The Last Imoogi

Her Foresight Gone Wrong

The following day, Kwon Jiyong received a report from Moo Yeon that he found a small but deep cave South of Bukhan Mountain. Taking some royal guards with him, Kwon Jiyong did not waste time and rushed to the location immediately. Moo Yeon and Kwon Jiyong's men who were more experienced in dealing with imogans went to the front line while the royal guards assembled around the area. When Kwon Jiyong signaled them to move, they charged into the cave. It took time for the guards to completely enter the cave because of its narrow paths. However, this was nothing new to Moo Yeon. After all his experiences in conquering imoogans, his movements were swift and well calculated. As he arrived in a broader path at the end of a small tunnel, a nauseating stink welcomed him. He readied his sword upon spotting a pit in the corner of the cave, but he was somehow distracted by a female sound to his left, just behind a huge boulder that seems to be placed there to seal an opening. He signaled his men and the royal guards to remove the huge rock, and soon louder whimpers and wails were heard. It took them a while to make a path wide enough for a man to fit into. Using a torch to check the small space, a guard went inside and not too long, he shouted.

"The captives are here! They are all here!"

By the break of dawn, all the abducted ladies were taken down to the infirmary, while Moo Yeon and some troops still stayed on Mount Bukhan to survey the area. Sandara received a message from Kwon Jiyong about this and for the first time, he asked for her help. The ladies were all in a state of shock and trauma that no one spoke a word. Sandara knew her husband had no patience in long and tedious interrogations so she also knew she had to step in. Besides, they were only young ladies and Sandara worried they might get even more traumatized if guards keep surrounding them. When she arrived at the infirmary with Jo Sanggung, she rolled her eyes at the sight that welcomed her.

Just outside the quarters where the girls were being treated for their injuries, a troop of royal guards were in formation, standing on guard. Kwon Jiyong remained seated on a chair at the porch, his arms crossed over his chest.

"Your Highness," Sandara bowed when she approached him, while the guards lowered all their heads. When Kwon Jiyong stood up to welcome her, eyed him scrutinizingly.

"You're giving the ladies inside a fright!" She whispered, which made the iceberg throw her a bewildered look. Sandara heaved a sigh. "Withdraw your men and let them guard further away."

Kwon Jiyong did not understand, but still heed her words anyway. "No one is speaking up. It's kind of frustrating. We need to find the imoogans as soon as possible. We cannot further delay." Kwon Jiyong said impatiently. So she was right all along!

"Your Highness, the ladies could possibly still be in a state of shock so please be patient. I'll see what information I can get from them."

When Kwon Jiyong gave her a nod, Sandara didn't waste time and approached the young ladies one by one. She was surprised yet thankful that their injuries weren't as serious as she expected. However, they were all in a daze, not even reacting to anything or anyone at all. If she was to judge their state, she would say they all looked hypnotized.

She decided to take advantage of it to get information. So far, all the ladies' thoughts were too blurry to be read. The only clear thing was the night they were abducted. Sandara had to stop herself from shivering in fear each time she would see the image of those imoogans, two of which almost sexually assaulted the ladies. It was a horrifying scene for her, what more to those who actually experienced it? Lastly, she approached the final lady in the corner. However, what welcomed her vision was something that shocked her so much, she didn't realize a nurse was already behind her when she stepped back, sending the bowl of medicine crashing on the floor.

"Mama, forgive me!" The nurse was kneeling before her when Kwon Jiyong arrived in utmost concern.

"What happened here?" His voice filled the room, terrifying the nurse even more. He approached Sandara to see for himself if she was hurt but instead, he noticed how pale her face had become, her eyes wide with horror.