Rubies and Rumors

Chapter Sixty

     The healer was able to help with his headache but suggested In-Yeon try to avoid bright light and any over exertion.

"But I don't always know I am over doing it until it is too late," In-Yeon admitted.

"Start by doing half what you think you might be capable of, and inch it up day-by-day and remember to cover you eyes if you are going out in the full sun."

"What, like blindfolded?" He asked.

"Exactly," the healer answered. She struggled to keep a straight face watching In-Yeon's reaction to this prescription. "I am serious. It is far better to avoid triggering a headache than have to try to treat it. We can only do so much." She could see his crestfallen look so added, "Now don't be discouraged, you are mending faster than any of us expected." On the way out she gave Madam Go some ointment to help ease bruises and a packet of herbs for stronger pain relief.

"We didn't know how badly injured he was when he first arrived," Madam Go admitted.

"I have seen victims of gang wars in better shape," the Healer shook her head. "To think this could happen to a temple student. It makes you wonder how the world has gone so wrong."

"Maybe not the whole world. Just a nasty little corner we did not know we needed to guard ourselves against," Madam Go answered cautiously.

"You are right. I shouldn't paint everything with the same brush because of a few bad actors." The Healer apologized then thanked her hostess.

Madam Go walked back from the inner gates deep in thought. She took the medicine to the storeroom then went to ask the housekeeper to have darker curtains be mounted in the guest room. She spent time with the cook planning the week's menu. After that, she dealt with her correspondence. Although she carried on as if it was an ordinary day, she could not help going back to the startling fact someone at the temple had severely injured a student. She wondered if San Jin had told his father how the young boy came to need the family's assistance.

Watching San Jin settling a blind-folded In-Yeon into pushcart for the trip to the stables helped reduce her worries. It reminded her just how capable her eldest had become. She still wanted an explanation but was less afraid it would entail a confrontation.

It was a relief when In-Yeon volunteered his own story over dinner. San Jin was quick to jump in and assure them whatever energy talents In-Yeon might have, the boy also had strong control over their manifestations. "Trust me, he won't call up a gale to move a feather," San Jin said.

"Yes, well, soaking myself with a waterspout made a fast lesson," In-Yeon admitted with a blush. "My uncle said he and my dad made the same mistake when they were younger."

"So, your talents are not unusual for your family," Minister Go observed.

"Not really. I don't expect very many outside people know. I didn't even know most of it until I was here and my uncle, that is Brother Suk Chun, explained after problems we had with some messed up mantras."

"Where was Brother Suk Chun when you were being bullied?" Madam Go asked with a disapproving tone.

"Oh, he was awesome through the first investigation and everything but once I got my training contract with Knight-Master Lie he was released to go on a pilgrimage to the Lake of the Heavens. I mean, it seemed like everything was going fine. We even had a special training group with the former Temple-Master," In-Yeon frowned and looked away.

"Hae-sung warned us things were changing at the temple. We were already trying to sort out a way for In-Yeon to join the team before the semester break but then they locked down for the election," San Jin jumped in to take some of the pressure off the younger boy.

"I think Hae-sung's aunt also tried helping. Or at least find out what happened but I decided to escape on my own. I was lucky Song-hee's friends found me and got me to the training yard."

Minister Go's eyebrows shot up when he heard this part of the story. He gave his son a questioning look. San Jin shrugged before responding, "Song-hee trusts them and they have done more than one good turn for us. Just ask our Master-at-arms."

"Well, I am glad you got away safely and you are starting to recover." Madam Go reached over and patted In-Yeon's hand. He offered relieved thanks but had to admit he was tired.

After In-Yeon had left, Minister Go got up to check there were no staff members within earshot of the dining room. San Jin jumped up and cleared the table and refill everyone's tea.

"I am afraid to ask, but just how many energy forms are we talking about?" Minister Go asked quietly.

"Probably enough to be a guardian. At least that is the consensus at the forge. It explains why some of the monk's panicked and tried to drain him enough to keep him locked up."

"And does the forge also have an opinion on who the prince-to-come might be?" his father's low voice was full of worry.

"Not exactly an opinion. More like some pretty obvious clues," San Jin grinned but sobered when he saw the panicked look his parents were giving him. "Oh, good heavens, no. They all know it is not me, not with my emerald affinity. I am solidly fourth kingdom."

"There are some who would like to make the fourth into the first," Minister Go observed.

"Well, they are delusional, especially when there is a clear heir. Not to mention a twice royal in the wings, whom I would be more than happy to serve." San Jin blushed when he realized what he might have revealed.

"We have tempted the fates enough now, don't you think?" His mother stood abruptly and nodded to them both.

"She is right. No need to say more." Minister Go nodded back before going off to his study.

San Jin replayed the conversation in his head before he fell asleep. "It's for the best," he muttered to himself before turning over. He remained senseless until In-Yeon started shouting just before dawn. From the sounds of it, the young boy was dreaming about a fierce battle. San Jin had to duck the boy's flaying arms to get close enough to wake him.

When In-Yeon came too, he just whispered, "We're in trouble, Big trouble."