Unwelcome Visitor

My eyes cracked open. It was still dark as I lay with Link in my bedchamber. He was still asleep; I could tell by his deep, heavy breathing.

Something had woken me up. I raised my head slightly, listening. All was still. I snuggled closer to Link and was about to go back to sleep when I head it. The noise.

I couldn't quite pinpoint what it was; it sounded like horse hooves clopping, but I couldn't be sure. Whatever it was, it was nearby.

I raised my head, looking to the curtained window. I felt Link stir beneath me. "What's up?" he whispered, eyes half open.

The noise sounded again, and his eyes opened fully. I got off of him and he sat up, completely alert.

Without a sound he stood from the bed and pulled on his boots, slipping his scabbard over his head. He slung his shield over his back, reaching for the unlit lantern on the nightstand.

He quietly opened the door to the hallway. It was pitch black beyond the door frame.

He motioned to me, lighting the lantern. "Stay close behind me. I can't leave you here unprotected."

I followed behind him as we walked silently through the narrow corridors of the castle. It was the dead of winter, and I shivered in my thin nightgown as cold drafts blew through the halls. Link glanced behind him and saw my teeth chattering. He took one of my chilly hands in his own warm one. I instantly felt better.

I could see nothing save it were the soft circle of light the lantern produced, barely illuminating anything in the thick darkness. I held Link's hand tighter as we neared the tall wooden doors at the front of the castle. He pulled up on the thick bar lock and pushed on the doors, which opened with a slow CREAK.

He released my hand as we peered outside. It was a moonless night, but the lowered drawbridge was clearly seen, which was odd, since the guards were instructed to raise it everyday at sundown.

Suddenly we heard the strange noise, revealed to be the hoof falls of a great black horse, almost invisible against the dark sky. And the rider...

I gasped, and Link's eyes widened. For on the horse sat a man, red hair flowing from his head, matching his long cape. Black armor covered him from head to foot, seeming to be melted to the horse's dark coat. His bright yellow eyes met Link's sapphire ones.

"G...Ganondorf," Link said, trying to hide the waver in his voice.

"Hello, Link," Ganondorf said, a cruel smile forming on his face. "It's been far too long."

Link drew his sword, standing in front of me, teeth bared. "If you've come for the princess, you can forget about it!"

Ganondorf laughed, sending chills down my back. "We'll see about that, little hero!"

He held up his hand, a glowing yellow orb of energy forming in his palm. Link braced himself as the villain threw the orb at him. He cried out as it hit him, dropping his sword to the ground, his whole body heaving. He was flung to one side, landing in a heap on the cold damp grass.

"LINK!" I screamed, reaching for him. But Ganondorf was faster. He leapt from his horse, coming up behind me and wrapping his arm roughly around my neck.

I clawed at his arm, tears streaking down my face, screaming for Link, who still lay motionless on the ground. Ganondorf laughed, dragging me towards his horse. Suddenly Link stirred, sitting up slowly, holding his head. His scorched face met my petrified eyes as Ganondorf bound my hands and threw me onto the horse's saddle.

"ZELDA!" He shouted, reaching out for me, attempting to stand.

"LINK! HELP ME!" I screamed as Ganondorf kicked the horse in its side. It whinnied and began to gallop away.

Link tried to run after us, but he stumbled and fell on his face. He picked himself up, reaching his arm out as we got farther and farther away.

"Don't worry, Zelda! I'll save you!" I heard his distant voice, getting fainter and fainter.

Ganondorf looking behind him at my tear-stained face, grinning. "Say goodnight, Princess," he said cruelly. Then he rapped the top of my head hard with his knuckles, and I blacked out.