Volvagia's Test

On Volvagia's first birthday, my progress with him was tested.

Ganondorf accompanied me to the temple. I was sweating before we even entered. If you've been paying attention, you'll know that within months of conquering Hyrule we married. We were newlyweds at this point, and I still tried to impress where I could. I hated to disappoint him. You might wonder why he waited so long. Between traitors, rebels, marriage, mastering new sorcery skills, and becoming familiar with ruling a kingdom made of more than just women (and sand), he was constantly busy.

"You're tense," Ganondorf commented. He could probably tell because I was quiet, and the way I subconsciously held his hand in a tight grip. "Meeting Volvagia now isn't a problem, is it?"

His words forced me to take a deep breath. I reminded myself I had nothing to worry about. The dragon was intended to be born young, which was one more reason why Ganondorf had allowed time to pass before seeing his monster. "Everything is fine, my love. I just don't want you to be unhappy."

"You rarely disappoint me," he reminded. I smiled, and squeezed his hand affectionately.

Before going to see Volvagia, we toured the temple. It was the last one for him to inspect personally. I checked in with the two guards assigned to patrol. "All is well, your majesty," they reassured me.

"Hey! Ganondorf," came a gruff shout. My gaze shifted to a dark glare and fell upon the Goron chief.

"Ah, Darunia," Ganondorf returned, almost warmly. He approached the cell holding the Goron chief. "It weighs heavily on my heart to see you imprisoned this way. How unfortunate you chose to stand against me," he said deviously.

Darunia tightened his hands into fists. "You have not won yet," he said as if it were a reminder.

"You're right," Ganondorf confessed, catching Darunia by surprise. "Victory will come once I have claimed all that belongs to me."

"I have faith in our princess. She is alive, and she will not allow something so sacred to be tainted by your darkness."

I laughed. "Zelda is weak. When she attempts to reclaim Hyrule she will beg for mercy, and I will take the Triforce of Wisdom from her corpse," I promised darkly.

"Admit that you have lost. I am still willing to accept your surrender if you bow to me as your one true king," Ganondorf offered with a smirk.

"I would not disgrace my ancestors, nor my people, by giving you that satisfaction," Darunia answered with repressed anger.

"I expected as much," Ganondorf said, some of his aggravation slipping out. He turned his back to the Goron chief and marched away. I was quick to move to remain at his side, and led him toward Volvagia's chamber.

We walked across the bridge to the platform, which now had more than one opening for a small pool of lava. "I wonder which one he might be hiding in today," I said loudly, letting him know a friend arrived.

The ground rumbled briefly before Volvagia burst forth from the little pit farthest away from me. He always flew into the air, impressing me with his incredible acrobatics. I clapped my hands excitedly and walked forward. I waited with open arms for him to fly and greet me like he had done since he was a child. This time, he wrapped his long body around me and snarled viciously at Ganondorf.

The King of Evil did not flinch. "He's protective of you," he remarked. "Perfect."

I calmed Volvagia by petting the scales on the top of his head. "This is Ganondorf, the man I told you I married, who I have served since I was born," I explained in a soothing, motherly tone. "Please, show him the same respect you show me."

Volvagia slowly unraveled his three loops around me when he floated toward Ganondorf. Once I was free, I walked forward and stood at my husband's side. I stroked the underside of Volvagia's chin to comfort him and said, "It was Ganondorf who sent me here to help you. He protects me when I can't be here, so that I can come back. I need your help to protect him too, all right?"

Volvagia nodded like the awesome dragon he was.

"Thank you. That means a lot to me," I said, grateful.

"Ganondora, you did excellent in raising him," the King of Evil praised. "He is obedient. Knowing that he was ready to kill to defend you is enough for me to know he is ruthless."

I was elated so much my nerves sent chills through my whole body. "Thank you. You were right in saying I would admire him. I have grown quite fond of him." Volvagia nuzzled his snout against my cheek.

"The two of you bonded better than I anticipated," Ganondorf commented.

"I knew it. I knew this was all a part of your plan," I said, grinning. I was proud of myself for seeing through his deception. "You sent me here to revive Volvagia, which was a test in itself, but then you knew I would raise him."

"And you're somehow surprised by this?" he asked arrogantly.

"No, but you could have just told me in the beginning."

"Dora, if I told you, the motherly bond you created with Volvagia would not have been as true," he explained as if I should have already known.

I should have already known. "Of course," I said, looking at the ground.

"The question is, will he obey me?" Ganondorf wondered.

Volvagia roared suddenly. "Faithfully, my king," I answered for the dragon. "I have shared my undying support of your cause with him. He is ready to serve you unconditionally."

"Perfect. There is a new rising clan of rebels who have failed to understand what it means to fear the King of Evil. Volvagia, you will go there immediately to lay waste to their village."

"He means the town of Gaebora, way off to the southeast passed the forest but before the lake. Are you familiar with that location?" I asked, and Volvagia nodded. "Good. Have fun."

He roared proudly into the air, before disappearing out of the crater, into the blue sky.

I felt my throat tightening to fight back tears when Ganondorf said, "You have every reason to be proud."

"As long as I did not disappoint you, I feel that I was successful."

Ganondorf brushed his hand along my cheek, and when I slid my gaze to him from the sky, I found those yellow eyes piercing me. That was his intense look of sincerity, to forewarn me that whatever he was about to say was intended for me alone. "I never expected you to fail, my queen. I am impressed because you exceeded my expectations." I couldn't resist hugging him for such praise, and he held my head against his chest for a minute. I listened to his heart, until he turned and walked home with me.

I waited eagerly for Volvagia to return, impatiently pacing from my throne, to the balcony, and back. Finally, at last, he returned safely. He came to visit me on the balcony, and I could tell by his green eyes he had accomplished his assigned task. I told him how proud I was. and he flew home to a well deserved Goron meal, and a long rest.

Scouts the next day confirmed the village was still a burning ruin. The survivors surrendered, promising to obey the king's law.