Emeralds and Enemies

Chapter Eighty-five

            Hae-sung stopped grooming his horse and stepped in the stable's alleyway. He stared straight at Junseo and asked, "Are you back now?"

          "Still working some things out but I hope so," Junseo answered as honestly as he could. Hae-sung just nodded and went back to his task. Rufus whinnied loudly from four stalls down and the other horses nickered. Junseo grabbed a treat and held it out for the old charger. The horse grabbed up the treat and then nipped at Junseo's hair. "Stop that, you big goof," Junseo said as he rubbed behind the horse's ears.

"I guess we weren't the only ones who missed you," Chenhui said and then blushed.

"I missed you guys too," Junseo's eyes shone with unshed tears as his pulled the younger boy into a hug.

"Ugg, do go getting all mushy on us now," Song-hee complained as he joined in on the hug.

"So, are you here to practice, or what?" Hae-sung tried to cover up his emotions with uncharacteristic gruffness.

"I would love nothing better but first I think I need to spend a bit more time apologizing to my horse," Junseo said. Hae-sung nodded and pointed to a bucket of combs and brushes. Junseo stripped off his jacket and happily set to work. The relaxing work helped him beat back the image of Captain Shiro's damaged face that kept popping into his mind. He could see Song-hee's concerned look so tried to smile.

"Anyone else ready for lunch?" Xuiyang called from the doorway and the others went and quickly cleaned up.

Junseo was happy to sit in the shade but kept getting pestered by a hornet that was flying around. The other boys laughed as he jumped around trying to get away from the bug.

"That one has claimed the fruit tree you are under as his territory." Hae-sung finally explained and then made more room for Junseo on the opposite bench. It was only after he was re-settled that he realized he had not seen San Jin or Il-don. He was not surprised that San Jin might still be at home with his parents but he wondered about the other boy. When he asked, Junseo was brought up to date about the try-out and offer the palace guard had made.

"I told him to give it a bit more time but he didn't want to miss his chance." Hae-sung shook his head sadly.

"I'm so glad you are still here, though," Junseo said.

"Even if you are still working things out?" Hae-sung could not stop himself from taking a little jab.

"Especially since I am still working things out. As seniors, you and San Jin help hold everything together." Junseo held Hae-sung's gaze.

"Hey, what about me. I'm older than you, you know." Song-hee half-teased.

"I know but until you are through all your exams, we are not putting any extras on you." Junseo answered with a measured tone.

"I guess that is fair." Song-hee said slowly.

"Off course it is, especially since you, me and Xuiyang are starting at a new school," Chenhui jumped in. This gave them a new topic to chat about and Junseo volunteered to help them prepare for the placement exams.

"Captain Shiro told us not to sweat it too much. He was pretty sure we could earn matriculation waivers in a couple of subjects," Xuiyang said confidently. Song-hee gave Junseo a worried look.

"Then I am sure you have it well in hand. I am just offering if there is anything you want to refresh yourself with. Don't spend time fretting when help is available. Deal?" Xuiyang and Chenhui nodded enthusiastically.

"What about you? What do you need to do to get ready for the senior final?" Song-hee asked.

"Well, it would really help to run through a few different set levels and do some regular fencing with you guys," Junseo shrugged.

"I thought you would never ask," Hae-sung grinned widely and pointed to where their armor was still being stored. When they were part way through their second bout of the afternoon Hae-sung asked Junseo what was bothering him and then said "You aren't rusty. You just seem to have a lot on your mind."

"You are right. There is a lot going on but I just can't talk about it yet. It helps to be here like this though." Junseo said then executed some quick moves and nearly disarmed Hae-sung. He responded in kind but over-reached and was soon tagged out.

"Well done, both of you. Really well done." Minister Go's master-of-arms said from the sidelines where he stood watching with San Jin.

"I'm so glad you could bring San Jin here," Junseo said and bowed his thanks.

"Dad sent a message. Said it was important for me to meet him here but it doesn't look like he has arrived." San Jin looked around the yard and back to where the boys waited.

There was a loud commotion at the gate and then two guard troops entered the compound. The Go family guards quickly arrayed themselves along the top of the walls while the palace troops moved in tight formation around the group of men coming through the gate.

"You probably want to put your swords away." San Jin suggested as Hae-sung and Junseo stood transfixed by the precautions they were witnessing.

"Oh, right." Junseo turned but Hae-sung signaled he would take care of everything.

Song-hee passed Junseo a towel and then dropped a robe on his shoulders. "Looks like they want you over there," Song-hee whispered and gave Junseo a light push in the middle of his back. As Junseo made his way over to the group who was being so heavily guarded, San Jin asked Song-hee if he knew what was going on. Song-hee shrugged. He knew it would not be long before they all heard the news.

Manager Doak approached to ask all the team to come to the dinning hall for some important announcements. He gestured to indicate the invitation included the Go family master-at-arms as well. The man surprised him by declining. "I will find out soon enough," the man said then waved toward the walls around the compound, "I'll just make sure everyone is well positioned to keep you all safe."

Overhearing this exchange put San Jin on edge. Ever since the incident with the roadside bandits, the master-at-arms was much more hands-on when leading their household guards. The number guards in place signaled something very serious going on. He started to approach his father but was warned off by a shake of the head so he joined the other boys on the team. Junseo came back and sat with them but did not respond to their questioning looks.

Minister Go stepped into the center of the room with a palace guard standing at alert on either side. He gave the guards a slight frown so the each took half a step back. Then he pulled himself into a formal posture to announce, "There is much to discuss with everyone here today and as you can see some of what we know puts us in danger, at least until the rest of the conspirators can be apprehended. I ask you listen closely and hold your questions and comments until the end of my remarks." He looked at each of the boys in turn to see they understood then took a breath.

San Jin had never seen his father look so strained.