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Spring was fading and the heat of summer had had risen along with tension within the Koguryo this year. Uncomfortable groans could be heard all around as many fought for a spot of shade beneath the thin trees who basked within the celestial light. "Hey! Get out of my spot!" "No! It's mine! I saw it first!" Other side of the city, some would consider this summer a blessing. Walsuk found her tavern bustling with people who were desperately searching for anywhere that was not touched by a searing ray of light. Business was well, but shady deals had found themselves sealed within her very own tavern. Walsuk knew that something was amiss as she overheard whispers amongst the noise. "Tomorrow's the night..." A man mumbled with a soft chuckle as he tilted his head back and downed a cup of Walsuk's specialty rice wine. "The palace guards will shift at the setting of the sun." Another nodded as he spoke. His actions betrayed nothing, nor his face... but his eyes could not hide the malicious eagerness that was seeking to lash out. "Then it's agreed." The table of five or so men had raised their cups and sealed the deal with a hefty swig before rising and taking their leave. She dared not speak for fear of her life, but the anxiety grew within her heart. Walsuk found she could barely breathe. "My! You are deathly pale my dear! What's the matter?" She jumped at the voice before turning slowly only to find Ox behind her with an ever-so-worried and concerned expression plastered all over his face. "W-Why... N-Nothing dear." She feigned a smile and attempted to wave it away. It was obvious that Ox was not convinced. Not even within thirty minutes time, Walsuk found herself telling Ox all that she had heard. "We must inform the King!" Ox spoke with worry. He was always a bit of a patriot, and as his name suggested... stubborn like an Ox. "No--wait!" It was too late, Ox was out the door and Walsuk dashed after him, but the little man was quicker than he appeared. Soon she gave a defeated sigh and made her way back to tend the tavern, it would be no good to leave her customers alone... knowing how they were. "What's the matter, miss?" A charming young man had dashed a sincere smile her way. "Oh... nothing. Just Ox has run off!" "Why'n the world would he be doin' that n' leavin' y'by yerself?" The man asked once more. "Ox went off to warn the King about something..." Walsuk mumbled without so much as a second thought, her mind was too preoccupied with the now missing Ox. "Is that so...?" The youth raised his brow and smiled once more. "Well'n. I'm sure he'll be back fer ya." With that, the youth made his way out the door. Walsuk never did notice the "x" mark carved into his shoulder as he left. The next day, Walsuk had risen early to find that Ox still was not home. She grew worried and locked the tavern doors, setting out for the palace in hopes of finding Ox there. It was not long with the setting sun that she found herself in an undesirable situation. "'Lo 'gain miss!" A familiar voice rang, she barely registered it from the throbbing ache on the back of her head. She had been knocked out. "Where am I...?" She could not see, for a blindfold did its job well in nulling the sense of sight. "Lookee here, miss. Don't mean to do this to ya. But can't have ya runnin' round spoilin' everythin'. Promise not to tell an I'll let ya go with yer lil' friend." She knew that voice! It was the youth at the tavern that night! "Oh what a fool I am!" She thought to herself and she nodded quickly in agreement to save both of their lives. True to his word, the youth had released them in the middle of the Dae shores to find their way home. A break-in was reported that night, but was subdued by the guards. Ox had reached the palace first before the youth had found him on his way back to the taverns. What a summer it was... Whatever did happen to that youth, Walsuk always curious. Until she heard a familiar voice, "Lo' 'gain miss!" | |