Chapter 6: Of Prophecies
As Tanya had hit that age where she started noticing changes in her body and that of the boys her age—mostly Eunseom's, mind you—the Wahan women had taken her aside. "Remember this," they had told her, "you know who you want to spend your life with when your heart races upon seeing that special person with kids!"
Up to this day, Tanya had thought it was the most stupid advice she had ever gotten. Up to this day.
Eunseom was sitting at a table in the center of the fortress's archive, surrounded by the children of the hardstone workshop. The kids were leaning over the table, heads close together, watching him write on a scroll as he explained the basics of the Aniartz letters. The children were oohing and aahing at everything he said, their eyes sparkling with fascination. The scribes, meanwhile, looked irked by the disruption to their daily quiet routine, but couldn't complain because of Tanya's and 'Lord Saya's' presence.
Tanya watched the scene unfold from a table in a secluded corner. There really was something about Eunseom when he was around children. Maybe because he was one himself. Or maybe because he could be more himself around them. Or maybe because he was very attractive when he was smiling. Did he know what effect he had on Tanya when he was like this?
Tanya's heart leaped when he smiled again. She shifted in her seat, trying to calm her poor heart. Her feelings for Eunseom were getting out of hand. She knew she couldn't even call it a crush anymore.
If only she could make him stay in Arthdal…
But despite everything, Tanya had a good feeling about today. According to Doti, stage two of her plan had succeeded. "He found his friends and we convinced him to stay in Arthdal. I'm that good, Tanya!" or so Doti had reported this morning, looking proud of her accomplishment. Tanya had known that sending Doti after Eunseom was a sure way to make him stay. Doti's persuasion skills were no joke. Besides, Eunseom couldn't refuse kids.
Still, he was someone to change his mind quickly, so just for good measure, Tanya decided to go through with stage three anyway. Knowing how kids were his weak spot, she introduced him to the children of the hardstone workshop, asking him to become their teacher. Eunseom would start feeling responsible for the kids, become attached to them, and in the end, struggle with leaving them behind. Yes, this was a brilliant idea. She wanted to laugh out loud in triumph; after stage three, Eunseom would have no more doubt where his place was.
Eunseom came walking over, a girl clutching his hand. "Tanya," he said, giving her a boyish smile. There was ink smudged on his cheek.
"Tanya Niruha," said the girl, "Uncle Saya showed us how to write 'star!' Look here." She showed Tanya her practice sheet.
Uncle Saya? If Saya only knew how people called him these days, he'd be devastated over his ruined image. She leaned down, looking at the girl's writing. "Wow, you're a quick study."
"No, Uncle Saya is a good teacher. He's nice, smart, and pretty!"
Eunseom laughed, looking embarrassed. "Pretty?"
If Tanya didn't have a reputation to uphold, she'd double over with laughter at the sight of Eunseom's red face.
The girl said, "My mom had always told me those things called 'mirrors' don't lie. You must have one in this huge house. Please take a look!"
Eunseom looked more flustered by the second. "O-okay, go back to the others and continue practicing, okay?" he said to the girl.
Once they were alone and Tanya made sure that no one was close by, she dissolved into giggles.
"Cut it out," said Eunseom.
She tried but seeing the smudge on his cheek sent her into another laughing fit. "Uncle Saya," she said between her giggles, "there's ink on your cheek. Should I go grab a mirror for you to see?"
Eunseom scowled. He reached towards his left cheek, rubbing it. He missed the spot by half a hand's width. "Where is it?"
"Come here," said Tanya, taking pity on him. She stood from her seat and reached up towards his right cheek, rubbing the smudge off with her pinkie. Eunseom's skin was warmer and softer than she'd expected. Her heart made another leap.
Eunseom coughed in obvious embarrassment, averting his eyes.
Tanya, too, averted her eyes, her face feeling hot. "A-anyway," she said, trying to find a different subject. "L-looks like you're a good teacher. I can't believe you became a scroll nerd just like Saya. Just how did you learn to read and write so quickly? It takes me ages to learn." She was rambling and she knew it. Of course, she knew why Eunseom excelled at writing. He was special like that, being able to copy everything after seeing it just once.
"You told me I should behave like my brother. This is what he did all day, didn't he?" Eunseom said, grinning. "And besides, you were busy with other stuff. Actual useful stuff like holding speeches and looking after the people." His expression became tender. "The kids told me you give them food and clothes."
Tanya shook her head. "But they aren't free yet."
"But they smile now," Eunseom said. "You don't know this, but I remember them from before. I saw them on the day I first came to Arthdal. They didn't smile then."
"You saw the kids?"
"I saw them in the hardstone workshop. They..." Eunseom trailed off, his expression turning gloomy. "On that day, I learned that the people of Arthdal confine chickens and people."
Tanya, too, had gone through this shock. She might be the High Priestess now, but she'd never forgotten the first dreadful days in Arthdal where she had experienced firsthand what it meant to be held captured like the chickens at the market.
Eunseom was fiddling with his fingers. "But when Dalsae and I got captured, I learned the real meaning. The meanings of the words dujeumsaeng and Igutu."
"Eunseom…" she whispered his name. Tanya felt the urge to reach out and comfort him. She wondered whether he'd tell her more if she asked. About Toedae's death, about what they'd gone through in Doldambul.
Before she had the chance to ask, Eunseom looked back up, smiling at her. "You're amazing, Tanya. You've accomplished this." His smile broadened. "And I got to do my part, too."
Tanya should be happy, seeing his eyes filled with admiration for her, but… "What are you saying?"
"You know, I wasn't so sure if I should return to the Ago Tribe anymore. But the kids—no, you—gave me the resolve. Just like you don't abandon your people, I won't abandon mine either." He must have noticed the panic rising in Tanya at hearing his words. Eunseom's eyes widened, and he said, "Don't worry, I won't return to war! I realized it was a stupid idea. What I'm saying is… I'll find a different way to save them."
"Oh." Oh.
An indescribable warm feeling washed through Tanya, the tension that had been present all this time starting to lift. She released a shaky laugh, almost choking up. Eunseom wasn't going to return to war. Her plan had succeeded. She wanted to celebrate her victory, take Eunseom in her arms, and dance with him right here and now without any care in the world.
But before she could do any of that, the door to the archive opened. Murmurs of, "My Queen," followed, announcing Taealha's entrance.
The giddy happiness in Tanya's chest dissipated as quickly as it had come.
Taealha stood at the archive door. As she spotted them, a smile spread across her face. "Ah, Saya," she said, and came walking over to them. The way she looked at Eunseom made a cold shiver run down Tanya's spine. "Oh, and even Tanya is here. Isn't it nice? Makes me remember the old times when the three of us lived together in Tagon's house."
Tanya felt her pulse in her throat. Taealha was here. In one room with Eunseom. Something Tanya had tried to prevent from happening all this time.
Taealha's gaze drifted towards the children in the center of the room, disgust contorting her features at seeing their dirty appearance. "And what's the meaning of this? Who invited them in?"
Tanya knew just one thing. Eunseom and Taealha couldn't meet. Taealha was too sharp and Eunseom was too careless. She'd catch on if he was anywhere close to her. So, Eunseom needed to be far away.
Having come up with a quick plan of action, Tanya stepped into Taealha's field of vision. "The children were just about to leave anyway," she said, then looked at Eunseom. "Saya, could you accompany the kids back to the workshop?"
The look Eunseom gave her was so odd it made her pause for a moment. "Sure," he said, then bowed to Taealha so deeply that it made Tanya's insides churn.
Something wasn't right.
They watched him walk towards the children, and continued watching in silence until he and the kids left the archive.
Taealha gave her a questioning look. "What was that? If I wouldn't know any better, I'd say you didn't want me and Saya to meet."
Tanya cursed inwardly. Why was that woman so sharp? "So, what if?" she said. "I wouldn't want any of my friends to meet you."
Taealha laughed out loud. "I know you don't like me. But you act like Saya and I don't see each other on a daily basis, anyway."
What?
Taealha raised her eyebrows. "Oh? You look surprised. Did Saya not tell you? How odd."
Tanya's heart was beating fast again, but for another reason than before. Have Eunseom and Taealha met? It was the first time Tanya heard anything like that. Eunseom would have surely told her. In a useless attempt, she willed Taealha's mind to open itself to her, and when that failed tried searching Taealha's eyes for an answer, but all she could find was spiteful amusement.
"The King arrives," announced someone in a festive voice.
Tanya wanted to scream in frustration. The day had started on such a good note but was going downhill at a fast rate. Why was Tagon in the Fortress of Fire? He rarely left the palace these days.
At least, Taealha looked surprised, too.
Tagon strode into the archive, followed by his scribe Daedae, Gilseon, a few Daekans, and Yangcha, that mean traitor. Tanya had told him to wait outside the archive. But of course, he'd always choose Tagon over Tanya.
Every single scribe in the archive knelt to the ground, greeting the King.
Just seeing Tagon's face sparked a swell of terror and rage inside of Tanya. Taealha gave her bad vibes, but this man was dangerous on another level, and she knew the whole of Arthdal shared her opinion. Since he'd become a so-called King, the people didn't dare look into his eyes. Tanya had never thought well of Tagon, but at least back in the day, she had seen an ounce of humanity. Now, when she looked into his eyes, she saw a faraway, unforgivable wall.
"What brings you here, Tagon?" asked Taealha. She was probably the only person alive who dared to address him without his title.
"I came to visit my son," said Tagon. Tanya needed a moment to comprehend that he didn't mean Saya but his newborn son.
"Go ahead and see him, then," said Taealha. "You don't need my permission for that, do you?"
Tagon smirked at Taealha. "And I came to see my Queen. Since she doesn't come to the palace, she leaves the King no choice but to come all the way to see her."
Taealha threw him a cold look. Tanya guessed these two had their own share of conflicts, being as much lovers as they were political partners with differing opinions, and it made her feel a little better about herself and Eunseom.
Finally, Tagon acknowledged her presence. "Tanya Niruha."
"King Tagon," she responded, keeping her voice neutral.
"I heard you frequent the fortress these days," said Tagon. "Ah, and the marketplace I hear. Speeches in front of my subjects are your newest pastime, is that right?" He gave her a look that told her everything. Don't try so hard. Everything you do is in vain. She didn't need to read his mind to understand that.
"Isn't it natural that the High Priestess appeals to peace?" she answered, holding her head extra high.
Tagon's expression was unreadable. "Do what you think is right. But just remember," he said, and his eyes turned a shade colder, "it is I who allows you to hold speeches. And it is I who allows you to go around and hand out food to the dujeumsaengs." And he could take that away any time he wanted. Tanya knew very well. She also knew that the lives of the Wahans were still in his hands.
Tanya balled her fists. It took considerable effort to keep the tears of frustration from spilling. Had everything she'd done so far been in vain?
When no one said anything for a few tense seconds, Gilseon spoke. "Is Lord Saya around? I heard he's fully recovered."
"His memory not so much," said Taealha.
"So are there no chances that he'll return to war?" asked Gilseon.
"You should leave him alone," said Tanya, making no attempt to hide the spite in her voice. "What good is he for you now anyway without any memories?"
Gilseon sighed. "Right, it's too bad. He was so knowledgeable. It's a waste that all of that is gone."
"I wonder," said Tagon. He turned around to look at Yangcha. "Be honest, Yangcha. He wasn't such a great general, was he?"
Yangcha nodded.
Gilseon said, "I wasn't there in person, but I heard he was an exceptional tactician, and decent with the sword. He may just lack experience on the battlefield."
Was he Saya's best friend or why was Gilseon defending him like this, and in front of Tagon at that? Tanya had to leave it to him: he had guts.
Tagon said, "And now he's as good as useless." He didn't look sad.
Tanya couldn't care less. Just keep thinking that. I'm fine with everything if it keeps Eunseom away from you.
Tagon's scribe Daedae, who had kept silent until now, cleared his throat. "Do forgive my audacity, but I would beg to differ, my King," he said.
Tagon raised one eyebrow. "What makes you think so?"
Daedae said, "I see him at the archive regularly. He indeed lacks knowledge compared to before, but he still shares great wisdom. Just the other day, we had an hour's long debate about the Great Retreat of Ahiru."
"The Great Retreat?" asked Tagon, surprised.
"Yes," said Daedae, "instead of splitting the army in different directions and attempting a retreat through the Neanthal territory that ended up causing the greatest casualties in the Union's history, he suggested joining forces with the local rebels, using their naval knowledge to flee overseas."
Tagon looked intrigued. "The rebels? You don't say?"
What were they talking about? Now Tanya felt stupid.
Seeing the course this conversation took, a bad feeling took hold of her. That scribe seemed to be out to thwart all of Tanya's efforts. Until now, Tagon didn't take the slightest interest in Eunseom. What if it changed now?
"His approach is different, if not unconventional," Daedae continued. "But that may very well turn out a strength. King Tagon, in my eyes it would be a waste not to make use of his tactical expertise in the future. Even if he cannot return to war, he could prove useful in other ways."
"Tagon," interjected Taealha. "Why don't you make him attend the next war meeting? Let's see if he can contribute."
Tagon hummed. "Are you sure? You see him regularly. Is he up to it?"
Tanya held her breath, petrified.
Taealha smiled. "I'm not sure. He may still be lacking. But the easiest way to find out is by making him attend, right?"
Tanya wanted to strangle Taealha. And that scribe. No, she wanted to strangle Eunseom. Oh, Eunseom, why can't you just lay low? Why for the Great White Wolf's sake do you go around and discuss war strategies with Tagon's scribe?
For a moment, Tagon looked deep in thought, the wait only increasing Tanya's anxiety. Then came his answer, "Right, why not? Summon him to the next meeting."
Strangle Eunseom? No, before she strangled him, she would pinch his cheeks so hard until he'd beg for forgiveness and then tickle him to death and then…
She was pulled back into the present by Tagon taking his leave, one of the scribes escorting him and the Daekans to his son's chambers. Taealha stayed behind, looking smug with herself.
Tanya tried to think of a way out of this. If she could prevent Eunseom from meeting anyone until the day of the war meeting, there was still a chance to stop this.
Speaking of her crush and his bad timing, Eunseom came charging through the door, looking out of breath. He must have hurried like a fool, probably worried about leaving her alone with Taealha, when all Tanya had wanted was him to stay away. Oh, Eunseom, you idiot.
"Oh, Saya, that was quick," said Taealha, looking pleased about his return. "What a pity—you just missed Tagon."
Eunseom looked up, still breathing heavily. "Tagon?"
"Let me relay his wishes: Tagon wants you at the next war meeting. It's the day after tomorrow."
Tanya closed her eyes in defeat. This day was getting worse by the minute. She was starting to feel sick.
Eunseom looked taken aback. "War meeting? Why should I attend?"
Taealha's smile was unwavering. It looked like it was plastered to her face. "Don't worry, it's good news. They're acknowledging your worth."
Swallowing down her panic, Tanya tried to make sense of this situation. She couldn't shake the feeling that Taealha had too much of a hand in this. For some reason, she wanted Eunseom to attend the war meeting. Did she actually care about Eunseom—Saya—and that's why she wanted him to prove his usefulness? Or was she plotting something like the Taealha Tanya knew? Just what was it with Taealha?
But the greatest mystery was Eunseom. He was meeting Taealha regularly, but he never told Tanya. Just what had happened between the two of them for Eunseom to hide it from her?
If only she could read their minds.
Determination simmered in her blood. Let's give it another shot, Tanya. She looked into Taealha's eyes, focusing on her only. Maybe if she focused really hard, she might succeed. Usually, the thoughts of other people invaded her mind randomly, without her having control over it. But she was sick of that. She wanted to be in control.
Focus, Tanya.
Taealha was saying something to Eunseom, but Tanya blocked it out. She focused on Taealha's eyes as she said the words, the shades of brown in her irises, the way they expanded.
Focus. If she could focus just a bit more... Come on, you can do it.
Taealha's eyes were impossibly deep. Tanya imagined them as a sea, inviting her to jump in and explore its depths.
Just a bit more.
Sweat accumulated on her brows but she didn't wipe it away. It would break her concentration.
Focus.
The sea she had jumped in was relenting, allowing her in. Then, a voice she identified as Taealha's infiltrated her mind. "What… Saya… Fingers…"
What was that? The words were more gibberish than anything. Fingers? Tanya looked at Eunseom's fingers, not finding anything noticeable about them.
She focused once more, imagining herself once again delving into Taealha's head, penetrating it, making her thoughts her own. Come on, Tanya.
"I'll make him reveal it. I, Taealha, will—"
Then, the connection broke off and a sharp, white pain pierced her head. Tanya hissed, the sudden onslaught of pain almost making her buckle.
She felt hands on her shoulder, and when she opened her eyes—when had she closed them?—she saw Eunseom's concerned face. "Tanya, what's wrong?"
Tanya wanted to laugh off his concern, but a wave of exhaustion overcame her.
"Tanya?"
Eunseom looked so worried and helpless, so she forced out a smile. "I'm fine, just a bit lightheaded."
"You don't look fine."
True, she felt like something had run her over, but the feeling of triumph overweighed. For the first time ever, she had come close to controlling her psychic abilities.
"Are you not feeling well, Tanya?" asked Taealha.
"I said I'm fine," she managed to say through her teeth. She tried to calm her heart. She noticed that she was shivering, cold sweat creeping along her spine.
Eunseom hovered around her anxiously. "Tanya…"
"Saya, you should accompany Tanya back to the Great Shrine," said Taealha in a sickly sweet voice. "Please rest, Tanya."
No, she couldn't leave now. She didn't have enough information. She needed to read Taealha's mind one more time—
"Come on, let's go, Tanya," said Eunseom, nudging her towards the door. She stumbled forward, lacking the strength to fight him.
As they were almost through the door, Taealha's voice rang out behind them. "Oh, and Saya," she said, "come to my room this evening, will you?"
Next to Tanya, Eunseom stiffened. She could feel his fingers tightening where he was holding her shoulder.
Tanya was still not feeling like herself, but she righted her stance and turned around to face Taealha. "I'm sorry," she said, "I was just going to ask Saya to visit me in the Great Shrine anyway. It may take longer, so please don't be disappointed if he returns at a late hour."
Even after reading her mind, she didn't know what Taealha was up to. But it involved Eunseom, so she wasn't going to let Eunseom get near her again.
If Taealha saw through her, she didn't show it. Instead, her smile broadened. "Oh? Is Saya spending the night at the Great Shrine? Could it be that my son has finally managed to woo you? There is no more pleasant news for a mother if you ask me."
"You got it wrong," said Eunseom, his face taking on a red hue.
"Right," Taealha answered, smirking. "Do take your time, Saya. Just come over tomorrow."
No, Tanya had made up her mind. There wasn't going to be a tomorrow.
Later that day, after she had reassured Eunseom that yes, she was fine but exhausted, Eunseom retreated to one of the guest rooms with a sad look on his face, giving Tanya the opportunity to think. She sat alone at the window in the High Priest's office, watching the moon rise over Arthdal.
The fear still loomed over her like the moon over the city.
How naïve had she been all this time? Tanya had wanted to keep Eunseom at her side so badly that she'd forgotten the dangers around them. As Taealha and Tagon hadn't shown any interest in Eunseom, she had allowed herself to be lulled into a false sense of security, but she had been wrong. For all she knew, Taealha might have even already caught on to something.
She couldn't let Eunseom attend the war meeting. She couldn't let him return to the Fortress of Fire. She didn't want him to leave for war, but at this point, staying in Arthdal was as good as a death sentence.
She grasped the necklace around her neck, squeezing it close to her heart.
She was going to send Eunseom away.
There was a knock at the door. Then Mubaek entered; it wasn't even half an hour after she had summoned him. "Tanya Niruha, you have called for me?"
She was never going to forgive the Daekans for what they had done to the Wahans. She couldn't even forgive Mubaek even though she knew his remorse was genuine. But she could still work with him, even call him her ally, because they shared the same goal. And right now, he was her only hope to help Eunseom escape.
"I need your help."
Eunseom stared into the fire of the eternal flame, his curiosity palpable. "So, this is the eternal flame," he murmured. The shadows of the flame flickered in his pupils, mixing with his excitement. He was clearly enjoying this.
Tanya watched transfixed, trying to memorize his excited expression. It might be the last time she'd get to see him like this—at least for a while.
"Will you tell me what you wanted to talk about?" Eunseom asked, his gaze still fixed on the flame.
"Look up there," said Tanya, pointing up.
Eunseom tore his eyes away from the fire, following her fingers up to the ceiling of the Great Shrine.
"Can you see the hole in the ceiling?"
Eunseom squinted, then gasped as he spotted the hole. "Is this where…?"
"Yes. That's where I found the star bell." She showed him the cloth bundle in her hands, then unwrapped the bell.
Eunseom took it in his hand, caressing the golden metal. "Wow. I read about it. It's more than two hundred years old."
Tanya smiled. She really had to get used to this new scholarly side of him. "Apparently."
His mouth stood open in wonder. "And you performed Mother Choseol's Spirit Dance here?"
Tanya nodded.
"I can't believe that the spirit dance was meant to be performed in Arthdal." Eunseom frowned. "When I think about it, there are so many mysterious things. You're the descendant of the Great Mother of Arthdal, and now you're the new Great Mother. Were you always meant to come to Arthdal?"
Tanya had wondered about this since she had found the bell, and she had still not found a satisfying answer. "I don't know," she said. "I haven't been able to dream yet. But I don't think it was a coincidence that I started hearing the spirits' voices around the time I came to Arthdal. It must've been meant to happen."
Eunseom's eyes were big with wonder. "You can hear the spirits' voices now?" Then, a huge, proud smile stretched across his face. "I knew it, Tanya. You're incredible."
Eunseom's smile was contagious. Tanya guessed she really could be proud of herself.
Still smiling, Eunseom looked back down at the bell in his hands. "But why are you showing me all this?"
"We'll tell you in a minute."
"We?"
"Niruha," came a voice from the entrance. Mubaek must have been standing there for a while. He came walking over, bowing to Tanya, and nodding to Eunseom. "Eunseom, it is good to see you again."
Eunseom nodded back, although hesitantly. "What's going on, Tanya?" he asked.
Tanya stepped forward, taking Eunseom's hand that was still holding the bell. "Eunseom," she said, "we believe it's time to tell you now." At Eunseom's confused look, she added, "We need to tell you something important. It might sound like an impossible story at first, but can you promise to listen until the end?"
The frown didn't leave his face, but he said, "Okay, fine. What is it?"
Tanya took a deep breath. Today was the day she was going to tell him everything. Everything about the prophecy, everything about her plans to bring down Arthdal. "You see, Mubaek and I believe that we've found a way to take down Arthdal."
Eunseom's eyes went wide. "Really?"
Mubaek nodded. "Arthdal committed too many wrongs, leading to its current chaotic state. Arthdal is stronger than ever, but also more vulnerable. Now is the right time to strike."
"How?" asked Eunseom. "Did you find a secret weapon that can beat Arthdal?"
Mubaek smiled. "Not quite, but you're not that far off either."
"Come on, be a bit more specific." Eunseom's impatience was endearing in a way.
Mubaek looked at her, his eyes asking for her final permission.
Tanya nodded. There was no going back now anyway. Earlier or later, Eunseom needed to know. She wanted to tell him in person before she sent him away.
Mubaek began, "It starts with a prophecy—no, with two prophecies."
"A prophecy?"
Mubaek asked Eunseom, "Have you ever heard these words? 'Airuju sent down the three heavenly objects and created this world. When Airuju wishes to end the world, he will send down the three objects again: the sword to slay the world, the bell to echo throughout the world, and the mirror to illuminate the world. Three babies will be born on the same day and hour with the destiny of the bell, mirror, and sword, so they can end this world.'"
"Never heard of it," said Eunseom. "I haven't read much on the gods of Arthdal yet."
Tanya said, "But you know about the prophecy of the Wahans."
"Of course." He gave Tanya a little smile. "The one who breaks the shell shall appear on the day the Azure Comet appears along with death. And the Wahan Tribe shall no longer be the same," he recited. "Of course, I know it." He looked up at the ceiling. "I can't believe it came true like this."
"Right," said Tanya, smiling back at him. "I never expected it either."
Mubaek said, "We believe Wahan's and Arthdal's prophecies are linked."
Eunseom furrowed his brows. "What?"
"What links them is the Azure Comet that appeared in the sky about two decades ago."
Eunseom's frown deepened. "You mean the day Tanya and I were born?"
Mubaek nodded. "In Arthdal's prophecy, the three babies with the destiny of the bell, mirror, and sword are said to be born on the day of the accursed Azure Comet.'"
"What are you saying?"
Mubaek gave Tanya a meaningful look. "Tanya Niruha is the child of Wahan's prophecy, and by finding the star bell of our Great Mother Asa Sin, she has proven that she's the child with the destiny of the bell."
"The bell, huh?" said Eunseom, staring at the bell in his hands. "This one? You can end the world with that bell?"
Put that way, it sounded stupid. Ending the world with a bell... Tanya wouldn't believe it either. "We don't know the specifics, but if it's true we might have an actual fighting chance against Arthdal," she said.
"We…" mumbled Eunseom. "Is that what you're trying to say?"
"Yes," said Mubaek, "Tanya Niruha and you were both born on the day of the Azure Comet. Together with your benetbeot Saya, the three of you must be the children of the prophecy."
Eunseom didn't say anything.
"I know it sounds like a wild idea, Eunseom," Tanya said. "But it's true we were all born on that day, right?"
Mubaek added, "We believe you are the Sword and Saya is the Mirror."
Eunseom scratched his head, looking deep in thought. After a while, he said, "I get why Tanya is part of the prophecies. She was the next Great Mother of the Wahans and she's the descendant of your Great Mother. But…"
"But?" asked Mubaek.
"But Saya and me? You only think we're part of Arthdal's prophecy because we were born on that day but who knows how many more people were born then."
"But were there any other twins born on that day? I doubt it," said Mubaek. "You're clearly the sword, as you've fought Arthdal since the day you came here. And your benetbeot, Saya, must be the mirror, as he mirrors your appearance. Who else can be a mirror except for a benetbeot?"
Eunseom still didn't look like he believed them.
"What part of this don't you believe?" asked Mubaek.
Eunseom stared down at his palms as if they held an answer he'd rather liked to hear. "Sword, me? How am I a sword? I haven't found a sword like Tanya has found a bell." His expression turned gloomy, and Tanya wondered if there was more to his disbelief than just stubbornness.
Mubaek said, "Maybe you haven't found the sword yet, but I'm certain you will. The prophecy says so."
"And my brother will find a mirror? And then? What will these objects do? Will they catch fire and destroy Arthdal?"
Tanya stifled a laugh.
Mubaek looked like he was losing his patience. "Don't we share the same goal? Isn't it Arthdal that you seek to destroy? I only wish you could join hands with us."
Eunseom sighed. "Why are you telling me all this now anyway?"
"Eunseom," Tanya said, taking his hand again. "I know I told you that I wanted you to stay at my side, but the situation has changed. It's too dangerous for you to attend the war meeting. Don't you agree?"
Eunseom grimaced. "I don't want to attend, either."
"But if you don't attend, it'll cause suspicion. With how things are going, staying in Arthdal isn't safe anymore. But…"
Eunseom looked at her, expectant.
"But if you return to war now, I fear that…" …you're going to die. She couldn't say the words out loud.
Mubaek came to her rescue. "This war might not be the key to destroying Arthdal, that's what we're saying." He looked down at the star bell. "I'm currently looking for leads about the location of the Sword. And once Saya joins our side, we shall find the Mirror, too."
Eunseom chewed his lip, looking conflicted.
Mubaek added, "We told you this so that you understand how important it is for us to work together."
"So what do you want me to do?" said Eunseom. "You don't want me to stay, but you don't want me to return to war."
"We need you to keep a low profile. Please hide in Saya's treehouse until we've figured out a safer place for you to stay."
Eunseom's eyes widened. "Saya's hut?"
"What about it? Do you think it's a bad idea?" asked Tanya.
"Ah well—" said Eunseom, stuttering. "No, actually, Dalsae and the others are staying there right now."
Mubaek asked, "They have returned from war?"
"Yeah. They said the Ago Tribe has retreated," said Eunseom in explanation.
Mubaek looked surprised. "What? But when I met them, they…"
Eunseom frowned. "What?"
For a second, Eunseom and Mubaek looked at each other, confusion written on both their faces, but obviously for different reasons.
"Never mind," said Mubaek at last.
Eunseom's eyes narrowed.
All at once, Tanya felt hot, the eternal flame at her right magnifying the already miserable heat. Tanya didn't want any more conflicts today. She took a deep breath, and then, in an attempt to lighten the mood, jabbed Eunseom's side, laughing. "So, you hid a group of grown men in Saya's tiny hut? Oh, if Saya knew."
Eunseom, as easily distractable as always, pouted. "I couldn't let them sleep out in the cold."
"In either case, that's a good thing," said Mubaek. "Stay with them for the time being. They will sooner or later notice your absence at the fortress, but we'll buy you time."
"But…" said Eunseom, fiddling with the bell in his hands, "what about Saya? If I run away with his name, won't people think that it was Saya? Will he be able to return?"
Mubaek gave him a look that Tanya couldn't quite read. "I'm surprised that you care," he said.
Tanya said, "At this point, even if you remain in Arthdal under his name, Saya will be at risk. There's nothing we can do."
"I guess," said Eunseom, defeated.
After they discussed the details of their plan, they parted ways with Mubaek. Tanya led Eunseom to her quarters where an ample lunch awaited them.
"The shrine will provide you with clothes and anything else you need, so head to the treehouse immediately after this," she told him, meanwhile making a mental list of necessities. She tried to go through their plan once more, but Eunseom was quiet throughout the whole time. He was pushing food around his plate and was looking anywhere but at her, thinking or sulking, she didn't know.
After the priests brought all necessary items for Eunseom and left again after pouring them tea, Tanya asked hesitantly, "Eunseom?"
"I don't believe any of it," blurted Eunseom.
"Eunseom, look…"
He interrupted her, "I don't want to attend the war meeting either, so I'll do as you say and stay in Saya's hut for the time being. But if you're expecting me to believe that stuff…I won't."
Tanya couldn't help feeling a twinge of disappointment. Since Mubaek had told her about the prophecy, Tanya had dreamed of bringing down Arthdal together with Eunseom: she as the Bell, he as the Sword, and once Saya would return, he as the Mirror. If only he'd believe it.
"Don't you think it makes sense, though?" she asked. "How can there be a prophecy in Arthdal linked to the prophecy of the Wahans, about children born on the day of the Azure Comet? And I did find the bell. And the mirror—Saya—isn't it obvious?"
"I know, but—" Eunseom started to say, but then stopped, making a frustrated noise. "I'm not part of it. I'm not the sword or anything," he simply said, and didn't speak again.
As she was watching his act of stubborn refusal to accept the facts, Tanya decided there was no use making him believe her today. With Eunseom, you had to take things slowly. But he would always come around, that she knew.
He was still looking down, sulking. She leaned in closer to his seat, trying to catch his attention.
This close, she could see the tiny freckles covering his nose and the thickness of his eyelashes. Her heart fluttered. I want to kiss you, she thought. Back in Iark, he'd have kissed her back. But now? Too much had happened. Did he still like her like that, did he still want her now that she had changed? Was he disgusted by her new self?
Maybe he and Doti were the only ones who were still the same, who weren't irreversibly changed by Arthdal. They were pure in a way. Doti was still a child, so it was natural. And Eunseom was Eunseom. Her stubborn, genuine Eunseom. Even now he was the same. Different from the other Wahans, different from her, he hadn't changed for the worse.
As if reading her thoughts, Eunseom said, "I've changed too."
Tanya was startled out of her musings. "What?"
At last, he looked up at Tanya, giving her an involuntary invitation to see into his mind. What she found was something more vulnerable than she'd ever seen from him. I'm scared, Tanya. This place, Arthdal, scares me. The longer you stay here, the harder it is not to change.
This was all confirmation she needed. You haven't changed, after all, Eunseom. You won't become greedy. If this place changes you, then only for the better.
.
.
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A/N: Dear readers, thank you so much for reading this far! I would like to let you know that I will upload any new chapters of this story on the platform Archive of Our Own (AO3) in the future under the username "Helper (oyakodon)". FFN makes it incredibly difficult to upload new chapters these days, so I hope that you understand. If you have trouble finding the story or do not want to read on AO3, please feel free to reach out to me through a private message and I will see what I can do.