Decisions

Disappearance

So walked into his tent tiredly, setting his sword down by the make-shift table. He lit the candle and the light revealed an array of scrolls and papers on the desk before he quickly organized them and packed them away. It had taken a few days longer than he had wanted, but they had wrapped up the problems that were taking place at the border. He had already sent a messenger to the palace earlier today, letting Soo and the others know that he would be setting out the following morning. If he and Ambassador Hae rode fast enough, they would make it just in time for Seol's birthday celebration. He packed up the remainder of this things before flopping down on his cot and falling quickly asleep.

The next morning, they set off early. Within a few days, they had arrived at the palace. However, when they arrived at the gates, something felt off to So, who rode even quicker to the entrance. As he arrived, he saw Jung rushing towards him. He dismounted and was about to greet him before Jung's expression registered to So.

"Hyungnim! Did you receive our message?"

"Message? I have been traveling the past few days."

Jung looked crestfallen.

"Of course, the messenger must have missed you. We sent the word just two days ago."

"What is the matter Jung ah? Is something wrong?"

"Soo hyungsoonim has been taken."

A cold shock came over So. His worst fear had come true.

"Taken? By who? To where?!"

"What is this I hear about my daughter?!"

Ambassador Hae had dismounted and made his way over to the princes, a worried look on his face.

"We were walking to her quarters two days ago, when a group of intruders attacked. There were so many, and we tried to defend ourselves. But after some time, one of them managed to knock her unconscious and took her away. As soon as she was taken, everyone else withdrew and followed."

Ambassador Hae could not believe the 14th prince's words.

"And where were the guards during this time? Are you saying that you were all left defenseless within the palace walls?"

Jung's face was grim as he answered.

"They had all been dealt with prior to the attack. We took a perimeter of the area after they escaped and found them all laying unconscious at their posts."

Whoever had done this had a lot of power, and there was only one person So could think of.

"Have you found out who it is yet? You said it was two days ago. And what of the search parties?"

Jung shook his head sadly.

"Baek Ah hyungnim and Woo Hee hyungsoonim are on the search party now. They have been out for a few days while I have kept watch at the palace. We have found no traces of her yet."

"And what of Seol? Is she safe?"

"Yes. Thankfully Soo's ladies in waiting had also heard the commotion and took into hiding with Seol. I am also keeping watch of Seol during my time here."

Jung dropped his head dejectedly and crumbled to the ground on his knees.

"I am so sorry hyungnim. It was my fault that Soo hyungsoonim as taken away. I should have done better...I have no right to be here."

Although So was worried for Soo, he knew that Jung must have felt even worse. So reached out to grasp his brother's shoulder with a sigh.

"It is not your fault, Jung Ah. There is only so much you can do with a few people, and you were dealing with forces stronger than we know. You did your best with your abilities, and I appreciate that."