Several days passed before my spirits rose. The monsters a top my back watched me ever so carefully. The darkness still loomed over Hyrule, and I was terrified.

One day, the darkness dissipated. Light had been restored to this province of Hyrule. The light brought back hope. The humans were right to pray to the Light Spirits of the sacred springs. I reared my front hooves up in happiness.

The weight on my back made me realize the monsters were still there. We had remained close to the great bridge. I remembered there was a village to the south.

I galloped, going faster than I ever thought I could. The monsters held my saddle tightly. I pressed on, using all of my strength to pull against their will.

I jumped the tall gate at the north of the village. Link would have been so pleased at my leap. There were villagers in the street that jumped out of the way. I paused for a brief moment at the edge of the village's sacred spring. I no longer felt a weight on my saddle. As I caught by breath, I was attacked.

I began to gallop around the village. The monsters had come back and were trying to take me again. I reared by front hooves and bucked the back, trying to throw the monster off. It merely grabbed my saddle and held tightly.

"Easy, girl!"

My legs froze up, almost throwing him to the ground. I would have recognized that voice anywhere.

"Good girl. I will not hurt you."

The children jumped up and down. "You're awesome, Link!"

An older man, a native of the village, was smiling. "You are a true hero. Those clothes belong on no one else but you."

Link slid off my saddle. I took in his new green appearance. From what I had heard of the Hylian legends, the great hero chosen by the goddesses was clad in green bearing a sword and shield. Link was just that as he spoke to the older man, Renaldo.

"The Gorons."

"Yes, they have cut off all ties with the humans for reasons I do not know. I do, however, know of a way you can speak with them."

"I will do whatever it takes. I have something that I must speak about with them."

Renaldo nodded. "There is one man who has earned the respect of the Gorons. He is the mayor of your town."

"I will go talk to him, and tell him the children are in your care." Link climbed onto my back. "Come on, girl. We need to head home for a little bit."

Home? Return to the forest? I turned my head to look at the children.

"They are under good care, girl. We will give the news to their parents." He waved his hand towards the people of the village and gave a squeeze with his knees. I began to go forward, following Link's direction.

Monsters still loomed on the grassy field. Some carried clubs, and others carried bows and quivers. Large birds soared above our heads. The sliding sound of metal rang in my ears.

"Hyah!" Link squeezed hard.

I began to gallop quickly. The monsters that ran towards us fell at the hands of Link's blade. Link was now a terrific swordsman. He had little training when he was soon to leave the village, but this sword moved about smoothly and without a hint of hesitation.

Finally, we entered that familiar place in the forest. I gained a slight jump in my step as we passed the lantern and oil vendor. We were home.

Home was not as we had left it. The adults were so sad to be without their children. So many questions were asked. "Where are Malo and Talo?" "What happened to my baby Beth?" "Colin… have you seen Colin?"

"They're all in Kakariko Village. They're safe under the watchful eye of the shaman Renaldo." Link's voice was so confident.

Bo's large form came into view as we neared his house. Link slid off my saddle to speak with him.

"Renaldo is a good man." He smiled. "Ilia is with them, right?"

Link looked down at the grass, unsure of how to tell the mayor.

"I see. Is there anything I can do to help you now?"

"The Gorons will not let me into their city. There is a… an artifact I am searching for that is in their possession. It will help me in my journey."

Bo nodded. "You must gain their respect. Link, have you ever heard of sumo wrestling?"

"No, I have not."

"Come inside." Bo put his arm around the young man's shoulders. "I will teach you the basics of the ancient martial art."

Hours passed before the two men emerged. I was very interested to learn what "martial art" was, but Link was ushering me out of the village. We went into the infested field once more before returning to Kakariko.

I then heard something I had not heard ever before. It was a voice like an echo.

"So, these Iron Boots are supposed to be able to stand up to Goron strength?"

"I do not doubt that man I got them from, Midna."

Midna? Never had a heard a name like that. I tried to turn to see who Link was speaking with, but I could see nothing.

He left me at the base of the mountain while he traveled up its rocky surface. I stayed with the children until his return. Unfortunately, his safe return was very short lived.