MIZPAH

AMIGOS

CHAPTER ELEVEN

It was a happy time of the year. The neighbouring state's ruler, Jun Woo, and Prince Min Jae visited the state. Back then, Min Seon and Jun Woo were close friends. King Taeho and Prince Min Jae were fellow students at the academy. The guests were greeted at the palace. On the occasion of their arrival, festivities were arranged. King Jun Woo recognised similarities between the personalities of King Taeho and his deceased friend. Like his father, he is very kind and generous. They gifted him many presents, which they brought all the way along. Cultural programmes were held for entertainment.

Jun Woo

To everyone's surprise, the Indian group and the locals from the state gave a special performance. It was a visual treat. Everyone was enthralled to see how well the two cultures coexisted to produce such a wonderful treat. Padma led the dance, and everyone applauded once the performance was over. She once again left King Taeho in awe of her talent. How elegant and graceful, he thought. He became absorbed in her performance.

Prince Min Jae noticed his state of mind and asked him in a voice that only both of them could hear, "How graceful she is; are you perhaps in love with her, dear king?"

Taeho came back to his senses when he asked that. He responded while stuttering, "Oh, it is nothing like that. It's just that I haven't seen such professionalism before."

Prince Min Jae was sure that his friend had already fallen in love with her. The way his eyes sparkled, the small smile that passed his face when she played solo. He hoped that after all those unfortunate things, his friend would find happiness.

Prince Min Jae

Happiness and honour filled the heart of King Jun Woo. He appreciated the performers and gave them special gifts.

After that, they went to eat. Tasty cuisine was awaiting them. During their meal, King Jun Woo remembered a past event and told them.

He said, "Your father was the bravest man whom I have ever seen. I will always be grateful to him. My son would not be here today if it were not for him."

The princes were around five years old when that incident occurred. The king of a nearby province used to take advantage of his subjects and plunder their wealth for his opulent lifestyle. He tortured people and made their lives unbearable. Some of them started to migrate to the state. When King Jun Woo learned about this, he offered help to the migrants and also sent a warning to the cruel king. He would be detained by the Union of Provinces if he persisted in his behaviour.

The cruel king became enraged, which led him to kidnap King Jun Woo's son while they were visiting the country shrine. King Jun Woo was helpless because one wrong move would result in the death of his son. The ruthless king had the young prince in captivity. He was kept in a cave close to the dense forest of the borders. Minseon, the king of the state, was informed of this. He went to support his pal. He was still reeling from the loss of his beloved at the time.

He, therefore, had a deep understanding of the suffering caused by the loss of loved ones. It was something he did not want to happen to his friend. In order to save Jun Woo's son, Minseon secretly embarked on a mission with a small group of his trusted men. The tyrannical king was finally subdued and put in prison after a protracted battle. The little prince was kept alive. Minseon risked his life to save him. After many years, they learned that the cruel king had broken out of the prison and fled and that no further evidence had been discovered.

The unexpected recollection of the incident did, in fact, extol Minseon's bravery. King Taeho felt very proud that he had such a great legacy. The guests left the palace after two days. They said their goodbyes.