Interlude: Loyalty

The walls of Arthdal stretched beyond what the human eye was capable of grasping. They stood tall, magnificent, and unbreakable like the epitome of human civilization they symbolized. Although Mubaek had set foot in and out of Arthdal countless of times before, seeing the walls upon his return had always filled him with wonder and pride.

For the first time, he didn't feel any of this as he laid eyes on Arthdal's stone walls. What had once made him feel euphoric when he approached the city, had now turned into something revolting. It was the same city, so he, Mubaek, must have changed.

Perhaps it was because Mubaek now knew that there was nothing grand about the abundance of a nation if it was built on the bodies and blood of thousands of innocent people.

And now another life had been taken: Asa Hon's son.

Mubaek took a deep breath and followed the path towards the city gates. The Fortress of Fire was his destination.

As he walked the streets of the city, many citizens recognized him and greeted him with a bow, complimenting Tagon's war efforts. Arthdal hadn't changed in the slightest since Mubaek had left for war. It was still the same busy city filled with the same greedy, two-faced people, although more women than men were about now—what with most men fighting in the war.

Arriving at the fortress, Mubaek paused to think for a moment. The priests of the Great Shrine had told him that Tanya had left for her daily visit at the Fortress of Fire, but what was she doing there on a daily basis? And indeed, the scribes at the fortress appeared to be used to her presence. "Tanya Niruha is in the inner yard with Lord Saya," a scribe said, pointing him to the patio.

So, Saya had returned after all. Saya had returned, whereas his brother was dead. Eunseom was dead.

Mubaek clearly remembered the words of Eunseom's Wahan friend, Dalsae. "I saw it," he had said. "He was stabbed right in front of my eyes. They took his body with them. When we arrived at the enemies' camp, they had already disposed of all the bodies. We couldn't even give him a proper burial."

Then, with a murderous expression on his face, Dalsae had said, "I'll get revenge. I'll kill that guy."

"Who? Who was it?"

"That guy—this sounds crazy, but…he's stolen Eunseom's face. He looked just like him."

A brother had killed his brother, the Mirror had killed the Sword. It couldn't be. This couldn't be what the prophecy was about. It didn't make sense at all. So his thinking must have been wrong, after all. Eunseom wasn't the Sword and Saya wasn't the Mirror.

Because if Eunseom was the Sword, and if he was Aramun Haesulla's second coming, how could he die just like that? He didn't find the sacred object yet, he didn't achieve anything. But it was a fact that he was born in the hour of the Azure Comet, so what was the meaning of all this?

Had Mubaek been mistaken this whole time? After all, it had taken Mubaek by surprise to find out that Eunseom was leading the Ago Tribe as Inaishingi's second coming. How could he be Inaishingi and Aramun Haesulla at the same time?

But Kanmoreu follows him. He must be Aramun.

Mubaek had to force himself to stop thinking. On his whole way back from the Ago territory, this was all that had been on his mind. Not the war, not his comrades winning or dying, but the prophecy—just like the possessed man he was ever since he had set foot in Iark all those moons ago.

There is no forgiveness for me anymore, Asa Hon. Neither could I protect you nor your son. Nor could he stop Saya from doing the Asa Hon knew what had become of her sons, what would she be feeling?

What has become of this world, Asa Hon?

He could blame the Daekans who had carried out all the misdeeds, or he could blame Sanung, Asa Ron, and later Tagon, for ordering massacres and wars. He could blame the whole of Arthdal, as everyone who had benefited from the Union's ways was an accomplice. But most of his disgust was directed at himself. How was it possible that he'd never questioned the Union's greed and hubris? No, it wasn't that he didn't notice, but that Arthdal had been entitled to claim everything for itself in his eyes. He had been nothing more than a blind follower, thrilled to be taking part in Arthdal's greatness.

But now, all this had no meaning to him anymore.

Mubaek arrived at the patio. It was a mild winter day, and the patio was protected from the wind, so it wasn't as cold as Mubaek would have thought.

Saya sat on the grass, leaning against a thick plum tree. For a moment, Mubaek observed him. He was reading a scroll, immersed in whatever was written in it. He looked unconcerned, almost unassuming. Did he have no remorse after killing his own brother?

But perhaps Mubaek was in no place to judge him. Different from Saya, Mubaek had had the fortitude to grow up together with his brother, yet he'd never been there for him, not even when he died. It was almost as good as killing him with his own hands, so who was he to judge?

Tanya sat close to Saya on a stone bench, making a flower crown with camellias that she must have picked up from the forest at Dalrae Hill. It looked similar to the floral wreaths the White Peak Mountain's Hearts followers tended to wear. No, Mubaek remembered, the Wahans had also worn them the day he and the Daekans had set fire on their village.

Indeed, who was Mubaek to judge anyone after all the lives he had taken with his very own hands?

Tanya noticed his presence first. She quickly set aside the flowers and stood, giving a fleeting look to Saya before walking over to him. She gestured for Mubaek to move farther away; she probably didn't want Saya to listen in. Good, Mubaek didn't want him to, either.

Tanya led him to the patio entry gates, looking around to make sure no one was in proximity. They could still see Saya from here, but he was too far away to hear them.

"Tanya Niruha," greeted Mubaek, bowing.

Tanya nodded, then asked, "When did you return?" She looked content and well, and he knew she wouldn't look that way if Saya had told her what he'd done.

"Just now. I wanted to report to you first upon my arrival."

"Even before Tagon?"

She was right. Reporting to her first instead of his King was another sign of his possessed state.

"There's a reason. I…" he trailed off, glancing at Saya. "I have news to deliver to you."

Tanya's eyes widened in understanding. "Is there something you know about…"

"Eunseom, yes."

At the mention of Eunseom's name, Tanya furrowed her brows. Was that not what she had expected to hear? "What about Eunseom?" she asked.

Mubaek decided there was no way to sweeten the words he had to say. He met her eyes head-on, and said, "I've come to tell you that Eunseom has passed away." His benetbeot killed him, he added in his mind.

Tanya's face bore no emotion. "I don't understand. What are you saying?" she said.

She didn't believe him. Mubaek should have foreseen that. "I'm not sure you've heard, but he fought in the war, on the Ago Tribe's side. I only found out when I joined the forces after Lord Saya got injured. He was killed on the battlefield." He recited the news as matter-of-factly as he could. Right now was not the time for guilt and regrets.

"Is that what people think?" Tanya gave him a faint smile. "That's good, then. Let them think he's dead."

Mubaek bit his tongue. He had to be patient with her. Losing your loved one was a lot to take in. "I know it's hard to believe, Tanya Niruha, but there are testimonials. It's true."

Tanya's smile grew bigger. "No, it's not."

Mubaek was starting to question her sanity. How could she be this confident? His gaze returned to Saya who was watching them now. Mubaek studied him again. Saya didn't look concerned in the slightest, even though he must be knowing what Mubaek was telling Tanya right now. At a second glance, he appeared…different. His hair was cut shorter than Mubaek remembered. This way he resembled Eunseom even more than ever before. Mubaek almost shuddered at the similarity.

He looked back at Tanya. She was still smiling at him. It was a warm smile, a smile telling him, Thank you for worrying about us, but it's okay, we're all right.

"Don't tell me…" Mubaek didn't want to believe it, but could it be?

Tanya's smile didn't waver. "Yes, it's Eunseom."

Mubaek gazed back at Saya—no, Eunseom. How could he not have seen it? "But… How is that possible?"

"I don't know," said Tanya. "For some reason, he was sent back instead of Saya. They must have mixed them up, not knowing about Saya having a benetbeot. I can't come up with any other explanation."

"Yes, that could be the case." Mubaek had never thought of the possibility. Dalsae had seen Saya stab Eunseom, that was a fact. He must have been captured after that and somehow survived.

A wave of relief unlike any other washed over Mubaek. Eunseom wasn't dead after all. Asa Hon, your son is still alive. The prophecy is true. There is still hope.

Then, another thought struck him. What about Saya? If it wasn't him who had returned to Arthdal, where was he?

As if reading his mind, Tanya asked, "Haven't you heard anything about Saya? You were on the battlefield up until recently, right?"

Mubaek shook his head, although his mind was racing, trying to find an explanation. "I was, but just like anyone else, I believed Saya was injured and sent back to Arthdal. He's not fighting in the war, this I can say."

Tanya let out a heavy sigh. "The thing is, we need to find him, quickly. I don't think we can keep this," she said, gesturing in the general direction of Eunseom, "a secret for much longer."

"Right, I'm surprised it has worked so far." How could it have possibly worked? They might look identical, but their personalities and knowledge differed too greatly.

"Well," said Tanya, "people think he's lost his memory. Who would even assume he has a benetbeot? So far, they aren't suspicious, but..."

"But?"

She looked at Eunseom, biting her lips. Whatever it was, it probably wasn't Mubaek's business to know.

Her gaze returned to Mubaek, giving him a hopeful look. "Do you really not know anything about what happened? Were there no rumors?"

Mubaek tried to recall what he knew about the events. "All I heard is Saya was found unconscious in a forest close to the main camp. It is true, however, that he was seen at the same camp Eunseom's body was allegedly brought to."

"Are the camps close?"

"No, it's a few hours track."

Tanya looked as confused as Mubaek felt. "So, Eunseom escaped, he somehow ended up at the main camp, and they mistook him for Saya?" She didn't look like she believed it. Mubaek didn't believe it either.

As much as Tanya appeared disappointed about his lack of knowledge, Mubaek was surprised Tanya herself knew so little. "Hasn't Eunseom told you anything? Wouldn't he be the first person to know?"

Tanya shook her head. "Eunseom doesn't talk about the war…"

"Not at all?"

"He said he met Saya on the battlefield. That's it. I tried getting more out of him, but he's refused to talk about it." Then, Tanya added, biting her lips again, "I think it's because… You see, the doctor told me that Eunseom was t-tort—" She broke off, seemingly unable to finish the sentence.

She didn't have to say it out loud. For a woman from a peaceful tribe, hearing your loved one was tortured must be terrifying. For Mubaek it wasn't anything unusual. During war, it was only natural to torture the enemy leader to extract information from him.

With this new information, he tried to make sense of what little he knew. "So, he was captured and kept at the camp at least for the time of his torture. He must have escaped after."

Tanya shook her head. "The doctor said there's no way he could've walked on his own."

"I can see what you mean. With both camps hours apart, someone must've helped him."

Nothing made sense. Who would have helped Eunseom escape, and why escape to the enemy main camp instead of one of the Ago Tribe camps? And how could the brothers have been mixed up this easily, anyway? They might be twins, but their overall difference in appearance would surely have aroused suspicion. And too many Daekans already knew there were two people in Arth with the same face. Yeonbal knew, but then again, he was sent away on a faraway mission. But Yangcha had been there, fighting at Saya's side in the war. Did he truly not recognize Eunseom?

They fell into silence. A paradise flycatcher sang, its voice echoing across the windless patio.

It was no use. Mubaek decided to let matters rest for now and think them over later. "In any case," he said, "this is good news. We can finally gather the bell, sword, and mirror together. Have you told him about it yet?"

Tanya was silent.

"You didn't?"

Tanya looked up at him, eyes pleading. "Hear me out, Mubaek. Please don't tell Eunseom about the prophecy for the time being."

"Why?" Tanya's request didn't make sense.

"Can you believe this?" asked Tanya. "Eunseom wants to return to war. He actually wants to go back, even though he almost died there. If he hears about the prophecy, I think it would only spur him on."

"Of course, he would return," said Mubaek. "A real warrior doesn't abandon his people." Where did the problem lie with that?

Tanya looked at him as if he was retarded. "You too?" she said. "What is it with you people? He doesn't owe them anything. He may have been a general or whatever there, but he can't be that important to them to risk his life another time."

Mubaek felt his breath catch. Tanya didn't know Eunseom was Inaishingi, that a whole tribe was relying on him to return to their side. Should he tell her? What good would it do now, though? She looked anxious enough, and if he told her, her fears would only get worse.

But to Mubaek, one thing was clear. Whether Eunseom was Inaishingi or Aramun Haesulla, he was destined to return to the battlefield. Because he was the Sword.

Did Tanya not see it? How could they have such different views when they both wanted the same thing—to fight Arthdal? Tanya Niruha, Eunseom is the Sword and the battlefield is where he belongs. And if he is Aramun Haesulla, you—Asa Sin's descendant—should send him to war. He wanted to make her see it. But who was he fooling but himself? No sane person would send their loved ones to the battlefield.

As Mubaek pondered on what to do, a priest from the Great Shrine, followed by Yangcha, came walking over, bowing to Tanya. "Tanya Niruha," said the priest, "it is time to prepare for your speech at the Great Shrine."

"Oh, right," said Tanya. She turned to Mubaek. "I need to leave now. Let's continue this another time."

"Yes, Niruha." They wouldn't get anywhere today, anyway. He looked at Eunseom who had once more returned to reading the scroll. "Tanya Niruha," Mubaek said, "I'd like to talk to him if you don't mind."

Tanya looked hesitant. "Can I trust you not to talk about the prophecy?"

"I promise you. I won't reveal anything unless you've given me your consent. Still," he added, "earlier or later, we'll have to tell him."

"Just not now, please."

Mubaek nodded in agreement. He didn't agree with her decision, but he'd respect it.

"And please be careful. No one knows, and it has to stay that way."

"I know." He knew just too well. Mubaek didn't want to think of the consequences. Sanung Niruha's alleged murderer living amongst them, as the son of Tagon...

"All right, then," said Tanya. "Give me a moment. I'll tell him."

Tanya walked over to Eunseom, kneeling at his side, probably telling him about how she was to leave. And about Mubaek.

As they talked, Mubaek turned his attention to Yangcha who only acknowledged Mubaek with a curt nod. Wouldn't Yangcha know that it wasn't Saya but Eunseom they had brought back? Mubaek searched his eyes for any hint of knowledge, but Yangcha was unreadable as always. Do you know? You must be aware of it, he wanted to ask him, but he'd be foolish to do so. What if Yangcha didn't know anything and would only find out about Eunseom's identity because of Mubaek? Yangcha would let Tagon know for sure.

Yes, Yangcha must be unaware. Or else Eunseom wouldn't be here, leisurely reading a scroll in the garden of the Fortress of Fire.

After Tanya left with Yangcha and the priest, Mubaek walked over to the plum tree and sat down on the grass next to Eunseom. Eunseom was eying him suspiciously. Not that he could fault him; technically, they were enemies.

A copy of Aramun Haesulla's War of the Four Directions lay on his lap. How had this boy learned the Aniartz letters this fast, reading such a difficult script? Or was it because he was Aramun Haesulla's second coming that he could read this?

"Are you reading the Four Directions? It's one of Aramun's greatest inscriptions indeed, isn't it?"

Eunseom gave Mubaek a funny look. "Is that what you came to tell me?"

Mubaek shook his head. "No," he admitted, and he couldn't quite contain the upturn of his lips as he remembered the real reason. "You don't know how unexpected, yet good it is to see you." I thought you were dead.

Eunseom's eyes widened in surprise. It was the same innocent surprise he had seen in Asa Hon's eyes countless times before.

"I mean…" explained Mubaek, "it's good to see you're alive."

"Oh. Thanks, I guess," said Eunseom in response.

There was an uncomfortable silence. How could it be that he'd gone through this conversation so many times before in his head but now that he was here, finally talking to Asa Hon's son—the son she had raised herself—the right words didn't come? "We've never had the chance to talk," was all that came.

"Right…" said Eunseom. "But what's there to talk about?"

So many things. I want to know about your mother, about how you grew up. Was your father there, too, or did we—I—kill him? Did your mother die in misery or with a smile on her face? He knew at least that his mother must have been alive long enough to raise her son to be the person he was today. Eunseom was so much like Asa Hon, from his poise to his countenance, it hurt looking at him.

He couldn't ask any of these things now, though. It wasn't the time nor was it right to load his burden onto the boy.

"To be honest," said Eunseom when Mubaek didn't say anything, "I still don't get why you were helping me this whole time. You spared my life that day and you sent Seucheon to get us back from Doldambul." Eunseom furrowed his brow. "I thought you were pretty dedicated to killing our people before. So why?"

Mubaek couldn't look him in the eyes any longer. It felt as if Asa Hon was judging him. "You're right, my behavior must be confusing."

"Yeah, I'm confused."

"The reason why I'm helping you…" He wished he could say it now. You're the Sword. You're Aramun Haesulla, a god, I'm sure of it. I believe that you'll bring peace to this world. But he had promised Tanya to wait, so he would. "I'll give you the full story another day. But for now, you can believe me that I want to redo as many of the wrongs Arthdal has committed." Mubaek winced at his own words. "No, I won't be able to redo the damage, but I'll stop more from happening. This starts by saving the people who've been wronged—the people of Iark, Igutus, Neanthals, the Ago Tribe."

Eunseom frowned at him. Mubaek couldn't fault him for not believing him.

They returned to the uncomfortable silence. Mubaek was brimming with things to say, whereas Eunseom probably wanted to end this conversation as soon as possible.

"I…" said Mubaek, "I met the people of the Ago Tribe. There was a Wahan, too."

Eunseom perked up. "Dalsae? And you met Ipsaeng and the others, too?"

"Yes."

At the mention of his friends, Eunseom finally let some of his guard down. "How are they? Are they struggling? They're waiting for my return, right?"

He shook his head, and said, "They believe you're dead."

"They—what?"

"Yes." He didn't say the rest. They mourn you. They will keep on fighting in your honor. Even if they die fighting.

Eunseom was silent for a moment, then looked up, a pleading look in his eyes—the same look Tanya had given him just a few minutes ago when she asked him to keep quiet about the prophecy. "Can you help me return to them?" he asked.

Mubaek closed his eyes, feeling a headache coming on. Two contradicting requests from two upright people—what was he supposed to do? If he were honest, he knew it was only a matter of time until Eunseom returned to the battlefield. He himself believed that the battlefield was where Eunseom belonged. "I heard you haven't recovered yet. Let's talk again when you're back to full health." He had promised Tanya first, so he would keep his word.

Eunseom released a frustrated sound. "Every day counts. You should understand. You'd return too, or not?"

"I wouldn't," he lied. "There's no use for a leader to be reckless. You need to look after yourself first before looking after others."

No, Mubaek could understand too well what Eunseom was going through right now—the feeling of turning ones back on his men, of leaving them to die on the battlefield was one of the worst feelings he'd ever gone through.

Eunseom groaned. "Not you too. Tanya's acting like I can't look after myself, too."

"As far as I've heard you've gotten yourself into quite the condition. And not for the first time, either. Can you fault her?" Mubaek wondered how someone could be as reckless as this boy. Well, he had known someone. His brother Mugwang who was dead because of his recklessness.

"It's not your business," said Eunseom, looking dejected. Then he scoffed. "What was I even thinking, asking for your help? Why would you help me return to the Ago side? We're enemies."

Mubaek shook his head. "It's not that I don't want to help you. I just don't think now is the right time."

"Right." Eunseom didn't sound like he believed him.

This exchange made one thing clear to Mubaek. He may have felt a connection to Asa Hon's son, but the same couldn't be said the other way around. As long as Eunseom didn't trust him, there was no use trying to convince him they were on the same side. Eunseom wouldn't—and rightfully shouldn't—believe Mubaek. But how could he gain the trust of someone who had lost his home and family because of Mubaek and his people?

Be loyal first, then the trust will follow—this was the principle upon which Mubaek's relationships with his commanders were built. Mubaek had decided to follow the prophecy. That meant deserting Tagon and following Tanya and Eunseom. If Mubaek showed Eunseom his loyalty just like he had shown Sanung and Tagon in the past, with time, Eunseom would see that he could trust him.

Mubaek stood from the grass. "Tanya Niruha holds a speech at the Great Shrine today," he said. "It's going to start soon. Why don't we go listen?"

"Her speech?" asked Eunseom. "Can I go?"

"Have you never listened to Tanya Niruha's speeches before?" This was unexpected.

"Yeah," said Eunseom. "I rarely set foot outside of the fortress, to be honest."

This came as another surprise. It must have shown on Mubaek's face, as Eunseom hastily explained, "You see, Tanya—we—wanted to stay cautious. Make sure no one finds out about who I am."

Mubaek had the inkling Tanya was a driving force behind that cautiousness. She had been unnaturally worried about Eunseom earlier. "Well," said Mubaek, "with me at your side, no one will question your identity. It'll be fine." Mubaek held out his hand to help Eunseom stand.

Eunseom looked at his hand as if it would bite him, but then took it.

Have patience, Mubaek. You can't build trust in a day.

As they walked the streets, Eunseom with a slight limp, they were soon buried in the masses. Everyone was moving out of the city, towards the Great Shrine, eager to get as close as possible to Tanya and listen to her words.

Upon their arrival, Mubaek guided Eunseom to one of the less-crowded areas. Eunseom looked around in awe. "Are all of them here for Tanya? Is she that popular with the people?"

"Yes, she is," answered Mubaek. "Tanya Niruha's words are the world to the people of Arthdal. The people draw hope from her words."

"Hope…" repeated Eunseom.

They waited, the crowd thickening around them until finally, a priest announced Tanya's arrival. Tanya came walking through the gates of the shrine, and the crowd immediately quieted. All eyes were directed at her. Tanya stopped at the stairs and gazed back into the crowd. For a moment, Mubaek had the feeling their eyes met, but he must have been mistaken.

"Subjects of Arthdal," Tanya began, addressing the people in a clear, authoritative voice. The way she stood there, back straight and head held high in front of hundreds of people, it was hard for Mubaek to imagine that she had been a slave not long ago. "The war led by the newly born Aramun Haesulla, the son of Airuju, is at its height. You have nothing to fear, as Airuju, the beginning and end of this world, and the one who moves all things, wants Arthdal to win."

"Haramahamen," mumbled the crowd, the gratefulness towards Airuju's protection resonating in these words.

Tanya continued, "I address you today to convey Airuju's wishes for Arthdal's future. Aramun Haesulla had once united all people by forming the Union, following Airuju's guidance. With the war soon coming to an end, Airuju's words shall guide us once again." Tanya paused in her words, looking into the crowd. Everyone was waiting for her words with bated breath, eager to know what Airuju wanted them to do.

"Airuju said you shall love your brother, your neighbor, and your enemy alike or else you will face judgment. Thus, Aramun had united all people. It is Airuju's wish that you give love to your enemies, bless them even if they curse you because they will then love and bless you in return."

Mubaek knew that every word of Tanya resonated with the people. Didn't all of them wish for a peaceful world deep down? But he couldn't fathom what she was planning.

"While your brothers are making Arthdal a greater nation by proving their strength on the battlefield, those of you who remained here shall make Arthdal a greater place from the inside. Thus, I, direct descendant of Asa Sin, High Priestess Asa Tanya, proclaim your new mission."

Through the plaza, the words "ishillobu beresa" echoed like a mantra.

"Embrace your enemies," said Tanya, "embrace the people of the Ago Tribe. Once the war is over, do not shed further blood. Welcome back the Ago Tribe into your arms like you will welcome back your own brothers. That is Airuju's wish."

The crowd gave their assent, with no trace of hesitation. All Mubaek could hear were proclamations of, "Tanya Niruha, we shall heed your call!"—"We shall embrace the Ago Tribe!"—"Oh, great Tanya Niruha, our Great Mother!"

So, this was it. Mubaek was left in awe. Tanya truly was the direct descendant of the Great Mother Asa Sin. She was protecting the Ago Tribe from being diminished, and at the same time she was calling upon the people's reason: 'Let's not spread more hatred, let's not invite another war,' wasn't that what she was saying? Tanya couldn't stop Tagon waging war against the Ago Tribe, and they all knew that Tagon wouldn't stop at the Ago Tribe. There would be more tribes rebelling against Arthdal, and Tanya would make sure the people of Arthdal weren't welcoming of another war by that time.

But she was playing a dangerous game. She was using the gods' words to rebel against Tagon. Would Tagon just let her do this?

"Tanya…" said Eunseom on his right. "She's… wow." The boy was looking up at Tanya with a different kind of wonder in his eyes than the people of Arthdal.

Mubaek allowed himself to smile. These two must be connected in a special way. Was it also for Eunseom's sake that Tanya had come up with a way to protect the Ago Tribe? Eunseom must have understood the extent of Tanya's actions, too. Even if the war ended badly for the Ago Tribe, it may be thanks to Tanya that there was still a future for its people.

If Mubaek wanted to follow someone's guidance, it was these two foreigners. Tanya, this cunning, strong-willed woman who had become a guiding voice and anchor to the people. And Eunseom, his pure heart inspiring an entire tribe to dream of and fight for a better life.

Tanya and Eunseom of Wahan, my hopes lie with you. Please guide the people of Arthdal to a better place.