Moonstones and Madness

Thirty-six

            The boys headed for morning devotions all grumbled as they made their way through dimly lit streets. Knight-Master Lei stayed quiet on the journey even as his scarred leg protested the unaccustomed early exercise. The temple's training-master guided him to where he could watch the boys on different terraces. Chenhui and Song-hee practiced with the junior classes with Hae-sung only joining in where his injuries allowed. Junseo took a higher spot with his friends from the champion's league.

"I see your younger boys are still learning their classic forms," the Training-master stated.

"It is helpful for them to practice with others so they can gage their progress. Having such a wide range among our little group can make it challenging." Knight-Master Lei said with a sigh.

"But no less rewarding," the Training-master said watching the precision with which Junseo and Acolyte Dong Chul mirrored each other's moves.

"I trust Initiate Im Kwan-jo suffered no lasting effects from the flash bomb," Knight-Master Lei said.

"As you can see, he is fine." The Training-master pointed to a young man joining the pattern work. "No, the lingering impact has been an intense policy discussion about external competitions. If we don't resolve it for ourselves, the conclave will undoubtedly step in."

Knight-Master Lei responded with a non-comital grunt before asking what the students eligible to compete thought.

"They think what we allow them to think," Temple-Master joined the discourse with no preliminaries. "Too much latitude only confuses young minds."

"Duty above all," the Training-master said.

"Duty to all," Knight-Master Lei responded without missing a beat. He then thanked their hosts and gathered the team to return to the forge. There was a contingent of palace guards waiting just outside the temple gates to escort them back.

"This is new," Hae-sung looked at the others.

"Not really. I'll explain when we get back home," Junseo was embarrassed when he realized just how much Hae-sung had missed. The team's focus on the prince's commission drew their attention away from the possibilities of a continued threat. The early arrival of Rainbow-maker Mein meant the promised explanation had to be deferred.

The Rainbow-maker warned the group other duties would be drawing most of his attention but he hoped to see if the new designs worked as expected. He reviewed the stone selection with Junseo and Song-hee and only suggested one change between a sending and receiving pair. The changes meant everyone on the team was able to break through the barrier. Stiff breezes helped but when they re-tested the V-shaped configuration it stalled out.

"I would consider this as a successful design. Congratulations." Rainbow-maker Mein reached out to shake hands with each member of the team. "Don't be surprised if you get called to the palace to give a demonstration." He smiled and packed up two of the fliers. His guards hurriedly formed up as he rushed off.

"What does that mean?" Junseo asked. "He can't mean an audience with the Crown Prince, can he?" His voice rose in panic.

"It means most people won't believe the reports without seeing the proof." Knight-Master Lei said chewing on the inside of his lip to stop himself from laughing at the panic his suggestion created among his charges. "Don't fret. Our friend is more than capable sending the flyer around himself."

Rainbow-maker Mein had not finished his written report before the Crown-Prince summoned him.

"You are back much earlier than usual," the Prince's observation was also a question.