"Ma'am! Land!"
A cheerful voice rang out overhead. The soldier, Doseon, peeked down from the deck into the cabin where Sobi was. Sobi's face lit up, and she quickly climbed up to the railing. In the distance, the horizon was broken by a thin, dark line of land.
"Finally," Sobi exclaimed. "It's been a long journey."
"We're not quite there yet," Doseon explained. "We'll be stopping at Seogahk to rest before heading to Ju."
Sobi didn't know where Seogahk was or how far it was from Ju, but she nodded cheerfully. "At least I'll be able to feel solid ground beneath my feet again."
The sea journey, though calm, had been harsh. Despite consuming the dried ginger chips Seon had provided until her tongue and stomach burned, Sobi couldn't entirely escape seasickness. She had spent the first few days as a half-dead invalid. Once she finally acclimated to the rocking waves, the monotony of the endless blue waters and the confining cabin walls became unbearable. As she reread the copy of the letter for Jongwon Soh, reciting Ryang's instructions in her mind, fear would creep in – the fear of a sudden storm capsizing the ship in the vast expanse of the sea. The thought of setting foot on solid ground, whether in Seogahk, Seomy, or Ju, brought her immense comfort.
The three Myeonghyeon soldiers assigned to her by Ryang – Moyo, Doseon, and Nuyahng – had kept her company throughout the journey, easing her discomfort among the unfamiliar crew and merchants. Sobi often shared her ginger chips with them during their conversations. One evening, in the quiet cabin filled only with the sound of chewing, Sobi asked, "How did you end up in Wicheong?"
Moyo, the eldest of the three, replied, "Doseon and I had only heard of Wicheong Palace. We've never been there. We're the Myeonghyeon men."
Doseon turned to Nuyahng. "You came to House Myeonghyeon from Wicheong Palace, didn't you?"
Nuyahng, the youngest and most timid of the three, hesitated. Sobi waited patiently, and finally, Nuyahng spoke in a small voice.
"The late High Emissary used to visit our village," he said. "He would share food and tend to the sick. I admired him, so I followed him around whenever he visited. One day, the Second Emissary called for me and asked if I wanted to serve a greater purpose. I didn't think much of it and followed him."
Sobi managed a faint smile. "So it was the Second Emissary. But how did you end up with House Myeonghyeon?"
Doseon interjected, "A few years ago, the ship carrying our people to Soyeol disappeared at sea. We lost many. Lord Myeonghyeon asked the Guardian for help, and several soldiers from Wicheong were transferred to House Myeonghyeon. But who knew Mahnry would be captured by Cheon Hwan?"
"Indeed, who knew?" Moyo agreed. "Perhaps it was all a lie fabricated by that damned bitch. Poor Lord."
Doseon and Moyo exchanged exasperated sighs. Sobi waited for the uncomfortable silence to settle before asking, "Have you ever regretted this life?"
Doseon chuckled. "Ma'am, have you ever regretted being born to your parents? I was born under House Myeonghyeon, so I serve House Myeonghyeon. What's there to regret?"
Moyo laughed along with Doseon's nonchalant reply. Nuyahng added hesitantly, "Before I came to Wicheong, I only knew how to harvest seaweed and dig for clams. I've held a sword blessed by the High Emissary. How could I ever go back to that life?"
Nuyahng then turned to Sobi and asked, "How did you become an Emissary?"
Sobi paused, then replied with a noncommittal answer. "I followed the path Sahngjon set for me, just like you."
After ten days of such idle chatter, the ship finally dropped anchor in Seogahk's harbor. Sobi and the three soldiers were captivated by the sights as they made their way from the harbor to the inn. Like the Soyeol people who had come to Nahmgyo, the people of Seogahk wore brightly colored clothes with loose or no fastenings, revealing much of their skin. Many of those working at the harbor were barely clothed at all. The Soyeolish language was harsh, and it was difficult to understand unless one listened intently. Doseon, who had visited Soyeol several times on merchant ships, led the group, finding them a place to eat and securing lodging. After days at sea, the solid ground and the promise of a long sleep brought them much-needed rest.
The journey to Ju took another three days, winding along the coast. The harbor in Ju was teeming with all kinds of vessels – small boats, medium-sized ships, large merchant vessels, and warships – seemingly ten times busier than Nahmgyo's harbor. Some merchants were already unloading their goods and conducting trades right on the docks. Whether they had purchased or plundered their wares, Sobi couldn't tell from their appearances.
Following the map Ryang had given them, Sobi and the three soldiers headed towards the largest trading house in Ju, Ahn'eum. It was located on the bustling main street near the capital. The shops were adorned with colorful decorations, and the goods on display were equally vibrant. Ju, unlike the small island of Seogahk, felt like a different world. Statues lined the crowded streets, filling every available space. Norahn's teachings echoed in Sobi's mind – Sahngjon shouldn't be represented in physical form.
"I was overwhelmed when I first arrived in Nahmgyo," Sobi remarked to Moyo. "But now, Nahmgyo seems small compared to this. Is Sunyahng this large as well? You said you've been to Sunyahng, haven't you?"
Moyo replied with a boastful grin, "Sunyahng is a thousand-year-old capital, ma'am."
After asking directions a few times, the group arrived at Ahn'eum's house. Doseon whispered something to the gatekeeper, who then led them inside. The scent of incense permeated the house, and Ahn'eum appeared through the haze of smoke. He was a merchant with kind features, seemingly a little older than Moyo. He was dressed modestly, considering the wealth Ryang had described. Before their departure, Ryang had explained that Ahn'eum was the one who would grant them access to Jongwon Soh. Sobi presented Ahn'eum with the letter and a small chest containing a token of their goodwill, both received from Ryang. Ahn'eum, initially suspicious, straightened upon finishing the letter. He bowed respectfully to Sobi and kissed the back of both her hands.
"Please forgive my ignorance," Ahn'eum said.
Sobi returned the bow. "I am merely a servant of Sahngjon. There's no need for such formality."
"You must be exhausted after your long journey. How is everyone at Yeonyahng?"
Sobi's mind flooded with the recent turmoil surrounding Ryang and Seon, but she kept her thoughts to herself and offered a small smile. "Everyone is well. Do you know them personally?"
"We've exchanged letters and goods regularly," Ahn'eum replied. "I've met them three times. We used to send ships back and forth twice every season, but there's been no news since spring. I was worried something might have happened. So this is what you've been busy with. I only knew their names, but now I finally know their true identity. Sahngjon truly watches over the Celestial Scions."
Ahn'eum clasped his hands together and closed his eyes briefly. Sobi asked, "When can we meet the King?"
"I'll inquire today," Ahn'eum replied. "Even I cannot easily gain an audience with him."
"We don't have much time, even if we stay in Ju all summer," Sobi pressed. "I would appreciate it if you could expedite the matter."
"I'll do my best," Ahn'eum assured her.
Ahn'eum provided Sobi and his companions with comfortable lodgings and treated them with the utmost hospitality, carefully selecting dishes to their liking. However, they couldn't relax completely. It wasn't until the fourth day of their stay that Ahn'eum visited Sobi with good news.
"You may enter the palace tomorrow afternoon," he announced with a proud smile.
"Thank you," Sobi said, bowing deeply.
Ahn'eum, like Ryang before him, gave Sobi detailed instructions on how to conduct herself within the palace. That night, Sobi retrieved her white robes from her luggage and asked Ahn'eum for an iron and charcoal. Ahn'eum, instead of simply providing the tools, had a servant meticulously iron the robes and deliver them to Sobi. Looking at the crisp white garment hanging on the wall, Sobi recalled her late-night conversation with Ryang before her departure. Ryang had been worried about the letter that Hwan had seized from him.
"Cheon Hwan has the letter we intended to send to Sung and Soyeol," Ryang had explained. "If you're unlucky, you might encounter him in Ju. He doesn't know your face, so don't wear your white robes until you enter the palace. I'll assign soldiers who are unknown to him as your escort. Be careful."
"What does he look like?" Sobi had asked.
"If you encounter a man who resembles me or my sister, assume it's him and avoid him," Ryang had said. "He's not tall and has a tanned complexion from his time as a pirate. If he's accompanied by a woman with white streaks in her hair, it's definitely him."
Sobi had heard rumors that Hwan resembled the Myeonghyeon siblings more than his twin brother, Seong. But hearing it directly from Ryang made her wonder about the strange ways familial traits could manifest.
"What are you worried about, High Councilor?" Sobi had asked.
"If Cheon Hwan hasn't given up," Ryang had replied, "he'll try to reach Jongwon Soh before we do. Losing the letter intended for Sung is a major problem. Jongwon Soh won't be pleased with our dealings with Sung."
"How should I respond if he brings it up?"
Ryang had hesitated, then said, "If he mentions it, tell him that we briefly entertained a foolish notion out of desperation, but Sahngjon expressed his fury through a vision, and we immediately changed our minds."
Sobi had been speechless.
"I know it's a flimsy excuse," Ryang had admitted, "but if he has the letter with our seal, we have no choice but to use Sahngjon as a shield. We can't afford to lose Soyeol's support. You have to convince him that the High Emissary, who receives visions directly from Sahngjon, is with the Guardian."
"But High Councilor, Sahngjon has never given such a vision…"
"Do you think I would send an Emissary without a reason?" Ryang had interrupted.
"High Councilor…"
"Don't lose your composure before Jongwon Soh," Ryang had warned. "You must appear to him as an Emissary, not a human. He needs to see the Guardian in you, the Crimson Star, and even Sahngjon. Do you understand?"
Sobi had nodded silently, her throat dry.
"I understand."
Before daybreak, Sobi awoke and prepared to enter the palace. The three Myeonghyeon soldiers couldn't accompany her inside, so they remained at Ahn'eum's residence. Ahn'eum provided Sobi with a carriage, riding alongside the merchant's escort while Sobi rode within. After a long journey through bustling streets, the noise gradually subsided. The carriage came to a halt, and the door opened.
"We've arrived," Ahn'eum announced. "Please be careful as you step down."
Sobi shielded her eyes from the bright sun as she disembarked. She saw only stone walls surrounding her. She looked up and finally saw the palace in its entirety. It was a breathtaking sight. The palace of Ju had imposing walls, and the tower built upon them was even taller, resembling a pagoda. Each level was adorned with ornate eaves and intricate decorations, reminiscent of the Soyeolish people's attire. Sobi recalled her conversation with Ahn'eum over dinner the previous night.
"What is the King like?" Sobi had asked.
"He's still young, but even in his youth, no one could match his swordsmanship," Ahn'eum had replied. "His five children have inherited his strength."
"I remember hearing about that from the High Councilor," Sobi had said. "But he's only a little over thirty. How does he have five children already?"
"He had his first child quite young," Ahn'eum had explained. "He was quite the vigorous young man... Many fear him because of his reputation, but he's actually quite jovial and generous. Don't be too intimidated."
Ahn'eum gestured towards the palace entrance. Sobi took a deep breath and followed.
The guards, seeing Sobi's white robes, whispered amongst themselves. Sobi endured a thorough inspection at the gate before being allowed inside. She climbed countless stairs, her breath growing short, before finally reaching the interior of the palace. The inside was even more labyrinthine, with countless rooms connected by countless doors. Sobi thought to herself that she would never find her way out alone. After what felt like an eternity, she finally arrived at Jongwon Soh's chamber. The guard at the door announced her arrival, and the doors slid open.
Ahn'eum immediately bowed low, his head touching the floor. Sobi followed, bowing as Ahn'eum had instructed. Though she couldn't see him, Sobi could hear Jongwon Soh's faint breathing, confirming his presence.
"I am Sobi, Third Emissary, sent by the Guardian of the Azure Scripture," Sobi announced. "I pay my respects to the King of Ju."
She performed five deep bows, then rose and bowed once more with her hands clasped together.
"Approach," the King commanded.
Sobi took a few steps closer and knelt again, presenting the letter she had carefully carried with her.
"I bring a letter from the Guardian of the Azure Scripture, descendant of the Cheon royal lineage," she said.
The white cloth draped over her head obscured her vision, and she couldn't see Jongwon Soh's face. An attendant took the letter from Sobi and presented it to the King. After a long silence filled only with the rustling of paper, a mocking voice echoed from above.
"A letter from the Guardian of the Azure Scripture, you say? Written by Ryang, no doubt. His handwriting is as elegant as ever."
Sobi, startled, involuntarily raised her head. The white cloth slipped back, revealing her eyes. She looked at the seated figure. A man with sharp features, dressed in simple black robes that revealed his bare chest, was looking down at her. Sobi, her eyes widening in recognition, forgot her manners and stared.
"Why?" the man asked. "Do I look familiar?"
"You..." Sobi stammered, her face contorting in shock.
A chilling smile spread across the man's face. "I am Cheon Hwan, King of Cheon-Wi, King of Ju, King of the Hundred Isles, and Guardian of the Azure Scripture."