XVIII
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"For goodness' sake, Erin, could you shooting arrows into my wall?" Her mother complained, prying an arrow out of one of the walls and sighing.
"Sorry, Ma," she responded. "I'm still getting the hang of this bow."
"Didn't the man say you'll only be able to use it in a couple of years? That thing is far too large for you! Now, go get your grandfather. Tell him his food is ready."
"Where is he, Ma? The forge?"
"Most likely. If not, he's at the South farm."
Erin instantly stood up from her spot in the living room, grabbing her bow and heading outside.
"Where are you going with that?" her mother stopped her at the door.
"If grandpa's at the forge, I'd like to shoot a few arrows before we return."
"Erin-"
"Please, Ma. Please~"
"Argh, fine. You can shoot three arrows. Only three. Then you get back here with your grandfather. I don't want to drag you out of there again."
"Three arrows? But that's-"
"Should I drop it to two?"
"Three's fine," she quickly responded, leaving the house in a hurry.
As expected, the streets were filled with other children who, like Erin, we sent to fetch other family members. The sun was setting, painting scarlet and tangerine across the clouds as the fused smell of cooked meals clung to the air.
Erin found herself racing past families, dodging the adults and almost colliding with the children while she made her way to the forge.
"Good morning, my dear," her grandfather grinned upon seeing Erin enter the forge out of breath.
She giggled, "it's dusk, Grandpa... What's that?"
In front of him was a large box, almost the size of a coffin. Her eyes widened as she uttered, "please tell me there isn't anyone inside there."
He roared with laughter, "no, no. Of course not. It's a chest," he revealed. "I keep all the objects I don't want to lose in here then hide it below the floorboards."
"Why? Can't you just keep it at home?"
"Home isn't as safe as you believe it is, darling." His eyes scanned her for a moment. "What a beautiful bow."
"Grandpa, we have had this conversation so many times. It's the bow the Guardian Youngjae gave me."
"I know, I know. It just shocks me how beautiful it is. I don't suppose you can use it."
"I've been trying but the stupid thing's too big for me... I didn't mean that, I'm just frustrated. I just want to use this bow and show off, you know?"
"Oh trust me, I know. How about so you don't worry to much about it, we tuck it up in my chest, huh? You'll forget all about it and in a couple of years when you can finally use it, it will still be here looking all brand new."
She raised an eyebrow, "are you sure about this, grandpa? After all, if I continue practicing, surely-"
"The bow is of no use if its too big for you. You know that. Now, bring it."
Erin sighed before hesitantly handing it to him. He allowed his fingers to dance along the wood in admiration before finally popping it into his chest.
"Good," he smiled, locking the chest and placing it back in its hiding spot beneath the ground. "Now, I suppose your mother brought you here."
"Oh right, dinner is ready."
"Is it? Already?"
"As I said, Grandpa. It's dusk. We always have dinner at dusk."
"Ah right. I forgot." He pulled himself out of his chair and grabbed his walking stick. "I guess Age has really caught up to me in the last few months, huh? But don't tell your mother, alright? It's our little secret."
She laughed, "alright, grandpa."
"I say, is there any more turkey from the Leader of Masan's banquet left?"
"No, Grandpa. Ma gave the remainder to Nathan to last him his trip back to Busan."
"Nathan has left already? I thought he was leaving Thursday."
"It is Thursday."
"Already?"
"Man, Grandpa. You took one nap and now you've forgot everything. What were you dreaming about?"
"Don't make fun of me, you silly little rascal. When you get to my age, you'll be just as confused."
"Well then, in all due respect, I hope I never get to your age," she joked.
He hit her lightly with his walking stick before muttering on about 'the nerve of kids these days'. Erin chuckled, walking ahead of him, watching the sunset intently with a smile stretching her face.
Suddenly, she noticed a head peek up over the horizon. She furrowed her eyebrows in confusion as she watched the person's whole body from at the horizon. It was also about this moment when she noticed the person -- whoever it was -- was not alone, and all of them were riding on horses.
"Grandpa," she hummed. "Are we expecting visitors?"
"What do you mean, dear?"
"There are men riding horseback approaching us... And rather quickly for that matter."
"It's probably the Guardians, my love."
She nodded but never once did her gaze leave the men that were swiftly approaching them.
"Funny," she uttered. "I didn't know the Guardians wore red armour. Is it a new upgrade."
"You are seeing wrong. It's probably just the red lighting. Only the Royal Army wears red."
"No, Grandpa. They are closer now. Its definitely red armour."
"Look again, sweetheart."
"I'm staring at them, Grandpa," her body stiffed, voice hushed as she continued in evident terror, "the man in front scares me. He is wearing red armour, his hair is long and he has a white and red horse. These are not the Guardians, Grandpa. They are the Royal Army."
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