Rubies and Rumors

Chapter Seventy-three

     Scout Jia shook San Jin's shoulder saying, "Come on lad, we have schools to visit. You don't have to worry about Junseo he is up testing his leg already."

"He is? Why didn't he wake me?" San Jin rubbed his eyes and yawned.

"In-Yeon wouldn't let anyone come near. He said you nearly burnt yourself out yesterday."

"Like he is the one to talk. I can't imagine where his strength came from. Not with so many elements in play."

"Yet, you are the one still in bed." In-Yeon leaned into the doorway and grinned. "Call it a benefit of youth, old man."

"Who are you calling old?" San Jin jumped up.

"I'm just glad we have another team member to keep you on your toes." Junseo laughed. He tapped In-Yeon's shoulder then squeezed into the room. He put his hand out to San Jin and was swept into a tight hug.

"Bro," San Jin's voice cracked. He had a wide grin but tears were forming in the corner of his eyes.

"I know," Junseo said and patted San Jin's back assuring him, "I'm alright now."

"Come on gentlemen. We have a schedule to keep. In-Yeon you are going to have breakfast at the Inn with the guards. They have cooked up something to be overheard and will teach you your part on the way. San Jin is going to pretty himself up to impress possible recruits. Junseo needs to go home to reassure his family." Scout Jia clapped his hands together and the boys jumped to do his bidding.

After their little show in the common room the guards agreed to run through a set with In-Yeon in the Inn's courtyard. They did a short version common to the capital but different enough to attract a few spectators. In-Yeon volunteered to coach some of their young visitors so the guards left him to it.

"I wondered where my morning class had strayed," a short man with a wispy mustache said.

"Sorry master," the boys bowed in unison. The man frowned at In-Yeon.

"You don't look old enough to be even an assistant instructor. What have you been playing at?"

"They just wanted me to explain the short form I learned in Leuso and I have a bit of time before my colleagues get back." In-Yeon shrugged.

"Come along to the dojo. Then you can show me what I will have to undo." The man had the young boys line up ahead and marched them out of the courtyard. He did not look back presuming In-Yeon would follow.

In-Yeon shook his head at the rudeness then ask as servant about the dojo.

"Don't worry about the Assistant-Master. He thinks he is the king of the roost because he made it to the junior finals years ago," the boy sweeping the courtyard said.

"Thanks. I think I will just check in on our horses. Is your livery stable very far?" In-Yeon got the boy to sketch a map and then left a note for the guards to let the others know where he would be.

If Junseo had known where In-Yeon would be spending his day he might have tried to join him. Instead, he was being alternatively coddled and berated by his female relatives.

"You can't take risks. Not here, and not when you go back to the capital. You are going back, aren't you?" his grandmother said.

"He is not going back until he is recovered," his mother cut off any response he might have formed.