Eternal life

Chapter 5

Year 1592, winter

The horses could've been heard from afar for a long time until the first horseman arrived at the court. He bowed to the men and women of servanthood, which were gathered in the middle of the yard. The steam was coming from their mouths, as the heavy snow was falling. They've been waiting for a while now, since they expected their lord to come earlier, but the blizzard was the cause of delay. However, they still had to wait and be prepared – they served General Shim Dae Song, the King's favourite.

The General was a tough man. He served the country for most of his life. He came from the capital, were he learned from the best the art of warfare to master it and passed the government military examination. He was ambitious and hated failure. Everything in his life had to go as he planned, so even the attendants couldn't lack.

He announced his arrival three days ago and from now on everyone had to prepare the house for his liking. Even though he was the noble intendant of this land, as he obtained is as a gift more than 20 years ago, he barely was visiting his property here. It was a hard task to do, regarding, that his last battle as an active participant was merely few years ago and he still didn't retire.

Nevertheless the village was blooming pretty well. Before it got into his hand it was just a rural area, but after the transfer he has send many of his battle mates and soldiers here to recover from their trauma. Even though the times were not rough, they would always have someone to fight with, even within themselves. Therefore the town flourished.

Right after the first newcomer arrived, the rest of the suite showed up. The general was leading, on his black as night horse. He was wearing suit of armour, with snow pilling up on his helmet. As the horse stopped in front of the bowing people, the pile of snow fell down right in front of general's face. However he did not flinch, nor blinked. He jumped off of his mount and started to approach one of the people in the crowd, the only that looked at him, not at the ground.

Even though the General was around 50, he did not look his age. He had a sharp face, little scary, with penetrative look. A new wound was decorating his forehead, in addition to many scars on his visage. He had a beard, which was rather thin as stubble, but it was adding a charm into him. He was a fine man, with appropriate height and posture. He was wielding a long sword, tied to his waist. He moved and stopped in front of the man, which was rather the opposite of him. Said man was smaller, rounder and had a soft, friendly face, but his eyes were of miscreant and always restless.

'My Lord, you've finally arrived, it's a pleasure to welcome you.' The round man, finally bowing, said.

'Choi Jeong Ho, my finest subordinate, tell me quickly, how is my son?' General did not spare time on formalities.

'Let the main court lady answer you, sir, on this question.' He turned back to the lady behind him.

She took few steps forward and with her head down, she started talking. 'Everything is being prepared for tonight's feast my lord.'

'But I asked how was he.' He had a cold tone, sending shivers down the maids spine.

'Oh, sir, pardon me. He's eating well and he's really observative, sir.'

'That's good.'

'It's his second birthday?' Choi Jeong Ho asked with nostalgy in his voice.

Shim Dae Song touched is beard. Yes, indeed, his son was already a two years old. He transported him here to rise him and give him a military training by himself, as he had to trust in the capital's teachers anymore, but it seemed that war is going to complicate that plan for now.

'That's mainly why I'm here. Everyone, go take care of your tasks.' Raising his hand, he dismissed the court. Servants took care of his horse and luggage. Someone wanted to take his sword, but he gave them a flinty look. They run away.

He moved with his subordinate under the roof, because the snowfall was still there. 'I'll be gone after 3 days.' The General spoke.

'Why is that, my Lord?' Choi asked with curiosity.

'Have you not heard the news?'

'Of course I've heard, my lord.'

'That's what I've liked in you. Always ready to deceive everyone.' He patted subordinate shoulder. 'Japan is forcing in. I moved my son here just in time, but had to abandon him so quickly. But I think of it as a training. He should not be attached to me, nor anyone, only to himself. I found it a good opportunity that's his mother died. It's even easier this way. And here I have a request for you. Don't try to befriend him. I might be far away for a longer time, but don't get close to him.'

'Yes, sir, whatever you want.' Choi Jeong Ho humbly bowed. Then, from the silence of the falling snow a cry of a new-born baby could be heard. The subordinate panicked and wanted to quickly pardon himself and run away, but was stopped by the general.

'Does it come from your household? Another child?' Shim Dae Song asked, with smirk.

'No sir...' The round man stuttered. 'It's just a servants son.'

'Then why are you so stressed? Just punish them after you'll be back from disturbing the silence. I'm sure that your daughter and older son are already asleep. Didn't you also once said that you want to have order in your yard and you let this happen?'

'There were some certain circumstances...'

'Hahaha!' The generals laugh was hearty. 'I've always thought your playing around is going to pay off someday!' Suddenly he widened his eyes. 'I've got an idea! Tell me, how old is this child?'

'4 months old, sir. But what is your idea? I really can't get rid of it...'

'No. You say he's only a servants child and we'll stay with that. Forget the request I've asked you earlier.'

'Sir?'

'Let them grow together, the child and my Woong Tae, but never forgetting about the gap between them, of course. Once I've been asked, when I was getting my study, if I would sacrifice my honour to save a friend. The answer should be obvious. I'm sure the time, where he'll have to choose between those options will come. It will be better if he'll have someone to sacrifice.' The general explained.

'Your ideas are always perfect, my lord.' Subordinate smiled.

'Also do you remember about the promise regarding your daughter?'

'Of course. I think it's good that's she's of the same age as your son.'

'That's perfect. Now go, take care of the things there. I'll go inside and welcome my offspring. I have good gift prepared for him tomorrow. His first sword, with his name engraved on its steel!'

'Sir, before I go, may I ask you one question?'

'Go ahead.'

'Why you have only one son?'

'Good question! But I'll tell you. I want to pour everything onto him. I don't want and don't like to waste time on repeating. He'll be my successor. He has to. Now goodnight.'

'Goodnight, sir.' He bowed and wandered away, as general came inside his palace.

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