Director agreed to all the general's demands unequivocally, and Choi Young now had only one more person he had to convince.
The stunt coordinator was shocked. 'The great Daejang' himself approached him and asked for assistance. The man wanted to use the opportunity to the max, since from the first moment they crossed paths, Choi Young only managed to make him look incompetent and embarrass him.
They sat together at the table and the man listened respectfully to Choi Young, who managed to grab his attention instantly, avoiding the expected unpleasantries by cutting to chase.
"I offer for us to set aside our differences. I sincerely apologize if I overstepped my bounds and undermined you in front of your subordinates. I was not familiar with the hierarchy here and, truthfully, I felt that you were challenging me purposefully. Now that I've had a chance to observe your work, I admit I was wrong and believe we would do better working together, not against each other. Out of everyone here, you are the only one qualified and able to ensure everybody's safety. Will you help me?"
Could anyone refuse the Woodalchi General after this speech? Although the stunt coordinator was not aware of Choi Yong's title, he was quickly taken by his direct and honest style, and shook the man's hand in agreement.
. . .
The costumes were brought out promptly and Choi Young examined them with discerning eye, commenting on small nuances that were not reflecting the true style of the period. The dark blue robes were comfortable enough and after changing, he felt like he was more at home than ever - not only he was surrounded by the buildings of his past, he was also dressed in comfortable and movement free attire, carrying the sword and was about to ride the horse in the open field just like he used to. The nagging nostalgia made him sigh, but he could not afford to dwell on the past when it was knocking on the door of his present with the assassin at the entrance.
"Daejang," Min Ho appeared at his side. They studied each other, both smiling softly with content, satisfied the way they looked.
"Min Ho, do you remember what I told you?"
"Yes, Daejang, I have to repeat everything after you."
"What if somebody attacks you?"
"Act like it is real threat and don't try to defend myself. Surrender immediately."
"It is essential, you don't draw sword – you will be slashed before you can inhale!"
"But Daejang, I still don't get why this person is after you?"
"I am yet to find that out. I debated this, but I see no other way to draw him out in the open."
"OK."
"This is not a movie, this man is a trained killer, getting rid of you will be like squashing a mosquito for him."
"I get, I get," nodded the actor, annoyed slightly with the lecture. He trusted his trainer, but this was a bit much, like some kind of spy movie. He agreed to play his part, thinking it was some kind of an elaborate training technique. And he will not fight back, as ordered, since Daejang requested.
Choi Young smiled wildly as two beautiful creatures were brought out. He immediately approached the white horse, with whom he felt instant connection. He tenderly patted her neck and gave her a treat to quickly get acquainted. The horse softly neighed and moved her graceful head, nodding at him, her eye watching the man, whose warm expression pleased her.
Lee Min Ho saddled his stallion, a darker horse, which seemed more temperamental.
"Can you handle him?" Wondered Choi Young. "He seems fiery."
"Yes, I have ridden before. All the horses are trained very well here. There has never been an incident. I was hoping you will teach a thing or two today. I was looking forward to riding together," and blushing, the young man admitted embarrassed, "I could not sleep at night, too excited, " making Choi Young smile at the corners of the mouth. Eun Soo was right, he was a handsome and a good natured kid.
"Ready?"
The stunt director motioned to him and Choi Young responded with a friendly wave, making everybody on the set turn to each other in surprise and exchange remarks, while both men smiled in the know.
"We are taking the first ride without any shooting. They need to test the horses and practice moves without the audience. When they return, we will finalize the sequence, and move to filming after lunch," announced the stunt coordinator.
. . . .
The weather was gorgeous. The space was wide open and Choi Young deeply inhaled the cool air, filling his lungs to the fullest, tasting for the first time in weeks a sense of true freedom. Uncensored, unobstructed, and unburdened by this new world he could ride as he was and forget about everything; he looked to his right, where the actor was patiently waiting for his command. But this freedom was an illusion, the assassin was lurking nearby, he could feel it in his bones. And he was not back home, he was here, working and there was a person who relied on him and trusted him, whom he now needed to protect even without his knowledge.
"Let's do it." He directed Lee Min Ho to walk his horse and monitored his posture, reminding to keep the back and shoulders straight, while the body relaxed. He also checked on the position of his stirrups and warned him, "If you fall of the horse, get up and mount him immediately. Never show any fear in front of the horse, he should know who the master is to listen to you."
Overall, the assessment revealed that the actor had basic skills down, could control the reigns well, and knew how to walk, trot and gallop.
"Daejang, did I pass?"
"For now," he answered firmly. Indeed, the hardest part was ahead. They had to lure the assassin out of the hiding and into the open. Choi Young chose this field for a reason. The space was flat and visible. There was a lone tree at the farthest end and there was no vegetation large enough to shelter a person unnoticed.
They began riding next to each other, slowly gaining speed, periodically exchanging a few remarks, with Choi Young pointing out areas on which the actor needed to focus. The horses were enjoying the ride, glad to move around, especially at higher speeds, as they did not get many chances to do that, limited to training exercises for the novices.
The wind in their hair, swooshing in their ears, both men enjoyed themselves freely. It was rare for Lee Min Ho as well to be that free without managers, reporters, fans, or professional crew following him around to every activity. He was able to hang out with friends and feel like a regular guy, but it was rare, and he would rather hide out at home in the comfort of his family, than be under the constant surveillance of the audience. Here, with Daejang, he was just a normal guy. Although it was for his role and for a an acting job, he was simply a man learning from his sunbae how to ride a horse well.
"Daejang, can we race?" Asked the actor with youthful ardor.
"I need to have you nearby. Remember what I told you about the assassin? He can be anywhere."
"But it is an empty field. What can happen here?" and the boy, defying his teacher for the first time, hit the spurs and loosened the reigns, prompting his horse to gain the speed to a full gallop.
"I told him," sighed Choi Young, not upset with the boy, understanding his need to experience what real riding was like, but worrying because he had not been able to stop the danger yet. "I'm either wrong, or he is very good," he said under the breath and followed the actor, gaining the speed behind him and soon reaching him easily.
"The reigns," he screamed with the wind echoing between them.
"What?" the boy turned his head, huge smile brightening his features, the magic smile Eun Soo talked about; and strangely Choi Young smiled back, that's how infectious the golden smile was.
"Hold them like that if you want to race with me," yelled Choi Young, happy to be riding for fun with this boy, whose smile was so genuine. "Go on, ride ahead, I will be right behind you," he gave the actor a nod of approval. He had to learn on his own, a man had to learn this way.
He used to be like that, when he was younger and when he first joined the Red Crescent Moon. Riding with the guys at night to a hidden mountain lake to take a dip or racing for stupid bets to give away the meat rations. He used to love to ride without a saddle, bonded closely with the animal, the horse is steaming and his legs are straddling it tightly, while his body is forward, joined as one, cutting through the air. It was then when he first felt his KI come alive and that's how he began the training – on the horse, riding, closing his eyes and trusting the smart animal to carry him, while he was learning to localize and follow the path of his life force inside of him. It was such a special, unforgettable time. Those first couple of years were some of the happiest years of his youth. Back then those wild rides taught him about trust, connection, respect and mastery. Being on a horse also taught him humility and his limitations. There was nothing like allowing his mind to be emptied of thoughts and breathing in the wind…
The boy was far ahead, leaving him behind, having taken advantage when the General slowed down, immersed into his memories. Galloping faster, Lee Min Ho almost reached the lonely tree when a man in black with a wide brimmed black hat jumped in front of the horse, startling it. Rearing, the spooked animal stopped abruptly, throwing the rider to the ground; falling, he braced himself as taught and rolled over face down, before losing consciousness for a moment, his body sprawled and bandana off his forehead, letting the hair break free and covering his face. When he came to, he was struck by the foreboding feeling on the back of his neck, he slightly lifted his head, realizing in terror that the sensation was from a sharp tip of the sword.