Part 8 (1/2)
”Thank your dog,” Jaewon replied. ”We would not have known of your troubles if he hadn't chased us down. He's a smart one.” He reached over to stroke Jindo's head. ”Your dog led us here.”
”But what are you doing out here?” Kira repeated.
Jaewon c.o.c.ked an eyebrow, causing Kira to mutter an apology.
”No need to apologize,” he said, his eyes steady on hers. ”We were traveling to Hansong when we spotted a scary-looking army riding toward the city. We decided that our fortunes would be better served going the opposite direction.”
”That would probably be the same army that's after us. We've lost all our men,” Kwan interjected. ”We must leave now.”
”Where are you headed?” Jaewon asked.
”To Mount Hwaak, up north, in Tongey,” Kwan said.
Seung nudged Jaewon and made dramatic eye rolls at Kira.
Jaewon sighed and said, ”We'd be happy to ride with you.”
Kwan hesitated for a moment before nodding. ”Another bowman would be greatly appreciated.”
Relief flooded through Kira. She and Kwan were good fighters, but there were so many of the enemy. They would need all the help they could get to keep Taejo safe. She could not bear the idea of losing him again.
Seung came over to her side. ”I feel much safer traveling with you now,” he said. He scampered away before Kira could correct him. Safer was the last thing he'd be.
They traveled old forest trails, avoiding the main road and only breaking for water. It wasn't until the middle of the night, the hour of the rat, that the group could finally rest.
They set up camp near a narrow stream. Kira did a quick but thorough check of the perimeter while Jaewon and Seung rubbed down the horses. There would be no fire tonight.
Kira's boots and trousers were still wet and uncomfortable. She slid down onto the ground and rested her head on her arms. Taejo leaned against her, Jindo at his feet. She could feel Taejo's body, shuddering in uncontrollable spurts.
”It's so different when it's real,” he said.
Kira nodded. She knew what he was talking about. This was his first experience in battle. It was easy to kill, but hard to forget. For Kira, it was the sounds of death that always stayed with her. The tearing of flesh and bone, the screams of agony, the death rattle. Even after ten years of fighting demons, the sound still unnerved her.
”I'm never going to be a warrior like my father,” he said. ”How do you do it? Act like nothing happened?”
Kira wrapped her arm tight around his shoulders. ”It isn't easy, but you get numb after a while. You have to or you'll start to lose your soul a little each time.”
”My father's dead.” Taejo's body shook with racking sobs.
Kira held him close, letting his fingers dig into her arms.
”I knew you would come for me,” he said.
”Always,” she replied.
When he finally stopped shaking, she rose to her feet and pulled him up.
”Go and change into dry pants and shoes. You need to stay warm.”
He nodded and stumbled away.
Kira walked over to where Kwan was brus.h.i.+ng the dried mud off the flank of his horse.
”Oppa, we must avenge Father's death.” Her voice seemed overly harsh to her ears.
Kwan's hands stilled. ”Now is not the time.”
”Then when? What about our mother and aunt? How will we save them?”
Kwan frowned at her. ”Our mission is to protect the prince,” he replied. ”We made an oath. Everything else must wait.”
”I can't wait!”
”You must!” He rubbed a hand over his eyes, but Kira could see his tears. ”It is what Father would have wanted us to do. Would have expected us to do.”
He opened the supply bag and pa.s.sed out small rice b.a.l.l.s to everyone.
”We'll rest here for a few hours, but then we need to continue,” Kwan said. Sitting down, he eyed Jaewon curiously.
”Thanks for your help today,” Kwan said. ”It was very fortunate for us that you were there.”
Jaewon glanced at Taejo and then at Kwan. ”Who are you in trouble with?”
Kwan hesitated before answering.
”Let me introduce you to the crown prince of Hansong, Prince Kim Taejo,” Kwan said. ”The Yamatos have invaded Hansong, and he is no longer safe.”
”Your Highness.” Jaewon and Seung stood and bowed to Taejo.
”Please don't,” Taejo said. ”I am prince of nothing right now. I am just Kim Taejo. My kingdom has been invaded, and my father has been a.s.sa.s.sinated.” Taejo dropped his head into his hands.
”You are still the crown prince, heir to the throne of Hansong. And when you are coronated, you will be king,” Kwan said. ”While it would be wise to keep this information to ourselves until you are safe, you should not forget who you are.”
”We've lost the captain and all my guards. Demons are after us. How can we escape?” Taejo asked.
”Don't lose faith,” Kira said. She put an arm around him and hugged him. ”I'll always be here for you.”
Kira pulled out some blankets and made up a bed for the prince. Taejo lay down without a word and turned away. She rolled up next to him, watching as the others made their beds, while Kwan paced the perimeter. She chewed on her nail and then spit in disgust. Her hand was grimy.
Reaching into her jacket, Kira pulled her father's gift out of the small pouch that hung low around her neck. ”Father,” she whispered. She gripped the haetae hard in her fist, trying to shut out the image of her father's death, desperately wondering what was happening to her mother and praying that she was still safe.
No matter how long it takes and if it costs me my life, I will have revenge. I swear to you, Father. You will be avenged.