The Sword and The Shield | Yona of The Dawn

Ready to Hunt

This game was played several times over the course of the week until everyone grew tired of it. By this time, Hak and Kija were more than ready to go out hunting for the supposed "sword and shield", whether they were weapons that could be used or actual people. 

"But Ik-Soo said we have to wait until the right time comes," Yona protested.

"It wouldn't hurt to look for them at least," Kija pushed, "They could help us help the kingdom, princess,"

Yona thought about this. "Well, I guess that wouldn't hurt... and if we succeed, we don't have to wait so long... oh, I do hope they are willing to help us, that is, if they are really people..."

"What? Are we finally leaving? Good, I need to socialize," Jeaha appeared out of nowhere.

"No," Yoon came over, hearing the green dragons' remark, "You just want to play with women," the boy made a face, "Pervert,"

"What can I say? I'm sick of all your ugly male faces. I must see some cute girls before I die," Jeaha replied as Zeno and Shinha walked over.

"Blue dragon, do you want to find the sword and shield, too?" Zeno asked Shinha, who only nodded.

Kija looked pleadingly at the princess. She sighed.

"Alright, I'll go talk to Ik-Soo,"

A few hours later, they were all packed and ready to go.

Maybe while we're gone, thought Yoon, I can stock up on what Ik-Soo lost. He made a mental note. Milk, rice, jam, honey herbs... was that it? It seemed to be. Meanwhile, inside the house, Yona was discussing where they should head out first with Ik-Soo.

"Well, I still think you should wait  little longer," the oracle said, "but there is a chance the sword and shield might "awaken" and you guys might run into them on the road," Yona nodded determinedly.

"We should go to a large city, ask around and see if any of the locals have ever heard of a sword or a shield. That way, we could get a lead,"

Ik-Soo sighed. "I wish you wouldn't go; you only just got here,"

"I know," Yona replied, "but the boys are getting restless. They want to go out and travel. See new places,"

"Haven't you already?"

"Yes, and that was fun, but... I think now that they've gotten a taste of adventure, they crave more."

"Like beating up mercenaries and wandering around in mountains?"

When the group reached Ik-Soo's place and had settled down, Yona wasted no time illustrating the tale of how she, Yoon, and Hak found all four dragons. The oracle thought it was all very dangerous and scary and that he would rather stay here than sink ships at sea.

"Perhaps," Yona said with a smile, "you happen to know if the sword and the shield have human form like the rest? Or if they are physical objects?"

"I cannot tell," Ik-Soo said, "if they are either. But I will give you all my blessing."

Yona stood up and bowed to him. "Thank you so much, Ik-Soo. You've helped us a lot!"

After many good-byes and promises to return if ever the need, they left.

And not without death threats if they did come back to find a chaotic home again (these were from Yoon, after the priest haphazardly tripped over a pebble). Yona, who was determined not to cry again, sped off, leaving the others to hurry to catch up.

"So, where shall we go first?" Kija inquired. He was very excited to finally find the mysterious sword and shield.

"I was thinking about heading for the Westwood Road," Yona said slowly. "That will lead us to the city, Hyshio. It's massive. I'm hoping someone there can help us find what we're looking for,"

Kija nodded, full of unbridled determination. Hak, however, stiffened at the name Westwood.

"Princess," he started in a warning tone, "That road. It is known for frequent bandit raids. Many who go down that road without proper preparation often don't come out in one piece," He glanced down at the princess and was surprised to see only fierce determination written on her small face.

"That may be so," she answered carefully, "but if it means finding the sword and shield, I am willing to take that risk," she walked a little faster.

"Plus," Kija cut in, "she's got the four legendary dragons with her. There's nothing on this earth that will hurt the princess as long as I'm alive."

Taken aback by his tone, Yona paused before smiling up at the white dragon, "You're so sweet, Kija,"

Kija blushed and Hak rolled his eyes.

"SO," Zeno interrupted, skipping up to them, "where are we headed? I hope there's food, I'm starving!"

"We just ate!" called Jeaha. He could not believe the young dragons' appetite. Hak rolled his eyes again.

"Zeno will be good if we stop to eat," he grinned at Yona. She couldn't help but smile back.