Sheik was the first to become aware of the heavy, erratic footfalls. While not particularly significant in themselves, the fact that he heard them at all revealed that someone else had found the hidden corner where the castle's secret entrance lay. A few seconds later, Zelda heard them too, and both turned to face the incoming noise with varying degrees of apprehension.

The face that appeared was known to Sheik but not to the princess. Gray hair tied in a ponytail, stocky build, green scarf, reddish bags under eyes—it was undoubtedly Byrne. One thing, however, was different: in place of a left forearm, he now appeared to have a enlarged, weaponized gauntlet constituted of some unknown black alloy that failed to gleam in the pittance of light that permeated the hidden alley. Most distressing of all was his state. When seen under normal circumstances, Byrne was a quiet, surly individual, but now he seemed to be in uncharacteristic distress. In fact, he almost collapsed upon seeing Zelda, though whether it was because of relief or pain wasn't immediately obvious..

“Take me...” he wheezed, “To Impa!”