Rubies and Rumors

Chapter Eighty-three

            The adults let the whole group settle for a week but could see the training group was not coming together the way they had hoped. They convened in a private room at the Plum Tree Teahouse to discuss the next steps.

Scout Jia started by reviewing what inspired his recommendations for each recruit. "I have to admit I hoped a couple of the younger boys would be better peers for In-Yeon, maybe help him with his academics." He shrugged. "I underestimated the gaps in their training levels. Or at least how the new boys would react to being so outclassed by someone younger."

Manager Doak nodded. "It is interesting to see how the other members reacted. Of course, coming up against Junseo gave them a taste, except with him the others who started out better at riding or archery could see how hard he works to get better. Now they just seem proud to have such a strong all-rounder in the group no matter how much younger the boy is."

"In-Yeon is still very shy about asking for help. Being willing to learn from the others has always been one of Junseo's strengths. He has lots of ideas but looks to Song hee and Hae-sung for advice. I know Chenhui and Xuiyang check in with him before coming to me and I have seen how quickly he acknowledges their contributions. Of course, the knock heads now and then. Both Junseo and Chenhui get very stubborn," Journeyman Yang said.

"Since his return Junseo has a bit more of an edge to him. He doesn't try to hide his annoyance when things aren't going well. He gets an air that says he is not interested in placating anyone. It's what convinced the protocol office Junseo must be a Lei," Scout Jia said with a wink the Knight-Master.

"I never," he started to respond but then chuckled. "Yes, well we can't be the only family who doesn't suffer fools lightly."

"I guess that is one way to put it. At least the rumors have more or less settled. I only hear about your supposed dalliance with a northern princess once a week now instead of twice a day," Manager Doak said with a straight face.

Knight-Master Lei coughed and changed the subject to the upcoming championship. He talked about how the different rounds were structured before admitting, "Having three contenders is going to stretch our resources." The others nodded in agreement so he continued, "I managed to verify the recommendations for Brother Kuin and think we should bring him to coach hand-to-hand and fencing. He can also provide advice on energy work but I will let the boys decide what they are comfortable sharing."

"I thought you were adamant about banning religious types. What changed your mind?" Manager Doak asked.

"Warrior Monk Wu," the Knight-Master smiled, "Brother Kuin was his last student, I mean if you don't count Junseo."

"So, I'm guessing Junseo will be good with this. What about the others?" Scout Jia sounded skeptical.

"In-Yeon says it fulfills something the Dream-Master told him so the others seem ready to go along," he paused then admitted, "Hae-sung still has some doubts so plans to check with his aunt."

"It seems strange to rely on dream-reading," Journeyman Yang said quietly.

Scout Jia nodded, "If I hadn't seen it first-hand, I would have more questions."

"We met the guild requirements so the boys can be registered makers," Manager Doak nodded at Journeyman Yang then continued to count off his fingers, "The boys all have their study plans in place, we have a training facility and reasonable number of mounts, and now we have another coach. So-far so-good. But are we running with just one big group or splitting the team up? When will we add more trainees? I hope not until after the championships wrap up." He looked at the other expectantly.

"I agree. We don't want to add more to the mix while we have three candidates to support. For your other question, why not ask the boys about the team configuration?" Knight-Master Lei said.

Journeyman Yang was surprised by the latitude the other principals in the group were willing to give the boys, especially the newer trainees. He found the boy's quick decision on the matter even more startling. Five of the original group stayed together with Junseo as their leader and In-Yeon added to even the numbers when Xuiyang took the lead for the newer group.

When he asked Xuiyang about his choice to switch teams the boy muttered something about preferring merchants over princes but then blushed and gave a clear rationale. "It makes sense for their group to have someone who knows the ropes and it is a chance for me to make my own mark. Especially since everyone else is so taken up preparing for the championships."

"I've noticed. I actually wanted to ask if your team would like more hours in the workshop. They don't need to become makers but just knowing how to do simple repairs can be handy." This tentative offer sparked more interest than expected and it wasn't long until the new team wanted to start producing marketable items. Since he had not returned to the medical academy, Junseo was able to spend more time in the workshop. This meant Xuiyang's team was able to get to know him as a fellow student of the craft and dispel some of the strain speculation about his heritage created.

Standard practice sets were expanded to include different temple disciplines. Few of the newer recruits had the precision of the boys who had spent time on the terraces, a difference underscored in the random matches their new coach directed. Set attacks and defenses rapidly moved through different styles and directions until the contests to on a more free-form character. Even Song-hee's fastest street style could not best his teammate's positional advantage from their fluid classical movement.

"I don't get it," he said wiping his face on a rag. "You said you didn't really train in Ilidan but we used to be a lot more even."

Junseo shrugged, "I had to use more of a street style with the governor's guards but really something in going back to Moon Temple forms just really clicked."

"If you say so," Song-hee said shaking his head.

"Well, there is also something about being back here with all of you. I don't know how to explain it." Junseo stared blankly for a moment then slowly looked around the practice court. In-Yeon came over to see if anything was wrong. Junseo assured him everything was fine then slung his arm around In-Yeon's shoulder. "This guy here didn't just pull me out of the cave-in. He made it possible for me to heal. Now, whenever I'm around him there is such a good vibe, and it just builds with each of you. It's like we are all tuned together."

"I think I know what you mean," Hae-sung said as he approached their little group. "Like when we are doing the set and breath in unison. Sometimes if feels like our hearts all have the same rhythm."

"Absolutely," San Jin agreed and smiled at his street fighting friend, "But you have to trust the feel to know when it is happening. It's a bit like sharing an anchor when we pass a wind dog back and forth." San Jin grinned then pulled up a small dust devil. The boys each took a step back to form a rough circle. Together they hummed the cycle of elements as their creation danced back and forth between them. Laughing with delight In-Yeon spun in place before ending the game. Even the sober Song-hee couldn't help smiling.

Across the courtyard, Knight-Master Lei nodded to Brother Kuin before saying, "I guess you recognize the old dervish trick."

"Yes, and no. It is not hard to pull up a twister but to be able to pass control to someone else? You have to know just how special their connection must be," The monk said and retreated into his hood. He narrowed his eyes to try to read the crystal energies of the team members and was nearly blinded by rainbow glow rippling around the group. "How?" He whispered, then turned back to the Knight-Master, "When did you know?"

"I wasn't certain until you just confirmed it but we can't let anyone else know the guardian has found his prince. Not until they are ready. Let the boys all be friends, not legends," he said and tapped his staff lightly on the ground.

"Truth," the monk said then bowed toward the boys and then to the Knight-Master.