Prologue:

The storm outside had been steadily building all day. Renju had to wade through waist-deep snow to carry hay and feed to the animals in the stable outside of his inn. As daylight now faded into the evening, the storm grew in intensity, and hammered violently against the mountain village and its inhabitants. Confident that the animals would be safe, Renju now forced his way back through the storm and retreated to the safety of his inn. Shivering from the cold, he quickly brushed the snow from his head and arms, and added several logs onto the hearth fire.

The village of Hera stood at the feet of the Tower of Hera, atop Death Mountain in Northern Hyrule. Built many years ago, the Tower was meant to be a lookout and bastion of strength against foreign invasion. The village originally housed the tower's servants and craftsmen. But after only a few years, the garrison was abandoned and the tower passed from one nobleman to another, serving as a summer retreat or grand hunting-lodge on the mountain. Though the recent noblemen were reluctant to pay for the upkeep of such a far-flung relic, the villagers did their best to maintain its condition; keeping it well stocked with provisions and guarding it and the mountain passes against thieves and looters.

Renju, the village innkeeper, hurriedly prepared the evening meal for his guests. Normally, his inn would be empty in the winter; with most of the hunters, miners, and shopkeepers fleeing down the mountain and far to the south before the snows came. This year, however, winter had come on early and buried the mountain paths before anyone could leave. The Innkeeper now acted as host for two dozen disgruntled men: mostly miners or mountain-hunters. A few had been very vague about their business on the mountain, and he suspected that they might be small-time brigands or outlaws, hiding from the King's men. But Renju would tolerate them as long as they paid for their keep and didn't create trouble for him.

The inn was simply built: a large rectangle of heavy oak timbers brought up from the forests at the base of the mountain, with one door facing the mountain path that entered the village from the southwest. The main floor consisted of the tavern hall; a large room filled with simple tables and chairs surrounding a stone hearth in the center. At the back corner of the room, on the left side as you entered, stood the ale bench and a few crudely carved stools. A small door behind the bench led to the kitchen and storeroom in the back of the inn. On the right hand side, opposite the bar, a staircase carried travelers to their rooms on the second floor. Outside, on the northwest side of the inn, a stable had been built for the patron's horses and mules. Renju was nervous around the strangers' animals, but he knew his duty as the innkeeper and made sure that the mounts were well fed and watered every day.

As complete darkness drew over the mountain, Renju began lighting candles along the walls and on each of the inn's tables. Despite the cold, the orange glow gave the inn a much warmer feel. The captive patrons soon made their way down from their rooms and began their evening meal. Aside from calls for more ale, or grunts of thanks to Renju, few spoke more than a few words as the roar of the storm outside filled the hall. After their plates had been cleared and mugs refilled, the men moved their chairs into a close circle around the hearth to keep warm. Some, who were travelling in company, spoke in hushed voices with their comrades about how to leave the mountain, or about the prospects for ore once spring came. Several of the others just sat and stared into the flames of the hearth, wondering how long the food and ale would last. Renju, having cleared up and washed after the meal, carefully helped a very old man down the staircase and placed him near the fire on a small stool. "Good lad, thank you." the old man croaked as the innkeeper brought him a plate and mug. The others simply dismissed him after a glance; he was neither a threat nor competition, just some old man at the inn.

~Late that night~

Lightning flashed across the sky as the wind-whipped snow drew against the traveler's cloak. For several days and nights he had wandered the broken passes of Death Mountain, seeking a way to the tower at the summit. Now, as the brutal mountain blizzard bore down on him, he spied a small light high above as the path turned upward. The traveler dismounted, and led his horse forward through the storm. The cliff side was sheer, but a narrow stone path could still be found beneath the snow, climbing first one way, then the other, toward the summit. In his hand, the traveler held aloft a small crystal, faintly glowing with a red light. As he approached, the snow covering the path would melt and give way to a narrow trench. After he passed, the raging storm quickly replaced it and obscured the path once again. Shielding his eyes with his cloak, the traveler soon found the small village of Hera, wrapped around the base of a great stone tower atop the mountain.

Whatever sentries the village had were sheltering within their huts, convinced no man or beast could survive in the storm outside. Thus, no one remained to challenge the newcomer as he entered and led his horse into the stables beside the inn. The snow and thunder continued to grow stronger as the traveler forced his way through deep drifts, to the small inn's door. As the storm's wind curled around the mountain top and mercilessly pressed down on him, the traveler struggled with the door's iron bolt - either seized or frozen in place. Inside, the men huddled around the fire could only hear the roar of the storm and the constant creaking of the inn's walls. Suddenly, the inn's door burst open, allowing the furious storm to blow throughout the hall. In the blink of an eye, every candle in the inn was blown out, and the hearth fire reduced to a pile of brightly glowing coals. Smoke, ash, and sparks were lifted by the chaotic wind, and quickly flooded the hall, stinging eyes and choking throats.

"Close that blasted door!" bellowed Renju over the roar of the wind. Not noticing the traveler in the sudden darkness, his cry had been directed toward the men surrounding the fire. None of the gathered men obeyed, as all -save the old man- had thrown themselves down to shield the fire from the threatening wind. The traveler, invisible to all in the darkness, forced the door closed and bolted it despite the powerful blast outside. As the freezing air calmed, the men furiously stacked additional wood onto the hearth and coaxed new flames to life. The innkeeper, stumbling in the darkness, brought several fresh candles from under the bar, and carefully lit them in with the hearth's fire. "What in the blazing underworld was that?" he asked.

In the faint light from the hearth, at the far end of the inn, the men could make out a large, shadowy form standing just inside the door. His eyes locked on the shadow, Renju handed several of the candles to the men around him, and slowly stepped around the hearth. The traveler's cloak and hood concealed his features well, and cast an immense shadow against the wall behind him. Hands grasped daggers and clubs as the men anxiously watched the menacing shadow that had just entered their inn. "A man?" one miner asked in a whisper. "Could be a Yeti," whispered a hunter in return, "Even they can become desperate for food in these storms." As the traveler continued to silently study the terrified men, Renju frantically tried to think of who could possibly be traveling about the village in this storm. "C-Captain? Is that you sir?" he called in a high-pitched voice. Perhaps something had happened, and the captain of the village sentries had come for help. For a moment, the shadow remained silent and gave no reply, but soon began to move and grow larger. Heavy footfalls on the timbered floor could be heard, as the stranger drew closer. "What's your business here?! ANSWER ME!" shouted Renju, as daggers were swiftly drawn, and burning branches lifted from the fire. Shadows danced wildly around the room, as several of the men closed up and came beside Renju. "D-don't come any closer!" cried the innkeeper, "we're armed!"

The footsteps slowed, and halted a few paces from the gathered men. They could now make out the dark hood, cloak, and black boots of the stranger... but no face could be seen below the hood... only complete blackness. A tiny "ping" of metal rang out as a flicker of golden light leapt from the stranger, thumped against Renju's chest, and clattered to the floor. The men recoiled and stepped back half a pace as the terrified innkeeper searched his chest for a wound. "The Chestnut mare in your stable will need accommodation," came the traveler's voice, "and so will I." Holding their makeshift torches out and casting a wider light, Renju was able to spot the Hylian Guilder the traveler had tossed to him. Picking it up and turning it over in his hands, he marveled at the rare coin. Only rupees were more precious, but had become very difficult to find. On the mountain, the common folk used silver or goods to barter. Only noblemen carried gold, and even then they very rarely spent it on the villagers. The innkeeper, more confused than ever, looked back up at the dark stranger, and asked, "Will the master be requiring anything else?" A bit odd, given the tension, but Renju now feared angering a nobleman, and the stranger had not made any threatening moves.

"A fire to warm my hands," said the traveler as he brushed the snow from his cloak and hood, "and the finest bottle of red that you have... with two glasses please." The darkness of the shadow seemed to subside and its form shrink to match the outline of the newcomer. As Renju returned to his bar to fetch the traveler's order, the men sheathed their daggers, dropped their torches back into the hearth, and cautiously returned to their seats. The stranger now gently stepped forward and, removing two smooth, black leather gloves, began to warm his hands over the fire. With the light in the hall slowly growing brighter, the men were now able to study the traveler much closer. A fair colored, beardless chin and pointed nose could now be seen under the hood. His hands were also fair, with long slender fingers and well kept nails. His cloak either had many layers and folds, or his robes were the same deep black, as his body and gear (if he possessed any) were completely hidden. His boots were tall, most likely knee-high, and a very highly polished black. The fire's light danced and reflected off of them onto the floor.

Renju returned with a large silver tray topped with two crystal goblets and a large, dusty bottle of wine. Placing it on the table nearest the stranger, the innkeeper did his best to smile cheerfully. "Welcome to Hera!" he declared as the traveler moved away from the fire and silently sat at his table. The man seemed to take absolutely no notice of Renju and gave no acknowledgement to the welcome whatsoever. With his hood still raised, the traveler uncorked the bottle of wine and poured a generous helping into the first goblet. Unsure of what to do, Renju looked to his patrons, who simply shrugged and shook their heads in mutual disbelief. Determined to learn something about his newest guest, Renju loudly cleared his throat, and set his hands onto his hips. The traveler paused briefly, and looked up at him. "Welcome.. friend," Renju began, "What business brings you to the mountain?" Despite his obligation to be courteous and hospitable, Renju was still rather sore about the startling appearance of the stranger and the fact that he seemed to be traveling in such a suicidal storm.

"My business is my own," replied the stranger darkly, "and we are not friends... but I thank you for the offer." Renju's cheerful smile was now gone and replaced with an insulted scowl. "Begging the master's pardon, sir..." he began through gritted teeth, "But you are a stranger here and traveling at strange times, to say nothing of the sudden fright you inflicted on every man here!" "Speak for yourself!" chuckled a few of the men by the fire. The innkeeper angrily waved at them to be quiet as he continued to stand defiantly beside the stranger. "Did I frighten you?" the stranger replied, "I am greatly distressed to hear that!" His voice was cold and emotionless. He slowly turned in his seat to face Renju, and reached for something at his side, beneath his cloak. The innkeeper took a step back as the men around the fire once again reached for their weapons. A small coin-purse, a little larger than a fist, dropped onto the silver tray, spilling a few additional guilders. "Bread, cheese, meat, and some ale for my friends!" said the stranger in a much warmer tone.

Renju, not realizing the order, stared dumbly at the small pile of gold on his tray. "Now, if you please! I'm quite hungry!" the traveler pressed, slightly annoyed. "O-oh... yes, sir." he muttered, as he turned back toward his storeroom and hurried off. As the stranger returned to his goblet, a long piercing whistle came from one of the men sitting by the fire. Since no one knew his real name, the men just called him "Blot" for the large, unfortunate purple birthmark on his face. He was a pickpocket and sometime brigand of the mountain roads, making his living at the expense of innocent travelers and merchants. Everyone who met him despised him, but he always paid Renju for his ale and sometimes brought news from the south, so the innkeeper tolerated him as long as he was quiet. "Blot", turning his knife around in his hand to pick his teeth, stepped toward the stranger, "That's alotta gold for a fancy-lad all alone in the mountains!" he jeered, "Where'd you steal it? hmm?" "Leave him be Blot! I'm not listening to your filth tonight, it's too cold!" bellowed the innkeeper from the back. "Nah nah!" returned Blot with a disgusting snicker, pointing the dagger at the traveler, "young lad, all alone and dressed up in fancy boots, lays the king's gold here? What? You pickin' my roads are ya?! Who're you anyhow huh? With your fancy boots and your fancy words huh?" The stranger sat calmly, continuing to sip at his wine. "I am no one that you need concern yourself with friend. Please, sit, and enjoy the fire." he said quietly. "Friend?!" laughed Blot, "So we's friends now is we?! Tell ya what, why don't you hand over them fancy boots friend and I'll let you keep the gold?" as he said this, Blot flicked his dagger at the traveler's feet. "I said leave him be Blot! or so help me!" growled the innkeeper as he made his way back into the room, carrying two large trays laden with food and drinks. Blot twisted around and shouted, "Shut it!", but when he turned back to the traveler, the point of a bright, razor-sharp long sword hovered only an inch from his right eye.

In perfect silence and blinding speed, the traveler had drawn a brilliant sword from under his cloak, and risen from his chair. Blot gave a surprised gasp and leaned back away from the weapon as the traveler slowly stepped toward him. "My friends," he began with a slowly rising voice, as Blot stumbled back and fell onto the floor, "know that I only give sound advise Blot." Dropping his dagger, Blot hurriedly shuffled backward as the traveler kept advancing, keeping his sword right to Blot's eye. "My friends," the stranger was now shouting, "are wiser for the advise that I give." The circle of gathered men opened once more, as Blot continued to shuffle backward, knocking over several mugs of ale. "Oh dear, What have you done now?" the stranger shouted mockingly, "Now more of us have a good reason to kill you Blot!" The terrified thief had now backed up right against the hearth, and leaned precariously backward over the fire. "P-p-please..." he whimpered, as the traveler roared at him, "I-AM-NO-ONE-YOU-WILL-CONCERN-YOURSELF-WITH-BLOT!" Blot looked right up into the strangers face. The firelight revealed the face of a young man, twisted and crazed. His eyes were open very wide and seemed to cast a golden/orange light by the fire. His smile was deranged with menacingly bared teeth. Blot had never been more terrified in his entire life. This madman was going to either skewer him or burn him alive.

Many had risen to their feet, some to enjoy Blot's humiliation with satisfaction; others were afraid they would have to pull Blot from the fire. As Blot's clothing began to smolder and smoke, the traveler, suddenly snapping to a very calm and peaceful voice, finished: "and you are not being very wise are you Blot?" Desperate for any escape at all, Blot furiously shook his head "no," with sweat dripping from his brow. "Then heed my words Blot," the traveler began again, "I am no one you will concern yourself with... now please... sit and enjoy the fire!" The traveler flicked his sword away and sheathed it under his robes. Blot scampered quickly back to his stool, furiously patting his own clothes and whimpering at his small burns.

The innkeeper gently set the food down as the traveler returned to his seat. Unsure of what to do, everyone in the room, save Blot, stared at the swordsman in silence. The traveler began to break apart the loaf of bread and prepare his dinner. "Begging the master's pardon, but by what name may we know you sir? Travelers are rare and... suspicious things in these mountains sir." Renju began delicately, as the traveler raised his head slightly and looked into the innkeeper's eyes. "M-m-meaning no disrespect to you sir," he stammered, "if we knew your p-p-purpose, some here might be able to help you sir, by directions or whatever you may require." The innkeeper's hands shook as the traveler continued to stare at him. Those bright green eyes seemed to bore into his mind and search him for something.

For several minutes, the traveler silently chewed his fare and drank his wine. He was enjoying their uncertainty, their... fear. This would help him find what he was looking for. Blot continued to whimper and delicately touch the small burns on his backside. "Pathetic man" the traveler thought to himself as he eyed Blot, "Should have been put down years ago." The sound of the raging blizzard outside and the creaking of the inn's heavy timbers were the only sounds the men could hear. As Renju at last gave up any hope of getting information out of the stranger, the traveler announced to the room, "I am called Ulric. I am looking for someone." He lowered his hood, and shook loose his golden hair. He was young; not yet 25 the innkeeper thought to himself. "W-who is the young master looking for?" asked the innkeeper as he passed the fresh mugs of ale around to the men by the hearth. Several lifted their mugs to the traveler and nodded their heads in thanks as he raised his glass in return. "I do not know his name." Ulric answered, "but I am told that he lives near the Tower."

The inn's patrons shifted and glanced at one another uncomfortably. Everyone who made their living on the mountain lived in the village or the Tower. "What else can you tell us about this man, bounty hunter?" one of the men asked. Ulric's ears twitched at the new title, "I seek only the man, not a bounty." He answered. He took another drink of his wine, and savored its flavor before continuing, "It is said, this man is a great story teller and Lore-Master. He knows every myth and fable from the five kingdoms, and when he speaks," Ulric paused and dramatically waved his arms out in front of him, "the mind itself is carried away and shown visions of his tales." The men glanced at each other puzzled... why would a rich swordsman climb Death Mountain... for a story teller? "No doubt, you seek him for your lord... eh?" croaked the old man sitting by the fire opposite from Ulric, "To amuse his children... eh?" The swordsman lifted his tray, and moved around the hearth, to a table near the old man. "Hush now papa," whispered Renju, "You're not the man he seeks. What do you know of stories?" The old man groaned as he turned himself on his stool to face Ulric, and give his back a chance to warm by the fire. "Young one," the old man started, "You well remember the stories I used to tell you and your sisters by the fireside." Ulric's eyes seemed to shine in the firelight; the men could see an eager intensity as he studied the old man. He was old, very old, well past 80 years. The top of his head was bald, but the hair on its sides hung in white sheets down to his shoulders. His grey/white beard reached well past the sash of his dark robes. Sadly, the old man's eyes had become frost-covered with age, and he could see little more than a foggy glow coming from the fire. One feature that stuck out to all, was his cloven right ear. He had once borne the proud pointed ears of a Hylian man, but at some point in his life, all but the first inch of his right ear had been cut off.

Ulric poured a generous glass of his wine into his second goblet and, approaching the old man, gently guided his hand to it. "Oh-oh, what's this?" he muttered as he brought the wine to his lips, "ahh, a wonderful vintage... I thank you Sir Ulric! I am honored to be served by your hand! mm-yes, wonderful vintage!" Ulric gave a light bow, as the old man reveled in the rare treat, and returned to his seat. "And h-h-how can I repay such kindness sir?" the old man questioned when his glass was half drained, "You have sought me out... you have refreshed my voice... what can I do to be of service on such a bitter night?" Everyone continued to watch Ulric, as the innkeeper moved around the room, relighting the extinguished candles. Ulric scanned each of the men in turn, studying them. None of them knew who he really was, and he did not care for who they were, only the old man concerned him. "I have heard of your speech-craft, old man, and the skill which you tell your stories." he began as he leaned forward and gently lowered his voice, "and I wish to hear one of your tales." The innkeeper's hands shook as he lit the last few candles; constantly darting glances back at his grandfather and the strange swordsman. "O-oh! Such a treat then!" smiled the old man nervously, "What tale shall I tell? What does the young warrior wish to hear hmm? A tale of adventure perhaps? O-or maybe a story of love gained and lost hmm? That usually speaks well to most young men! Or p-perhaps, a good tragedy hmm? To suit the night?" the old man waved his hand about, signaling the storm outside as he finished.

Ulric now lowered his voice to a whisper, "I wish to hear a legend, old man." The old man furrowed his brow as his mouth hung partly open, "A... A 'legend' you say?" he stammered. The innkeeper now returned and stood behind his grandfather, resting a hand on the old man's shoulder. The others, gathered around the hearth, sat in captured silence, watching the strange swordsman and the old man speak. "Yes..." answered Ulric, "Tell me of... Power... of Wisdom... and of Courage!" The traveler was whispering, but his voice carried a threatening firmness; He would not tolerate resistance in this request. The old man shuddered as a few of the men rose and retreated to their rooms, shaking their heads. "What you seek... is forbidden," the old man croaked, reaching up and touching his damaged ear, "such tales... are not to be spoken of in the King's realm." The innkeeper now stepped around his grandfather and placed himself between him and the swordsman. Renju folded his arms and did his best to put on a stern face, but he still shook inside at the man before him. Ulric retrieved a second bag of gold from under his robes, and tossed it onto the floor beside the old man. A large number of guilders poured out and around their feet. The other men, even Blot, slid their chairs backward away from the gold, as Renju hurried to gather them up and return them to their purse. At any other time, these men would have been stuck dumb at the sight of such wealth. Gold and jewels were incredibly rare on the mountain, save those taken from the mine, but those were always sent south to the king. "W-well... I..." the old man stammered. "No one will know of this, I assure you, old man." Ulric soothed, "And none will come to harm." Having retrieved all of the coins, the innkeeper held the purse out to Ulric, but withdrew his arm from Ulric's glaring eye. "There is... o-one tale... a 'legend'... as you say sir," the old man began, but his grandson cut him off, "No papa! Don't!" But the old man reached up and patted the innkeeper on the arm, "Hush now child. This knight has come for me, not for you."

The old man drained the rest of his wine with shaking hands, and Ulric gently refilled his glass. "Bring him whatever he desires." he instructed the innkeeper. "There is... a 'legend'... that my grandfather taught to me when I was a very young lad. He had learned it from his grandfather before him. It is... a tale of adventure... of love... of great tragedy... and...of..." the old man trailed off as his frosted eyes looked right at Ulric, "of the three." he finished. Ulric, and the gathered men, sat motionless as they waited for the old man to continue. "It was very long ago. In a time when the great spirits of the forests, fields, and mountains still showed themselves to men. When the sun shown brighter and the world was much fairer and green. In that time, the Kingdom of Hyrule was much greater than it is now; in both power and wealth, and the four Lesser Kingdoms served under Hyrule's domain. Necluda, Akkala, and Faron were all gathered together into The Greater Hyrule by the royal family. The desert wastelands to the west, the 'Gerudo deserts' as they were called then, were subjugated and made to pay tribute to our King." Ulric sat, leaned forward, with his chin on his right hand, as he watched the old man intently. "In that time... there were tales, or 'legends' of a great... g-golden p-p-power... hidden within the Kingdom." continued the old man, but the other men in the room shook their heads and covered their ears: Speaking of the "Golden Power" or of "Power, Wisdom, and Courage" together was considered taboo. "Many sought this power to fulfill their own desires. Some traveled on great quests to find it. Others, would use magic and divination to seek it out and to claim it. Many left their homes and families, never to return. A few would give up their foolish search and return disappointed... but one man..." the old man now leaned close to Ulric and whispered, "One man... found that which he sought."

"The Great Thief." Ulric added. The old man raised his eyebrows in surprise, "You know of him?" he asked. "Only whispers and myths," the swordsman answered, "but not the complete story." A few moments passed as the old man sipped at more wine. His nerves were badly strained, and he feared what this stranger would do to him and his family once the tale was finished. "I doubt any know 'the complete story' as you say, young master, time has a cruel way of obscuring, burying, or blending the truth." the old man replied. "But you..." started Ulric, "You know more of that truth than any living man." The old man pressed his lips together and sucked at his teeth. In his youth, he had been proud to be the village lore-keeper and wiseman of the tower, but now... now it seems his knowledge had become a curse. He tried desperately to think of any way to escape the swordsman or to send him on his way; but the young man knew too much already, and would not be deterred. Breathing a deep sigh, the old man surrendered to his fate, and began again: "This story, is as old as Hyrule itself. Countless generations have passed in its telling... even my grandfather could not say how many years had passed since it began."

As the blizzard raged outside, the small gathering in the inn silently listened to the Old Man's tales. Despite the late hour, weariness did not seem to come, as all were carried away in the mind's eye to see the events of the forgotten past.


Background Exposition - You can skip to the bottom if you are familiar with Skyward Sword & Ocarina of Time

The Era of Chaos, The Temple, and the Spiritual Stones

Legends tell of a time long ago, beyond the counting of men, when the people of the earth lived in a wondrous paradise with the Goddess Hylia. Though they were born of the earth and she of the Great Goddesses, they came to see her as a beloved mother, and they were her faithful children. Together, peace and happiness filled creation and all who lived, knew only joy. But one day, a deep and terrible darkness began to seep from the ground, and cloud the sky against the Goddesses' beautiful sun. For the first time, evil had entered into the world. A great arch-demon had secretly created a vast army beneath the earth and unleashed them upon Hylia and her children. A terrible and vicious war was waged between light and dark. The Goddess herself was drawn into battle against the demon as her children fled to safety. Though the beautiful Hylia was supremely powerful, her heart was given to love and kindness and not well suited for the cruelty of war and battle. The demon, however, was ruthless and filled with hatred. He soon bested the goddess, and struck her down with a mortal wound. All hope seemed lost, when one man turned back from the fleeing masses and came to the Goddess' aid. Taking up the Goddess' sword, and claiming the power of the Triforce, the first Knight of Hylia drove the demon back and wished for its complete and utter destruction. By the power of the Great Golden Goddesses, the arch-demon was defeated and peace returned to the world. The valiant knight embraced his beloved Goddess as she lay wounded on the battlefield. She promised him that she would always watch over her children and that she would always love him. Her magnificent form grew into a great white light and slowly faded away. Whether the Goddess had indeed perished, or simply taken a different form, none now know.

The people took the name of "Hylians" in her honor, and founded the Kingdom of Hyrule. The royal family decreed that for all time, the Hylian people would worship and remain faithful to Hylia through every joy and every sorrow that mortal life would bring. A great temple was built over the site where the Goddess fell, and all would come to honor and give thanks for her sacrifice. Centuries of peace would see the Kingdom slowly grow and spread over the landscape as the Hylians prospered. But, as with all things, the dreamlike peace would not last forever. As the people spread further and further across the earth, many began to doubt the truth of the Legend of Hylia and slowly abandoned their faith. Others, who still believed the tales, became bitter and resentful at being left in a world that forced them to struggle against hunger, fear, and pain. Without their Goddess, the Hylians were made to bear the sad realities of mortal life: toiling in the fields for food, struggling against the winter's cold or summer's heat, and the horrible ravages of sickness and death. Many now turned their thoughts to the mythical Triforce, which the Goddess' knight had used to defeat the demon of the past. Surely such power could ease the Hylians' suffering... perhaps it could even restore the immortal paradise their ancestors had once known.

Only the Royal Family possessed knowledge of where the Goddess' knight had left the Triforce. They knew of the great potential of the Triforce's power, but they feared what would happen if it ever fell into the hands of darkness. As discontent among the people grew, the King urged the Hylians to look to their faith and to each other, not to the Triforce for deliverance. Despite the King's efforts, war soon came. Hyrule and the surrounding lands shattered into several different factions, all seeking the power of the Triforce for their own aims. The King's Guard: The Knights of Hylia, repeatedly beat back the warring clans in a struggle to keep the castle safe. But as time wore on, the casualties began to mount and the capital was laid under siege. Soon, great war engines hurled boulders and flaming missiles into the city, shattering the Great Temple of Hylia and setting much of the town on fire. The King's councilors urged him to use the power of the Triforce to eliminate the invaders and save all who remained faithful; but the King would not use the Triforce for such a violent act. He feared he would become a new demon of his era if he killed so many Hylians with the Goddesses' power.

As the council debated furiously and the King grew weary, a number of shadowy spies managed to slip into castle. These intruders came from a small tribe of dark sorcerers that sought to take the Triforce and assert their power over all Hylians. Immersing themselves in the blackest magics, they had crafted several powerful artifacts which allowed them to move unseen through the shadows and strike when their enemies were most vulnerable. These interlopers nearly succeeded in capturing the Triforce and assassinating the royal family, but were stopped by the forces of light. When defeat had come so close to his home, the King decided that the only way to end the war, was to remove what the rebels were searching for: the Triforce itself.

During the war, the King's beautiful daughter, Princess Zelda, had come of age. The Royal family discovered that she possessed incredible magical powers that went beyond any Hylian mage or wiseman. The King, the Princess, and the royal council gathered in the shattered sanctuary of the Great Temple. Princess Zelda, using her power, reached out and opened a small gateway to the Goddesses' "Sacred Realm." The King, having brought the Triforce from its hidden location, entrusted the Great Golden Power to the Sacred Realm. Rauru, chieftain of the King's Wisemen, brought the legendary Master Sword forward, and presented it to the Princess. Princess Zelda used her power to bind the sword to the gateway of the Sacred Realm, commanding it to only open for one whom the sword deemed worthy to wield it. As the spell was completed, Rauru bade farewell to his King and his comrades, as he selflessly volunteered to enter the Sacred Realm and act as the final line of defense against any evil that might try to claim the Triforce. As the brilliant light flashed out, the beautiful music of the Sacred Realm faded away, and the Triforce was sealed away from the mortal realm. A shadow seemed to be lifted from the hearts of the warring Hylians and soon peace was restored. Many had feared that by separating the Triforce from Hyrule, all life would slowly wither and pass away; but as the years passed, the Hylians began to prosper again and to forget about the Golden Power. Zelda, upon her coronation as Queen, commanded that the great temple be restored to its former glory, and that the chamber of the Sacred Sword should be sealed behind a great stone door.

The Queen, having traveled across the land to the three sacred temples of the Great Goddesses, fashioned three beautiful stones of emerald, ruby, and sapphire. Within these, she had contained the sacred flames of the goddesses from each of the temples. As the masons worked, Zelda poured her power into the new door and connected it to the sacred stones. Only one who had obtained the three stones would be permitted to open the door and enter the chamber of the sword. Their efforts completed, the temple was renamed "The Temple of Time" and the great stone door "The Door of Time." Zelda earnestly prayed that the plans they had laid and the barriers they built would keep the Triforce and the Sacred Realm safe forever.

The Great Hylian Civil War

Several generations of relative peace followed the construction of the Temple of Time. Small conflicts would rise and fall as the Kingdom grew larger and established dominion over a wider area of the world. Akkala, Necluda, and Faron were all gathered under the Royal Family's banner as provinces of "Greater Hyrule." These regions were inhabited by Hylians who had wandered far from the ancient kingdom and forgotten the legends of the past. Though the adjustment was not always easy, these new provinces soon accepted their inclusion into the Kingdom and became instrumental to its prosperity. The desert wasteland to the west, however, proved to be much more resistant to the Hylian's influence. The desert was inhabited by a far removed tribe of Hylians, who now called themselves "The Gerudo." These Gerudo had lived outside of the Goddess' realm and under the blistering sun for so long, that their skin had darkened considerably and their once proud Hylian ears had become stunted and curved.

During the chaos of the great war, the Gerudo had been the first to seek out the power of the Triforce, hoping to use it to change their desert wasteland into a fertile paradise. After the Triforce was sealed in the sacred realm, the Gerudo bitterly returned to their desert exile and struggled to survive without the Goddess' blessing. After the consolidation of "Greater Hyrule", the Gerudo became fearful that the massive Hylian kingdom would come to claim them as well. Indeed, the royal family and the council of wisemen viewed the Gerudo as a minor threat that needed to be addressed. Some saw the Gerudo as the Kingdom's "lost children" that should be returned to the family for their own wellbeing. Others still held on to the bitterness of the Gerudo's involvement in the war which resulted in the destruction of the Temple of Hylia and the sealing of the Triforce. They sought the Gerudo's destruction or subjugation. As the King considered his options and prepared his army for a possible conflict, a male child was born to the Gerudo tribe. Male Gerudo were exceptionally rare at that time, and Gerudo myths warned that male heirs would bring great change to the tribe if they were allowed to live.

The name of the boy's mother has been lost to time, and many even believe that he was not born of a woman at all, but created through foul sorcery. What is known, is that the child was raised by the twin sorceresses Koume and Kotake. They proclaimed the child's name to be: Gannondorf Dragmire, and that upon his coming of age, he should become the chieftain of the Gerudo. Many secretly opposed the child's ascension being a foregone conclusion as all Gerudo were required to prove themselves to the tribe before being granted authority or power, but the magical powers of the sorceresses were fearsome, and none would dare to speak openly against them. Gannondorf's entire youth was devoted to becoming the greatest warrior, and the greatest sorcerer of the Gerudo tribe. Upon his coming of age and ascension to the leadership of the Gerudo, Gannondorf declared that the Gerudo tribe would never be subservient to the Hylian Crown. Furthermore, the Gerudo would take what they wished from the Hylians for threatening their sovereignty.

So began the conflict that would spread throughout Greater Hyrule as "The Great Hylian Civil War." At first, the Gerudo invasion focused on the lands and mountain passes immediately adjacent to their own lands. The Citadel of Aryn, a small fortress on Hyrule's western flank, was the first to fall. The house of Aryn had been a faithful servant of the Royal Family for generations, and eagerly volunteered to garrison the citadel and provide warning of a Gerudo incursion. Though the warriors of Aryn fought valiantly, the entire garrison was massacred and the fortress destroyed by Gannondorf. Only a few messengers on horseback managed to escape and warn the Kingdom of the coming danger. For months, the Gerudo and Hylian forces clashed violently with little-to-no success. Though the Gerudo were talented warriors and Gannondorf possessed powerful magic, the Hylians were better equipped and better supplied for war.

Frustrated with the stalemate, Gannondorf revealed his true cunning. Through emissaries and secret meetings, Gannondorf seduced the provincial leaders of Necluda, Akkala, and Faron with promises of independent kingdoms of their own, and great power. Though many distrusted Gannondorf and suspected ulterior motives, they could not shake the temptation from their minds of breaking with Hyrule and establishing their own powerful kingdoms. While the Hylian people had treated the natives of Greater Hyrule with love and compassion, the Royal Family had refused to allow the regions' prominent leaders to join with the Royal Household and enter the line of succession for the throne. Vague allusions were made that the royal bloodline was somehow "holy" and could not be set aside. This had stoked suspicions that the Central Hylians secretly looked down upon their cousins and considered them to be "Lesser Hylians." The mutinous temptations became a true betrayal when the provincial leaders demanded that the King formally adopt their houses into the royal line of succession, or they would declare themselves free and independent kingdoms, in their own right. The King was furious at the ultimatum, and dispatched every company of soldiers he possessed to put down these rebellions and to bring the traitors to justice.

Several years of brutal war followed, with much of Greater Hyrule being decimated in the process. Though he had succeeded in destabilizing the vast kingdom, Gannondorf was never able to achieve the decisive victory on the battlefield that he sought. After nearly a decade of butchery, Greater Hyrule was subdued and the Kingdom reestablished; allowing the full weight of a battle-hardened Hylian Army to be brought down upon the Gerudo. The final battle commenced in the shadow of the ruined citadel of Aryn. The landscape quickly became a scene of complete horror. Fields of mangled and burned bodies covered the western hills of Hyrule as the Gerudo desperately thrashed and broke themselves against the shield-wall of the Hylians. Gannondorf himself led charge after charge, casting deadly bolts of black magic and killing scores of Hylian soldiers.

In the end, the Gerudo were defeated, and their chieftain seized and taken before the King. The King's councilors and captains demanded that Gannondorf be swiftly executed on the field. Only his blood could atone for the countless lives lost and the misery brought upon Greater Hyrule. Also, by displaying his severed head on a pike to the remaining Gerudo, the King might deter them from any future action against the kingdom. The King saw the wisdom in the arguments, and desired to end Gannondorf's life himself. But he was a cautious leader and forced himself to control his anger and delayed Gannondorf's execution. Bound in heavy chains, Gannondorf was forced to kneel before the King of Hyrule. The king demanded that if he had any words that could change his fate and move the Hylian's hearts, then he should speak quickly. Gannondorf, sharp and cunning, answered that Gerudo males were special creations of the Sand Goddess of the desert and that if any man were to kill one, he would bring a curse down upon his house for all time. Many of the Hylians laughed at this, as they did not believe in the Gerudo Sand Goddess. The King scowled darkly at Gannondorf and asked if that was the best he could do. Seeing his options quickly running out, Gannondorf added that his birth had heralded a time of great change for the Gerudo and that Gannondorf must have -mistakenly- believed that he was meant to overthrow the Hylians. Now, he saw the error of his ways, and knew that his purpose was to lead the Gerudo to a greater peace with the Hylians. Maybe to even return them to the teachings of Hylia.

Against the wishes of his commanders, the King of Hyrule agreed to allow Gannondorf to live. He would briefly be held prisoner in Hyrule, but he would be returned to the Gerudo after swearing oaths of fealty and obedience to the King and agreeing to provide tribute to the kingdom each year. Gannondorf was commanded to convince the Gerudo to abandon their warlike ways, and to begin adopting Hylian customs. Eager for any chance to regroup and plan his next attack, Gannondorf accepted. Several tense years passed in peace. The Gerudo seemed to abandon their warlike stance against the Hylians and even opened trade with them. The Hylians, eager to pacify their aggressive neighbors, welcomed the new markets and promoted open trade with the Gerudo. The King even granted special leave for a select few Gerudo traders to move about the kingdom and even keep small homes in Hyrule. Gannondorf quietly did what he could to satisfy the Hylians as he began to realize that the only way to obtain his goal, would be from within Hyrule itself.

Gannondorf seemingly remained eager to keep the Hylians comfortable and convinced their security was assured. He would have to spend a great deal of time within Hyrule itself to find what he was looking for; and he needed the ability to move freely and uninterrupted. In the fourth year of peace, Gannondorf offered to return to Hyrule and reaffirm his oaths to the King, as well as to personally deliver the tribute the Gerudo were preparing to send. The King and his council were surprised by the offer, but encouraged. "Perhaps Gannondorf truly means to bring his people back into the fold." they believed. The King's daughter, Zelda, urgently pleaded with him to deny Gannondorf's request. She warned him of dark nightmares and evil omens she had experienced surrounding that man, and was sure his presence in Hyrule would only bring ruin. The King dismissed her as a superstitious child, and granted Gannondorf leave to approach the capital.

The Ocarina of Time

As Gannondorf wooed the Hylian court, and bombastically reaffirmed his allegiance to the Hylian Crown, Princess Zelda met with a young boy named Link in her private courtyard at the castle. When their eyes met, Zelda felt a deep connection with him and a sudden confidence that this boy had been sent to her by destiny. She was certain that he was the key to helping her save Hyrule from Gannondorf's evil plans. She quickly dispatched him on a quest to find and gather the three spiritual stones that her ancestor had created. Her goal was to obtain the Triforce before Gannondorf could discover its location, and to use its power to banish him back to his homeland forever. Zelda also revealed to Link that her ancestor had created an additional "secret key" to open the way to the sacred realm: The Ocarina of Time. Carved from an ancient blue stone and imbued with sacred power, the Ocarina possessed many strange and mystical abilities. Only one who could obtain the three spiritual stones and the Ocarina of Time, could open the Door of Time and find his way to the Sacred Realm.

The boy traveled far and wide across Greater Hyrule on several perilous adventures, facing terrible beasts of darkness and helping the inhabitants of Hyrule where ever needed. In time, the boy succeeded in collecting all three of the spiritual stones and returned to the capital to present them to Princess Zelda. As he approached the outer gate to the capital city, he found it closed and the drawbridge raised high - something that had not been done since the end of the Civil War. Despite the high walls, Link could hear the screams of terrified Hylians and the ring and clash of steel inside. Gannondorf had sprung his trap. The sun dipped below the horizon and darkness filled the sky as panic began to swell inside Link's chest. He could not think of any other way into the city and he desperately wanted to find Zelda to make sure she was safe. Suddenly, a cry from the tower-guard signaled the lowering of the drawbridge and the opening of the gates. As Link moved to rush into the city, he was met by a brilliant white stallion, charging at full speed out of the gate. As the boy leapt out of the horse's path, he heard the cry of Zelda's voice calling to him to catch something. In the darkness, the deep blue Ocarina was invisible and sailed clear over Link's head and landed in the nearby moat. He heard the water splash behind him, but he kept his eyes on Zelda and her attendant as they fled into the night.

Gannondorf was not far behind. Blasting troublesome guards and townsfolk out of his way, he too dashed through the capital city and out of the open gates. As he reached the open expanse of Hyrule's northern grasslands, a fierce rainstorm had gathered and obscured his vision. Finding no trace of the Princess, Gannondorf cried out in his fury, he had been so close. Soon, his eyes fell upon Link, who stood to the side of the drawbridge, near the moat's edge. The Great Thief demanded the Boy tell him something, anything about where the Princess had gone, but Link remained silent, and drew his small sword in defiance. Gannondorf knocked Link into the moat for resisting him, and charged south in a useless effort to find Princess Zelda. Link struggled against the storm-swollen moat as he desperately tried to swim to the water's edge. Suddenly, as if a silent voice had whispered into his ear, he knew that he should dive down and reach out his hand toward the bottom. Miraculously, in the darkness, Link had recovered the Ocarina. When he reached the water's edge, and climbed back onto dry ground, he suddenly felt a powerful urge to take the Ocarina to the Temple of Time.

In a trance-like state, Link slowly walked through the city gates, across the bloodstained fountain courtyard, and on to the Temple's entrance. He neither heard, nor saw the destruction and chaos wrought by Gannondorf's servants. As he walked deeper into the temple, the boy could hear Zelda's voice in his mind: "Link... it will be up to you now! You have the spiritual stones and the Ocarina! You must protect the Triforce from Gannondorf! Place the stones on the alter at the head of the Temple and play the Song of Time... that will open the way. I will find you soon, keep Hyrule safe!" Though Link had never heard the song before, nor seen its notes written down, he knew exactly how to play the Ocarina... as if Zelda herself were guiding him.

As Link played the song of time, the emblem of the Triforce at the head of the temple began to shine brightly with a golden light. The Door of Time rumbled and slowly parted, revealing the chamber of the sacred sword. Link curiously passed the sacred alter, and climbed the steps; entering the chamber. Inside, atop a small platform of marble, stood the Master Sword. It was buried, point-down into the stonework of the floor. Link reached out and grasped the sword's handle. Navi, Link's faerie companion, hovered just over his right ear, "Are you sure about this Link?" she whispered, "The princess only said to keep the Triforce safe from Gannondorf!" Link paused and carefully studied the sword before him. The pommel, grip, and guards were the same bluish-purple as the Ocarina of Time, but its blade was a perfectly smooth, silver mirror of steel. It glimmered with a pure reflection of the light in the temple. He couldn't be sure, but he wondered if it was reflecting the light from the temple, or was it faintly shining with its own light? It looked… almost holy standing there, the silent sentry of this sacred temple. Link closed his eyes, and drew a deep breath as he carefully thought about what he should do. Gradually, he became aware of a faint hum in his hands coming from the blade.

"We need this sword to protect the Triforce." He said to Navi, and he was certain of it. Clasping both hands firmly on the sword's grip, he pulled upward and, with little effort, the blade slid from the stone and came free into his hands. Link lifted it up, amazed that he had been able to draw it; when a brilliant blue light began to glow within the chamber near his feet. Link stepped back and looked down at the pedestal which previously held the sword. The light came from the small break in the stone where the sword once stood and focused into a bright beam which struck the temple ceiling above him. As Link looked up, he saw the Sacred Realm open before him and hear its beautiful song. The light grew still brighter until it filled his vision and Link collapsed to the floor. His body was drawn up into the Sacred Realm, and disappeared from sight, while the Door of Time remained open.

~A Few Miles Away~

Gannondorf had doggedly pursued the Princess and Impa through Castle Town and out into the storm-lashed Hyrule field. Though he possessed the greatest horse in the Gerudo tribe, the Princess' mount was not burdened by heavy armor, and eventually lost its pursuer in the rain. For hours he scoured the countryside near the Capital but failed to locate the Princess or any sign of her passage. Anxiety began to bite at him as he knew he could not afford to chase her forever. His ambush had taken the King and Queen by surprise, but soon a vengeful Hylian Army would be gathered and his advantage would be lost forever. He brought his mount to a halt, debating with himself over his next move, when suddenly, he felt it. A wave of great power had rippled over the countryside; something… very powerful… something he had not felt before.

Turning back to the North, it was like the heat from a great fire upon his face... intense power flowing from the Capital City. His eyes came to rest on the spires of the Temple of Time. Gannondorf had spent considerable time studying the ancient legends and myths of both the Gerudo and the Hylians. His own adopted mothers had encouraged him to seek out the "Ultimate Power" that lay in some secret location within Hyrule. As he played the broken enemy and willing supplicant to the King, he was forced to spend time at the Hylian court. Many of the more foolish nobles had boasted freely of the legends surrounding the Temple of Time and the "great power" it allegedly held. He now feared that his attack had panicked the Hylians into using that power. "Zelda!" Gannondorf thought, "She's doubled back! She's unlocking that power to stop me!" but he quickly dismissed this as impossible. While he had lost the princess in the storm, he was certain she could not have passed him and returned to the castle. Frantically retracing her escape from the castle, he realized what had happened: "The boy! THAT BOY! He was waiting by the gate to meet her... he must have helped her escape! And now he's... he's... he's opening the temple for her!" Cruelly, he spurred his horse back to the capital, his fear gradually rising as dawn crept into the eastern sky. But Gannondorf was lucky, the Capital City was still in chaos, and few guards remained to keep order. His small team of Gerudo assassins had set several fires within the town, which the garrison was struggling to put out. Gannondorf easily rode through the gates and on to the temple. "I won't let that little brat stop me!" he growled as he leapt from his horse and charged through the temple gate.

For countless years, Rauru, the ancient wiseman and Sage of Light, had silently maintained his vigil over the Triforce and the Sacred Realm. After completing the Temple of Light, Rauru began to prepare a small home and provisions for himself, but quickly found that there was no need within the Sacred Realm. The Goddesses' power sustained and rejuvenated all who dwelt here. As the years passed by, he spent much of his time in deep meditation and prayer; often reaching out and witnessing the turnings and happenings of his beloved Hyrule. With great effort, he could even manifest an avatar in Hyrule, and guide lost souls to the proper path. On a peaceful day of reflection, like any other, Rauru centered his focus, and prepared to look out over Hyrule, when the gateway to the Temple of Time suddenly opened. For the first time in hundreds of years, the thrill of excitement raced through him; someone had pulled the Master Sword! The great sage rose to his feet, and approached the chamber of the sword, where a brilliant blue light flooded out from the Temple of Time. As he looked, he saw a young boy holding the Master Sword. He stared with awe-struck wonder into the brilliant glory of the Temple of Light.

Rauru was shocked to find that a child had opened the way to the Sacred Realm, alone. With a wave of his hand, the sage cast the young lad and his companion into a deep sleep and carefully drew them into his temple. "He is too young to carry the sword, or wield the power of the Gods. I must contact the others and discover what is happening in Hyrule." he thought to himself. He placed Link on the soft bed that he had prepared for himself all of those years ago, and gently lay the Master Sword on the marble floor beside him. The delicate Navi was carefully placed on Link's chest. As Rauru gazed at him, he was puzzled that the first Hylian to ever follow him to the Sacred Realm was a child. He had expected Hylia, or perhaps the King to be the first to come for the Triforce. Rauru prepared to commune with the other sages and tell them of Link's arrival, when an icy shadow passed over his heart. "Something... something is coming." He muttered. Gannondorf passed through the Door of Time and entered the Temple of Light. As his eyes adjusted to the bright light, a great sense of awe and wonder came over him. The temple seemed to be made of polished marble so pure, it reflected light like a mirror. The whole temple was filled with the brilliant, dancing lights of the sacred Triforce; which hovered at eye level several paces ahead of him. As he stared at its magnificent form, his mind was numb with disbelief. It was true... all of it. The legends, the myths, the Great Golden Power of Hyrule was here; and it was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. The music of the temple and the song of the Triforce slowly filled his heart. No longer would his people be burned by the harsh sun. No longer would they thirst, or be starved for better lands. No longer would the Hylians sit on high and deny them their fate. As renewed greed and lust for power washed over him, his face turned to a deranged smile, "The Hylians… I will eradicate them! And take their precious kingdom!" He only needed to claim the Triforce, and all creation would be his. Gannondorf's mind raced with how he could conquer and remake the world according to his desires. He reached forward and stepped toward the golden triangles.

Rauru suddenly appeared between him and the Triforce, his arms stretched out wide to bar the way. "STOP!" Boomed Rauru, "The sacred power of the Goddesses can only be wielded by one who has proven worthy!" "Old fool" sneered Gannondorf, enraged at this obstacle, "it is said that the Triforce can be claimed by any mortal who touches it..." his eyes now drifted past Rauru and back to the hovering gold, "... and I will have it!" The sage could feel the power Gannondorf held, and the evil greed in his heart, "You cannot imagine the ruin you would bring to the world! Turn back, and deny yourself this power!" he cried. Gannondorf's eyes blazed with fury as he gathered his power to strike. "I will be denied, NOTHING!"

The battle was fierce and terrible; the greatest of Hylian and Gerudo magic clashed within the Temple of Light. Gannondorf, recklessly hurled fire and destruction, while Rauru skillfully blocked and deflected every attack. Throughout the battle Rauru remained patient; this was his temple, and his sacred charge to guard the Triforce. He would exhaust Gannondorf and drain him of his power. When the right moment came, Rauru would strike and stun the intruder, casting back into Hyrule and closing the Gate of Time. Gannondorf was incensed by his inability to put down this Sage. Though his pride would never allow him to admit it, he began to fear that they were evenly matched and that his efforts might be in vain. As his fear and impatience grew, he became more and more destructive; smashing even the stone pillars that supported the temple's roof and cast the rubble at Rauru. But the sage was far too skilled, and used his magic to dodge about the chamber, rendering the thief's attacks useless.

The end finally came, when a large, cracked portion of the temple ceiling began to break free and collapse onto Link. Link, still unconscious, could do nothing to protect himself, forcing Rauru to turn and focus his power into a shield to protect the boy. The falling stone shattered over the shield, and scattered onto the floor. This was the chance Gannondorf needed. With all of his might, he struck Rauru with a terrific blast, wounding him seriously and knocking him to the floor. Coughing, and holding his bleeding side, Rauru looked up in horror as Gannondorf dashed toward the Triforce, reaching his hands out and crying, "Power of the Goddesses, give me what I desire! Help me to conquer this world!" As his finger-tips touched the smooth golden surface, the music of the Sacred Realm fell silent and all time seemed to freeze. The Essence of the Triforce, awakened by the mortal's touch, knew its purpose was to grant limitless power to the mortal who claimed it. But... there was something within this mortal... something from the past.


Prologue Continued: The Breaking of Time

In an age before recorded time, the Goddess Hylia and her beloved knight had battled the greatest evil to walk the Earth. Demise, the Arch-Demon of the underworld, had coveted the Power of Gold and attempted to take it by force. That heroic knight had been the only mortal to ever wield the Triforce. His wish had been for the Triforce to destroy Demise utterly, which it had done. Yet here, within this mortal: Gannondorf, festered the lingering power and hatred of the Demon King. Here, somehow, Demise still existed. As time stood still, the Triforce was brought into conflict with itself: To obey the Goddesses' command, the Triforce had to surrender its power to Gannondorf; the mortal who claimed it. Yet, the presence of Demise's essence left the knight's wish unfulfilled... Gannondorf had to be destroyed to fulfill its first holder's command... but the Triforce could not kill its own master.

"The perfect disaster..." whispered Ulric. "Y-yes, you are absolutely right." chuckled the old man. "The power of the Goddesses, confused and unable to satisfy its law. It is a very dangerous thing to imagine." Ulric sat up in his chair, and folded his arms in front of his chest, "So what happened? How did the Golden Power decide what to do?" "Ahh... that is difficult to answer Master Ulric. What is known, is that the Triforce's power goes beyond the understanding of mortals. Even the Goddess Hylia herself could not see all things the Triforce was capable of. Only the power of the Great Goddesses of Gold could overmatch that of the Triforce." the old man replied, "What is not known, is what would happen if the Triforce was ever brought into conflict with itself. If some paradox were created that the Triforce could not satisfy, what would happen to Hyrule or its people? I am afraid no mortal man knows the answer to this question, Master Ulric."

Ulric remained silent, but his eyes narrowed to a challenging, suspicious look. He sensed the old man was hiding something, some small detail that he didn't want to reveal. The tension in the room quickly rose as Ulric glared silently at the old man, who now shuddered and shrank from the swordsman's fierce gaze. Renju, who busied himself cleaning the inn tables while he listened to the tale, now slowly working his way behind Ulric and quietly grasped a large knife he kept under his apron. He still remembered the day the King's advisor had accused his grandfather of spreading heresy and commanded that his ear be taken as punishment... he would not allow this stranger to threaten his grandfather's wellbeing. Renju slowly began to wipe down the table behind Ulric and silently worked himself to within an arm's reach of the stranger's back. He released his rag, and slowly raised the knife, tensing himself to strike. "I will stab him through the back of the neck, killing him instantly." Renju reasoned, "It will be a quick death, without a struggle!" Just as the innkeeper began to hold his breath to attack, Ulric suddenly shouted, "So! Life carried on!" and slapped his hands upon his lap.

The entire room jumped at Ulric's sudden exclamation. Renju, in the moment of surprise, expected Ulric to whirl around with that brilliant sword and take his head. He stumbled backward into another table, and crashed to the floor. The stranger slowly turned around on his seat to smile at the embarrassed innkeeper. "Y-y-your pardon Master Ulric... you startled me sir!" Renju quickly scrambled to his feet and straightened the table and chairs he had knocked over. "Oh, I am full of surprises Master Renju! Don't ever forget that!" Ulric jeered as he tossed Renju's knife to him. The innkeeper caught it, and stared down at the knife in his hands in complete bewilderment... how had the stranger gotten hold of his knife? A sudden bolt of fear shot through his heart as he looked up to see Ulric smiling broadly at him. "How does he know my name?!" the innkeeper wondered. The stranger's smile only widened at Renju's shock. He was immensely pleased with himself, and continued to sip and savored every ounce of their fear. "Now, why don't the rest of you head to bed hmm? This old tortus and I have much more to discuss and I'm sure you are all becoming very tired." The other men silently set their mugs on the floor, and trudged their way upstairs without hesitation. Renju was overcome with a panicked desire to obey... to flee upstairs and not be near the stranger... but a small flicker of courage reminded him of his Papa. He could not leave him, helpless and afraid of this unstable swordsman. Ulric's smile faded into a stern frown as Renju remained rooted in place. He turned back to the old man and found him leaning back on his stool, with his arms half-raised to shield himself. He was breathing very hard now and his clouded eyes darted back and forth, desperately trying to see the coming attack. Ulric carefully considered his options. He still had not found what he was looking for and if the old man had a sudden attack, the knowledge would be lost forever. With a deep sigh, Ulric commanded Renju to sit beside his grandfather... "If only to keep him steady." he muttered under his breath.

Renju returned his knife to its sheath and brought a chair to sit beside his grandfather. The poor old man was badly shaken from Ulric's shout and the loud crash that Renju had made. The innkeeper reached over and placed his arm around his grandfather, "Shh, it's ok papa. I just tripped over a chair. Now, it's ok." He was relieved that his grandson was alright, but the old man sensed the venom building in Ulric's voice with every delay and interruption. "I... I'm sorry my boy..." he muttered to his grandson. "Shh, hush now papa! It will be ok!" Renju soothed as he gently squeeze his grandfather's shoulder and rocked him back and forth.

Ulric viewed all of this with complete indifference. He still had not found what he was looking for and the needed the old man to live long enough to give it to him. "So, Old Tortus," Ulric began, "How did the Triforce decide?" The old man shivered at the nickname, "N-none know, M-master Ulric. The thief obtained the Golden Power, and began the invasion. That is all we know." "But WHY?!" demanded the swordsman, "How did the Triforce solve its confusion?!" Ulric's eyes were wide and fierce with threatening intensity. Though the old man could not see his face, he could feel the grip of his grandson's hand on his shoulder. "None know, good sir," he began, but as Ulric angrily drew breath through his gritted teeth, he quickly added, "P-perhaps the command of the Goddess outweighs the command of a mortal master?" Ulric remained silent and considered this theory. It was absurd of course: the Triforce's command to obey its mortal masters came directly from the Golden Goddesses, so one command could not supersede another. Likewise, the command to never kill its own master, lest it was the master's direct wish to be killed, also came from the Goddesses.

Ulric drew a long, deep breath, and slowly exhaled. "Well... it matters not," he began again, returning to his soft non-threatening voice, "the great thief obtained the Golden Power." The frightened old man, still clinging to his grandson, just stared at the blurred form of Ulric in silence. "Continue, please" Ulric requested, "I wish to hear more of this legend."