Part II, "The Hero's Wife"

Link mounted Epona, his valiant horse, and left the flames of the Gerudo ceremony behind him. For days, witnesses would speak of how he had discovered the enemy within their ranks. Link, however, could think only of his eerie vision. And of the trials ahead.

As the first wisps of daylight broke through the barrier of the horizon, Link came in sight of the mighty Hyrule Castle. The loud shouts of the guards could be heard a mile away.

"The Prince has returned!" yelled one.

"Lower the drawbridge!" shouted another.

Soon the drawbridge began to lower. Link watched as it came down slowly, as to not disturb the citizens still sleeping within the walls. Despite all their efforts, it still landed with a distinct thud that rattled the entire countryside.

"Good morning, your excellency!" said a familiar voice just inside the gate. It was Vladimir Dukov, Link's close friend since childhood.

"I've told you before, Vladimir," Link replied, "there's no need for formalities with me. I have no right to be called a prince. For I am simply married to the most beautiful woman in all the land!"

Link left Vladimir to his duties and rode on into the market. As usual, it was filled with running children and various townfolk having a good time. Then he noticed her stepping out of the Bazaar. A gorgeous woman with a mane of flowing blonde hair that seemed to glow in the sunlight. Her long, white dress bore the markings of the royal family.

"Zelda," Link said as he dismounted Epona and walked to her, "your father would not approve of you being away from the castle like this!"

"My father isn't here!" she replied tartly. "He left on business late last night. He won't be back for a week. Besides, what's a girl to do if she never gets out once in a while to see the world?"

Link reached out and took her hand.

"You're right, as always."

Zelda smiled as Link leaned over and gave her an innocent kiss on the cheek.

"Come," Link said, "we must return to the castle. Something grave has happened."

They left the market and walked down the road towards Hyrule Castle, Epona trotting happily behind. By the time they had arrived and left Epona in the stables, Link had explained everything. They continued their conversation in the castle courtyard.

"So, Ganondorf has escaped from his prison in the Sacred Realm?" Zelda asked.

Link was about to answer when a familiar, friendly voice interrupted him.

"Not exactly, but he's very close."

Link and Zelda turned to find Rauru, the Sage of Light, suddenly standing next to them where empty air had been before.

"He's found a small crack in the seal placed by the seven sages," Rauru continued. "He's using it to send some of his evil minions through. When one of his Stalfos killed Nabooru, the crack grew bigger. It seems that every time one of the seven that placed the original seal perish, the weaker it becomes. If all seven of us lose our lives to his assassinsm, Ganondorf will once agin reign terror upon our blessed land of Hyrule!"

Link and Zelda let out a huge gasp.

"But what can we do?" Link asked.

"That's exactly what we need to discuss!"

With that, Link and Rauru disappeared in a flash of light, leaving Princess Zelda alone once again.