Mad Chase (2)

"General, what is it?" Bin Tae followed behind and asked.

"Sickening," Hyun Sik mouthed again, his nose creased upwards in disgust from what he just witnessed. "Tae, you take care of this guy. I can't handle something this mad."

"Where are you going, general?"

"I'm going to get a paper and a pen."

"What for?" Bin Tae kneeled and grabbed the grunting person by his collar.

"I'm going to write to my sister." Hyun Sik replied, shifting his body, increasing his distance away from Bin Tae and the woesome man.

While he was busy rummaging his belongings in the bag attached to the saddle. Hyun Sik was approached by another soldier and heard him say, "General, what about the other groups?"

"What are you worrying about? They must have been killing the vermins while we're talking right now."

Yes. Hyun Sik was certain since his personnel was very much talented, more like beasts. After all, most of the soldiers working under him were once students, products that were polished by his clan; to be more precise, these people were molded by his father and brother.

"Also, kiddo, send a report to the informant that we shall return home by tomorrow evening," he instructed and the soldier bowed before leaving. As his hand pulled a paper and a pen, Hyun Sik hurriedly started writing to his sister.

Almost an hour passed, the other groups had arrived as they brought the bodies of the vermins along with them, Hyun Sik, Bin Tae, and the two other soldiers in his group were tidying up the equipment to build up the tent.

Hyun Sik decided to start a camp in the forest, to lessen the time and money they might consume and spend if they chose to stay at an inn, which was a two-hour ride away from their location.

And as planned, he and his personnel spent the night in their tents. Before the sun would ripen and give warmth through the light it was providing for everyone, Hyun Sik woke his men up. He ordered them to haste immediately and ride their horses, half an hour after having their breakfast, not wanting to waste any minute.

Even though he told the informant they should arrive by this evening, Hyun Sik desired to reach the palace before the said period. With the bodies hanging on the back of the horses, oozing down a wine liquid, releasing a pungent, sickly-sweet smell in the air as they galloped their way on the dirt road.

Hyun Sik and his men moved in a flurry, facing off the concrete wind that blew against them.

...

The midday's sun showered on them, beating down their skin when they met the gate of the palace before them, which rock pillars were standing, supporting the roof of the entrance, as they were announcing their arrival.

"General Du." Hyun Sik heard someone exclaim in the distance while he was getting off his horse. "I thought you'd come by evening?"

"Minister Ha." After he settled his feet on the concrete, he gave his greetings before answering, "I shouldn't waste time, should I?"

"Ha-ha, of course!" Hyun Sik witnessed how the fat on the person's chin moved, bounced while he was laughing. "Let's go inside the supreme hall. The King and Counselor Bo are having a meeting with everyone."

The minister beamed a smile and Hyun Sik did the same but his eyes were in contrast. He could not stand the joggling of the minister's double chin. 'Look at that. He got a fat chain wrapped around his neck.'

By the lead of the person who met him at the gate, Hyun Sik walked his way on the concrete stairs, which was headed to the entryway of the supreme hall. However, as they reached the last step, two individuals showed before their presence by the door.

"General Du. Minister Ha," said the eunuch beside the young soldier. The two individuals bowed as Hyun Sik and the minister revealed themselves before raising their heads after. "I shall announce your arrival," continued the eunuch.

As the minister was agreeing to the eunuch, Hyun Sik found his attention caught by the young soldier, noticing the glint in his eyes while they incidentally shared gazes. 'Oops. This is bad.'

"Good day, general."

"Yes, good day," Hyun Sik greeted back to the young shadow of the king.