Walk the Path Chosen
Chapter 10: The Boy King
by deadkitty1
Many instances have taken place during the Woodalchi Captain's absence, so upon his arrival back home, he needed to do a clean sweep once again. The Woodalchi have gotten in numerous altercations again with the other palace guards and a resolution has not been solved. His aunt, Lady Choi, informs him of fights between the king's royal family and the advisors over politics progressively rise each day. Also, the invading pirates decimating their troops, stealing their supplies, and gaining closer to land is quickly swept under the rug as something unimportant. These are far too many issues for the captain to sort out but feels obliged to help or not only will the king be in danger, but so will the people.
After handing the special herb to the Royal Doctor, Choi Young gains a meeting with the head palace guard and the Woodalchi to cleanly mediate the dispute. There is much discontent and threats from both sides which in the end are petty and have no bearing. The two groups have nowhere else to bite except at each other. They need to take out some of thier pent up energy on something more productive that will better the kingdom than embarrass it. They've been cooped up in the palace for far too long, they've gone a bit crazy.
"There have been reports of pirates attacking the coast and although we have managed to fend off the invaders, it's only a matter of time before they cross land and when they do, they will have the advantage," Young relegates as a silence befalls the bickering two groups.
Their eyes point towards him as one of the palace guards steps up to reply.
"We know that. Even the commoners are talking about it, but those politicians can't make heads or tails of what to do with our country, let alone some pirates! What makes you think they'll take any action at all?!"
Murmurs of agreement scatter through the men's voices. More utter the corruption and few are despondent on taking action as they'd rather let Yuan get their hands dirty instead of themselves. Yuan does have the troops and money for it. The captain can barely believe the words coming out of the warriors of Goryeo. It sizzles a rage within him at the memory of the brethren who died to protect their country, even if it is under rule by another. As pure disgust litters his face, many of the Woodalchi sense his anger as they immediately stop their whining and straighten their attitude.
One of the palace guards comes up to the captain with a rude sneer. "Besides, you've been away for months. What gives you the right to boss us around and suggest we fight some pirates?"
Several more voices talk in contempt as the Woodalchi glare heatedly at the impetuous behavior of the guards. The captain takes a deep inhale as he raises his voice loud.
"And if I get a Royal Order from the King, will you cooperate in fighting with us against the enemy to save our people? Will you lay down your petty rivalry for the safety of our nation? Each of whom every one of you has sworn to protect once you took the sword. If we do not rise to fight, this country – apart from Yuan rule – will cease to exist along with every single one of us. Remember that sword isn't a decoration, it's a weapon and it looks like most of you have forgotten how to use it."
Many look down in shame and anger, not used to being scolded and called out. His words seem to have an impact on them. A reckless guard pushes some of his men aside as he goes to the captain with maddening cynicism.
"Well as you point out, Captain, we are a sieged country of Yuan so why not let Yuan save us from these pirates? They're the ones that decided to take us in so they should protect us also."
Choi Young's eyes blaze as the guard takes a step back in fright. Spitting fiery passion, the captain's voice echoes through the troops. "You, you would trust Yuan to save us? The Yuan that has forced you to talk like them, dress like them, eat like them but still treats you like a dog? The Yuan that has stolen your mothers, daughters, aunts, and women to be common mistresses and prostitutes? The Yuan who have shriveled up our freedom and culture that many of our future children will not even know what being Goryeo is anymore! That Yuan!? You will wait for those people to save you? To save us?"
As his voice thunders, many of the men agitate as they absorbs the truth in his words. The commander takes a step forward as he observes each of the men's eyes to make sure they receive his message. "They don't care about us. They will use us until we are no more. So do we wait for another foreign invader to take over our country or worst yet, wreck havoc over it? Well, will you?"
The guard shrinks back with the rest of his men who promptly shut their mouths, afraid of saying anything more upsetting. As no one steps up to challenge the captain's words, they all agree on the bigger picture on hand. The country and the people are more important than their own squabble. They compromise to quit the arguments and concentrate on bringing up the topic of protecting the coastal borders to the advisors and people of importance. They've been sad cynics doing nothing but not anymore. They will fight and they plan to win.
While the main topic of the pirates circulate around the palace, to force the advisors to make a decision about the attack, Choi Young makes his next move on the king. Seeing him should be a simple feat but through the coming days, he gets sidetracked with a different problem each minute. He seems to be juggling one issue over another as he goes from one area to another. When he finds a break from his work, the king is too sick to see him or busy with the advisors to be interrupted.
It's becoming clear to him as the days pass by, and with the constant hatred of the advisors about the piracy issue, that he's being separated from his highness on purpose. Slamming the book aside, Young reaches the precipice of patience from the mountain of paper work forced on him. These nobles intend on keeping him busy. The fools will never lift a finger unless Yuan tells them too. The don't care about the country. They only care about themselves.
Young can easily infiltrate the palace to visit the king as he is the only one that knows all the ins and outs of the palace structure, but if everyone knows, down to the palace servants, how much he wants to see the king, then the king must have been informed. His highness had to know the many times he's stopped by and each time it was the king himself that turned him away. It's sad to see his ears filled with whispers from greedy people, but it's also what's expected out of a young king who's easily taken in by others. It would be no different than him imploring the child to take action for his country. Still as a king, as a human being, he should know how to think for himself. Sickness isn't a liability and it shouldn't affect him from making important decisions. The captain can only hope the king has all the information he needs to make a proper decision about what to do with Goryeo.
Just as the irritating business with the guards bore the captain back into his usual sleep, a messenger arrives with a summons from the king. He is to report to the kingship immediately. Choi Young smiles in relief. It's about time.
"Captain of the Woodalchi, Choi Young! I have summoned you to express my gratitude in not only retrieving the medicine but by bringing in the original plant. The Royal Doctor is expecting a new batch within the next couple of weeks. The young man who delivered it came at such speed he nearly had his neck sliced by the guard protecting me. Where did you procure such a person?" the king asks being naturally curious.
Young laughs as the thought of Dae Man scuffling about in the palace is definitely a sight worth seeing. "It's a long story, your highness. One I'm sure would be too boring for you to hear."
"I would be happy to hear such a story on your journey to Yuan. I have been meaning to talk with you about it but... um the medicine took a while to get working," the king explains with some hesitation in his voice.
The captain looks up at the child in curiosity. Never has a king been interested in the affairs of anybody other than themselves. It's a wonder how the manners of the other nobles had managed to avoid such a young boy. For a moment, the warrior assumes he's being tricked or tested, but the wonder in the boy's eyes is unmistakable. He seems genuinely interested what he has to say.
"Well? Will you tell me what happened?" the king chirps up, snapping the captain out of his thoughts.
Choi Young could not give a definitive excuse to not tell the story, so for most part of the day, he regales on about his journey, adding as much exaggeration when the young king's face brightens in excitement. The medicine works wonders, though the pain persists, it makes it bearable and lesses the frequency. Everyday, the young king calls upon the Woodalchi Captain to continue his story as it becomes the only form of joy in the king's day. The warrior meant to tell the boy the story of his journey to Yuan, but as the child's curious questions persists to topics about him, Young reminisces stories about his battles and youth with vivid detail. He thought talking about his fallen comrades would trigger the deep aches of loneliness once again, but instead, there's a feeling of renewal, a release. The boy loves his story and his company. He became hesitant on talking to the captain after being fed evil details from both his family and his advisors about the Woodalchi Captain, but the young king needed to at least thank the man for his mission and soon sees the gruesome rumors are nothing but elaborate lies. The captain is a noble man who would like nothing more than to sleep a whole days worth of work than kill, plot, or steal. He's the only friend the king ever had and the only person to be honest with him.
As the two become close, the Commander finally entrusts information to the king about the pirate situation on the coast. The young king nods calmly at the news, not at all troubled by it. "I know. The advisors tell me Yuan has personally put troops on the coast to help the neighboring people there."
Young unconsciously clenches his fists as he said in a strained voice, "Yuan is guarding the coast? And you trust Yuan?"
The king shrugs nonchalantly as he takes a bite out a fruit. Swallowing to allow some moisture for his sudden dry throat, the captain faces the king politely.
"Your highness," the Woodalchi pleas, "I understand Yuan has safeguarded us for years, but they will never advance to rid the problem for good. Please allow me to go with a group of my own to stop those pirates for good."
"Young-ah! Why would I let you go out to fight when there are already people down there doing it? It would be a waste of men and energy for that sort of thing," the king argues with a sound mind, "No. You are best to stay here."
"Your majesty, if I promise to return within a year, would you give me this time and men to make it happen?" Young confidently states.
The young king thinks it over as he remembers the issue of the pirate attacks becoming ever prevalent as the oncoming years pass, even before he became king. The issues has reached top priority when the enemy forces plummeted Goryeo's shipping income by using the ships they stole against them for their own ventures. A year would be impossible to get rid of the scattering pirate attacks. It would be a wasted effort. Though, if the captain were to rid the attacks for good, it would prove his men, Goryeo men, are better than the Yuan. He's seen most of the soldiers around the palace have been getting antsy and too much of them have been taking space in his kingdom. It would be nice to actually put these warriors to good use.
"I will talk it over with my advisors and see what I can do." The young king responds.
Young looks him kindly in the eyes as he advices his friend, "But make sure your voice is heard too. As a king, you safeguard the people and the nation, not Yuan."
The captain bows in reverence. It's all he can do for now. He knows strategically how to handle the pirates, having had experience battling with them before in the Red Crescent Moon Army. Besides, the numbers the advisors have been feeding the king have been all wrong. Yes. These bandits have stolen ships and supplies but add a few more zeros and it's more so the correct number they have stolen from the king's ships.
The Woodalchi leaves as the boy lets his thoughts ruminate on what was last said as he becomes determined to face the issue. When the king announces a meeting about the pirates, many argue against the idea without giving the king any say in the matter. They discuss the disadvantages first and don't weight the rewards should the mission be successful. Even with Choi Young's extended record for completing mission after mission, these nobles expect him to fail. They have no faith in the commander and no respect for the king's opinion. They cut him off several times and the boy realizes for the first time how his family and politicians have been treating him. Even when crowned king, they still treat him like a child who knows nothing of what he's talking about. Wielding the use of his temper, he speaks out as everyone around him stills in shock.
"No more! I say a command of 100 men should be enough for the commander to rid the pirate invasion for good and to teach the soldiers at the harbor to maintain the safety of our nation from the next attack!"
Many of the nobles exchange looks with each other, in disbelief of the young king's outburst. It's the first time the king goes against their opinion and they don't know how to handle him when he's like this. A wise old man rises as he starts to speak with clarity to the clueless king. "My king. Permission to speak."
The young boy keeps his eyes on him to prevent them from rolling back into his head in irritation as he nods to hear the man's response.
"My king," the man's voice trembles from age, "I have heard of the Woodalchi Commander keeping you company over the past couple of weeks. Although he has become a favorite of yours, he's the one who's inciting the men in this palace to place their lives against some infidels not worth our time. Let the Yuan soldiers handle the situation. We are perfectly fine here."
"He is right, your highness," said one of his dear aunts as the family agrees together, "There is no need to waste perfectly good men on such a mission. Those pirates never get near land anyway."
The young boy frowns as he pushes the issue on, gaining some courage from the opposition. "I know Yuan has safeguarded our coast for a couple of years, but all they've managed to do is prevent the pirates from setting foot on our land. They have not sailed out to kill nor apprehend the thieves that make our country poorer every year. Our goods and money are now in the hands of these foreigners! And you are telling me to do nothing and let them run away with it? Are we cowards? We have our own army. Our men know the land and waters better than any Yuan soldier will ever know. The Woodalchi Commander promises to rid the pirate problem in a year. We will gain so much more than our losses should we win and show not only Yuan, but the other countries we are not easily taken advantaged of."
The old men still as their eyes turn downwards in apology for their insolence. The people in the palace has grown comfortable of the lifestyle Yuan has provided for them. No one has the ambition nor the motivation to do anything that might involve earning Goryeo's name since it might anger Yuan. Though when the mission involves humiliating Yuan and getting their money back, some righteous and greedy ministers join the ride.
A wealthy minister stands as he echoes the king's sentiments. "I agree with your majesty. The Woodalchi is known for his victories in battle, even under the previous king's rule, but 100 men is far too small an amount to get the job done, I volunteer my own 100 men to get our gold back from those pirates!"
Many of the other men speak on the topic as volunteers of men, supplies, and weapons begin to be put into a pot. It's the first time the young boy has felt like a king a long while. He can see his family disapprove, but they're willing to let him play the role of ruler to get rid of the annoying pirate issue and the Woodalchi whose visits poison his ear every day. They look forward to separating the two from each other so they can get on with manipulating the king.
The captain gets right to work, training the men given to him, along with the heap loads of supplies he didn't expect in having. He works the men hard for two months before setting out on his journey to the ocean. Before he leaves, he checks in on the little king who's grown far too attached and regrets on sending him on this mission when he won't be by his side anymore.
"Young-ah! I don't want you to leave!" the young king unexpectedly begs as he holds on tighter to him. "I command you to stay with me and tell me more stories."
The Woodalchi commander pries the boy's frail arms with ease as he smiles down wistfully. He too did not want to part from the boy. While he knows Lady Choi and the remaining Woodalchi will take care of the king, there's no doubt those ministers will be glad to get their grubby manipulative hands back into the boy's head. This time though, the boy understands the people around him doesn't always have his or the people's best interest at heart. The boy will have to learn to look past the lies to reveal the truth.
He pats the boy on the head and replies, "I will be back in a years time and no more than that with plenty more stories to tell you. You will barely notice it pass, so please do not worry."
The boy looks close to crying as he gazes back at him, "But-but what will I do without you?"
"You will be a king. You will go to those meetings with your family and those ministers when your health permits so and learn. Listen to them but also listen to the rumors because those are the people talking. Soon you will see what's best for your country. Remember, do not let this weakness get the best of you. Fight it, as I fight out there."
The boy nods in understanding but couldn't hide feeling hurt and angry at not being able to be more of use. As the tears roll down his face, he grumbles stubbornly, "Its not fair. I have to stay and do boring stuff while you have all the adventures. Why is that?"
The captain laughs as he shakes his head. "Oh, it's not as fun as you think. The fighting is the exciting part. Riding, planning, camping are pretty boring. If those pirates put up a good fight though, I might come back without an eye," Choi Young scoffs a laugh but changes the subject upon seeing the fear in the king's face, "That is if I don't slice off their own eyes first!"
"Young-ah! You have to come back in one piece! I won't forgive you if you loose even one eye. Do you understand?" the boy squeezes the man's arm tightly.
Choi Young nods in acknowledgement as he gives the king his farewell. With the help of the men in his company, the invading pirates receive a message they will not soon forget. The men enjoy the triumphs that shower them in accordance to their commander's strategies as a sense of honor and loyalty strikes the hearts of each soldier. Even as Young ignores the attention and prestige from the victories, the men around him truly see why he's trusted when out on the field. The months upon months spent in close quarters has forged a bond within the soldiers akin to brothers. Although Young maintains his aloofness to the growing bond, he lends a hand when asked and issues discipline when necessary.
Even in the middle of fighting, his thoughts turn to the young boy king who he hopes has grown wiser through the experience with the advisors while still retaining his childlike curiosity. The thought of the boy becoming another corrupt tyrant would devastate the hope lingering for him to keep going in this world. He doesn't want to loose his faith in another person, not again. He thought he would never be able to let anyone else touch his heart until this little king did. Even the men and the Woodalchi latch on strong in his heart. With the amount of fighting they've done, he can see the terrifying force the Woodalchi have become to be a great guard for the king. They'll be able to handle what may come without him. He's sure of it this time.
As the mission draws to a close, Young hurries back, eager to meet the young king again. They embrace their time together, telling each other about everything they've gone through. The year has changed the two of them for the better, but it also seems that the king's illness has taken a turn for the worst. The miracle herb isn't as effective anymore and the pain continues to build each day. The boy is back to being stuck in his room, unable to conduct his affairs and the corrupt family and ministers take full advantage of the situation. Choi Young does his best being the voice for the king, but there's a fine line he can't cross even if he is the king's favorite. As the illness debilitates the king through the progressing months, the strong warrior spends most of his days with the boy, trying his best to nurse his spirit as he can't do more for his health. Rumors of the king's illness spreads beyond the kingdom down to Yuan. It cannot be hidden anymore. Soon an announcement takes place. Kyung Chan will be exiled and a new king will be put on the throne. One the Yuan has personally groomed in their own country to rule Goryeo exactly as they want.
The Woodalchi Captain knew being the king's guardian would have its limits. He can do nothing to prevent them from taking the boy away. After serving king after king, this one royal tears his heart out. He watches them shove the former king inside a carriage and be carried away. A young boy born to a life of splendor, cursed to spend his last remaining years in solitude with the barest essentials. For nights, Young dreams on how to escape, to run back to the young king and take care of him, but his friend left him with one last command, one he isn't particularly excited in doing. Escorting the new king to his palace. Oh the joys of being the king's guard.
