Chapter Twenty-seven


            Junseo hurried to where his last match should be held only to find he had been assigned a forfeit for lateness. He was annoyed with his Grandfather but could see the field was being re-set for more exhibition matches. As soon as he noticed Song-hee sitting with his leg propped up he switched into healer mode.

"Don't fuss. The assigned healer already came by and told me it is just a bad sprain," Song-hee tried to wave off his friend.

"I can still help so let me look," Junseo carefully unrolled the tight bandage putting his hands on either side of the swollen ankle. He probed a bit before sending a trickle of cool energy into the damaged tissue the re-wrapped Song-hee's foot and ankle. Junseo was concentrating hard enough he did not hear when the standings were announced.

"So why didn't you show for your last match? You probably could have taken that fellow." Chenhui pouted a bit since the others blamed him for not keeping proper track of the matches.

"Oh. My grandfather needed me for something. I will explain it later." Junseo did not want to discuss politics in the middle of a group of spectators. Hae-sung looked like he wanted to argue but then everyone's attention was drawn to San Jin's match.

The two champions appeared startlingly different from each other. Choi Suk-jong stalked around the court swishing his foil back and forth, and scowling at the officials. Go San Jin moved with his usual elegance and greeted everyone like he was there to attend a happy social occasion. He did not unsheathe his sword until after all the introductions and the referee lifted the ready flag. While Suk-jong relied on aggressive strength to try to intimidate his opponent, San Jin demonstrated an innate stillness that masked the speed and force of his moves. After only a few exchanges it was obvious San Jin controlled the match and he continued to do so until a break was called and the competitors switched positions.

Before the signal to resume sounded Suk-jong rushed at San Jin. He closed in with broad slashes and San Jin jumped back with a puzzled look. San Jin switched hands and continued for a couple more minutes. Then he pointed his foil down and ducked his head to signal he wanted to resign. Suk-jong did not stop, so San Jin had to jump backward. "Foul!" the referee called and his word was echoed by the crowd but Suk-jong continue to press forward. San Jin continued to dodge his attacker before finally executing a spin bring up a cloud of dust which then formed into a twister.

Two of his family guards joined the match officials to tackle the now disoriented Suk-jong. San Jin waited until his attacker had been led away before settling the winds and finding a seat. His right arm bled freely and he tried to tug the bottom of his shirt out from under his armor to make a bandage. He was soon surrounded by his friends, with a healer tending to his arm and Junseo bidding him to rest.

Minister Go was tight lipped as he made his way down the field. A few quiet orders had the grandstands cleared and guards assigned to get the team and his son safely to their respective homes. The team members started to argue but Knight Master Lie only needed to give them a look before they assembled properly. "We will check in with you tomorrow," he promised San Jin's father loudly enough the boys could hear. As soon as they were back at the forge, he sent a token of friendship over to the Go residence. It was only one of many messages to arrive but it was the most welcome.

The least welcome, was the arrival of the two most senior members of the Choi family.

Professor Yip had just departed after stitching up the back of San Jin's right hand. They were all worried about how much movement and especially finer control, he might lose so the ostentatious display from the culprit's family did not sit well. The men's deep bows and promises to discipline Suk-jong lacked sincerity especially after the way they stood around expecting an offer of hospitality after their display. Madame Go sent a senior servant to explain the family were unable to entertain.

"I wish that twister you called up had dumped the Choi boy on his head a few times before the guards reached him." She told her son.

"When I first saw Junseo teaching you and Me Yan that move, I didn't know what to think. It seemed like a silly sort of prank but it really did save you." Minister Go said with admiration.

"I know what you mean," San Jin smiled at the memories of practicing with his younger brother. "It just came to me. I didn't know how else stop the craziness. Not and get out of range of the sword and dagger he pulled."

"Well, it's a good thing. It was also good the officials got Suk-jong away a quickly as they did. It looked like the rest of the team were ready to take him apart with their bare hands." Minister Go grinned at the memory of how fiercely the others were ready to come to San Jin's defense.

"It just doesn't make any sense. I mean he is bound to be disqualified from the champion's league now," San Jin said quietly.

"I am not sure anything this generation of Choi's does makes any sense. It used to be that family was all about profit so all you had to do was follow the money to know what they were after." Minister Go sighed.

The strange outcome of the exhibition match was the talk of the town and also at the Sun Temple. While others rehashed the rumors about different factions or discussed the links between prominent families and the old kingdoms, Brother Suk-Chan had different questions.

"Nephew, you mentioned meeting Go San Jin on your half day," he started gently.

"Yes, he helped me get used to the foils they use here. Good thing too. I mean I would have been out in the first round without him," In-Yeon smiled at the memory.

"So, in the time you were at the training yard, or out on your ride, did anyone hint about controlling the winds?"

"Controlling winds? You mean like a wind-singer? No, I asked Junseo when he pulled up a spinner and he said it was just an energy trick and he could teach me sometime. He probably taught it to San Jin." In-Yeon's voice got quieter as he looked at his uncle. "Are they going to be in trouble with the Temples for dancing their little spinners around?"

"Well, I think you have done something similar."

"Not exactly. At least not with the kind of control they have. Don't forget how the master said I could have burned this whole place down when I improvised on the mantra for fire elements." In-Yeon blushed at the memory. "I still have so much to learn."

"Indeed. And we have a list of recruiters wanting to make offers. Mostly academies but a couple of training yards." He laid a series of tiles out on the table.

"Did you meet Manager Doak or Scout Jia? The boys said they would probably come to you before asking to meet with the Temple-Master."

"No. I didn't see them."

"Oh." In-Yeon looked crestfallen. He tried to group the tiles for the other offers. "I guess coming in fourth wasn't quite good enough."

"No. That is not it. Even before the competition Knight-Master Lie asked to meet with the Temple-master. We just need to confirm the time."

"Really? That's amazing. I mean I only met him for a minute." In-Yeon would have gone on but his uncle indicated the others might be listening in. "Ok. Thanks. I will keep it in mind," he said gathering up the tiles from the other recruiters.

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