{Fanfic: In The Years Imja Was Gone} Chapter 4 and 5
In The Years Imja Was Gone
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It never failed to surprise Young; while one of his men was the most serious dependable person while the other was a complete and hapless moron.
The WooDalChi leaders had come to enjoy their time in the General’s office and by now it was sort of a small go-to place when they were in trouble. Not that they usually found the general there, but at least one of them would be keeping guard there; as if waiting for such instances to occur and serve as a listening ear.
Such was the case.
Deok Man walked into the room; looking very bad, while Choi Young sat there, reading some orders from the King; the maps were outspread before him signaling all the conquered ground and the plans for expansion. The Vice General had left, not two minutes earlier, to get them something to drink (so the General could drink some meds Deo Gi had sent), and was expected to return. Dae Man was in his manners lessons, with Lady Choi, and because of his injury Choi Young was delegated the task of opening and reading the letters the King was sending.
The General had to do something to keep from thinking too much. But thinking was outside the box right now, literally, as the General stared at the man before him.
“How did you manage this, Deok Man? I’m utterly curious.”
“I’m not sure myself, sir.”
The door opened and the Vice General entered… freezing upon the sigh before his eyes. Choi Young called him forward, making the man round Deok Man and settle the water pot over the desk, been scolded by the General. The desk was still brand new and the water could damage it.
“What is this?”
“I’m trying to figure it out myself, Choong-sik, sit down.” And the Vice General sat. “So this happened while you were asleep?”
“Yes.”
“You took one hell of a sleeping aid.”
“I just can’t fathom how they put him inside, and then turned him over without waking him up.”
“Must have been Suribang sir.”
“I have no doubt of it.”
“Could you please help me out?”
“Why?”
“It itches.”
“I would be surprise if it didn’t.”
“Sir… please. Get me out.”
“First we must take you to the King, he’s not having a good day and would need a laugh.”
“That means parading me all the way to the other side of the castle!”
“Problem?” Asked Choi Young, standing to carry the man, and making the man’s head hide. “Deok Man, look here, Deok Man!” But the door opened and the King stepped in. The two leaders stood, and bowed to the King, who frowned at the box, curious. Choi Young turned following the King’s stare and kicked the box. “Greet his Majesty!” He said loudly, making Deok Man lift his head from the small hole and bow his head, before hiding again.
“I was wondering if you were well enough for a walk, general. But what is that?”
“This, Majesty, is what happens when one insults the Suribang.”
“I see.” The King neared Deok Man who was wrapped in a wooden box, made out of bamboo sticks, sealed shut and without and apparent way out, Only his legs and head were visible but moving seemed painful. “Look here, WooDalChi.” And Deok Man’s head appearedd, bowing quickly. “Apologize quickly.”
“Yes, Majesty.” And with pressed lips the King signaled at the General to follow. Both the King and Do Chi left, their spirits lifted with such childish pranks, and Choi Young kicked the box again.
“You heard the King, apologize.” And walking towards the door the General signaled at Choong-sik to help the man out.
=
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They waked through the gardens, followed closely by the WooDalChi escort and they sat on the same bridge they had sat on the day of their last outing, looking at the same direction the High doctor had stood watching them. Cho Young looked at the directions, picturing her standing there, signaling at him to smile. She’d taken a picture, or whatever it was she’d said it was called, of them. Had she known she would be leaving?
“You seem thinner than ever, General, have you been eating?”
“Yes, your majesty. I have.”
“I understand Lady Choi delivers Tarak porridge to you daily.”
“And forced it down my throat when I don’t want it.” He said, smiling. The King nodded. “I must thank you Majesty, for your kindness. I know this is all your doing. For when I was feverish, the men guarding me and the time off to heal fully before returning to battle. And before I forget the flowers her Majesty sent, please thank her in my behalf.”
“Thank me for the porridge and time off, but I had no idea the Queen had sent you flowers.”
“Apparently the High Doctor told her she liked Yellow Mums, so I have a big pot of flowers under my window.” The King nodded, while the General looked away again. They were in comfortable silence, and Choi Young knew the King needed some advice in something, but it apparently could wait.
“When you asked me, years back, so your heart could be at peace; we were sitting right here.”
“We were, majesty.”
“Afterwards you told me your heart was still at peace. Is it still so?”
It took a small time for the General to answer, and when he did he gave a soft smile. “Sometimes, it stirs and reaches out; I’m here, it says. But I think it’s because she’s asking for me, probably before going to sleep.”
“So each night your heart reaches out to her.”
“I want to hope so.”
“Hope is such an ephemeral thing.”
“Then let me hold onto faith, with all my might, sir.” The King took in a deep breath, not surprised yet touched, by his response.
“How can you be so positive, General? Do you, perhaps, know something we don’t?”
“If I did, I would have already used it to bring back the high doctor. I’m blind, more so than all of you; and all I have left is to wait.”
“So that is it.”
“I’m sorry.”
“This is how you draw people in.” And with a smile the King stood, touching Choi Young’s arm. “I will have the general of the army call in for an update of the grounds, please come so we can discuss the matter of the new unit’s deployment.”
“Very well sir.”
“And make time later on, so we can enjoy some tea together.”
“I shall.”
The King turned to leave, but then smiled.
“General?”
“Yes, Majesty.”
“When the High Doctor returns, let’s have an outing. I would very much like to draw both of you as a wedding gift.” Choi Young bowed.
“You honor me, Majesty.”
And with a smile the King left.
=
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If there was something good about this wait was that his pledged aunt would hand him small bowls of peeled nuts. And the fresh variety not the stored ones. So popping one into his mouth, and biting he leaned on the table, and looked around himself; watching the people walk from side to side, unbothered. The crunch of the peeled nuts echoed in his mind as he watched the day roll by.
“That temper, really! Aigoo!” Called his pledged out from the kitchen. “That uncle of yours is drunk to hell! Why are you here again?”
“I don’t know.” He said softly, taking another of the nuts.
“Are you hungry?”
“Not right now, maybe later.” She walked to sit across from him, settling a bowl of rice soup before him, and handing him one of her wooden spoons.
“Eat now, maybe later you won’t be able to.” He shook his head, and took the spoon. “The boys all have found ways of infiltrating the army across the river; we’ll have the plans of attack in two or three days. So rest easy.”
“We leave next week.”
“I know, I know. Eat.” And Choi Young frowned at her, digging the spoon into the rice and ate. “Your uncle has already checked the fields and they set some traps, it won’t be much; but it will help. Just be mindful of poop mines.” He hated those, they smelled terrible. “That’s why he’s so drunk.”
“Out with some friends again?”
“Make sure to carry a bit of fire, or use that Ki of yours to start the party.”
“I’ll make sure I’m far away.” He took another nut and looked away again, eyes setting on the crowd of buyers. Choong-sik arrived then, wearing his civilian clothes.
“Sir.”
“Yeah.” Said the man loosely, frowning and looking away. The Vice General turned, and noticed what the General had seen. The straw hat and purple-white robes. His pledge aunt also looked up and away and frowned.
Knowing that it would become for a drag and a helper at the situation, Choi Young handed Choong-sik his sword and hurried to the market. Cleaning his lips, and wide eyes never leaving the back of the woman with the straw hat. He followed, sliding between people and pushing some carts away, jumped over a boy playing, and through the thick herbal hallway, following. He lost her for a second, his heart begging to find her again, and beating loudly; he turned and could see her back again; the walking stick and pink bag crossing her back. She stopped at a particularly large herbal stand and inspected a bag of something he could not identify. Her reddish messy hair could be seen from under the hat, her pale hands and the way she moved quietly…
Behind him the Vice General followed, worried.
His hand reached forth for the woman, spinning her around…
The girl stared up at him in surprise, green eyes blinking quickly. It wasn’t her. His heart fell, and his eyes dulled for a second; he gave a bow to apologize and turned, just as the Vice General reached him. Verbally the Vice General apologized to the girl and bowed, watching the General move away and in between buildings, in the darkness of the hallway he leaned against the wall, shoulders defeated as pain and longing gathered in the pit of his stomach. He breathed in deep, eyes closed tightly, and to guard him from prying eyes Choong-sik stood at the only exit, listening to his uneven breathing, then to his gasp and finally as he threw up. His coughs were laced with pain, not the physical but pain none the less. Swallowing hard Choong-sik lowered his eyes and waited.
From afar the girl did look like the High Doctor, only that she was shorter less fiery and thinner. But in hopes anything could be seen and expected; the General gasped again, sniffling and finishing whatever his body had started. The Vice General could see him caress his face, in his mind’s eyes, and then pant a little for the sake of his senses, before standing tall and proud again. The whole process was sickening to the soldier, but there was nothing he could do for the General but stand guard and keep him safe while it happened.
“Vice General.” Said the man in the hallway, softly. Choong-sik turned, and saw his general leaning against the wall. “Let’s go back to the barracks.”
“Yes sir.” And still holding Choi Young’s sword, the Vice General waited for the man to exit the hallway and hurry away, following closely.
In The Years Imja Was Gone
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It’s been a year of battles.
One after the other, he’d just been out in the field for longer than really necessary, holding battles, armies, and blood covering his armor. Again and again they would set out and go to battle in the name of the King and Country, forcing their way into new lands and freeing slaves… The whole hero thing was sometimes so tiring it drove him insane.
And he had no one to hold him and thank him for simply returning alive.
As he sat on the stool of his improvised chamber, he looked at himself in the water he was using to clean the blood from his neck and arms; Eun Soo would probably scold him for been so dirty. For having a gash on the side of his face, and for his split lip.
Those lips are mine, he wanted her to reason out loud, why would you break something so precious of mine?
But right now what he missed the most was the hug she used to give him after returning. Even when drenched in mud, blood and the heat of the battle, would she dare reach for him, pull his head against her shoulder and simply thank him for returning alive? The bottle of aspirin and the dried yellow mum glinted at the side of the bed, something so precious could not be taken to battle where it could break, and made Choi Young sigh.
“General!” Called someone, making him look up and finding the lieutenant of the army hurrying towards him, kneeling. “We have intelligence that the enemy has found a way of escaping through the river.”
“Pursue them! Don’t let them return alive!”
“Sir!” They had come for him because their own general had been already murdered and without leadership the campaign could not continue. Choi Young finished the task at hand, and stood; dropping the towel he used on the dark waters, and called for his Vice General.
“He’d still at the field, sir.” Called Deok Man, entering the tent. “He wanted to make sure the men were returned.”
“Tell him to come here as soon as he’s done. Dae Man.”
“Sir.”
“Bring me the map.” The tent where they strategized had been burned, and this improvised chamber would have to serve as headquarters.
“Yes sir!” And the boy hurried in, pulling the bent roll out of his shirt. The parchment was rolled open and Choi Young looked down at the land conquered, part of the still unconquered and the spot they were currently fighting on.
It was a really large chunk of land what they had in their grasp, but there had been a leak, at some point within the army and their plan had been revealed to the enemy; so they had to splurge the spies out and killed them, not without having loss on their own side. Breathing deep the general studied the situation. Lifted his head and looked at Dae Man.
“Can you reach them in foot? Running?”
“Yes general.” Said the boy with a big smirk.
“Get the best four runners, and pursue, help the army. If they are at the river, crossing, dive in, if they crossed, then cross the river, but don’t let them return alive.” The battle hadn’t look too good at first, but due to the constant training of the new WooDalChi recruits and that new unit the King ordered created they had prevailed. Dae Man bowed, promised to return and left quickly, doing as ordered. He looked down at the map again, and leaned over the table, closing his eyes thinking of strategy and possible outcomes…
A drop of blood landed on the paper and made him pull back and look, another landed but this time on his armor and he touched his nose; indeed his nose was bleeding, probably because of the punch he received earlier.
“Ah, hell…” and he turned away, cleaning his nosebleed and reaching for another piece of clean cloth (whatever could be called clean around a war zone).
A flaming ball of something landed on the table, cutting through cloth, wood and metal, embedding on the ground and burning the map eh was watching. Surprised, the guards hurried in, worried for the General and found him staring at the ball of fire, frowning. “General! This way, come out!”
The back of his hand pressing his face, he was pulled, but instead of following he pulled free, reaching forward and grabbed the bottle of aspirin, and then followed. With the provisional camp for the General burned down they were forced to camp out in the wilderness. The general was sorrier for having lost the map than the encampment and settled under a tree, getting comfortable. Deok Man arrived at the scene, followed by the Vice General, and they both made sure their general was fine.
“We’ll be returning to the capital soon anyway. This will make traveling easier.”
“How so?”
“We don’t have to carry anything more than ourselves.” And turning he asked for water.
=
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The army returned to capital, where festivities and happiness was palpable in the air, making the men feel wearier than they already were. Choi Young had been able to find a horse in the mess and still alive and well he brought it back as part of the captured bounty; it wasn’t usual for him to do such things but left with nothing but the armors on their backs they were forced to ransack the enemy camp.
The people watched them pass by, some cheering and crying out to them, while others moved quietly through the streets, the marching army opening the road for the travelers and carriers of goods behind them. Choi Young watched the people wondering if they even understood why they were doing these battles for, or if they even care they did, and decided that such thoughts were depressing; he would leave those to the King he was much better at thinking. The horse was lead quietly down the gates of the castle and the tall doors opened, revealing the guards and moving soldiers, the maidens and servants, the wide gardens and above all the refreshing breeze of home.
The men were chatting among themselves, happy to finally be home, and the general dismissed them quickly; dismounting. His feet ached, his whole body was numb, and he just wanted to get a warm bath and catch up with his sleeping.
An amazingly enough he managed, yet as he woke up the next day he wondered how badly the King would take it out on him.
The first to arrive at his quarters was his aunt; Lady Choi looked him over, found him (overall) not harmed and sighed. “You Punk! You went to sleep without greeting the King yesterday!”
“I was told not to come into the court room, till later today. Don’t worry too much.”
“I’m not worried.” She said sternly, making him smile and stand from bed, shedding the sheets. He walked by her, doing something he had not done since his early teenage years; having been taller than her since then he passed by her, leaned slightly down and kissed her forehead.
“I’m fine, thanks for worrying.” And picking the small stack of clothes he had prepared earlier he walked out of the room for a well-deserved bath.
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The Court was quiet as he stepped into the large room; the advisors had all left for the day and while he was usually at his office handling such matters, the King rested over the throne, reading some parchments and frowning sligly at their content. Choi Young gave a bow, hearing the man chuckle; and lifted.
“General! So good to see you back!”
“Majesty, I’ve come to bid you good morning.”
“Please come closer.”
“Yes Majesty.” And standing, Choi Young fixed the suddenly very large robes and belt, and walked to stand beside the King.
“I have heard most of the reports and in all I found the instance of the fireball falling over your tent. How is it you came back alive?” He asked, quickly and curious, while finishing the parchment he was working on. It was a really good question, and for now he had no answer.
“I am at loss as well, sir.”
“Well I’m glad you are still with us. How would I explain to the High Doctor if you weren’t where when she came back?” Choi Young gave a thankful bow of his head. “I have decided on this: and there is no other way you can convince me otherwise.” Said the King, stamping the seal of the King of Goryeo and handing the roll to Do Chi, who handed him a blue and gray roll. “This is long overdue and with such a simple personality I’ve struggled in the pros and cons, but alas I found myself in a mess for a while…”
“I don’t understand Majesty.” And the King handed Choi Young the gray roll, standing.
“I don’t expect you would deny me the little joy of giving you a gift, even less in your birthday.” And the man rounded the desk, been followed by Choi Young, who had not opened the roll. “I am quite adamant in giving it to you, so please enjoy it.”
“Majesty you need give me nothing.”
“Take it.” Said the King, stopping his walk and turning to Choi Young, who bowed. “With my and the Queen’s best wishes. She has arranged everything.”
“For what?”
“Read the roll, General.” And with that the King left the court room.
Choi Young sighed, undid the seal wrapping the roll together and unfolded the roll. It was nicely done, in the strokes the King could produce, and it touched the general; why would the king bother with such matters? It was only a gift. Choi Young Read and his eyes widened.
And what a gift!
“Majesty, I think you’ve got this wrong!”
Fighting was futile with the King that morning, so still carrying the roll and his sword, Choi Young walked slowly towards the barracks. His aunt found him at some point and probably spoke to him but he could not hear anything. He made it to his room, sat on the stool and set the roll over the table, unfolding it to prying eyes unable to produce coherent thought. Both Dae Man and Lady Choi leaned forward; after reading the boy started to stutter, and the woman sat beside her nephew.
“So as a gift for all your victories…”
“Yes…”
“I… I.I..I… the…”
“The King has given you the house of the Prince of the Court.”
“Did you know about this and didn’t tell me or you couldn’t tell me? Because I understand it was the queen who settled everything.”
“I chose the color patterns.” And leaning back on his hand and the nearby wall, Choi Young groaned. “Now it’s a beautiful house Young-ah, and besides you didn’t expect to stay in this room married to the High Doctor, did you?”
“She did like that house.”
“She liked the…” Started Young, startled, but then stopped, groaning and turning away. “I can’t return it even if I wanted to; the king has already made it clear. So I might as well take a look at it, right?”
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It never failed to surprise Young; while one of his men was the most serious dependable person while the other was a complete and hapless moron.
The WooDalChi leaders had come to enjoy their time in the General’s office and by now it was sort of a small go-to place when they were in trouble. Not that they usually found the general there, but at least one of them would be keeping guard there; as if waiting for such instances to occur and serve as a listening ear.
Such was the case.
Deok Man walked into the room; looking very bad, while Choi Young sat there, reading some orders from the King; the maps were outspread before him signaling all the conquered ground and the plans for expansion. The Vice General had left, not two minutes earlier, to get them something to drink (so the General could drink some meds Deo Gi had sent), and was expected to return. Dae Man was in his manners lessons, with Lady Choi, and because of his injury Choi Young was delegated the task of opening and reading the letters the King was sending.
The General had to do something to keep from thinking too much. But thinking was outside the box right now, literally, as the General stared at the man before him.
“How did you manage this, Deok Man? I’m utterly curious.”
“I’m not sure myself, sir.”
The door opened and the Vice General entered… freezing upon the sigh before his eyes. Choi Young called him forward, making the man round Deok Man and settle the water pot over the desk, been scolded by the General. The desk was still brand new and the water could damage it.
“What is this?”
“I’m trying to figure it out myself, Choong-sik, sit down.” And the Vice General sat. “So this happened while you were asleep?”
“Yes.”
“You took one hell of a sleeping aid.”
“I just can’t fathom how they put him inside, and then turned him over without waking him up.”
“Must have been Suribang sir.”
“I have no doubt of it.”
“Could you please help me out?”
“Why?”
“It itches.”
“I would be surprise if it didn’t.”
“Sir… please. Get me out.”
“First we must take you to the King, he’s not having a good day and would need a laugh.”
“That means parading me all the way to the other side of the castle!”
“Problem?” Asked Choi Young, standing to carry the man, and making the man’s head hide. “Deok Man, look here, Deok Man!” But the door opened and the King stepped in. The two leaders stood, and bowed to the King, who frowned at the box, curious. Choi Young turned following the King’s stare and kicked the box. “Greet his Majesty!” He said loudly, making Deok Man lift his head from the small hole and bow his head, before hiding again.
“I was wondering if you were well enough for a walk, general. But what is that?”
“This, Majesty, is what happens when one insults the Suribang.”
“I see.” The King neared Deok Man who was wrapped in a wooden box, made out of bamboo sticks, sealed shut and without and apparent way out, Only his legs and head were visible but moving seemed painful. “Look here, WooDalChi.” And Deok Man’s head appearedd, bowing quickly. “Apologize quickly.”
“Yes, Majesty.” And with pressed lips the King signaled at the General to follow. Both the King and Do Chi left, their spirits lifted with such childish pranks, and Choi Young kicked the box again.
“You heard the King, apologize.” And walking towards the door the General signaled at Choong-sik to help the man out.
=
=
They waked through the gardens, followed closely by the WooDalChi escort and they sat on the same bridge they had sat on the day of their last outing, looking at the same direction the High doctor had stood watching them. Cho Young looked at the directions, picturing her standing there, signaling at him to smile. She’d taken a picture, or whatever it was she’d said it was called, of them. Had she known she would be leaving?
“You seem thinner than ever, General, have you been eating?”
“Yes, your majesty. I have.”
“I understand Lady Choi delivers Tarak porridge to you daily.”
“And forced it down my throat when I don’t want it.” He said, smiling. The King nodded. “I must thank you Majesty, for your kindness. I know this is all your doing. For when I was feverish, the men guarding me and the time off to heal fully before returning to battle. And before I forget the flowers her Majesty sent, please thank her in my behalf.”
“Thank me for the porridge and time off, but I had no idea the Queen had sent you flowers.”
“Apparently the High Doctor told her she liked Yellow Mums, so I have a big pot of flowers under my window.” The King nodded, while the General looked away again. They were in comfortable silence, and Choi Young knew the King needed some advice in something, but it apparently could wait.
“When you asked me, years back, so your heart could be at peace; we were sitting right here.”
“We were, majesty.”
“Afterwards you told me your heart was still at peace. Is it still so?”
It took a small time for the General to answer, and when he did he gave a soft smile. “Sometimes, it stirs and reaches out; I’m here, it says. But I think it’s because she’s asking for me, probably before going to sleep.”
“So each night your heart reaches out to her.”
“I want to hope so.”
“Hope is such an ephemeral thing.”
“Then let me hold onto faith, with all my might, sir.” The King took in a deep breath, not surprised yet touched, by his response.
“How can you be so positive, General? Do you, perhaps, know something we don’t?”
“If I did, I would have already used it to bring back the high doctor. I’m blind, more so than all of you; and all I have left is to wait.”
“So that is it.”
“I’m sorry.”
“This is how you draw people in.” And with a smile the King stood, touching Choi Young’s arm. “I will have the general of the army call in for an update of the grounds, please come so we can discuss the matter of the new unit’s deployment.”
“Very well sir.”
“And make time later on, so we can enjoy some tea together.”
“I shall.”
The King turned to leave, but then smiled.
“General?”
“Yes, Majesty.”
“When the High Doctor returns, let’s have an outing. I would very much like to draw both of you as a wedding gift.” Choi Young bowed.
“You honor me, Majesty.”
And with a smile the King left.
=
=
If there was something good about this wait was that his pledged aunt would hand him small bowls of peeled nuts. And the fresh variety not the stored ones. So popping one into his mouth, and biting he leaned on the table, and looked around himself; watching the people walk from side to side, unbothered. The crunch of the peeled nuts echoed in his mind as he watched the day roll by.
“That temper, really! Aigoo!” Called his pledged out from the kitchen. “That uncle of yours is drunk to hell! Why are you here again?”
“I don’t know.” He said softly, taking another of the nuts.
“Are you hungry?”
“Not right now, maybe later.” She walked to sit across from him, settling a bowl of rice soup before him, and handing him one of her wooden spoons.
“Eat now, maybe later you won’t be able to.” He shook his head, and took the spoon. “The boys all have found ways of infiltrating the army across the river; we’ll have the plans of attack in two or three days. So rest easy.”
“We leave next week.”
“I know, I know. Eat.” And Choi Young frowned at her, digging the spoon into the rice and ate. “Your uncle has already checked the fields and they set some traps, it won’t be much; but it will help. Just be mindful of poop mines.” He hated those, they smelled terrible. “That’s why he’s so drunk.”
“Out with some friends again?”
“Make sure to carry a bit of fire, or use that Ki of yours to start the party.”
“I’ll make sure I’m far away.” He took another nut and looked away again, eyes setting on the crowd of buyers. Choong-sik arrived then, wearing his civilian clothes.
“Sir.”
“Yeah.” Said the man loosely, frowning and looking away. The Vice General turned, and noticed what the General had seen. The straw hat and purple-white robes. His pledge aunt also looked up and away and frowned.
Knowing that it would become for a drag and a helper at the situation, Choi Young handed Choong-sik his sword and hurried to the market. Cleaning his lips, and wide eyes never leaving the back of the woman with the straw hat. He followed, sliding between people and pushing some carts away, jumped over a boy playing, and through the thick herbal hallway, following. He lost her for a second, his heart begging to find her again, and beating loudly; he turned and could see her back again; the walking stick and pink bag crossing her back. She stopped at a particularly large herbal stand and inspected a bag of something he could not identify. Her reddish messy hair could be seen from under the hat, her pale hands and the way she moved quietly…
Behind him the Vice General followed, worried.
His hand reached forth for the woman, spinning her around…
The girl stared up at him in surprise, green eyes blinking quickly. It wasn’t her. His heart fell, and his eyes dulled for a second; he gave a bow to apologize and turned, just as the Vice General reached him. Verbally the Vice General apologized to the girl and bowed, watching the General move away and in between buildings, in the darkness of the hallway he leaned against the wall, shoulders defeated as pain and longing gathered in the pit of his stomach. He breathed in deep, eyes closed tightly, and to guard him from prying eyes Choong-sik stood at the only exit, listening to his uneven breathing, then to his gasp and finally as he threw up. His coughs were laced with pain, not the physical but pain none the less. Swallowing hard Choong-sik lowered his eyes and waited.
From afar the girl did look like the High Doctor, only that she was shorter less fiery and thinner. But in hopes anything could be seen and expected; the General gasped again, sniffling and finishing whatever his body had started. The Vice General could see him caress his face, in his mind’s eyes, and then pant a little for the sake of his senses, before standing tall and proud again. The whole process was sickening to the soldier, but there was nothing he could do for the General but stand guard and keep him safe while it happened.
“Vice General.” Said the man in the hallway, softly. Choong-sik turned, and saw his general leaning against the wall. “Let’s go back to the barracks.”
“Yes sir.” And still holding Choi Young’s sword, the Vice General waited for the man to exit the hallway and hurry away, following closely.
In The Years Imja Was Gone
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It’s been a year of battles.
One after the other, he’d just been out in the field for longer than really necessary, holding battles, armies, and blood covering his armor. Again and again they would set out and go to battle in the name of the King and Country, forcing their way into new lands and freeing slaves… The whole hero thing was sometimes so tiring it drove him insane.
And he had no one to hold him and thank him for simply returning alive.
As he sat on the stool of his improvised chamber, he looked at himself in the water he was using to clean the blood from his neck and arms; Eun Soo would probably scold him for been so dirty. For having a gash on the side of his face, and for his split lip.
Those lips are mine, he wanted her to reason out loud, why would you break something so precious of mine?
But right now what he missed the most was the hug she used to give him after returning. Even when drenched in mud, blood and the heat of the battle, would she dare reach for him, pull his head against her shoulder and simply thank him for returning alive? The bottle of aspirin and the dried yellow mum glinted at the side of the bed, something so precious could not be taken to battle where it could break, and made Choi Young sigh.
“General!” Called someone, making him look up and finding the lieutenant of the army hurrying towards him, kneeling. “We have intelligence that the enemy has found a way of escaping through the river.”
“Pursue them! Don’t let them return alive!”
“Sir!” They had come for him because their own general had been already murdered and without leadership the campaign could not continue. Choi Young finished the task at hand, and stood; dropping the towel he used on the dark waters, and called for his Vice General.
“He’d still at the field, sir.” Called Deok Man, entering the tent. “He wanted to make sure the men were returned.”
“Tell him to come here as soon as he’s done. Dae Man.”
“Sir.”
“Bring me the map.” The tent where they strategized had been burned, and this improvised chamber would have to serve as headquarters.
“Yes sir!” And the boy hurried in, pulling the bent roll out of his shirt. The parchment was rolled open and Choi Young looked down at the land conquered, part of the still unconquered and the spot they were currently fighting on.
It was a really large chunk of land what they had in their grasp, but there had been a leak, at some point within the army and their plan had been revealed to the enemy; so they had to splurge the spies out and killed them, not without having loss on their own side. Breathing deep the general studied the situation. Lifted his head and looked at Dae Man.
“Can you reach them in foot? Running?”
“Yes general.” Said the boy with a big smirk.
“Get the best four runners, and pursue, help the army. If they are at the river, crossing, dive in, if they crossed, then cross the river, but don’t let them return alive.” The battle hadn’t look too good at first, but due to the constant training of the new WooDalChi recruits and that new unit the King ordered created they had prevailed. Dae Man bowed, promised to return and left quickly, doing as ordered. He looked down at the map again, and leaned over the table, closing his eyes thinking of strategy and possible outcomes…
A drop of blood landed on the paper and made him pull back and look, another landed but this time on his armor and he touched his nose; indeed his nose was bleeding, probably because of the punch he received earlier.
“Ah, hell…” and he turned away, cleaning his nosebleed and reaching for another piece of clean cloth (whatever could be called clean around a war zone).
A flaming ball of something landed on the table, cutting through cloth, wood and metal, embedding on the ground and burning the map eh was watching. Surprised, the guards hurried in, worried for the General and found him staring at the ball of fire, frowning. “General! This way, come out!”
The back of his hand pressing his face, he was pulled, but instead of following he pulled free, reaching forward and grabbed the bottle of aspirin, and then followed. With the provisional camp for the General burned down they were forced to camp out in the wilderness. The general was sorrier for having lost the map than the encampment and settled under a tree, getting comfortable. Deok Man arrived at the scene, followed by the Vice General, and they both made sure their general was fine.
“We’ll be returning to the capital soon anyway. This will make traveling easier.”
“How so?”
“We don’t have to carry anything more than ourselves.” And turning he asked for water.
=
=
The army returned to capital, where festivities and happiness was palpable in the air, making the men feel wearier than they already were. Choi Young had been able to find a horse in the mess and still alive and well he brought it back as part of the captured bounty; it wasn’t usual for him to do such things but left with nothing but the armors on their backs they were forced to ransack the enemy camp.
The people watched them pass by, some cheering and crying out to them, while others moved quietly through the streets, the marching army opening the road for the travelers and carriers of goods behind them. Choi Young watched the people wondering if they even understood why they were doing these battles for, or if they even care they did, and decided that such thoughts were depressing; he would leave those to the King he was much better at thinking. The horse was lead quietly down the gates of the castle and the tall doors opened, revealing the guards and moving soldiers, the maidens and servants, the wide gardens and above all the refreshing breeze of home.
The men were chatting among themselves, happy to finally be home, and the general dismissed them quickly; dismounting. His feet ached, his whole body was numb, and he just wanted to get a warm bath and catch up with his sleeping.
An amazingly enough he managed, yet as he woke up the next day he wondered how badly the King would take it out on him.
The first to arrive at his quarters was his aunt; Lady Choi looked him over, found him (overall) not harmed and sighed. “You Punk! You went to sleep without greeting the King yesterday!”
“I was told not to come into the court room, till later today. Don’t worry too much.”
“I’m not worried.” She said sternly, making him smile and stand from bed, shedding the sheets. He walked by her, doing something he had not done since his early teenage years; having been taller than her since then he passed by her, leaned slightly down and kissed her forehead.
“I’m fine, thanks for worrying.” And picking the small stack of clothes he had prepared earlier he walked out of the room for a well-deserved bath.
=
=
The Court was quiet as he stepped into the large room; the advisors had all left for the day and while he was usually at his office handling such matters, the King rested over the throne, reading some parchments and frowning sligly at their content. Choi Young gave a bow, hearing the man chuckle; and lifted.
“General! So good to see you back!”
“Majesty, I’ve come to bid you good morning.”
“Please come closer.”
“Yes Majesty.” And standing, Choi Young fixed the suddenly very large robes and belt, and walked to stand beside the King.
“I have heard most of the reports and in all I found the instance of the fireball falling over your tent. How is it you came back alive?” He asked, quickly and curious, while finishing the parchment he was working on. It was a really good question, and for now he had no answer.
“I am at loss as well, sir.”
“Well I’m glad you are still with us. How would I explain to the High Doctor if you weren’t where when she came back?” Choi Young gave a thankful bow of his head. “I have decided on this: and there is no other way you can convince me otherwise.” Said the King, stamping the seal of the King of Goryeo and handing the roll to Do Chi, who handed him a blue and gray roll. “This is long overdue and with such a simple personality I’ve struggled in the pros and cons, but alas I found myself in a mess for a while…”
“I don’t understand Majesty.” And the King handed Choi Young the gray roll, standing.
“I don’t expect you would deny me the little joy of giving you a gift, even less in your birthday.” And the man rounded the desk, been followed by Choi Young, who had not opened the roll. “I am quite adamant in giving it to you, so please enjoy it.”
“Majesty you need give me nothing.”
“Take it.” Said the King, stopping his walk and turning to Choi Young, who bowed. “With my and the Queen’s best wishes. She has arranged everything.”
“For what?”
“Read the roll, General.” And with that the King left the court room.
Choi Young sighed, undid the seal wrapping the roll together and unfolded the roll. It was nicely done, in the strokes the King could produce, and it touched the general; why would the king bother with such matters? It was only a gift. Choi Young Read and his eyes widened.
And what a gift!
“Majesty, I think you’ve got this wrong!”
Fighting was futile with the King that morning, so still carrying the roll and his sword, Choi Young walked slowly towards the barracks. His aunt found him at some point and probably spoke to him but he could not hear anything. He made it to his room, sat on the stool and set the roll over the table, unfolding it to prying eyes unable to produce coherent thought. Both Dae Man and Lady Choi leaned forward; after reading the boy started to stutter, and the woman sat beside her nephew.
“So as a gift for all your victories…”
“Yes…”
“I… I.I..I… the…”
“The King has given you the house of the Prince of the Court.”
“Did you know about this and didn’t tell me or you couldn’t tell me? Because I understand it was the queen who settled everything.”
“I chose the color patterns.” And leaning back on his hand and the nearby wall, Choi Young groaned. “Now it’s a beautiful house Young-ah, and besides you didn’t expect to stay in this room married to the High Doctor, did you?”
“She did like that house.”
“She liked the…” Started Young, startled, but then stopped, groaning and turning away. “I can’t return it even if I wanted to; the king has already made it clear. So I might as well take a look at it, right?”