The Oath (Kingdom)

IX. Far From Home

Yeongshin was siting on his heals, with eyes closed. He listened to the songs of birds and the rustling of leaves. Everything was so calm and peaceful, even just for a few moments. He just wanted to get some rest from Seo-Bi, who was still nagging him, to rest and eat, and sleep...he was really glad she didn't tell him when to go to piss.

He cracked thin crust of ice on little forest pond with fist and catch cold water to his palms. He noticed thick scar across his palm and wave of sadness wash over his heart. He can't forget her. She was written in his heart and to his skin. He forgave her everything. For a while he considered to return back, but he was gone too long. She is maybe married to another. Maybe she move to different land. Maybe she return home wherever it is.

He splash cold water to his face and wipe his eyes. His fingers touched his short beard.

Two years was long time.

They were travelling from village to village, searching for disease and Resurrection plant. It was him, Lee Chang, Seo-Bi, Min Chi-Rok and two soldiers from Sangju. He didn't care about their names. It doesn't matter.

Again he wet his face and let out long breath, when he heard it. Someone was screaming.

He lifted his rifle and run towards their camp. He saw Lee Chang ready, with his sword raised.

"What was that?"

"I think it's coming from valley." He shout on his companions.

All of them get their weapons and run down the hill. Screaming was louder and louder.

Yeongshin was first there. It was small lonely house and two infected was trying to get inside. Someone was in the house and screamed for help.

"Don't kill it!" Seo-Bi called behind them.

"Catch!" Lee Chang throw rope to his direction. He caught it and together they run towards death. It was two males. One older and second younger. Probably father and son.

"Left one!" Yeongshin nod towards old man. He and Chang caught monster to rope and quickly started to tangle him. Man was screaming and trying to bite him, but he throw him to the ground. With his hands tied he couldn't stood up.

"Be careful!" One of soldiers shout when younger man run on prince. Yeongshin lifted his rifle, when arrow pierced man's skull through eye.

"I need them alive!" Seo-Bi cought them and throw death glare on Min Chi-Rok

"They were dead long time ago." Yeongshin kick the growling man to foot. He was chattering with his teeth trying to get piece of their meat.

He found large rock, like a fist and squat next to the monster. Seo-Bi closed her eyes and turned away. He knew she hated it, but he wasn't willing to take the risk. He punch man to his mouth with stone and battered his teeth out. When he done it for the first time, he knew that Lee Chang throw up after that. It was disgusting, but safe.

"It was our neighbour." Old man showed in the house doors.

"Was. This is just lifeless monster." Chang was always the one who talk.

"I know. Can I offer you something to eat? You saved our lives." He moved and young woman fearfully looked outside. "This is my daughter, we live here."

"We are just passing by..." Chang looked to Seo-Bi who raised her eyebrows. He bow his head and nod. "Yes sir, we will gladly rest for a while."

"Sir, do you have spared room, where I can take him?" Seo-Bi turn to monster on the ground. His face was bloody mash.