SKY OF PAPER: AN ASIAN STEAMPUNK FANTASY

CHAPTER 44

We went down a long series of steps that descended the palace walls. Going through the royal gardens, we came upon a small trail deep inside a mammoth grove of trees at the base of a hill where our airship waited, hidden beneath a thick canopy of long, outstretched branches and heavy leaves. 

"This is exactly how it was when I was smuggled out of Rui Nan," the Young Emperor said, a sullen look on his face. 

"Do not worry yourself your Imperial Highness." The Boar maintained a comforting tone that tinged with such confidence, I wondered if he was faking his sincerity. "We are not as helpless as you imagine."

As we proceeded through the woods, a small contingent of the Young Emperor's personal guard greeted us. They bowed as we approached. They were still dressed in their ceremonial armor, but instead of spears, they carried rifles at their sides. How strange it was to see them dressed in such ancient attire while carrying modern weapons in their uncertain hands. Still, they looked upon us with unrelenting conviction. To them, this was their moment, the one absolute test of their loyalty and devotion to duty.

"Dae Jung has commanded that we assure the Young Emperor's escape," the senior of the soldiers said. "As is our oath, we shall delay any pursuers and protect him until the end. We shall make sure that all of you have time to escape."

The soldiers bowed again, this time deeply and with grim certainty. They knew they would not be returning. Afterwards, they hurried on without so much as looking back. 

"How could they throw away their lives like that?" The Young Emperor muttered.

"Because, your Imperial Highness," the Boar replied, “you inspire them.” 

"I'm not worthy of such devotion."

"If I might suggest, it would be prudent to avoid saying such things in the face of your subjects. Take great care that you do not shame the memory of those who sacrifice for you and your family by grieving in self-pity."

The airship sat huddled against a tightly packed group of trees. Banners bearing the imperial family seal hung from the boarding ramp, beckoning our approach. Dae Jung waited with eagerness as we arrived and quickly approached the very boy he sought to protect. 

"You seem uninjured," he said examining him carefully. "Are you hurt anywhere? Have you been shot?"

"No, I have not," the Young Emperor answered.

"Are you sure you feel no pain? Amidst all the chaos you might be bleeding and not even know it."

"I told you, I’m fine." The boy sounded annoyed.

Dae Jung, seeded deep in his worries, seemed to doubt him.

"I assure you," the Boar said reassuringly. "He is unharmed. He was with me, and nothing of great consequence happened."

Dae Jung nodded, overcome with relief, then turned his eyes to me.

"You, you were the cause of all this," he said harshly. "Against my request he left the ship and put his life in danger because of you."

"Dae Jung," the Young Emperor interjected, stepping in front of me. "Do not scold him because of me. I am the one who should be punished not him. If we had left him behind, he may have very well died."

"Some of your subjects will die in your name today no matter what you do. This boy is but one life. But because you thought it important to go after him, the lives of several of your loyal soldiers, which I have dispatched to assure your safe return, will end today." The glare in Dae Jung's eyes pierced deep into mine, stirring feelings of guilt. I looked away, but I could still feel his gaze’ like needles pressed into my skin. "His Imperial Highness has traded the lives of people of greater worth than you. You owe him and the rest of the Imperial Court your eternal devotion. Be grateful for I would leave you here if not for his mercy."