CHAPTER 18
1013 Words
Two days later, at the gates of Chongsan...
He stretches dramatically.
"Ah, the sweet smell of home! Nothing quite like it, eh Bunja?"
He nods politely.
"Indeed, Your Highness. Though I must admit, the aroma is... unique."
He chuckles.
"That's the royal pigsty, my friend. A Chongsan delicacy!"
As they approach the palace, King Taejo emerges, arms outstretched.
He beams widely.
"My boy! You've returned!"
He bows respectfully.
"Father, it's good to see you. This is Bunja, a... talented new recruit."
He strokes his beard.
"Recruit, eh? For what exactly? Not another one of your animal armies, I hope!"
He laughs awkwardly.
"Oh, you know me, Father. Always... recruiting. For the kingdom's glory, of course!"
Bunja bows deeply.
"It's an honor to meet you, Your Majesty. I've heard tales of your... poetic prowess."
His eyes light up.
"Ah, a man of culture! Come, let me regale you with my latest composition. It's about a particularly plump goat I saw yesterday..."
As they enter the palace, King Taejo's expression grows serious.
He lowers his voice.
"Bimboryeo, my son. We have much to discuss. The Warsong Kingdom and Dojhang Empire..."
His eyes widen. "What of them, Father?"
He sighs heavily.
"They've been busy while you were away. Several of our towns... they're no longer ours."
He clenches his fists. "What? How many? Which ones?"
He shakes his head.
"Too many, my boy. Goryeonju, Baekcheon, even little Namwon..."
Bunja observes silently. "Your Majesty, if I may... perhaps this calls for decisive action?"
He raises an eyebrow. "And who might you be to suggest such things, young man?"
He steps between them. "Ah, forgive him, Father. Bunja is... enthusiastic. But tell me, what do you propose we do?"
He strokes his beard again. "Well, I was thinking of composing an epic poem to boost morale. Perhaps something about a brave goat facing two hungry wolves?"
He pinches the bridge of his nose. "Father, please. This is serious. We need a real plan."
He winks.
"Ah, but my son, sometimes the mightiest sword is but a well-placed word!"
He runs a hand through his hair. "Father, with all due respect, we can't fight an invasion with metaphors."
He strokes his beard. "Perhaps not, my boy. But neither can we risk the lives of our people in a hasty counterattack."
He throws his hands up. "So we do nothing? Watch as our lands are stolen from under our noses?"
He places a hand on Bimboryeo's shoulder.
"We bide our time, son. The safety of our people comes first."
He sighs deeply.
"I... understand, Father. Come, Bunja. Let's get some air."
As they exit the palace, Bimboryeo's frustration is palpable.
He glances at Bimboryeo.
"Your Highness, perhaps a change of scenery might help clear your mind?"
He nods slowly. "You're right. I know just the place."
They make their way to a bustling tavern in the heart of Chongsan.
He slumps onto a bench. "Ah, nothing like the local watering hole to drown one's sorrows, eh Bunja?"
He smiles slightly. "Indeed, Your Highness. Though I'd advise against actually drowning in your cups."
Suddenly, a commotion erupts from the corner of the tavern.
Jangsu waves his arms dramatically.
"Listen! The end is nigh! Chongsan will fall!"
He turns to look at the old man.
"What in the name of the sacred goat is that about?"
He leans in closer.
"It seems we have a local prophet, Your Highness."
He points directly at Bimboryeo. "You! Prince of the falling kingdom! From the ashes of Chongsan, you shall rise"
He blinks rapidly.
"Me? Rise? What are you talking about, old man?"
He grins toothlessly. "A new kingdom, boy! Born from the flames of oppression, it shall crush the mighty!"
He raises an eyebrow. "Your Highness, surely you don't believe this drunken rambling?"
He leans forward. "I'm not sure what to believe anymore, Bunja. But tell me, old man, how exactly does this... rising happen?"
He waggles his fingers.
"The stars align, the winds whisper, and the sacred goat bleats thrice! Also, you might want to invest in a good sword."
He chuckles.
"Well, at least that last bit sounds practical. What do you think, Bunja? Ready to overthrow some oppressive kingdoms?"
He places a hand on his chest.
"I stand with you, Your Highness."
Meanwhile, in the opulent palace of the Gojhang Empire...
Emperor Daejong before a large map, gesturing dramatically.
"Chongsan's towns have fallen like ripe fruit into our hands! The question is, where shall we feast next?"
Prime Minister Seong-Ho strokes his long beard.
"Your Majesty, perhaps we should consolidate our gains before-"
He slams his fist on the table.
"Consolidate? Bah! The empire hungers for more, Seong-Ho!"
General Choi steps forward, hand on her sword hilt.
"I agree, Your Majesty. Strike while the iron is hot!"
Prime Minister Seong-Ho pinches the bridge of his nose.
"General, need I remind you of the logistical nightmare that would entail? Our supply lines are already stretched thin."
Emperor Daejong chuckles darkly.
"Ah, Seong-Ho, always the voice of caution. But tell me, what's an empire without a little risk?"
She smirks at the Prime Minister.
"A stagnant one, Your Majesty. We have the momentum; let's use it!"
The tension in the war room is palpable as the three continue their heated debate.
He traces a line on the map.
"If we must expand, perhaps the southern provinces of Chongsan would be a more... digestible morsel?"
He leans in, eyes gleaming.
"Go on, Seong-Ho. You've piqued my interest."
He points to specific locations on the map.
"These areas are rich in resources, yet poorly defended. We could strike swiftly, with minimal resistance."
She crosses her arms.
"It... does have tactical merit, I suppose."
He claps his hands together.
"Excellent! We shall feast on Chongsan's southern Province. Prepare the troops, General. And Seong-Ho?"
He bows slightly. "Yes, Your Majesty?"
Emperor Daejong grins wickedly. "Draft a most... courteous letter to King Taejo. Let's inform him of our impending visit, shall we?"
General Choi salutes sharply. "It will be done, Your Majesty. Chongsan won't know what hit them!"
- Writer
