Rubies and Rumors

Chapter Three

     When their parents explained the plan, the boys just stared at each other for a moment. In-Yeon shook his head. "Now? You want me to go all the way to the Sun Temple in Leuso, now? Before the term finishes?"

"That seems a bit extreme for just a few broken pots." Kye-Yeon looked over at his grandfather then blushed and looked at the floor.

"You know it's more than that. It's past time for In-Yeon to find his path without being in your shadow." The old man's voice quivered a bit and he turned away until he could get his emotions under control.

"Can't I at least stay for the tournament?" In-Yeon asked quickly rattling off his reasons. "I know I can't be officially ranked but it would give me some sort of standing. It's only a couple of weeks. It would give more time for your letter to get there instead of me just showing up on uncle's doorstep." He looked to his mother and father in turn. He could tell they might give him this concession so did not push.

"You won't reveal our plans, not to anyone." The Baron waited for assurances from both boys. They nodded and he added another condition, "You will only practice under instructor supervision and stick to the set forms."

"Can I count you as an instructor, Grampa?" In-Yeon begged rubbing his hands together.

"Only if there is not other adult available," The older man said and with that their deal was set.

In-Yeon took advantage of his short reprieve to revisit some of his favorite haunts around the estate. He was almost too big to squeeze into the fort at the back of the orchard but was happy to retrieve some of the treasures stashed there. He pocketed a couple of his favorite stones and a shell gathered on his first trip over to the big island. The rest he left for another boy to discover.

He also took time after his practice sets to work with one of the spring colts. The pure bay had been under-weight since birth and was very shy. In-Yeon thought if he could at least get the little fellow halter broke it might be easier to get some supplements into him. The grooms chuckled as they watched the process since In-Yeon was far more successful getting the colt to follow along beside him when he didn't have a rope. In the end the boy resorted to using his own belt to get the colt used to a bit of pressure. Even after he had the colt accepting the halter and lead, In-Yeon was still the only one who could catch the skittish animal. His father's condition meant he couldn't explain to the others why it was important the colt accept another trainer so he could only hope for the best.

The master-at-arms could not help but be impressed with how seriously In-Yeon took preparing for the tournament. Usually, the boy didn't extend himself for competitions yet here he was doing the morning sets with the home guards and putting extra time in on the training dummy under the close supervision of his grandfather.

"Your boy will have no trouble earning his third dan as soon as he turns fifteen." The master-at-arms told the Barron one evening while they watch the youngster practice.

"If that is his path," the Barron said cautiously.

"It's always good to have the foundations before your required military service. Gives you a leg up even if your exam scores aren't all that high."

"I suppose, but there is still plenty of time before In-Yeon needs to think about that."

"It's something Kye-Yeon should consider. He hasn't challenged his levels yet."

"Would he make his third dan easily?"

"Not easily. It will take the kind of work In-Yeon has been putting in lately."