one of his heirs in the first place. But he also preferred to avoid doing anything that would start a war with the mogmas. He had enough of those to fight already.

Rend growled, his hands clenched against the bars of his cell. He was clearly displeased. As am I. Ghirahim scowled back and hissed. Rend gave him a hard stare. Then he released the bars suddenly.

"Fine! I agree." Rend said. "As I said, gems are not important to me. But I need to know that I will be allowed to dig for those artifacts. Perhaps I could speak with the—owner of the tunnel so we may come to an agreement?"

"Of course. I asked him to come today to help us decide what to do with you. Let me go get him." Mercuria disappeared abruptly into the earth beneath her.

In a few minutes, the Chief returned with a green-haired mogma. "Tyto, this demon has agreed to pay you for the use of your tunnel. If an agreement can be reached between you, we will release him and he will pay you to use the tunnel. He will not extract any gems from it—he is searching for artifacts he says belong to an ancestor of his."

"What if some of the artifacts have gems on them?" Tyto asked.

"Then I will pay you twice whatever they are worth on your market," Rend said. "Considering that any artifacts in there belonged to my illustrious ancestor and are therefore mine by right, I think that is more than fair." Rend gave Ghirahim a brief sidelong glare.

"Twice the—you would do that?" Tyto asked, his eyes wide.

Rend tilted his head. "Sentimental value. It's worth more than treasure to me."

Tyto looked hopeful. "Maybe you're not so bad for a trespasser."

"I deny there was any trespassing involved," Rend said. "There are no trespassers here, only alleged trespassers. Would you like more gems?"

"So you'll pay me for the time you use the tunnel?"

"Yes." The two discussed the price for the tunnel for several minutes. Finally, the green-haired mogma said, "That seems fair to me." Tyto frowned "But how do I know you will keep your word?"

"I think that's a very good question," Mercuria said. She looked between the five demons standing outside the cells. "It is good to know that all of you will speak in his favor. And Bronzi tells me that you have been honorable in all of your dealings with King Guld thus far. But is there any further assurance you can offer us that if I release these prisoners, I will not come to regret it?"

"Well, there is this," Ghirahim said. He snapped. Gems, gold, and silver filled the room. "We feel this should more than cover the cost of any trouble-"

"I say you let them out," Tyto said, his eyes wide. "I think I'm willing to—take them at their word. Just wonderin'-how much of that is mine?"

"Half." Mercuria frowned. "So I suppose if Tyto is willing to accept half of all this as payment in exchange for the release of the, ah alleged tresspassers-"

"Definitely! Yes!" Tyto said.

"-then we can let them go," Mercuria said. "And as the speaker for the mogma peacekeepers, I will accept the other half as payment for guarding and feeding such a large number of prisoners. Just—make sure it doesn't happen again."

Link woke to a shaft of sunlight coming through his wooden shutters. He rose and stretched, placing his sword and shield on his back. When he walked outside, he called his loftwing, who flew him towards the golden light. Fi jumped out of the sword and floated in front of him.

"Master, please remember that we should visit Faron Woods first."

Faron Woods? Why would they want to do that?

"Remember that Zelda wishes you to call your Loftwing to the surface," Fi said. "You will have to get assistance from Tala to do that."

Link nodded, suddenly remembering his next task. Link nodded and banked left so that Firestar took him back towards the green light shaft.

Link felt safer now that he knew Levias would handle the sky monster. As they were flying towards the entrance to Faron woods, he indicated to Fi that he had a question. It was strange to communicate to someone with thoughts, but he was becoming more used to it. Link had found that he could show Fi each moment of a memory-everything he remembered from it. He could even communicate concepts without having to really think about how they would be expressed in words or images.

"Yes? Ah, I see. You wish to know what the Shard of Truth is." Fi floated alongside Firestar, facing Link.

"The Shard of Truth was created by Hylia as the manifestation of the virtue she held most dear. While not a part of the original Triforce, it is identical in appearance and purpose to the Shards of Power, Wisdom, and Courage. Zelda's news that Ghirahim has obtained it is most grave indeed. I would strongly suggest that you work to regain the Shard from him. Analysis of prior interactions reveals an 85% probability that Ghirahim still possesses the Shard. In fact, his possession of the Shard might explain something of the irregularities I have sensed from his power."

Link sent another question to Fi.

"Yes, that is true. Like the three pieces of the Triforce, the Shard of Truth allows one to possess the ability for which it is named, but can only be wielded if one can withstand the test it requires. It is a test only a few individuals could ever pass, and even fewer can handle it well enough to be the true wielder."

Link felt a sense of apprehension. He didn't really like the idea of trying to take the Shard from Ghirahim, even though it didn't belong to him. And what if he couldn't pass the test?

"I have every confidence that you would, Master Link. And I believe that you are the best person to wield the Shard in this time, much as the previous Hero of the Goddess, Eldren, was the true wielder of his era."

Link nodded, but his doubts only increased. He didn't express his current thoughts to Fi, but from what he had seen in his dreams, he didn't think he was very much like Eldren. Also, he doubted that Ghirahim would want to give up the shard. And he didn't like the idea of trying to take it from him by force.

Link put his worries out of his mind, though, as he could see that he was almost upon his destination. When he was sure he was directly over the clearing in the clouds, he took a deep breath and let go of his Loftwing.

"I'm glad to see you are well, Link," Tala said, as he sat across the table in her plant-filled room. "What happened while you were in Eldin? Did you meet Zelda? Ah, I should stop asking questions and let you answer them." She gave him a small smile.

Link took out his notebook and drew several pictures.

Tala took them and had only given them a glance before her gaze fixed onto one in particular. "I hope—this is not who I think it is." She turned the picture of Terrin to face Link. "This one—do you know his name? Did he say anything about himself?"

Link nodded and took the picture back, writing the demon's name on it. He returned it to her.

She stared at the image a long time, saying nothing. Then she put the paper down, and afterwards ignored it as if it didn't exist.

"You encountered Ghirahim again?" She was looking at the image he had drawn of Ghirahim on the dragon statue. He hadn't included an image of his earlier meeting with Ghirahim in the room where he had encountered the lizalfos. While the Sheikahs seemed like good people otherwise, he was fairly sure they would react badly if he told them about that. They were trying to kill Ghirahim, after all—which was something that greatly distressed Link. He had to convince them that there was another way.

Link nodded, his expression neutral.

"Did he fight you? Try to capture or kill you?"

Link shook his head.

Tala sighed. "Whatever his plans are, I do not understand them. He first goes out of his way to capture you, and then expends no effort whatsoever for that when he sees you again? Unless perhaps it is simply that he has lost interest in whatever plot he had for you. Much more so than the last ruler of the demons, this one seems quite—distractible."

She rose from her seat and paced across the small room. "Still, it is never wise to underestimate one's opponent. Either his temperament is one that creates grandiose plans but quickly loses interest in them, or one whose schemes are carefully calculated to be obscure."

Link didn't think that either description was correct. Tala turned to him. "What are your thoughts on this, Link? Please show me what you are thinking. If I didn't think it would be too invasive, I would read your thoughts directly."

Link gave her a shocked look.

Tala sighed. "But since I cannot help but pick up any and all surface thoughts you may have at the time, that is not something I think you would be willing to do, and rightly so. If one cannot have privacy within one's own thoughts, then where can they have it?"

Link nodded. He drew another picture. Tala looked it over. "I see. Link, whatever impression you may have of him, Ghirahim does not fight us simply to end this war. Whether the curse twists the leader of the demons into someone evil, or merely selects one who is already evil, I do not know. What I do know is that however he may act towards you, he is a particularly bloodthirsty creature."

Link shook his head. True, he had seen Ghirahim kill a Sheikah, but that had only been because the Sheikah had been trying to kill him, too. He wasn't any more bloodthirsty than the Sheikahs were.

Tala suddenly seemed to notice one of his other papers. It was the one with the image of Ghirahim holding the Shard of Truth. Link had drawn it in the shape of a triangle, as Fi had described it to him, and labeled it with the name Zelda had given it.

"I don't know how I missed this one before," Tala said, looking it over with a grave expression. "This news is—most dire. We must try to regain the shard from him before he destroys it."

Link frowned. Tala seemed to think that Ghirahim would destroy the shard, although he couldn't imagine why.

"Link—I will not read your mind, but may I show you one of my memories? It is important that you see the demon lord as he really is."

Link nodded. He had to understand what she was talking about. Tala closed her eyes. "You will see it more clearly if you close your eyes as well."

For a moment, nothing seemed to happen, then a memory replayed in his mind, almost as vividly as if he was seeing it in that moment. Link viewed a scene of chaos from across the pit. On the other side, demons and Sheikahs fought furiously. Link assumed he must be viewing the memory from where Tala stood, but it felt as if it was him standing there. A Sheikah woman was carrying one of her fallen companions. Like most of the Sheikahs, she was incredibly strong and fast. But when Ghirahim appeared in front of her, she wasn't able to dodge him before he ran his sword through her chest. She dropped the other Sheikah and fell to the ground. Ghirahim stood over her body, his sword filled with blood. He looked up, and seemed to meet Link's gaze from across the pit. Then the demon lord slowly licked the blood of the Sheikah off of his blade, a look of immense satisfaction on his face.

The images didn't stop. There was more, but Link couldn't bear to see it. He opened his eyes abruptly and fled.

"Link, wait," he heard Tala say.

But he didn't stop, nor did he care when the other Sheikahs gave him puzzled looks as he ran out of the temple's side door and into Faron Woods.

Link needed some time alone. It was so peaceful in this part of the Deep Woods. No one else seemed interested in this small area reachable only by a rope extended across the canyon that separated it and the rest of the forest. Possibly it was because there was nothing here. Possibly because the only thing here was a wasp's nest. Link gave the nest a sidelong look, but the wasps seemed to be ignoring him.

Link heard a sound behind him. He turned and saw to his surprise that Ghirahim had appeared behind him. He rose and drew his sword warily.

"Link?" the demon lord said, looking surprised. "I didn't expect to see you here." His gaze turned to the sword. "And you brought Fi as well, I see."

The sword spirit materialized out of the sword. "Of course my master would never be without his sword."

Ghirahim spread his arms and gave her an amused smile. "Ah, but you don't have to worry about me. I am under oath not to harm the Sky Hero, and I don't intend to break that oath. Tell me Fi, will you continue to uphold your end of our bargain?"

"Of course," Fi said, glancing briefly to Link.

Ghirahim turned his gaze to Link as well. "Then neither of us is a threat to the other." He stalked closer, a lazy smile on his face. "But three is such a crowded population for this small bit of land, don't you think?"

"You are free to leave at any time," Fi said mildly.

Link scowled and attacked with his sword, trying to knock Ghirahim out. The demon lord grabbed the sword and yanked it out of his hands. He looked the sword up and down, and looked over at Fi.

"Oh, but I like it here."

Ghirahim held the sword up. Then he casually threw it into the canyon. Fi's bodily form dissolved, and Link ran toward the sword, but Ghirahim caught the distraught elf in his arms before he could get close enough to retrieve it.

"Don't throw yourself to your doom, Sky Hero! Fi is nearly indestructible. You are not."

Link growled angrily, though he stopped struggling. He wouldn't have fallen. He lived in the sky—he knew perfectly well how to not fall.

"Sorry about that, but I wanted to talk to you alone, Link."

Link only stared miserably over the side of the cliff.

"I think we should sit over there, where no one will notice us."

Link still stared at the canyon. How was he going to get Fi back? Finally, he allowed Ghirahim to lead him to the lower area of the island. He sat next to Ghirahim, who picked a flower out of the ground and admired it.

"I do love this place," he said casually.

Link stared at the grass.

"That was a very poor attack. Now, you looked to be quite upset for some reason, but you must not allow your emotions to dull your ability as a swordsman. I know you can do better than that. Anyway, what is troubling you?"

Link sighed. He would have to figure out how he was going to find Fi later. He took out a piece of paper and with a shaking hand, drew Tala and the terrible vision she had etched into his mind.

When he finished, Ghirahim took the paper and looked it over. He looked up at Link. "I see. I am not surprised that Tala would choose to show you this. Of course, she didn't show you what those Sheikahs did to my soldiers. Let's just say that they are much more messy about it than I am, and leave it at that. I could show you, but I suspect you have had quite enough of such scenes."

How could he make Ghirahim understand that what bothered him most was how much the demon lord had seemed to enjoy the killing? After the time he spent on the surface, he understood that many of the people here had killed before, and would kill again. But to take joy in death? That had to be wrong.

He sketched another drawing and handed it to Ghirahim.

Ghirahim looked closely at the drawing before tearing it in half. Link frowned at him.

"Oh, apologies. But I wanted to keep this part where you drew us together," Ghirahim said, giving him a warm smile. The paper-half dissolved into the air—Link assumed he must have teleported the drawing somewhere. "I don't really need the other half, though." As he held it in his hand, it burst into flame." You already drew me licking that Sheikah dog's blood off my sword, anyway."

Link sighed.

"Sorry, Link," Ghirahim said. "I'm not really sure at all what you meant."

Link put his head in his hands. Ghirahim didn't even understand why he was so upset. If he couldn't even explain it, what good could he possibly do? Suddenly he felt Ghirahim's arm around his shoulder.

"Of course, I think this would be easier if you just told me," Ghirahim said. "But I will look at as many of your drawings as it takes for me to understand, if that is what you wish."

Link looked up at Ghirahim, and gave him a small smile. He took out another piece of paper.

Ghirahim frowned at the fifth image Link had sketched. "I think I understand now what troubles you." He looked up at Link. "You wonder if I enjoy violence for the sake of violence. Am I right?"

Link nodded.

Ghirahim looked over at Link for a few moments, his eyes lidded. "It is true that I enjoy battle, perhaps more than most feel comfortable with."

Link looked away from Ghirahim, his fears confirmed. He heard a sigh.

"But I do not seek out violence. I am merely very—adapted to it. I want to end this war, and I'm doing that in the only way I know how. If I thought there were a more peaceful way to accomplish that end, I would be more than willing to try it. I hope you can believe that."

Link looked back into Ghirahim's eyes and examined his face. He had always depended on his ability to read people, which told him whether someone was being sincere. It was one of the skills a Knight of Truth was expected to learn, and Link had been told that he had mastered it years ago. He judged that Ghirahim was being truthful.

Slowly, Link nodded.

Ghirahim smiled and traced Link's ear with his finger. Link felt his heart beat faster.

"I'm glad I had the chance to talk with you," Ghirahim said.

Link wanted to lean into further into the demon lord's caress, but he restrained himself. Ghirahim had said that he would be willing to try a more peaceful resolution. Link took out his notebook and showed the demon lord the picture he had shown him before—the one of him talking to Tala.

Ghirahim frowned. "Link, it is not as simple as that."

Link handed the drawing to him.

Ghirahim sighed. "You want me to try anyway, don't you?"

Link nodded.

"Very well. I know it means so much to you. And it can't hurt to try, I suppose."

Link examined Ghirahim's expression. He knew it. He knew that Ghirahim would listen.

The demon lord smiled. "You seem much happier." His expression became serious. " You must understand, though, that I can't promise anything beyond attempting this, Link. And I can only give the Sheikahs the option to retreat without retaliation from us. Nothing more."

Link nodded. He was fine with that. What was important to him was that Ghirahim would try.

Examining his features again, Link noticed the demon lord seemed to be considering something intensely. He grimaced. For a moment a look of desperate terror crossed his face, and then it passed, his expression only vaguely unhappy.

Finally, he spoke haltingly. "And—I know you were troubled by what Tala showed you. From now on, I will-do no more than is necessary to defend my people from the Sheikahs. Any blood of theirs will stay on my blade only. She will have nothing more like that to show you again."

Ghirahim gave him a surprised look when Link embraced him suddenly. He looked up at Ghirahim and the demon lord returned his embrace, running a hand through Link's hair. Link leaned his head on the demon lord's chest. For several minutes, he listened to the sound of Ghirahim's breathing. Then the demon lord began purring, a sound which both surprised and pleased Link.

"Hmmmm, I have an idea," Ghirahim said. He pushed Link gently into the grass. Link felt a moment of anxiety, but it faded quickly. He didn't believe that the dream from before, so similar to this, would come to pass. Ghirahim's sword looked nothing like that, and besides, the demon lord seemed to be in a cheerful mood. He gave Link an impish grin as he knelt over him. "Looks like I've got you right where I want you, Sky Hero," he said. He leaned forward towards Link...

Suddenly there was a popping sound, and then a familiar voice said, "Unhand the Chosen One, Demon Lord!"

Ghirahim looked up, his eyes widening. He frowned and stood to his full height, his sword materializing into his hand. He brushed briefly at the hair covering his left eye.

"Ah, you're that troublesome Sheikah teleporter, aren't you?"

The Sheikah was most unusual-looking. He was dressed in blue armor and wore bandages on his head and arms. Red eyes stared out through the bandages. This was how Orynx and Ferrik described the one who teleported Link, and Ghirahim was sure this had to be the same individual. His entire being screamed for the blood of this one-the one who had thwarted his plans, and traipsed merrily out of his highly secured dungeons with the Sky Hero. But I must not—I promised Link. He took a deep breath. The things I do for love.

"Link!" The Sheikah exclaimed, his eyes resting briefly on the Sky Hero before he turned to face Ghirahim. "Release him now!" He head turned back towards Link, though he kept his eyes on Ghirahim. "I guess he used a stunning spell on you? Don't worry, those usually wear off rather quickly."

Ghirahim placed a diamond barrier around Link. Link's eyes widened and he banged on the yellow barrier. Sorry, Link. But I know you'd try to interfere—and you don't even have a weapon to defend yourself. He spared a moment's thought to be both amused and relieved that the Sheikah had so greatly misjudged his previous interaction with Link. Fortunate, though. If the Sheikahs do not know about us, he will be in much less danger.

Ghirahim calmly drew his sword. "What should I call you, Sheikah? I want to tell your friends just who I bested when I beat you into the ground with this." He gave his rapier a theatrical wave.

"It's Sheik. And I'm the one who will defeat you." The Sheikah moved into a fighting stance and threw something metallic at him.

Ghirahim moved his rapier with a lazy swipe and the object bounced harmlessly off of it. He gave a short laugh. "Your ambitions are far grander than your means to achieve them."

Link banged a hand on the barrier again. Ghirahim tried to ignore the elf.

Sheik circled Ghirahim cautiously. When the demon lord raised his hand to snap, he threw down a small object. They appeared near each other's previous place.

Ghirahim frowned. "I think we maybe shouldn't be doing that." Of course, teleporters could only sense items in the vicinity of their destination if they were already there. And though the risk for two people teleporting at close range appearing in the same place at the same time was still small, it was significant. The consequences were not something Ghirahim liked to contemplate.

"No, really?" Sheik said. "I'll stop if you will." Sheik's red eyes narrowed.

"Fine. No teleporting, then. I can take you down easily enough without it." Ghirahim lunged at Sheik with his rapier.

Sheik dodged and kicked the demon lord in the side.

Ghirahim stumbled and fell to the ground.

Sheik lunged towards him and Ghirahim slashed his sword at the Sheikah, but it clanged off of his armor.

Sheik moved swiftly away from Ghirahim. "You certainly seem to like swords, but you're a novice at any other form of fighting."

"You're just jealous. I'll bet you don't even know how to use a sword." Ghirahim rolled away as Sheik swiped the area where the demon had been with his arm. Ghirahim stood and faced the heavily-bandaged Sheikah.

"I hardly think I need one," Sheik responded.

"Really? Because you look like you've had a nasty accident," Ghirahim said. "Have you had anyone take a look at those wounds lately? Maybe you just need to-"

Ghirahim sliced his sword at Sheik, hitting the midsection of his armor. The Sheikah tumbled to the ground.

"-lie down for a bit."

Sheik rolled away and kicked the demon lord's feet out from under him. "Actually, I'm fine, thanks." He scaled a tree. "I even have all these extra bandages handy in case I do suffer injury. Which I won't, because you are slow and plodding. "

Ghirahim used a strong wind to push Sheik out of the tree. The Sheikah gave a yelp of surprise as he fell to the ground. But he jumped up almost instantly.

Ghirahim slashed out with his rapier and Sheik retreated. The Sheikah was remarkably fast, even if he wasn't as fast as Impa was. And Ghirahim had to grudgingly admit that he was an incredibly skilled fighter. As long as I have this sword, he cannot beat me. But since he does not use a sword, I will not necessarily defeat him, either.

"Your speed is impressive. Are you by any chance related to that Sheikah dog Impa?" Ghirahim asked.

"No, but I take it as a compliment that you think so."

"It's an annoying ability you share," Ghirahim said. He dodged as the Sheikah swiped at him again. "And I hope there aren't any other Sheikah teleporters. You are quite enough of a bother."

"Of course there are. I'll just leave you to guess how many."

Ghirahim grinned. So this was the only Sheikah teleporter, then. Interesting. "Well, in that case I look forward to meeting them." I suppose that's all I need to know from him. Ghirahim wanted to capture the Sheikah, but this was taking an unexpectedly long time. After Sheik had stolen Link away before, Ghirahim had devised alarms that would alert his soldiers if a Sheikah teleporter appeared inside any of the areas they defended. He was confident they would be effective enough against a single teleporter until he could bring back some timestones from Lanayru. And if I capture him now, I will surely upset Link, which I don't wish to do. Ghirahim sighed. He couldn't deny it. It was impossible for him to lie to himself. He briefly considered capturing Link again, but it wasn't really a good time for that. He would be in Lanayru, and he didn't like the idea of leaving Link in the dungeon if he couldn't personally keep track of him for such a long time.

He gave Link a brief grin. Then he turned to Sheik and fixed his expression into a bored look. "I suppose I'll have to wait to recapture Link later. You know, I have such a busy schedule today. And you, Sheikah dog, just aren't important enough to fit in it." Ghirahim teleported away as Sheik's eyes gave him an affronted look.

"I must say, Sheik—I'm impressed. You managed to fend off Lord Ghirahim without either you or Link coming to harm," Tala said.

Sheik gave a small bow. "Many thanks, Tala. I'm glad that we could both return safely, although we still need to retrieve Link's sword."

"Yes, there is that. Oh, and get over here before you die of all those internal injuries you sustained."

"Certainly," Sheik said, walking up to Tala with a slight limp. "Of course one must not skip the obligatory ritual. I shall now moan and complain about how I have naught but a flesh wound, but secretly be thankful that my lifeblood is not seeping from my veins."

The corners of Tala's mouth quirked up in a smile as she raised her hands. "Your version is most concise."

Link smiled. He was glad that both of them had survived their fight. When he had seen Ghirahim's expression on seeing Sheik, it had frightened him-he had wondered if the demon lord would renege on his vow. He had been relieved when Ghirahim had looked at him and smiled before teleporting away. He had known then that the demon lord had not forgotten his promise. He was also glad that Sheik had thought Ghirahim had hit him with a stunning spell rather than thinking they were—doing what they actually had been doing. He still wasn't sure how he would explain that to the Sheikahs.

After Sheik had destroyed the barrier surrounding Link, Link had shown him where Ghirahim had dropped Fi. Sheik had frowned and said there was a deep river at the bottom of the darkened canyon, so he wouldn't just be able to teleport down there to search. But then Link had had an idea.

Link took the picture of his loftwing that he had drawn for Sheik and showed it to Tala.

"Ah, yes, that's right. You need to get your loftwing to the surface. For that, I can strengthen the bond to your loftwing so that you can not only sense one another, but also understand each other's intent. Of course, understand that your loftwing does not think in the same way you do, so some things may be impossible to communicate. But you should be able to convey enough to convince your loftwing to accompany you to the surface."

Tala raised one hand over his, and Link saw lines etched in silver appear along her hand. Then he saw his hand begin to glow. After a few minutes, both the lines and the light disappeared.

"There. I suggest you return to the sky now to find your loftwing."

Link nodded. He was looking forward to seeing Starfire again. He gave Tala a small smile and rose, shaking Sheik's hand.

"Anytime, Sky Hero," Sheik said. "I don't know what dark demon ritual Lord Ghirahim was planning to perform on you, but I'm glad I found you in time to put a stop to it."

Link carefully forced his face into what he hoped was a normal-looking smile. He was fairly sure he wouldn't have had any problems with Ghirahim's 'dark demon ritual'.

He turned and walked to the door. Soon, he would finally be able to search for Zelda in Lanayru. He remembered that the first time they had encountered the Sheikahs, Impa had said there were three springs that Zelda would have to visit to regain the memories of Hylia. Link felt a strong sense of foreboding. This was the last spring, and he knew that above all else, Ghirahim despised Hylia. What would the demon lord be willing to do to prevent Zelda from regaining her memories?

"Tala!" Ghirahim yelled across the pit.

"Ah, Lord Ghirahim," the wizened Sheikah responded. She stood with several Sheikah soldiers on each side of her. She held the stone that amplified her voice, "I had thought you would be too busy for conversation."

"On the contrary," Ghirahim said, "All of my plans are falling into place. So I wanted to let you know that despite all of the trouble you have caused us, that it is not too late to offer your unconditional surrender."

"Because of course that sounds like such an appealing alternative to—anything," Tala said.

Ghirahim spread his hands. "I guarantee it will be better than losing to me."

"I don't intend to lose," Tala said.

"Neither do I. And when I win, I'm going to have a statue of myself erected on top of your war base there. It's kind of grimy-looking, but I'm sure it can be tidied up a bit. Anyway, no one will pay it much mind when such beauty stands upon it."

"Was there something you wanted to tell, me, or did you just want to discuss statuary? State your point, Demon Lord, or I'm going back inside. My tomato garden needs me."

"Ah, yes, I did get a bit sidetracked," Ghirahim said. "You do try my patience, Sheikah. But allow me to explain." He paced near the edge of the pit. "I have been told that the reason you fight the demons is that you believe we are under a perpetual curse to seek to kill and enslave you. Is this what you truly believe?"

For a long moment, there was only silence from the red garbed woman. "Yes," Tala finally said.

It is true, then. The Sheikahs believe there is some sort of curse on us. Could such a thing truly exist? Could the ghost of Demise truly haunt us in that way? Everything I know about curses says it could not. And yet I also cannot imagine how such a misconception could arise.

"And how did you come to this conclusion?" Ghirahim asked.

"It was the Goddess herself who explained the curse to me, the curse that Demise placed on his own people so he could ensure his revenge."

"How exactly does such a thing work?"

"I'm afraid that vengeance curses are not my area of expertise, as I do not have the ability to cast or undo them. But Hylia understood the spell quite well."

"Hmmm, interesting. I think your Goddess was mistaken about whatever it is Demise did." Or lying.

"You doubtless think that Demise would not have done such a thing."

"I could not say what he would or would not have done." And I would not put anything past him, given what I know, but-how would such a spell even work? So many variables, and it would seek to control them all... "Still, surely you must realize that the reason we fight you is because we wish to live upon the surface again. And once I win, we will live upon the surface again. Your surrender can end the bloodshed and suffering of this conflict now. All you have to do is allow us to break the Seal. Keep your distance from us and we will leave you be as well. Your choice."

"Surely you must see that I cannot accept," Tala said. "If you are wrong, as I know you are, then no good can come from our surrender, even assuming you plan to keep your word. I know that the curse cannot be broken."

Well, I tried your way, Link. But I was right-only force will end this war.

"Such a pity." Dark clouds formed in the sky. "I have nothing more to say to you, then." Ghirahim raised a hand and funnel cloud began to form above the temple. The other Sheikahs quickly ushered Tala back inside before the tornado descended, shrieking and ripping at the building. So far none of his magic had ever had any effect on the temple. But it did put the Sheikahs on the defensive and give him something to take out his frustrations on.

After a few minutes, Ghirahim dissipated the tornado and the storm, then turned and walked away from the pit. I know what I need to do.

Ghirahim found Lord Terrin practicing at the archery range in front of the new palace. Terrin hit all the targets in succession.

"Usually people come here to practice with a longbow—not a crossbow," Ghirahim commented. "I would expect it would be rare to miss a target with that."

Terrin hit the center of the last target. "And that is precisely the point. I cannot imagine why I would want to miss. Anyway, I was trying to see how quickly I could hit the targets. Real targets move." He turned around. "But why are you here? Was there something important you wished to speak to me about?"

"Yes," Ghirahim said. "It's about the Unbreakable Sword."

"Really, now? Is it?" Terrin said, interest creeping into his voice. He lowered his crossbow.

"Yes. I've made my decision," Ghirahim said. He knew that once he was in Lanayru, he likely wouldn't return before the end of the week. So I have to deal with this now.

"So soon?"

"I'm planning to be away for more than a week."

"I see. And your answer is?"

Ghirahim took a deep breath. "That if you explain how it is you are immune to Tala's power, I will lend you the sword. Only so that you may kill Tala, of course. And you must complete the task today or else wait until I return to finish her." or die trying—but if that happens, the Sheikahs would likely gain possession of the sword. I must prevent that at all costs.

"Why not just give it to me until I can kill her?" Terrin asked.

"Because I'll be needing it when I travel to Lanayru."

"The goddess is trying to cross the sea?"

"I doubt she will try to cross the Sand Sea. Lanayru is a desert now."

"Ah. I suppose all things turn to sand and dust in time, though I did not expect it of that beautiful seaside land. Perhaps I should come along and assist-"

"No. Tell me how you came to be immune to Tala's power. That was our agreement."

"Very well. It was a fortuitous accident," Terrin said. "You remember what I told you about the knights of the round table, do you not?"

"Quite well."

"Well, every knight's sword was forged to repel spells against it. But this had an unintended side effect."

Ghirahim's gaze flicked to the sword sheathed on Terrin's back. The hilt stuck out just above his shoulder. Ghirahim could just make out the mark of the triforce on the grey hilt.

"The sword you wear-"

"Is the first one I ever owned," Terrin said. "It repels minor magical attacks directed towards its wielder. But though it's power to repel magic away from its wielder is weak, there is something it attracts most strongly."

"And what is that?"

"Magic's opposite," Terrin said.

"I think I require a more detailed explanation," Ghirahim said.

"Do you even know what my greatest achievement was during the war?"

When Ghirahim didn't answer, Terrin gave an exasperated sigh. "I know I tired of talking of it long before you were born, but-"

"You were the one to kill Tala's sister," Ghirahim said. What does that have to do with any of this, though?

"So you do know some history. Yes, I was the one who killed Death. Alat had long been a thorn in the side of Demise. She killed two of his original Elite Guard, and countless soldiers. Demise despised losing so many to one person. She was an army even by herself."

"So what happened?"

"Demise decided it was time to stop retreating in her wake. He devised a plan to take her by surprise. He told me what I needed to do. I succeeded in killing her, and though I didn't know it at the time, I also absorbed some of her power through my sword."

"How did you find out?"

"Ah, that is not such a happy memory." Terrin began walking back towards the palace. "In those days, we thought little of the one you face now. Tala had never been in any battles, and so far as we could tell, her power was mostly useful for healing. But we soon found out how very wrong we were—when she captured all four of Demise's Elite Guard."

"I thought you were immune to her power," Ghirahim said.

"Only to attempts to use it on me directly. If she creates something she sets to attack me, I am not immune to that. As she did when she captured the four of us with her accursed vines. Humiliating. But that would not have been so bad, by itself. I only began to fear when she explained what she planned to do with us."

"Really?" Ghirahim said. "I imagine she must have been quite creative in thinking up her vengeance, seeing as you killed her sister. But I did not think you feared death, even a painful one."

"No," Terrin said. "I did not. But Tala understood that, and so she devised something far more devious. She explained that she would remove our loyalty to Demise and replace it with loyalty to her."

"She can do that?" Ghirahim said, shocked.

"You really don't understand her power, do you? It's simple—Tala can control anything in the realm of life. Thankfully the range of her power is quite short, or none of you would be here now. You'd have marched yourselves back to the Seal and closed it up behind you."

"It would have been helpful if you had mentioned this before," Ghirahim said.

"Why? I've told you before never to get into the range of her power—that it would be your end if you did. Anyway, you will never destroy her without my help."

"Why not? She has to sleep sometime-"

Terrin laughed. "You really think so? I see I must explain again—Tala controls all life, and most of all her own. She does not need to sleep, because that is a function of life. And she does not need food or water either, although of course she may consume them as she wishes. I would venture to guess that she does not need to breathe, even, although that one I have not technically had the opportunity to test. Drowning her is quite impossible, though."

"So what you are saying is that she is invincible."

"Except for the Unbreakable Sword. That is the only weapon that could sever the connection between her and her magic, and thus destroy her once and for all."

Ghirahim frowned over at Terrin's blank mask. "Anyway, what happened after Tala captured you? How did you escape?"

"Well, after I was forced to watch her turn the other three of the Elite Guard against Demise, she tried to turn her power on me. After a minute or so of that absolute terror, I realized that clearly nothing was happening. When I saw the look of surprise in Tala's eyes, I knew I had to act. I used my telekinesis to escape her vines and fled."

"Why didn't you use it before?"

"I don't know about you, but my power does not work very well when I am terrified, and I had believed she had blocked my power as she did with the other guards. I'll admit, my earlier attempts had failed simply because I didn't believe they would work."

"I still don't understand why absorbing part of Alat's power would have made you immune to Tala's."

"I didn't understand, either. But Demise did. You see, Hylia didn't trust her little pets not to turn on each other. In order to prevent that, she made them both immune from being attacked directly by the power of the other. But instead of using magic to accomplish that, she used a power that is rare to this world, a power that will always nullify the specific sort of magic it is tuned to. It has the added advantage that it does not require the energy or conscious intervention of the bearer to operate."

"So how am I to verify that you actually have this power that you believe you possess?"

"Because you can sense it for yourself," Terrin said. "If you have the power to sense someone's magic, then you can sense this power as well. You simply need to invert your view, or so I have been told. I cannot directly sense the power I have myself."

Ghirahim spent a few moments puzzling over what that statement meant. Invert my view. Maybe—turn it upside down? No...that's not it. Perhaps it is like those pictures of a vase that become two faces...? Ah, that's it! So then—oh. I see. Ghirahim solemnly considered the very different picture of Terrin's power that he saw now. Terrin's magic was not very impressive-a mere spark compared to Ghirahim's. But this power, though it could only be used to one purpose, was something vast, almost beyond his ability to view it. Furthermore, Ghirahim had sensed Tala's power enough times to know that this power was, just as Terrin had claimed, its exact opposite.

"Are you convinced?" Terrin asked.

"Yes."

"Good. Then let us end this idle talk. Give me the sword so I may make Tala no more."