A/N: I'm currently going through the process of polishing up this story. I'm going to keep the writing style as it, though I don't think it's as good as my later stories. If the chapter headings are in bold, that means that that particular chapter has had some minor alternations done to it. Probably still haven't caught all the typos, though…

Disclaimer: Zelda and all related names belong to Nintendo. The non-game characters and all the words are mine.

The Legend of Zelda

The Apprentice

Prologue – The Meeting

The harsh desert wind whipped into her face as she trudged on, back bent, tunic flapping. Occasionally she had to flinch as granules of sand, like tiny shards of glass, flew into her unprotected eyes. She tried to swallow, but her mouth was too dry, and so her throat did nothing but tighten. The desert sun beat down upon her with its merciless, shimmering heat. She resisted the temptation to reach for her water pouch, knowing there was little left inside. Instead, she kept her hand gripped firmly on the hilt of her sword as it swung from her belt.

Soon, she would be there. One step in front of the other. One step. The next. She cursed herself for being a fool, for setting out on this Triforce-forsaken quest. The wind howled in her ears, as though demanding for her to stop, but she kept moving. The last settlement she'd seen was two days walk to the south. There, she had replenished her supplies, but now she was dangerously low on water. The old tattered map that she had bought from a mask seller had indicated a tiny village nearby. That had to be the place she sought. She scowled in distaste. What kind of fools would build a town here of all places?! Almost immediately the answer came to her. The kind of fool she was looking for.

Her eyes saw the tavern before her mind registered it. Biting down hard, she quelled the sudden catch of hope that had shot straight into her heart. Maybe she hadn't seen anything. Maybe it was a mirage. Her body rebelled against her mind's caution as she felt the aches in her bones, the weariness in her eyes. Rest. She needed to rest. Slowly she made her way to the small, dimly lit wooden building. It was real. Someone here must know the one she sought. Someone here must be able to help.

It was a shabby place. The wood was chipped and worn down by the constant sandstorms. Strange that anyone would even build a wooden structure in this heat. Maybe the sun had boiled their minds, blunting their common sense in the process.

She could hear the faint sounds of merry-making from within, and her heart tightened - she ached for the company. She growled at herself for feeling such weakness. Her boots were too loud and heavy as she walked onto the platform to the door. She paused then, noticing some tiny bells hanging there, tingling as they were buffeted about by the faint breeze. With a sharp grab, she silenced them, and then walked in.

She was a little disappointed that they didn't all stop what they were doing to turn to see her. So much for the dramatic entrance then, but she supposed that the less attention paid to her the better. The hum of human voices soothed her ears, especially since she'd listened to nothing but the wind for days. The smell of roasted meat brought upon sharp hunger pangs, which she tried to ignore, but failed - her mouth began to water.

As she strode across to the bar, her eyes quickly evaluated her surroundings. Two men at the furthermost table laughed heartily. Another man, sitting alone, quietly talked to a serving girl, her cheeks flushed red. She rolled her eyes at such nonsense.

Seated near to the door were two other men. One in a hood and thick cloak – ridiculous, considering the climate. And then there was the man facing him. Thin, blond and dressed in a worn out green tunic. Her eyes narrowed as her heart skipped again with hope. Was he the one?

She slid into a seat at the bar and turned to the tavernkeeper. "Nice place for a tavern," she croaked. From the flash of indignation she saw from his face, she knew it had been a mistake to open with a criticism. Inwardly, she cursed herself inwardly, then flashed him a weak smile. "So…you must make a killing in the water trade." The tavernkeeper cocked an eyebrow and she cursed herself again. What was with all these mooncalf comments?

"Well, ye aren't obviously from around 'ere!" he replied his voice surprisingly gentle voice, his grin revealing a mouth full of crooked teeth. He chuckled as he banged a mug down in front of her. The water sloshed about from the vibration. "Aye, it's water you need, lassie." He smiled again as she gulped down the cool, refreshing beverage, not caring if it was clean or not, and certainly not caring that she was spilling most of it down her chin. "We don't usually get strangers round these parts," he continued. "What brings ye here of all places?"

"Thank you," she replied, pushing the mug back towards him. "Well…I'm here looking for someone." She heard her voice sound uncertain. Anger blistered on her heart. No weakness. No more weakness. She continued, adding the bite of determination to her tone. "Someone important. Someone, who I've been told…is looking for an apprentice".

"Oh really," the tavernkeeper said, an amused tilt to his voice. She somehow found that annoying. "Lots of people here looking for an apprentice. You don't look the type to be a blacksmith's apprentice." He must have noted the angry flush to her face. "Or maybe you do." His eyes studied her. "Strong, quick…yes, maybe…blacksmith, it is."

"You're teasing me," she replied slowly. "I think I could handle being a blacksmith's apprentice, but who in the name of the Triforce would do such a thing in this heat? No. The one I search is a warrior. A hero. Someone famous. Someone important."

"Yes, yes…important. So you said," he muttered whilst eyeing her closely. "And what be this…'important' person's name?"

"Link." She saw it. An almost imperceptible glance to the table with the green suited man behind her, and she knew she'd found who she was looking for. Quick as an arrow, the tavernkeeper's eyes found her once again.

"Link?! Link?! What kind of damn fool name is that? And what be your name, lassie?"

"My name is Zayna". She shifted out of her chair with a look of triumph, throwing some rupees onto the bar. Zayna didn't need the theatrics. Everyone knew who Link was. Everyone knew the Hero of Time. She spun round to face the blond-haired man. "And you must be the one I'm looking for." She held out her hand.

There was a pause as the blond man looked at her hand, a slightly bemused look hanging on his face. Then, in a blur of movement, the hooded man opposite him shot out a gloved hand and shoved her back.

"Hey!" she growled. "There's no need for-." Zayna didn't see the kick coming. It caught her straight in the chest and flung her through the door outside. She choked on the sand, and cursed herself again as she tried to untie herself from her cloak. Luckily she had thin armour on under her tunic and, besides, the blow hadn't been too painful. She heard the crunch of boot on sand and hissed as she frantically tried to find her sword.

It took her a split second to hear the whoosh of a sword slicing towards her before she found her own weapon and drew it. The two swords clanged together. Small sparks, fluttering away as they glowed, sizzled in the heat as the two blades locked.

"I have no business with you, stranger," Zayna spat. She was on the ground and at a disadvantage. That wasn't acceptable. Zayna leaned back, lulling the Hooded One into thinking he was gaining strength on her. In one fluid movement she swept his legs from under him with a swift kick. Zayna jolted from the pain. She was still tired and weakened from her journey.

The Hooded One landed awkwardly on his shoulder, before rolling out the fall. Zayna dived towards him, but he deflected her thrust easily. She swung again, feeling the hot taste of anger fill her mouth. He dodged her again. Frustrated, she ran towards him screaming, her sword in a clumsy, two-handed grip above her head. Calmly he fell to his back and, using her own momentum against her, threw her up and over with his legs.

Zayna felt something crunch as she hit the ground hard, her sword spinning away from her. The Hooded One picked up her sword and walked towards her. She rubbed her neck as she tried to stand, but collapsed in a heap out of exhaustion. She felt the sword at her throat, and then felt the blade lift her chin. Her eyes met his. Humiliated and furious, she scowled up.

"Do you yield?" he asked in a soft voice.

"I do," she growled. Fatigue weakened her, as misery spread through her soul. Whoever this stranger was, he would pay one day for interfering in her business. Just as soon as she could get back to the one she sought, and give him an Oath of Allegiance. He'd be probably gone now. After seeing her pathetic display here, she couldn't blame him. This Hooded One would pay. But what did he want with her anyway?

"Well, that's good," he said. She could hear the smile in his voice and hated him more for it. He slowly removed his hood to reveal blond hair and a hint of green clothing under his cloak. "I mean, I wouldn't want to fight my new apprentice all the time now, would I?"