CHAPTER 10
1116 Words
Time seems to slow as Yeon Galmu plummets towards the unsuspecting Gojhang soldiers.
She reaches out, grasping at air. "Your Highness!"
The Gojhang soldiers look up, startled by the commotion above.
He flails mid-air, somehow managing to grab a vine. "Ha! I've mastered the art of falling with sty-"
A sudden whistle cuts through the air, followed by a sickening thud.
She watches as an arrow pierces Yeon Galmu's chest. "No!"
He looks down at the arrow, his grip on the vine loosening. "Well, that's... unfortunate..."
The prince's body goes limp, falling the rest of the way to the forest floor.
He lowers his bow, smirking.
"Looks like I've bagged myself a royal squirrel."
She grips her weapon tightly, torn between grief and rage.
"Comrades, we can't let this stand. For Chongsan!"
The forest erupts into chaos as Sansang warriors descend upon the Gojhang soldiers.
She swings down from her perch, landing beside Yeon Galmu's body.
"Your Highness, I... I'm so sorry. I should have..."
He approaches Yuna, dodging arrows.
"Captain, we need to retreat! They've called for reinforcements!"
She looks between Yeon Galmu and the ongoing battle. "We can't leave him here. He deserves a proper burial, a chance for his people to mourn."
More Gojhang soldiers pour into the clearing, their numbers overwhelming.
He tugs at Yuna's arm. "There's no time! We'll all join him if we don't move now!"
She closes Yeon Galmu's eyes, then stands. "May the forests guard your spirit, Your Highness. We'll avenge you, I swear it."
As they retreat, Yuna casts one last look at the fallen prince.
She pulls a Chongsan emblem from her pocket, placing it on Yeon Galmu's chest.
"This isn't over, Gojhang. You've just made this personal."
He surveys the clearing, spotting the emblem.
"Well, well. Seems we've struck a heavy blow to Chongsan today. Prepare the prince for transport. Emperor Daejong will want proof of our victory."
She watches from the treeline as the Gojhang soldiers lift Yeon Galmu's body.
"This changes everything, comrades. We need a new plan, and fast."
He glances nervously over his shoulder.
"Captain, we can hear them coming. What's our move?"
She pulls out a small, intricately carved wooden figurine from her pocket.
"We follow the old ways. This totem will guide us through the hidden paths. Stay close, and for the love of all that's holy, don't step on any twigs."
The group moves swiftly through the dense foliage, their footsteps barely audible.
She holds up a hand, signaling the group to stop.
"Shh... Gojhang patrol, 3 o'clock. Everyone, do your best tree impression."
The warriors freeze, blending seamlessly with the surrounding vegetation.
He squints into the forest.
"I swear I heard something... Eh, probably just another squirrel. Let's move on."
She exhales softly as the patrol passes.
"And that, comrades, is why I always insist on those ridiculous camouflage drills. Who's laughing now?"
The group continues their journey, navigating treacherous ravines and dense thickets.
He stumbles, catching himself on a nearby tree.
"Captain, how much further? I'm starting to think we're just going in circles."
She helps the warrior regain his balance.
"Patience, my tree-hugging friend. The stronghold is just beyond that ridge... I think."
As they crest the hill, a hidden entrance reveals itself among the rocks.
She gestures dramatically at the concealed opening.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the Sansang stronghold. Ta-da!"
He emerges from the shadows, eyeing the group warily.
"Captain Yuna, we feared the worst. But where is Prince Yeon Galmu?"
Her face falls, the weight of recent events settling on her shoulders.
"Gather the elders, quickly. We have much to discuss, and a prince to rescue... well, his body at least."
Inside the stronghold, Yuna stands before a council of tribal elders.
She places a crude map on the table.
"Alright, here's the situation. Prince Yeon Galmu is dead, but his body is in Gojhang hands. We need to get him back, or so help me, I'll turn in my 'Master of Stealth' badge."
He strokes his long beard thoughtfully.
"And how do you propose we do that, Captain? Walk into the Gojhang camp and ask nicely?"
She grins, a glint in her eye.
"Oh no, my dear elder. We're going to do what we do best – be sneaky, be swift, and most importantly, be absolutely ridiculous."
He raises his hand hesitantly.
"Um, Captain? What exactly does that mean?"
She rubs her hands together gleefully.
"It means, my friends, that Operation 'Royal Body Snatch' is a go. And yes, I came up with that name on the spot. Impressive, right?"
He nods, eyes narrowing. "What do you propose, Captain?"
She surveys the Gojhang camp in the distance.
"We can't let them take His Highness. We're going in."
As night falls, Yuna and two Sansang warriors creep towards the enemy encampment.
She gestures to her companions.
"Remember, we're birds tonight. Hoot twice for danger, chirp for all clear."
He stifles a chuckle.
"I feel like I'm in a children's game, not a rescue mission."
She shoots him a look.
"This 'game' might save our lives. Now, quiet."
The trio inches closer to the camp, their bodies low to the ground.
He freezes, then makes a soft hooting sound.
A Gojhang patrol passes mere feet from their position.
He yawns, stretching.
"Hear that? Damn owls. They give me the creeps."
He smacks his companion's arm.
"Focus, you i***t. Remember what happened to the last guy who fell asleep on watch?"
The patrol moves on, and Yuna signals to move forward.
She points to a large tent near the center of the camp.
"There. That's where they'd keep a... a body of importance."
He touches Yuna's shoulder.
"Captain, are you sure about this? We're risking everything for a... for a corpse."
She whirls on him, eyes blazing.
"That 'corpse' is our prince. Our hope. Our future. We leave no one behind, dead or alive."
A twig snaps underfoot, causing all three to freeze.
He looks at his foot in horror. "I... I'm sorry, I-"
She claps a hand over his mouth. "Chirp. Now."
The warrior manages a weak, warbling chirp just as another patrol rounds the corner.
He pauses, scanning the area.
"Did you hear that? Sounded like a dying bird."
He shrugs, continuing on. "Probably just another owl choking on a mouse. Come on, I'm starving."
As the patrol passes, Yuna releases a breath she didn't realize she was holding.
She steels herself, eyeing the tent.
"Alright, on my signal. We're bringing our prince home, one way or another."
He nods, gripping his weapon tightly. "For Chongsan."
She takes a deep breath, preparing to move. "For Chongsan. And for Prince Yeon Galmu."
- Writer
