Uncharted Affections

I knew only few things throughout my life.

The only ground that I knew.

Battlefield

The only songs that I knew.

Screams, wails,clanking swords sound.

The only scents that I knew.

Blood and sweats.

The only house that I knew.

Military camp.

The only lifestyle that I knew.

Discipline, punctuality, endurance.

The only rewards that I knew.

Respect and honor.

I knew nothing more than that. Not more than just a circle of military base that I live since I was 16. I recall some childhood memories. I did tried

But, everything remained the same as what I had now. Nothing is changed.

I was born and raised in a military base. My father, he was a chavalrymen, served the 12th Division Unit, also known as The Messenger. He had two choices in his life; live or die. Not more, not less. If he fell from his horse with the message scroll, either he being killed or he will kill himself. There is no such thing as compassion for a messenger like him. So, killing himself is the best way out.

And, that's what he did eventually.

He left me and my mother, living in such a poor life. What did you expect from a war era, anyway? No one can made living out of war. People died everyday, even a newborn, too! Whether from the military attack, diseases or hunger.

And, that's what happened to her. She lost a battle with a deadly disease.

I was sixteen, an age when you just learn how to live. Losing both parents was a hard blow for me. I have no way to go, no family to connect and no future to live. I almost give up on life. Had I have someone, I might strive for them. But, here I was, living alone in the capital, facing hardships everyday; no food, no shelther. Nothing.

Joining military was the only way out. At least I got food and shelther. Living inside the camp, even with the harsh environment, it still provided me a good protection. Just put aside all those grusome trainings and battle field. The life wasn't that bad, actually.

I didn't know if it's my luck, my blood or me being too obses to die, I work hard until I got honored as The Knight. Among ten people, I stood up with my shoulder hanging on the air. Bragging a bit about my early achievement. I was in my early 20s when I got knighted by my own sword master; a knight himself. The youngest knight in the history.

History, remained just a history, truly.

After years of services, I slowly felt deplete. I felt like losing my mind everyday. Especially when the luck wasn't even on our side anymore. Once, I lost almost half quarter of my subordinate. I got caught by the enemy as well. Living in torturous life; emotionally and physically for almost two months before the help came. I still had those images of them in my nightmares.

Never for once I forget about the incident!

Later, I asked myself. Is this what I want for my whole life? At first, it's all about survival. Now, I stood up proudly with what I have but the feelings was dreadful and dark. Is there any possibility of happiness for a man that soaked his hands with blood? I know, this is not what I want.

I want to be happy. Away from these hellish world!

That's when I decided.

I quit.

***

"Gisa Ahn, you do aware that the knight shall serves his lifetime?"

Uk, who sat straight up on the chair, nodded in tiny. He was facing a line of higher officers, in a small room in the Department of Military. The man who asked him, rubbed the sleeves of the blue military uniform that he wore.

"Yes sir. I do aware of that-"

"Then, what did you think when you decided to retire?" Uk sat in firm. The tense air filled into his lungs. The room felt cold like winter.

Uk fixed his posture. He tapped both of his feet, closing the little gap between them.

"I think, now it's time for me to think about myself. I had enough of wars and I'm too old to function properly in the battlefield. I know I can't escape death, but at least let me die in peace," his response cause a small gush among the officers.

"We can't let a knight retired just like that!"

"What does he meant by die in peace? He is a soldier! He should prepare himself for the worst case scenario!"

"He claimed that he is old. But, there are more elder knights who still serve the military!"

Uk blinked his eyes, watching those officers gushing among themselves. With his service file that had been passed around, he felt hopeless and slowly losing his determination.

"Calm down everyone. I bet, there must be a way out. It's should be a win-win situation, for all of us," one of the officer calmed the room down. He is one of the senior officer of the disciplinary board. Well respected by his subordinate for his wise decision making.

"Gisa Ahn, I believe you belittling yourself. Your services in the military are no jokes, seriously! You're the youngest knight, your master was the best knight, too! You have knowledge and skill that no match to anyone at your age. But, I do understand your intention. Yes, it's time to put yourself first now..." the senior officer put the file down. "However, it's such a waste to lose a good soldier like you. We still need your service for the sake of the nation's future," he continued.

"I think I have been achieve everything in military, but in real life, I'm just a normal man who wants a normal life. That's all..." Uk replied to the senior officer.

"Are you open to learn something new?"

"If the military offers me anything rather than serving in war, I'm willing to consider it," said Uk earnestly.

The senior officer nodded. He whispered something to the officer next to him. The man slowly gasped, but later, he seemed to sway into the senior officer's page.

"Your retirement is granted..." the senior officer said. There's a light in Uk's face. "However, until the retirement notice issued, you shall serve the military for one last time."

The air turned sore again.

"What do you mean, sir?" asked Uk.

"There is a new post. Within the capital only. It's important and most of the candidates, they weren't qualified enough for that. The fact that you came here today, it feels like it's your destiny to have this job as your last task before retirement. So... Are you willing to take it, Gisa Ahn?" asked the senior officer.

Uk nodded. He's giving up already. If this is the only task that will guarantee his freedom, he's up for it.

"As long as it's not in the battle field," said Uk.

"Very well then! So, go home now. Pack your bag, put up the nicest suits you have. Meet me at the lobby tomorrow, at 7 am, sharp. We're going to the House of Emerald Dragon," Uk blinked his eyes in disbelief. He recalled something that sounded familiar but it's too impossible for him to digest.

"Excuse me, sir... But, The House of Emerald Dragon... It's the main palace!"

The senior officer drew a smile at Uk.

"Yes. It's the main house for the Royal Ki family. From tomorrow, you'll serve them as the bodyguard of the prince. Ki Min Jun daegun."

And for that, Uk let a huge sigh.

Escape from the tiger's den, straight away into the dragon's lair.