Lean

XVI

TAEHYUN

Taehyun had hoped for a peaceful evening after the long, grueling travel they had experienced over the past couple of days. They were in the royal lands now, rapidly approaching King's Coast. The humid air made him uncomfortable. His body was used to cold temperatures and snow covering the ground. He longed to be in Frostholm again, but duty and vengeance called his name at such a young age.

Taehyun often wondered what his father would make him of if he were here. Did he make him proud? He was undefeated in battle; an accolade only few achieved. The Kangs had a strong bloodline of soldiers and men who wielded a sword better than most. He could only hope that this would turn out in his favor and that the scholars would mark his name in victory.

He glanced down at his untouched meal in front of him, sweat dripping from his forehead. The flaps of the tent were open, but the small gusts of wind didn't seem to help. How could he serve as king if he hated the weather here? None of it was plausible, yet everyone expected him to take the title.

"The weather is a concern, my lord," Mingi speaks up from across the table, slicing up a piece of roasted meat. "This season is filled with lots of storms. Along with that, us northerners aren't comfortable with this heat."

"Ah yes, because our biggest challenge in this war will be sweating too much," Yeosang replied sarcastically, rolling his eyes.

Mingi narrowed his eyes. "It's not just about comfort, Yeosang. The heat affects our endurance and decision-making. We need to consider all factors."

Yeosang scoffed. "And here I thought the battle strategy was about swords and tactics, not the weather forecast."

As the two begin to bicker, their voices rising, Taehyun could hardly comprehend their words. The exhaustion from the past days of travel and planning weighed heavily on him. He reached for his goblet and took a long drink of wine, hoping to dull the fatigue and the noise around him.

The bickering continued, their voices a sharp contrast to the droning hum of the camp outside. His mind wandered to Beomgyu. He hadn't seen him all day and the uncertainty gnawed at him. Ever since he found out about the treatment he had received from some of his bannermen and one of his top advisors, guilt and worry weighed heavily on him.

Taehyun's thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the clamor outside. Shouts grew louder, mingling with the sound of clashing swords and the cries of the wounded.

"The Chois are attacking!" Someone yelled.

Taehyun's fatigue vanished in an instant. He jumped to his feet, his heart racing. The flaps of the tent burst open as a bannerman stumbled in, bloodied and breathless.

"My lord, we're under attack!" He shouted.

Taehyun grabbed his sword and armor, his thoughts only partially on the battle. Beomgyu. He had to find Beomgyu, but first, he had to lead his men. He fumbled with the straps of his steel armor with shaking hands and unsheathed his sword.

"Yeosang, Mingi, with me!" He commanded, striding toward the tent's entrance. "We can't let them get into camp!"

As they charged into the chaos outside, Taehyun's eyes scanned the camp. The Chois were attacking on the south side and nearing the edge of the camp. His bannermen scrambled to defend their positions while others lay wounded or dead on the ground. Taehyun's heart pounded with a mix of fury and fear. This ambush the Chois had planned could ruin everything.