Rubies and Rumors

Chapter Sixty-six

            After examining the cracks in the way station's walls, the whole group decided to stay in the stable. The family guards insisted on splitting the watch amongst themselves arguing the others needed to be on their toes the next day. Scout Jia gave in without much resistance explaining he trusted the horses to provide any necessary warnings.

In-Yeon's vivid dreams made him anxious to be underway as early as possible the next morning. Their guide warned them the final checkpoint was not likely to be open until mid-morning but they decided to take the chance. They were slowed by a steady stream of wagons coming against them on the roughly cleared road. Their guide chatted with the head of one of the caravans long enough to confirm the migration was mostly due to changing market days but that Ilidan had taken more damage in the quake.

"They said most of the damage is in the upper-town this time, and there was some sort of explosion at the Governor's castle," the guide reported.

"I hope everyone is alright," In-Yeon said with one special person in mind.

"I just hope any accord breakers got their just desserts," the guide muttered darkly. San Jin nodded his agreement to this sentiment and tried to pick up the pace.

The group managed to make it to the city by early afternoon but they quickly realized they were not likely to find room at their regular inn for their whole party. Not when many of the Governor's guests had been forced out of the eastern wing of the Castle. The embankment below the structure looked as if some giant creature had taken a bite out of it. Shadowy tunnels lead back into the cliff while many rooms on the lower level were sliced open to view like a giant doll house.

"I don't want to impose on Junseo's family. Healer Park is bound to be busy with all of this." San Jin waved his hand at the blast area then turned to In-Yeon. "I don't think they will let us all stay at the city barracks with our family guards. Do you think you would be alright at the Moon Temple with us?" he asked turning to In-Yeon.

"I don't know. As a groom I should probably just stay with the horses but we need to find a way into the caverns under the castle as soon as possible." In-Yeon stared worriedly at the broken hill. He had been testing all his senses but so far could only get the faintest metallic smell.

"I have some friends who might be able to guide us but we need a home-base. I am sorry to say this but the temple is probably our best option. Since he used to train there, they may even know what Junseo is up to these days." Scout Jia smiled an apology to In-Yeon.

"Can we please drop by the Park household first? Just to let them know we are in town. If Junseo is missing, they would be happy to know his friends will be looking." In-Yeon knew this would be a kindness but also wanted to confirm some things from his most recent dreams.

The family guards insisted on accompanying the group to the terraced neighborhood. They looked expectantly at Scout Jia who had to admit he was not sure which gate they should approach. Before the discussion devolved into recriminations, two women came down the street. The eldest sized up their group and approached.

"You will find our address system most confusing after the Capital," she said with confidence as she looked them up and down and then added, "If you are looking for Park Junseo he is not at home."

Scout Jia dismounted and bowed low. San Jin and In-Yeon followed suit.

"Perhaps you know his family, and can direct us? We are concerned about the young man's welfare," Scout Jia said.

"As you should be. It would be better if a couple of you could accompany us on our errands and not alarm the household. Junseo's sister can explain more on the way," The older woman pointed to In-Yeon and Scout Jia. "The rest of you should be able to find accommodation in lower-town. Castle guests can't be bothered to go across the bridges."

San Jin bowed and said, "Thank you for your guidance, Madame Min. I hope we will have the chance to meet under happier circumstances soon."

"I look forward to that day, Trainee Go," the old woman said with a wry grin as she watched him mount up.

In-Yeon looked from one to the other and turned to the other woman, then said, "Junseo is a pretty good storyteller, isn't he." The women's musical laugh made them all smile but then their mood shifted.

"I know why we are concerned but not what would bring you all the way from the Capital. You must have been on the road long before the explosion and quake. It just seems like too much of a coincidence you are here now. Our boy seemed to be getting so much better. There is no reason for him to hide from his family now. He has never missed a shift at the clinic and he certainly wouldn't stay away knowing there will be people who need his help."

Scout Jia indicated In-Yeon should answer. The boy was very quiet to start, explaining how it had started with just a feeling and some scattered dream images but became more detailed and insistent. Junseo's sister looked skeptical but his grandmother nodded to herself before saying, "Good thing we were planning on a visit to our shaman. We'll ask them to help sort things out."

Of all the things Junseo's sister found disconcerting about this interaction, none could compare with the reverence with which the shaman treated the young boy. She had never seen them clear the shop so quickly, nor offer specially brewed tea and sweet-meats. Their conversation continued in the quietest of tones and special charms pressed against the boy's forehead.

"I see Junseo in my dreams and I think he is trapped somewhere underground. I just don't have a strong enough connection to say where exactly he might be. I can't get a message to him either, not without some sort of mediator. Do you know him well enough to serve?"

"The two of us have too much tiger energy together. His family can give you a token to help you connect. Take it to the Dream Master at the Moon Temple and ask for help. Show them this so they know you have true sight." The shaman handed over a small strangely scented bag.

In-Yeon went make an offering but the older woman stopped him saying, "No boy, this is our debt to pay."

The two women then discussed what might be the most meaningful token for In-Yeon to use. The younger on suggested the belt Junseo had just finished. "It's new but the crystal fragments are all well aligned to my brother."

"As long as their energy is not too strong," the older woman said as she scanned In-Yeon up and down, before saying, "All we can do is try."

When the belt was presented, In-Yeon was very taken with the way the light played across the crystals. As soon as he touched it, he felt it magnifying the energy in his own stones and he quickly did a grounding mantra. He closed his eye and tried to recall the last dream images he had of Junseo but everything seemed to swirl just out of focus. In-Yeon sighed.

"Is it too much?" Madam Min asked sharply.

"No. The belt has strong energy but it is fine. I just hoped the connection would be clearer so I wouldn't have to bother the monks." In-Yeon ran his hand along the border between the light and dark crystal fragments on the belt.

"Don't worry. The Moon Temple has been helping my brother recover. He usually stays in one of their guest rooms during the week so they may have another token to help you connect," Junseo's sister said and sent them on their way.