Ying-so was not happy the Im boys were taking part in an illegal prize fight. He thought it was entirely possible they could become pawns for a betting ring. Still, since they were not going to be invited to the qualifying matches for the training yards, this might well be the best chance to see them in action.

He bribed his way into the match and tried to remain inconspicuous. Unfortunately, his tall riding books and heavy cloak signaled to the rougher elements in the crowd that he was a new mark ready to be plucked. Before he could convince them to leave him alone, he ended up breaking the finger of one of the pick-pockets. After that small scuffle Ying-so was careful to place small wagers to justify his attendance at the match but had to stay firm about his limits.

The Im boys seemed an even match with their opponents. Their lack of experience weighed against them so Ying-so got some favorable odds. During the first rounds Byung-ma took on each opponent without tagging in his bother. He was holding his own in the third round until a vicious kick left him stunned. Song-hee was close enough to tag himself into the ring and take over for his brother.

Their styles were completely opposite from each other. Byung-ma had focused on strength and position. Song-hee was all speed. He avoided the dangerous corners and effectively blocked the other team from switching. His brother pleaded to be tagged back in but the younger boy finished the match with a double kick that sent his opponent flying. Song-hee dabbed at a split lip while the referee raised his arm. For a moment he thought his ears were ringing but then he realized it was the sound of police whistles piercing through the general din. Song-hee pulled on the back of his brother's shirt and they clambered across the top of some benches to make their way over to Scout Jia.

Byung-ma scanned the room and led them further along the wall and into the shadows behind the VIP boxes. He hoisted up a trap door and hurried them into a dark passage which led into the cellar. He slid a shelf over to reveal a heavy wooden door with rusted metal bands. It took two of them to pull it open. They squeezed through a long narrow passage. The clattering sounds of carts and horses told them they had passed under the main street. After some twists and turns, they came up in another cellar. When they inched open the door to the main floor, they could see the building being guarded by the police. Byung-ma eased the door closed again.

"Are you up for a roof run?" Song-hee asked his companions.

"I have to be after getting us into this mess," Byung-ma replied.

"Lead on," Scout Jia gestured for them to speed up. He did not want them to be squeezed between more escaping gang members and the police.

Song-hee led them upstairs to a room with a window facing the alley. It was a short jump from there to a balcony from which they could clamber onto an overhanging roof. They stuck to the shadows and moved as quietly as possible. They had made it almost four blocks away from the fight's venue when Byung-ma missed judged a step and fell to the street. He let out a quick whimper and then drew a breath. Song-hee helped his brother stand. It was immediately obvious he had broken his wrist in the fall.

Scout Jia took the lead on finding the shortest route to the Inn. Within minutes he had them settling into their own room while he sent for a healer and hunted up some food. Song-hee was anxious to get word to their parents so found a runner to take them a message. While they waited for the healer Scout Jia quizzed Song-hee about the gambling scene and gangs. He needed to know just how deeply involved the boys were. He gave Byung-ma a sharp look for involving his brother in a prize match.

"Don't worry, we won't be invited back," Byung-ma muttered through clenched teeth. He answered Song-hee's questioning look with a reddened face. "We were supposed to lose in the fourth round. Try to make it look good but still lose."

"You didn't think to tell me this? No. You just tried to carry the whole match by yourself."

"I didn't think you would agree to throw the match. We all saw you had the skills to win as soon as you entered the ring."

"Still..."

Whatever objections Song-hee might have mounted were pre-empted by the healer arriving. There was nothing much to be done to help with the cracked ribs but the broken wrist was set and wrapped. Any internal injuries, and the bruising on Byung-ma's abdomen suggested there may be some, would just have to resolve themselves with rest. They were warned what to watch for and where to find help if there were any changes in Byung-ma's condition.

"I can see he had a fall but it looks like he fell into a fist a few times as well," the healer commented as Scout Jia paid the fee. This earned a bonus to forget this particular house-call.

Scout Jia hoped the police had rounded up enough of the gang there would be no motivation to look for all the participants. He thought it best that the boys lay low for a couple of days so arranged an extended stay.

Song-hee was anxious to get up early enough to help his father get the cart ready and down to the market. Scout Jia went along with the boy hoping there might be a quiet time to explain his offer. Song-hee's prediction about the lull between set up and the first sales of the day was correct. It just was not very long.

"I am from a new training yard in the Capital. We would be very interested in having Song-hee come on a trial basis. Some of our candidates are preparing for qualifying matches and could used sparring partners. We can offer regular pay for helping with the training."

"What about Song-hee's own training?" his father asked.

"We can assess his strengths and interests and create opportunities to match. Our aim is to let the candidates explore different avenues. That includes being able to try out different crafts. Knight-Master Lie Wen-Hou has an agreement with the Makers Guild."

Song-hee perked up when he heard this and look anxiously at his parents.

His father frowned then asked, "How do your trainees manage their regular schoolwork?"

"There will be regular classes and tutoring if he needs it. We will need letters of recommendation from his current school to arrange the transfer."

"It is such a long way," his mother said sadly.

"You know Song-hee deserves the chance to do more tinkering than the guild will allow him," his father said gently.

Song-hee flashed him a grateful smile, "It won't be forever, Mama. There are sure to be breaks when I can come visit."

He looked to Scout Jia for confirmation as he said this and was given an emphatic nod. That settled their agreement. The rest was formalities with witnesses, signatures, and bonus payments. The letters of recommendation from his school were complimentary in terms of his general attitude and athletic abilities. Song-hee was the first to admit he was not really a scholar.

"I'm not really book smart. That doesn't make me stupid though," he offered a bit defensively.

"No, you are not at all stupid and I'd say you are smarter than your brother." Scout Jia responded. He had hoped both brothers would have proved their potential but Byung-ma was clearly on a different path.