The Legend of Zelda: Goddess of Secrecy

Overworld Chapter 3 - Into the Forest

            …but that gleam was not sunlight. There was no need to check overhead to see if the hawk was still there. It hadn’t left Link’s sight for more than a second since he had started traveling. It was reassuring to know that it was there, despite that fact that its peck was disturbingly painful.

            The forest rolled by. The trees grew taller, and their bark turned red-brown. The ground began to slope down. Link slowed to a stop at the top of a hill to look down at the land below. Two massive Deku trees stood in the middle, connected by bridges just beneath their canopies. Even from here, Link could see figures moving around the trunks and to the buildings nearby in the basin.

            This was the Valley of the Forest. Forest races lived here: the Kikwi, the Koroks, the Deku Scrubs, some humans, but few. It was peaceful and well protected by the two massive trees, their leaves swaying in the breeze.

            Following the trail to avoid tumbling down the steep valley wall, Link made his way into the village. The forest-folk didn’t mind him. Link was dressed like a farmer from Eveningale, save the sword and wooden shield with the Hylian Knights' crest on it. He stopped just before the Deku trees, wondering if anyone here could help him with finding the way to the Fortress, or telling him where Bruce went.

            “Mister!”

            Link looked up at the owner of the voice as the Korok hovered down on its magic leaf propeller. It rattled when it landed, asking, “Who was that that man on the horse? He nearly trampled half the village with that mad riding.”

            “Which way did he go?”

            The Korok pointed south of them, further into the Deku Forest. It said, “Towards the Fortress. I hope you catch up with him before he gets there. Bad things have been happening around there. One of your cadets was taken last night into that place.” Turning back to Link, the little sprite went on, “The Scrubs left there for a reason, you know. Something’s in there, Mister. Something evil.” The Korok shivered, making rattling noises again.

            “I know.”

            “You’re pretty brave to still go then, Mister,” the Korok replied. He wasn't really interested in adventurers or what they did, so he simply offered his best wishes, “Good luck!”

            A gust tumbled through the Valley. The Korok extended its propeller again and glided off to deal with whatever matters the Korok dealt with in their sheltered valley. The hawk glided down and rested on Link’s shoulder. He jumped, the creature so silent even he hadn’t heard it as it approached.

            “The Demon Lord’s already at work then, if the temple is already filled with monsters.”

            Link looked at the hawk, who just tilted its head. That…wasn’t normal, nor was it a good sign for most people. He asked, “Can you talk?”

            “It’s Endeavor, Link. We don’t have time for fooling around. I can’t do anything but wait at the moment. And you need to hurry up and get through the Temple before I have to do something rash over here.”

            “Why am I going into the Fortress? Other than to save Derek and Bruce, that is. You sound like there’s something in there.”

            “More than just something, Link. Somethings. You’ll find out what while you’re in there. But most importantly, there’s a shrine to Farore that you must reach. I’ll help you as much as I can through Yore, but it is dire that you find it and quickly. There is a relic from the Goddess, a relic that will provide a sign to the Demon Lord that we know he's here. Now hurry!”