The Oath (Kingdom)

VIII. The Truth (part2)

She can't sleep that night. Every time she closed her eyes, she had nightmares. It wasn't bad dreams, it was quite opposite. It was dreams about things she loved and what she probably never see or feel again. It was endless sky, touch of wet soil full of life with little sprouts. It was sound of floating river, with golden colour from setting sun. It was Yeongshin's arms around her full of warmth and safety. It was his voice and that tingling sensation every time she saw him.

But all she had now was dark, lifeless ground and loneliness. She was tracing pattern of her scar across the palm with tip of her finger. Image that Yeongshin had same scar and maybe he will sometimes remember her when he sees it, give her hope she will not just disappear from this world.

Morning comes and Sang-Ho with it.

"Are you ready?" His voice was cold like ice. He lead her from dungeons to courtyard where she should be judged.

Magistrate of Sangju was seriously looking old man. Every case was just report on the paper. He was doing his job long time and didn't like drama.

Nilah must wait before he gets to her. There were lot of cases he must resolve. She was standing next to Sang-Ho and he didn't even looked at her.

"I know you hate me, but I'm not the villain. I give you the order, and you did not listen. So you must be punished. Don't be mad at me."

She was quiet and looking at the back of the man before her, who stole a piglet.

But she wanted to tell him something.

"I'm sorry I can't love you." Just single tear left her eye. "But I love him and I must have at least tried to found him."

Sang-Ho looked shocked he almost forgot where he is. Nilah made her steps forward in front of judge who was sitting behind table.

"Desertion?" Magistrate looked at her with raised eyebrows.

"Yes sir." Sang-Ho answered, with shaking voice.

"Punishment for desertion is death." Magistrate looked at her hardly.

Nilah was expected it, but still she felt like she will throw up. It was buzzing in her ears and she felt lightheaded.

"My Lord! Please don't!" someone yell from the crowd.

Magistrate looked annoyed. "Who is that?" he was searching that man who shouted. It was Yun Lee.

"Please sir, don't kill her. Nilah is one of the soldiers who fight in Hanyang with crown prince. She made mistake but she don't deserve death." He was pleading for her life.

Judge of Sangju looked angry. He threw papers away and pierced Yun Lee with death glare. "I was asking, who you are, that you are so insolent to interrupt the trial.

"Yun Lee, get back to your place!" Sang-Ho barked. Nilah was pleading her friend with her eyes to let it be. She didn't want him to get punished because of her.

"My Lord! I'm soldier of Sangju. Nilah served with me." Yun Lee ignored Sang-Ho's order and spoke directly to judge. "She was at Hanyang when the plague was spreading and fought with infected. She was badly injured..."

"It doesn't matter soldier!" Judge growled. "She is soldier and soldiers follow orders. We need stability after war and disease. If every soldier runs away just because he fought somewhere, we will be without army!"

Nilah saw thick vain on his forehead pulsing with anger. She knew that she is doomed, so she at least smiled at Yun Lee with gratitude. He fought for her.