Secret of the Two Kings (89 CHAPTERS - ON HOLD)

제 8 부

The sun's halo of light shone in the sky, giving a rejuvenating morning in the woods. The cold breeze of the spring wind caressed every element in the forest. As the chirping of the birds resounded and the boughs bowed down and greeted, Dae Wong and his men woke up. They ate, washed up, and prepared for their journey.

Traveling in a single line, Dae Wong being sandwiched by two nangdos, the group successfully passed through Jinju District. Perhaps luck has been on their side—their prayers have worked enough! Yay! The venomous snakes of the forest seemed to be afraid of getting close to them.

Two hours—time left before they reach the village of Anju. Tick-tock, tick-tock.

After going through the last set of green towering canopies from Jinju District, their eyes laid sight on the sea of grass on a vast prairie. The once sweet chlorophyll flavors of the trees kissed their nostrils goodbye as they were seduced by the comforting fragrance of the green dancers. The golden-brown troupe swayed elegantly, following the direction of the wind from the sky-spearing blue mountain from afar.

As they enjoyed the magnificent view of the prairie, the horse at the back suddenly twitched its body upward and whinnied loudly, causing the nangdo to fall.

"What happened?" Dae Wong turned his horse back. The other nangdo pointed his finger to the tail of a snake slithering quickly to the tall grasses.

"There! A snake!"

Everyone was startled. The minister ordered to look for any wounds. Unfortunately, one of them found two small circular holes on the equine's right leg. Having a hint of an obvious outcome, the minister still ordered the two nangdos to get a piece of cloth to cover the wound.

Too late! The horse fell completely to the ground, waiting for its pitiful demise. Despite feeling sorry for the poor animal, he commanded his men to leave the horse and distribute their things to the two remaining alive horses. The minister sighed out of frustration—but what could they do aside from moving forward? Time was running like a flash flood. If they did not beat it, they would be in great danger. With this unfortunate random event, the Heavens truly tested their determination.

~~•~~

As the minister contemplated his mission, the King, back in the palace, was greeted by a rough morning. He had no memory of a good sleep since the start of the preparations for the solar eclipse. Regularly uneasy, continuously pestered by nightmares. He did not perceive the sun's rays as something that gives light to the whole palace, for he had been living in a place full of darkness.

He rose from his bed timidly, making himself ready for another tough day. Prominent eye bags hung low from his weary eyes. Slipping his feet into the wool slippers, he heard Yeol's voice, asking for an audience early in the morning. He wondered what could that be for it has been a long time since he visited personally. Approving the request, he straightened his robe and sat at his receiving table.

"Minister Yeol, what can I do for you this morning?" his voice cracked, together with a streak of phlegm.

The old minister bowed, paying respect, "I came here to talk about the Queen. Can I have a moment with you, Your Majesty?"

He responded with a weak smile and offered his father-in-law a seat. "Of course, jangin eorun. Come here."

Yeol grabbed a chair and sat in front of the King. A blue hue was concealed underneath his wrinkled face. The minister did not come to talk about the kingdom's finances or whatsoever. Right in that instance, he was not a noble nor a council member—a simple person with a simple wish. He came to have a heart to heart talk with his son-in-law. As a father, he was worried about the Queen's sensitive pregnancy. News regarding the twins had traveled to him easily, like a blowing wind in the vast ocean.