Part 4: Fortress of Winds

Interesting. You're the last person I expected to find here. And just as I was wondering who could be behind this, I find my old master...

Vaati!

And, as always, you are dressed in... heh heh heh...the shabbiest of rags. My curses are not to be mocked. The one I cast on you is most powerful. No matter what power you wield, you will never break it.

You haven't changed in the slightest.  I should never have created that cap. It only fueled your insane desires!

Fool! A hat that grants the wishes of its wearer is a spectacular creation! Thanks to you, I have gone from being a meek, miniscule nothing to... the greatest sorcerer alive!  You cannot stop me now, and I have you to thank for it! Accept this small gesture of gratitude from me.

Wait! Vaati, wait!!!

That foul Vaati! What could he be scheming now? Link... I feel I owe you an explanation of what has happened. You see, Vaati and I are both Minish.  I was once a famous sage and a renowned Minish craftsman. Vaati was only a boy when I took him on as my apprentice. But...he became enchanted by the wickedness in the hearts of men. One day, Vaati took a hat I made for the humans--my pride and joy. It granted the wishes of its wearer. He put it on without permission...

Oh! What a vile form you've taken!

Vile? I am a sorcerer now, and my power is beyond compare! No longer will I tire away as your apprentice! Now, all shall call ME master!

Why, Vaati? What are you plotting?

This year, on the day that comes but once a century, the portal opens. And when it does, I shall claim the light force as my own. I will be transformed, perfect, and there will be none who can stop me...

GAAAAAA!!!

Ah ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!  Tell me, how does it feel, my sorcerer's curse? Do you see, Ezlo? I am truly your master now, and you cannot stop me. And with that, I must be leaving.

Wait! Wait, I tell you! Vaati!!!

You know the legends, of course. The gifts the Picori gave the humans... What you call the Picori Blade was the first of those gifts. The second... Well, you call it light force, but it is a source of limitless magical power. If Vaati were to get it now, it would be devastating. I came to the world of men hoping to stop Vaati, and I met you in the woods. But it seems we won't be breaking the curse on me anytime soon. However, with the sacred blade, we can certainly restore Princess Zelda. I'm sorry. All that has happened has been due to my own pride. My folly. I must rely on you, on your power, until we've put an end to Vaati.

Well, Link, enough fairy tales! We must search for the next element!

Vaati! What are you doing?

Eh? What a strange feeling. I sensed something from the castle's direction. Or...was it just me?

Hm? Who's there?!?  What? Vaati! How did you get in here!?

Uhn... What are you doing?!?

Ah ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

It looks like you're all here. Very well. The king of Hyrule has words for you.

You all know of the power the Picori gave to mankind, do you not? The golden light force of limitless magical power... I want it!!! It is somewhere here in Hyrule! Go now, and bring me this power!

Waste no time! Go forth at once, and bring me the light force! Fling anyone who refuses into the dungeon! Him and his family, too! I will tolerate no disobedience!  Now, search high and low throughout the lands of Hyrule!

Hmm... Maybe it's just the wind... But I hope nothing bad has happened. Anyway, we need to look for the next element. The map says it should be around here somewhere...

By the order of the king, none shall pass!! Now! Begone with you!!

Hey, you!!  None may enter!

I have heard that this castle has a secret entrance... If you ever have need of it, you should look for that entrance sometime...

We are the Tribe of the Winds.  Long have we lived with the winds. We have mastered them. Now, we join them. Together, with the great winds at our backs, we head for the skies. Those who come seeking our power must play the notes Zeffa teaches. May they lead you onward to the power that you seek.

I do believe this is where the Tribe of the Winds once lived. Hm... So they've left for the heavens, and taken their element with them. It looks like the Wind Element is beyond our reach for the time being. We have no choice but to press on. Let's get out of here.

So, this must be Castor Wilds...  It's a nasty, dank place, filled with swampland and mire... But we know there's an element waiting for us somewhere in here, so... In we go! Come on, Link! Into the muck with us!

Hm. To think the ruins were hidden within this cliff the whole time! Watch your step, Link. There may be traps in here.

The element was not here, but at least we now have a clue to its whereabouts. You must use the Ocarina of Wind to open a new path. Well, there's no point in standing around! Go get that last element!