Chapter Three: Departure for Truth

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So I have come to learn the truth…

-The Old Knight to the New Hero
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Ilia awoke with a start. She could not remember the dream she just had, but knew that it was most terrible. In fact, Ilia found herself thanking the goddesses for sparing her the wretched details that gave her such a fright. The sun was yet to rise and Aeadis was sound asleep at her side. Though the desire to close her eyes dwelled along the surface of her intentions, a deep curiosity would not be satisfied. She rose and gathered her night gown before descending the stairs to her front door. Why did she possess the vocation to open it? Before she reached for the door handle, Ilia took a glance over her shoulder to check on the twins in their beds. Both were safe and sound within the realm of their innocent dreams. The door opened on its own and a cold gust of wind overtook her. Rain, like thousands of angered tears, fell upon the soft Ordonian earth. There, standing amid the frame of the old wooden door was the form of a small human, cloaked and wet. Cold eyes peered from sockets hidden behind a veil of long silver hair. A woman; an old woman, alone and quiet. Ilia stood in shock, for there was no rain when she awoke. Was this a dream as well? Do they exist? Dreams within dreams?” The old woman did not stir, but Ilia stepped forward, both curious and irritated by such inconvenience. As she stepped to greet the quiet woman, a bony finger rose from her wetted sleeve. A voice, one that matched the suffocating depth of her black eyes, rose from withered lips, “Child.” Ilia froze, staring agape at what she argued was either a vision or a demon. Then, she felt saddened by the old woman’s presence. Once again, she spoke, “Child of the Strong, heed my call.”
Ilia heeded, for it was all she could bare to do. The elder’s finger was frozen in her direction, accusingly. The old woman spoke again, “The sorrow you feel runs far deeper than you perceive. The Hero of Light is a hero no more, yet his destiny remains unfulfilled.”
Link, thought Ilia. “Yes,” responded the woman to Ilia’s feelings, “The one you know as Link seeks what he cannot find in these lands. In his travels, great perils await, though none may understand, for none seek to understand.”
“I want to understand,” said Ilia. “I want to know how and why he came and went. I want to understand who he is and why he is.” The woman lowered her accusing finger, much to Ilia’s relief. “The peril exists in many forms, Child of the Strong. His strength is great, but not unlimited. Your leadership is bold, but unchallenged.” Ilia could not agree with this statement. There have been many a trial and tribulation for the village, even for one so sleepy as Ordon. There was flood, drought, unrest, raiding parties of the thankfully disorganized Bokoblin camps. “Fire and storm await Hyrule, Child,” said the old woman, “your sanctuary is by no means immune to the evil that awaits.” Ilia struggled to understand what she was hearing as it was spoken, “Twilight descended and was removed by he who was blessed. However, in the lands beyond recognition, a new enemy is at play. Of the four directions, they rally and plot, though unwillingly.” Ilia shook her head, “Other nations, you mean? Beyond the mountain’s cradle?” The old woman simply nodded. “Who do you speak of?” asked Ilia, for it was her turn to speak, “Who is this new enemy to Hyrule?”
“She is of four. She is of Darkness and of Light. She governs the heavens, yet her eyes have fallen to govern the land. She is of four. AND SHE WILL HAVE ALL.” The voice was strong and Ilia was forced to grimace under the pressure. “Child of the Strong,” the old woman’s voice was soft and weak once more, “the true test of your own strength arrives as surely as the sun rises in the morning. However, to survive, you must seek the key of the past. Though this past is not your own.”
“Then whose is it?” asked Ilia. The rain stopped and the door was closed. Sunlight shone vividly through the window panes and the songbirds began their ballads. Ilia stood, vacantly watching the door, praying for an answer. “You alright?” Aeadis was atop the stairs holding his unshaven chin upon his fist, a look of both curiosity and wonder upon his confused face. Ilia was still erect and dumbstruck by her vision. Was it even a vision? The uniquely woven mat before the door and the wooden flooring around it was saturated with puddles of freshly fallen water.

Once again, breakfast was swift and tangible, though Ilia’s attention was elsewhere. Occupied, she absently stirred the floating honey wafers that floated about in rich goat’s milk. Aeadis had finished his bowl and was aiding little Gira break her wafers into her own bowl of milk. Hector stared at his mother with both curiosity and contempt at the fact that his father was occupied with the girl and his mother was busied herself not with him. Without little reason, the young lad flipped the bowl and spilled its contents across the table’s top and upon his mother’s lap. Aeadis mumbled a silent curse and rose with a towel to wipe the intruding puddle of milk. It was only when the liquid met the flesh beneath Ilia’s gown that she reacted. Hector, satisfied with his victory ignored his father’s reprimand until a sharp slap was received upon his tiny hand. Hector’s brown eyes welled with tears as he bit his lip. Little Gira, amused by the fuss that her parents were making by Hector’s actions, decided to cause trouble of her own. In less than five seconds after her brother’s initial manoeuvre, Gira repeated the action. Only this time, the wooden bowl was lifted uneasily into the air, its contents spilling at random, before being tossed across the table and skidding to ward the floor. As soon as Hector’s reprimand was delivered, Gira sensed her own pending judgement and it came mercilessly. The twins rubbed their swollen wrists as the adults cleared the table of their offspring’s throes for attention.
Aeadis cleared the plates as Ilia wiped the kitchen surfaces. He took a sidelong glance at his beautiful wife and wondered if Link was still a burden on her soul. Aeadis decided to begin a conversation as the children were being given their tutelage by Uli. “What possessed you to walk about at night?” Ilia halted her task and said, “I had a terrible dream that I cannot remember. So I awoke and could not find sleep again.”
“So you decided to walk about the house and not rouse me?”
“There was a knocking at the door.”
“At dawn?”
“Yes,” Ilia answered and Aeadis considered this, “Who was it?”
“Aeadis, I’m still not sure whether or not it happened. I didn’t even open the door.”
“Well,” said he, “that puddle of water at the threshold tells me otherwise.”
“I did not open the door, husband. She opened it from outside.” Aeadis halted his actions and stared at his wife, “A ‘she’ opened our locked door before dawn in a downpour?”
“Yes,” was Ilia’s response. She did not expect her husband to understand. His next comment came as no surprise, “I bet it was another bad dream, you know, those dreams within dreams. You were simply sleepwalking in response to those dreams.” Ilia felt hopeless, yet Aeadis’ explanation was a logical one. He then asked, “Did this woman speak to you? What did she look like?” Ilia told her husband all that had transpired. To all that, Aeadis replied, “If I was a reader of omens, I’d be spilling bricks and repenting my soul to the Goddesses.” Ilia laughed and said thoughtfully, “I was told not to seek my own past, but another.”
“Did she mean Link?” asked Aeadis. Ilia considered that as her husband reinforced his opinion, “It only makes sense that you would dream so vividly about discovering his past, because you don’t know it. All this ill-omen stuff perhaps magnifies the urgency of your desire for answers.” Ilia was astounded by the logic within Aeadis’ observations. He knew that she still loved the Hero, Link. At this, she felt sorry for her husband’s grief, but he was right about her curiosity. “I think I know someone who could help you.” Ilia’s ears perked, “How so?”
“It only seems logical to start with his origins and work your way around that. Am I right?”
“I guess so.” Ilia was not sure of Aeadis’ angle, but her own curiosity and desire for truth forced her to listen, “Your Link is a Hylian, right?”
“Yes.” Ilia thought fondly of those pointed ears. Aeadis continued, “The man you assume was his father carried a blade. Do you know what kind it was?”
“I’m no fan of swords or their use, husband.” said Ilia sternly. “It was just a sword with a silver and black handle.” Aeadis paused then asked, “Silver and black? Are you sure?” To which, Ilia said, “Yes. It was dark, but the lantern light illuminated the silver within the handle. It was the first thing that caught my eye before I noticed that he was not alone.” Aeadis smiled and gazed unto his wife’s beautifully perplexed visage, “There’s your first clue.” Ilia paused and bade her husband continue, “Only the Knights of Hyrule carry such a blade.” Ilia had to ask, “How do you know this?” To which, Aeadis replied, “I have a friend in Castle Town who spent a great deal of time around the castle per se. I’ve done business with him before and we’ve helped each other out in the past. It was through him that I met a woman named Telma.”
“You know Telma? The bar owner?”
“I assume you know her as well?”
“I owe many things to her.”
“In that case,” said Aeadis, “I owe her much as well.” Ilia smiled, “And how is that?” Aeadis’ face was flush and he could barely maintain eye contact, “Well, she spoke avidly of a beautiful maiden from Ordonna Province that was spirited to her town during the Dark Time. I could only assume that the maiden of unsurpassed beauty was you.” Aeadis drew one of the smirks that only a salesman could procure, but only a lover could maintain. “So, I travelled far from my market to try my luck in the quiet country side. Needless to say, I struck gold.” It cut deeply to pour his soul knowing that Ilia’s love was not completely his. Still, he loved her enough to help her unfurl the mystery behind her love that was never meant to be. Ilia’s eyes were bright. Maybe, thought Aeadis, she knew as well what he was trying to do. Pride could not enter into the equation. Never as a salesman and never as a husband. Ilia asked him of the name that his friend bore, to which Aeadis plainly said, “Auru. His name is Auru. He can tell you everything you want to know about…well, anything.”
“How can I reach him?” asked she, “Mail perhaps?” Aeadis laughed sarcastically, “Auru can never be reached beyond the length of your arm. You have to find him.” Ilia took a moment to process what her husband was suggesting. “Traveling?” she asked, “You intend for me to-”
“Not intend, my love,” Aeadis touched the sleeve of his wife’s gown, “I’m only suggesting that you take our steed, Estbar and perhaps take Colin and Uma with you as company.” Ilia was adamant, “I am not leaving my family!” Sorrow crossed his eyes, “If you dwell on Link for too long, dear, you will lose us anyway.” Ilia was shocked to hear such words from her husband, but was perhaps more disappointed in the truth they held. Deep down, she understood the need for her to learn or her lost love’s past, and perhaps forgive him for his flightiness. She felt a strong hand reach from her sleeve to her arm and a strong force pulling her inward. In the next moment, Ilia found herself in Aeadis’ arms, clasped within a tight embrace. Their lips were one and for a brief moment, all of her own desire flooded into his mouth in which he happily received the passion. So warm was her touch and so gentle was his embrace. Ilia thanked the goddesses truly - for the first time in a long time - that Aeadis was, indeed, hers.

Afternoon was well under way when the final preparations were met. Ilia would depart the next morning, at first sunrise. The mighty young horse Estbar would convey both the lady and her supplies for the three-day’s journey. All that remained was to request Colin’s presence. “It would take no more than a few days, Colin,” pleaded Ilia. “I would feel much safer with you around.”
“And the village?” Asked Colin, “Three people leaving would set us back a while and I cannot neglect my work. Besides, Uma needs-”
“Uma,” said a third voice, “can take care of herself, thank you very much!” The long-haired, freckle-faced Uma appeared from around the family hut’s garden. Colin was taken aback by his little sister’s sudden appearance but remained firm, “You must stay. The village needs at least one of us here.” Ilia interrupted, “Oh, so you will come along then, master Colin?” Caught, the blonde-haired young man sighed and mumbled, “yes, ma’am. Count me in.”
“And me too, Lady Ilia!” Uma was flush with excitement. All this to which Colin said, “No.” The young girl’s pleading eyes fell upon soft Ilia’s heart, even though she wished already for the young maiden to accompany her. Uma was strong for her age and Colin was simply looking out for her. Still, the final decision remained with her. “Colin and Uma, you shall both accompany me on this trip. And, as the decision is mine to make, there will be no argument. I am no democracy and the village will survive a few days.”
“Who will you leave in charge, Lady Ilia?” asked a curious Uma. Ilia said, “I will let the remainder vote for their acting chief.” At that, the lady mayor of Ordonna raised her chin and said, “Make ready your steeds and provisions for a three-days journey to Castle Town. I will meet you by the bridge at dawn.”
Night fell like the sheets of rain from a windy storm: fast and heavy. There was an odd silence that stirred not even the crickets or cicadas of the evening. There was no rain, however. Nor was there wind to accompany the falling night. Ilia lay awake, furled next to Aeadis. She was unsure of the path ahead, but determined to travel it. The idea of learning about her old love’s mysterious past was far too tangible for a sleeping mouth to taste. The more she wondered of Link, the more she wondered of his father. What could have happened that forced a man, a possible Knight of Hyrule, to abandon his only known son and disappear? She needed to know everything if she wanted to free herself to her waiting husband.