The Flower Among the Flames

Chapter 17

Zhao Meng couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. During her moment of triumph, a messenger requested them to see General Zhu in the center spire. His timing was impeccable as ever and now any chance of her having a nice lunch made by Seulgi was ruined. He really is a good cook, that guy, she thought to herself. It was a nice change considering the poor quality of the food she and her troops would make. Being given food by your enemy and at the same time, being able to eat it without the fear of being poisoned or murdered...what a strange world it was for her to even consider accepting such a thought.

However, she felt something was wrong with Seulgi. She wasn't blind. Zhao Meng saw the tense expression on his face when she managed to miraculously hit the dead tree. It wasn't the sort of look you'd give if you lost a bet. It was more of a look of grief. Something else was going on, and he wasn't going to say anything. Unless...she pried it out of him. Gently, of course. No point in losing her well-earned lunch. She really wanted that lunch.

Determined to figure out more, Zhao Meng decided to make a show of herself and gave out a loud angry huff. She yanked on the iron chain with her clenched fist, and thereby, dragged Seulgi forward forcefully. Dazed, he hissed, "Hey! What's the big idea?"

"Quiet," she snapped. "I'm missing lunch because of this!"

Unsure whether he should be feeling amused or confused, Seulgi raised an eyebrow either way. "Lunch? It's not even midday. Hell, you ate literally an hour ago."

"I get hungry easily!" Apparently, that was a legitimate reason. Seulgi wondered how she was able to eat so much and still maintain her figure...wait ...oh boy. He shook his head, his face reddening. Damn it. He was doing it again.

"This meeting better be important," Zhao Meng muttered. She had a funny feeling that it was going to involve the whole ghost spiel from earlier. Bao He probably told Zhu all the details by now and no doubt suggested that she be court martialed under the pretense of mental instability. Zhu would never carry out such an order, however. She never got on the man's bad side...most of the time.

The two warriors approached the large blackened iron gates to the central tower, guarded by four Sheng soldiers wielding tall sharp pikes. To the left of the gate, stood four other men, talking amongst themselves. One of guards noticed Zhao Meng and tapped the shoulder of the man whose back was facing away from them. The man turned which suggested to them that he was in charge of the post. The captain of the guard approached them and demanded, "State your business."

"Captain Zhao Meng reporting for a meeting with the General," Zhao Meng answered, stiffening to attention. Seulgi looked up, staring at the weathered tower. For a place that was under siege hundreds of years ago, it was in pretty good condition. He only saw minor damage and wear to the exterior walls and the roof shingles. Maybe on the outside, he thought. Who knows what it's like inside. Seulgi was reminded of his ancestor and began to ponder on the man's role in the siege.

The captain nodded, recognizing Zhao Meng. He motioned for his men to step aside from the entrance and ordered them to open the iron gate. The guards went to work and stood by each door, grasping the iron rings. With a loud creaking noise and some strained grunts, the metal doors were pried apart, providing entrance into the keep. Zhao Meng bowed and tugged on the chain, nodding for Seulgi to enter with her. He couldn't help but looked back at the guards, their eyes giving him looks of caution, fear, and anger.

Once inside, Seulgi had to admit that he was quite surprised with how the interior of the keep looked. There was some furniture, but there were mostly tables piled with maps and documents spread throughout the hall. Soldiers were shuffling about carrying scrolls, books, weapons, and some with even trays of tea. The noise alone was deafening; voices colliding with each other and clashing as they struggled to be heard clearly. He felt lost, but in that same feeling of insecurity, he heard a clear voice.