[1s] Aschegeboren - part 3

[haru_ran]

[part 1] [part 2]



Evening befell them quickly when they wandered through a valley and in the secure outlines of a rock formation they sought shelter for the night. Exhausted JaeJoong sank down against one of the rocks and rubbed his temples. YunHo offered him his water bottle.

"Are you okay?" he asked when JaeJoong accepted the opened vessel.

The smaller nodded and eagerly gobbled up the fresh water. A thin trail ran from the corner of his lips over his chin. With his sleeve he rubbed over his mouth when he held the bottle back up.

YunHo shook his head. "You can have it. I know you've already emptied yours and I can refill it later at the runlet." Gently he ruffled through JaeJoong's cropped hair. "Get some rest. We'll take care of everything else."

An appreciative smile scurried over JaeJoong's lips when he closed his eyes and relaxed a little more against the rock. He leaned into the soft touch of YunHo’s fingers on his cheek and took a deep breath.

YunHo lingered a brief moment and thumbed over JaeJoong’s cheekbone. The black haired relaxed noticeably under his caress and soon even breathing reached his ears. A fold smile lay on YunHo’s lips before he rose to join ChangMin and Hanne in front of the cavernous formation.

“Is he all right?” Hanne asked, her eyebrows furrowed when she looked back at JaeJoong.

“He will be after a good rest. He can’t handle muggy weather that well, you know. And the long journey over the past few weeks is probably catching up with him as well.” YunHo glanced at the darkening sky. “We better hurry. Looks like there’s rain coming down tonight.”

“You’ve got a good intuition,” Hanne complimented and led her stallion towards their shelter. “I’d suggest we find some kind of firewood. The night will be chilly once it rains,” she muttered whilst freeing her horse from the stack of supplies.

“Count me in,” ChangMin offered whilst helping her.

YunHo shook his head. “If possible I would like to ask you to keep an eye on JaeJoong.”

ChangMin turned to him with his eyes wide open. “Me? I thought you would-”

A strained smile scurried over YunHo’s lips. “I honestly can’t handle it when he is in such a state. I just need something to do, you know?”

ChangMin sighed. “Got it.”

“Thanks.” YunHo patted his shoulder before he pulled off his overcoat. “Be so kind and refill both of our water bottles. And give him my coat if he falls asleep.” Wordlessly ChangMin accepted the garment and shortly after waved the two off.

“Well, might as well make our shelter a little cosy,” he muttered when he turned towards the rock formation. He carefully took the stallion by the reigns and led it inside, the impressive horse huffing and throwing its head from side to side.

“I know, I know. I won’t hold you too long, so will you just please move under these rocks to not get wet?” he complained and let go once the proud animal complied. Sighing he shook his head when he turned around to check up on JaeJoong. The smaller’s head had slumped to the side and even breathing was audible.

“So much for falling asleep,” he mumbled and crouched down. He gently nudged JaeJoong’s shoulder. “Don’t fall asleep in the entrance.” JaeJoong’s eyebrows furrowed before he peeked at ChangMin. The latter smiled softly. “Let’s move a bit deeper into this cave, hm?”

JaeJoong blinked languidly at him and nodded after a moment. ChangMin helped him up and led him further inside the rock formation where it turned out to be a little bit warmer.

“Guess this will do,” ChangMin mumbled when they were still able to see the entrance. JaeJoong rubbed over his eyes and disposed of his shoulder bag and overcoat whilst stifling a yawn.

“Ah, wait. YunHo told me to give this to you,” ChangMin exclaimed when JaeJoong spread his coat on the ground and already got comfortable on his chosen place to sleep. He blinked at the garment ChangMin was holding and held out his hand. The taller handed it to him without another word and silently watched the smaller snuggling down in YunHo’s overcoat. He turned to the side, eyes already closed and head resting on his bag, when he buried his face into YunHo’s garment. His legs curled up under the long clothing and a shiver wrecked him before he fully relaxed.

Blinking at the scene ChangMin realized that he had forgotten about the water bottles and sighed relieved when he found both near JaeJoong’s head. Carefully he got hold of the two vessels, tiptoed out of the cave and made his way to the runlet near their shelter.

By the time he was finished with refilling, the first raindrops fell from the darkened sky and coerced YunHo and Hanne into hurrying back with a load of firewood and a few dried leaves. A crackling bonfire kept them warm throughout the rainy night and let them rest safe and sound.

*

Recovered from their journey’s strain they continued their way to the purple temple when the sun was reaching its peak. The nightly rain had gradually cooled down the muggy weather and made way for a pleasant day.

To everyone’s delight JaeJoong was in full spirit and more than once they had to catch up to him. YunHo’s journal gradually filled up with information and JaeJoong’s completed sketches on the way that he soon would need a second one whilst JaeJoong’s stack of parchments never seemed to dwindle.

With advancing time the silhouette of a forest grew in the distance and immediately caught Hanne’s attention.

“Kirsebærblomst Skov,” she breathed in awe and a smile spread over her lips.

ChangMin startled. “So this is Cherry blossom Grove,” he muttered and YunHo’s face lit in recognition.

He chuckled. “Once we reach it, we’ll have to take a break. I for one would like to note down a few things and I am pretty certain that JaeJoong would like to sketch the scenery.” Eagerly JaeJoong nodded with a wide grin and clasped his parchments tightly to his chest.

Barely an hour later a sea of white and rosy blossoms enfolded before their eyes and a light wind brushed through the canopy. In awestruck silence they neared the sweeping grove.

“Magnificent,” YunHo breathed and pulled out his quill and journal.

Hanne smiled when she caught up with him. “It is. Many come here just to walk through this forest.”

“I can imagine.” YunHo smiled at her and stopped short. “Let’s take a break,” he muttered when ChangMin neared them.

Hanne turned around when YunHo looked past her and found JaeJoong a few steps behind them. He was literally frozen to the ground, his wide eyes set solely onto the cherry blossoms and mouth slightly agape.

He remained unmoving whilst the others moved just a bit closer to the trees and settled for a rest. Hanne had let her stallion loose after freeing it off the supplies for a moment, and ChangMin had made himself comfortable for a short nap. She joined YunHo at one of the trees when the latter called her over to answer a few of his questions.

“Ah, he started,” YunHo exclaimed when JaeJoong seemingly had come over his stupor and knelt onto the ground before he lost himself in his sketching. He watched him for a while, a gentle smile scurrying over his lips when he let his own task at hand aside.

“Say,” Hanne interrupted his reverie and he turned to her with a hum, “your next destination will be Town Turquoise and the turquoise temple, right?”

YunHo nodded. “Yes. I figured it might be our best option to cross the Verdant Current instead of the Sable Torrent. Besides, my master told me of a very rare flower and I really would love to see it myself.”

Hanne smiled benignly. “You mean Bleu Nuit, the night blue roses of Turquoise.”

YunHo looked at her astonished. “Yes, that’s the one. You know it?”

She laughed. “Oh yes, I do. I also know where exactly to find it.”

“That’s perfect!” YunHo exclaimed overjoyed. He immediately pulled out his map. “Can you show me?”

Hanne gazed a little onto the map before she pointed at a northern area on the right side of the Verdant Current. “There’s a huge flowerbed right here. You will also find a lodge near the river. The owner is a fisherman and caretaker of the roses.” She hummed in thought. “He’s a bit of a recluse and not very fond of people, but I’m sure that he will ferry you across.”

“How can you be so sure?”

She grinned. “I’ll write a letter. Just give it to him.”

YunHo furrowed his eyebrows. “If you say so.”

“Aren’t you hard to convince,” Hanne chuckled and brushed a long strand behind her ear. “Well, to ease your concern a little, his name is TaeYong and I’ve known him for many years.” Her eyes drooped a little and her smile faltered. “He’s become very gruff over the past four years but I can assure you that he is a sweet-natured man. Your friend actually reminds me a little of him.”

YunHo looked over to JaeJoong who was deeply indulged into his drawing. “Did something happen to him?” he asked softly while he couldn’t take his eyes off of his friend.

Hanne sighed. “This is not my story to share, to be honest. He will tell you himself if he wants.” She turned towards a cherry blossom tree and fondled one of its branches. “You will hear about him in town and around the temple, I’m sure. Don’t let the people of Turquoise influence you though. They are not very fond of him and suspicious of foreign folk in general. You have to be careful if you spend the night outside.”

“I’ll make sure to stay cautious,” YunHo declared and folded his map before he put it away.

Hanne ruffled through her hair. “Now I’ve spoiled the mood of these beautiful trees. I’m sorry.”

YunHo laughed softly. “No need to. I’m thankful for your advices.” A slight smile played around her lips before she joined ChangMin and watched over her stallion.

*

The sun had long passed its peak when JaeJoong had deemed his drawing presentable and thus they continued their way through the forest. In comfortable silence they advanced further and reached the purple temple at night-time. The sisters welcomed them with open arms and served them a warm meal. Sated and deeply grateful they sank into their provided bedding and easily fell asleep.

The following days YunHo trawled through the temple’s vast archive with ChangMin as a translator by his side. JaeJoong on the other hand was joined by Hanne when he wandered time and again through the garden and the cherry blossom trees nearest to the temple in search of an adequate subject.

Being on their own most of the time, ChangMin didn’t just browse for data on Vernice’s flora and fauna for YunHo to use, but took the opportunity to find any kind of information about the ominous prophecy Brother JongWan had mentioned back in the white temple. It took him a full three days before he found something remotely useful.

YunHo was seeking the lavatory to stretch out his legs a little when ChangMin came across a yellowed pell dated back 350 years in a section of turquoise origin. He settled onto his knees in front of the desk, stacked with a handful of parchments and YunHo’s journal, and carefully unrolled the document. He squinted his eyes a little at the tiny ancient lettering and jotted down a few notes into one of the journals the sisters had provided.

His eyebrows were furrowed when he stumbled over the mention of the Kingdom Charcoal and concentrated fully on the following lines. He was completely unaware of YunHo’s return.

“You found another one?”

ChangMin was startled tremendously and turned wide-eyed around to see YunHo settling down next to him.

“By the looks of this ever growing pile of parchments I’d need another four weeks to work through it,” YunHo exclaimed with a soft chuckle and picked up his quill.

ChangMin swallowed. “I- No. This is about something else,” he mumbled before he focused onto the pell once again.

YunHo stared at him for a few moments, pondering. He let his quill drop back onto his journal. “Don’t tell me- Did you find something about-” He stopped abruptly and looked around the archive. When he was convinced that no one was around to listen in on them, he continued in a whisper, “The prophecy?”

ChangMin simply nodded. “I’m not perfectly sure about the precise content yet because the lettering is very old and has become mostly unreadable over the years, but it does mention the Kingdom Charcoal and a prophecy.” He turned to look YunHo in the eye. “If possible I’d like to reach the emerald temple as soon as possible.”

YunHo blinked at him. “The emerald temple? How come?”

ChangMin stared back onto the pell. “The source of the mentioned passage is an emerald monk, Brolis Vilius, and I hope to find something more specific at the origin. I have to admit though that we would need some more time in Emerald since my knowledge of the language is not on a high level.”

YunHo blinked at him in silence. “I see,” was his only response after a few minutes before he turned to his notes. “Then I will leave you to your discovery. I hope you don’t mind if I interrupt for translation matters though.”

ChangMin laughed softly. “Certainly not. Otherwise we wouldn’t be able to leave before the next year.”

YunHo protested vehemently before they broke into a joyful laughter and continued to work on their respective documents in high spirits.

*****

They stayed in the temple for another week in which ChangMin had been awfully tight-lipped whenever YunHo had asked him about the prophecy during their spent time in the archive. Silently they had agreed on not sharing any of it with JaeJoong until they were perfectly certain about the prophecy’s content.

Their departure from the temple and Hanne’s pleasant company came with the rising of the sun. Wistfully they bid one another goodbye and were in each other’s arms in a warm hug.

“Have a safe journey,” Hanne announced with a small smile as she wiped away a tear. “And make sure to greet TaeYong from me. I also hope to hear from you.”

YunHo grinned when he patted her shoulder. “Certainly. Next time you hear from us, we will have a lot to tell.”

Laughing heartily she hugged him once more. It wasn’t long after that they left the temple and started on their next journey through the entity of Cherry blossom Grove.

“They said we won’t see the end of the forest before three weeks have passed. And by then we will as well have already crossed the ancient border to Turquoise. You think they’ll be right about it?” ChangMin wondered aloud when the trio walked along the sandy path leading through the abundantly covered grove.

YunHo hummed whilst JaeJoong looked expectantly at him. “Well, Hanne as well as the honourable sisters know this forest best, so I assume that they are right about the three weeks.”

ChangMin sighed. “As much as I like these trees, I really hope we won’t take that much time to reach our next destination.” YunHo laughed at that and JaeJoong couldn’t suppress a snort either.

Slowly but surely they advanced through the forest, time and again seeking shelter for the night a little off the path beneath a tree or a cave they stumbled upon, and more than once continued through the thicket in hopes to find some animals to take notes of.

One late afternoon they stumbled upon a meadow of wild lucerne populated by latticed heath. JaeJoong was immediately drawn to this natural spectacle and was completely lost in his sketching. Same was for YunHo who immediately got down to taking notes of the purple clover and its flittering residents.

ChangMin on the other hand made himself comfortable beneath a tree and gulped down a swig of his water. He was dozing off shortly after. Lost in the land of dreams he started up when something brushed against his shoulder. Drowsily he looked around, furiously blinking at the sudden awakening, and tried to reorientate himself.

It had already started to darken when YunHo moved over to ChangMin and slumped down next to him. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you,” he apologized softly when the younger had jerked from his nap.

ChangMin yawned contentedly and stretched out against the tree. “’s all right,” he replied sleepily and shook his head a little to fully wake up.

“I’ve been wondering,” YunHo started softly when he leaned back against the tree and had ChangMin turning to him with a hum. “Why don’t you tell me what you found out about the prophecy?”

ChangMin swallowed the lump in his throat. “Because it’s nothing specific,” he mumbled when he looked down at his fingers. He had been contemplating to tell YunHo about the snippets he was able to make out in the ancient lettering but at the same time had been too insecure about the vague content.

YunHo furrowed his eyebrows. “If it’s nothing specific why did you mention the pell in the first place?”

ChangMin glared at him. “You asked, if I may remind you. And it is not in my nature to lie.”

YunHo raised his hands. “I didn’t want to offend you. My bad.” Sighing he ruffled through his hair. “It’s just driving me crazy to think about what you said and not knowing what all of this is exactly about.”

With a frustrated sigh ChangMin buried his face in his hands. “Very well,” he mumbled before he looked at YunHo. “Just to make myself clear, I am not completely certain about the actual content. I really have to see the emerald original.”

YunHo straightened against the tree. “I’m aware of that.”

ChangMin nodded curtly with his lips pressed into a thin line. “Like I mentioned in the purple temple, the passage of the prophecy was indeed about Charcoal. Or better said it might be intended to be.” He rummaged through his jute bag whilst YunHo furrowed his eyebrows.

“Might be?”

“Well it’s just a translated abstract and in ancient lettering. It gives a lot of interpretative possibilities. Just listen carefully.” ChangMin cleared his throat before he read from his journal, “Nurtured with coal the Ash-born will see the light of day and will bring forward the rise of the new phoenix and the black curtain will be obliterated for eternity.”

A long silence came over them with ChangMin’s words hanging in the air. YunHo was pondering about them when ChangMin closed his journal. “I believe there are at least two ways to interpret this abstract.”

“Two ways?” YunHo asked flabbergasted and stared at ChangMin.

The younger hummed. “It’s just a theory, but I believe the Black Emperor easily understood it in a way that someone born in Charcoal will be this mysterious Ash-born and will bring down his reign. This probably led to Charcoal’s obliteration.”

YunHo scowled when he thought back to the Ashen Desert. “What about the second one?” he asked softly, his voice a little strained when he remembered JaeJoong’s tears.

ChangMin leaned back and looked up into the sky. “Actually I think it is far more likely that with this specific obliteration of Charcoal the mysterious Ash-born was literally born. Just like a real phoenix, you know.”

YunHo’s lips parted slightly. “For Vernice’s sake I hope that your theory will prove to be right.”

ChangMin smiled softly. “I hope as well. I just don’t know how we are supposed to find this mysterious Ash-born.”

“That’s indeed a good question,” YunHo mumbled and fell silent when JaeJoong slowly came over to them with a content smile on his lips.

That night YunHo lay wake when he had dreamed of a conversation he had long forgotten to have witnessed. He tossed and turned on the forest ground and couldn’t find sleep. His gaze fell onto JaeJoong peacefully sleeping next to him. A soft smile tucked on his lips when JaeJoong coiled up under his cowl. He reached out and let his fingers brush gently over the other’s cheek. JaeJoong pursed his lips lightly before he nestled down deeper.

YunHo’s palm lingered on JaeJoong’s cheek and his index finger continued to caress over his cheekbone gently. Slowly he fell asleep with a lingering thought in the back of his mind.

‘It cannot be him. It’s just been a dream.’

*****

As presumed by Hanne and the Sisterhood it took them three weeks to cross the entity of Cherry blossom Grove. Exhausted they sank down at the Verdant Current and lay on the grass.

JaeJoong was the first to rise after a while and walk with naked feet through the fresh water. He stopped once he was knee-deep in the river and disposed of his shoulder bag and cowl at the riverside. Lying on his back ChangMin watched him upside down with furrowed eyebrows.

“What’s he doing?” he asked and craned his neck further.

YunHo closed his eyes with a soft smile as he folded his hands behind his head. “Taking a bath. We smell like animals if you haven’t noticed.”

ChangMin scrunched his nose when he turned back at YunHo. “Now that you mention it.” YunHo laughed heartily before he dozed off and was followed suit by the younger.

One after the other they refreshed in the clear water and after a light meal of roasted fish they put out their small fire before they continued on their way towards Town Turquoise. A day passed, then two and every now and then they came across a lonely traveller or a fully packed merchant. None was all too talkative nor did they seem to take any notice of the trio.

They spent their nights off the trade route with YunHo and ChangMin taking turns in standing guard and had to change places twice when rustling and muffled voices had caught their attention.

JaeJoong had quickly dozed off against YunHo’s shoulder when they resettled in another grove of linden. They had decided against a bonfire and thus only the moon shed some light through the canopy.

“I never thought about it, but do we actually have any coins? I doubt we will be as lucky in town than we were thus far without finances,” ChangMin muttered when he lay next to YunHo and looked up at the moon.

YunHo hummed softly and carefully rummaged through his bag. “You probably forgot that I paid Hanne’s mother for the supplies,” he mumbled as he retrieved a small pouch that tinkled between his fingers. In the sparse light he tried to count through the coins. “It’s not much but it should last for a low priced accommodation or two and some supplies before we reach the turquoise temple and Hanne’s acquaintance afterwards.”

ChangMin closed his eyes with a sigh. “That’s not very much.” He had dozed off before YunHo hummed in agreement.

They reached Town Turquoise in the afternoon the following day and paused right in front of the closed gate when a booming voice echoed through the air.

“Arrêter, étranger!”

Surprised they looked up and squinted their eyes against the sun when they tried to make out the man. He was dressed in a highly decorated uniform and shot them a distrustful glare.

“Quel est votre désir en ville?” he inquired sternly and immediately the trio was greeted with two armed guards.

ChangMin stepped forward. “Je suis Frère ChangMin. Peut-on parler en Crimson?” he asked fluently and looked the captain on top of the gate in the eye. The old man nodded after a moment and ChangMin promptly nudged YunHo’s shoulder. “Tell them who we are and what our purpose is,” he whispered before he stepped behind him.

YunHo nervously took a step forward and rummaged through his bag hastily. “I am YunHo, student of Master Mok, and,” he swallowed thickly, “I am on a mission to categorise and index Vernice’s flora and fauna on behalf of the Black Emperor’s aide.” His fingers were shaking when he held up the official assignment.

One of the guards looked up to his captain and with a curt nod stepped closer. He read through the document with a grim expression and let his eyes wander over ChangMin and JaeJoong. “Who are your companions? It says nothing of an added party.”

YunHo swallowed and quickly retrieved his other documents. “The monk to my left is my assistant, Brother JaeJoong. The aide approved of his help as you can read here.” The guard read through the handed document and squinted at JaeJoong who bowed politely in greeting. “And the monk to my right is Brother ChangMin. He joined us at the white temple for translating matters.” ChangMin bowed as well.

The guard regarded his greeting with a scowl. “He is not approved though.”

YunHo and ChangMin shared a quick glance. “The aide mentioned in his approval of my assistant that I might add another party for research,” YunHo declared and pointed his finger at the relevant passage.

Grumbling the guard read through the document once more. “Vous dites la vérité,” he called out after a moment and turned back to his post.

Anxiously YunHo and JaeJoong stared at the guards and ChangMin by turns who simply nodded. The gate slowly creaked open and revealed the streets of Town Turquoise.

“You may pass through,” the captain announced loudly above their heads. Their shoulders noticeably slumped when they took a deep breath and, bowing in gratitude, they walked past the guards.

“This was unexpected,” YunHo whispered when they moved slowly through the busy streets. Here and there they were eyed with open distrust.

ChangMin shrugged. “Not very. Hanne did mention that the people of Turquoise have grown suspicious over the years.” JaeJoong nodded affirmative and tentatively looked around. The scrutinising and openly suspicious stares made him very uneasy thus he kept very close to YunHo and ChangMin.

“Now that you mention it,” YunHo muttered and propped his chin onto his palm with furrowed eyebrows. Lost in thought he brushed over his chin and bottom lip.

They walked through the town’s streets in silence and every now and then they stopped by sleeping accommodations. More than once they were turned down for searching an available room for just one night and just as much declined out of financial reasons. The sky around them visibly darkened and their stomachs made clear their emptiness.

“How about this one?” ChangMin called out when another pub serving as an inn fell into his eyes at the end of the road.

YunHo hummed and cocked his head. His eyebrows furrowed. “Are you sure? It doesn’t look very inviting.”

ChangMin gave the building a thorough look-over when they came closer. YunHo was right. It didn’t look very comfortable nor particularly inviting. The facade was coming down on some spots already and compared to other pubs it equalled a shabby dive.

YunHo sighed. “I think we’re out of options, aren’t we?” JaeJoong scowled at the building and nodded reluctantly. ChangMin agreed as well. Determined they stepped into the pub and were greeted with a vast bouquet of different smells. Any conversation at the bar stopped immediately and many pairs of eyes glared at them.

“Bonsoir,” ChangMin greeted the staring men and carefully strolled over to the bar. “Nous recherchons un logement pour la nuit. Est de parler au propriétaire?”

A small stubby man eyed the three hauntingly with distrust. “Il se tient devant eux,” he croaked and let his eyes wander over his present guests. The conversations resumed immediately.

“Très bien,” ChangMin sighed in relief and motioned to YunHo and JaeJoong that they found the right person in charge. “Nous sommes en transit et avons besoin d'un endroit pour dormir. Est-il possible de louer une chambre?”

The innkeeper looked at him appraisingly. “Je ne peux vous offrir qu'une chambre simple. Je prends habituellement 4 pièce de monnaie pour une nuit, mais puisque vous trois avez insisté sur 7.”

ChangMin grumbled. “Un instant s'il vous plaît.” He turned towards YunHo and JaeJoong. “He’s got a single-bedroom and wants 7 coins for one night.”

YunHo pondered about it for a moment. “That should be all right. Is there any possibility to get a meal as well?”

ChangMin turned to the stubby man once more. “Je suis d'accord. Est-il possible d'avoir un repas chaud?”

Grumbling the innkeeper nodded. “Un souper est inclus. J'ai le cuisinier préparer trois portions.” He stretched out his hand demandingly.

ChangMin elbowed YunHo. “I believe he wants instant payment.” YunHo nodded and handed the man 7 coins. Without another word he vanished into a room behind the bar.

Unsure YunHo looked after him. “Don’t we get a key or something?” he whispered. JaeJoong shrugged and stayed close by his side while ChangMin tried to figure out the situation.

“He mentioned that he would tell his chef our order. Hopefully he just went to the kitchen.” He turned to his companions with a shrug. “Let’s find a seat and wait.”

Walking past the mostly male guests they found an empty table in the corner of the bar and quickly settled down. YunHo enfolded the map to pass the time and guided his right index finger over their upcoming route.

“The trade route leads directly from here to the turquoise temple. We just have to use the eastern route when it splits here.” He tapped onto a crossroad and moved his finger to the right.

ChangMin furrowed his eyebrows. “How long will it take to reach the temple?”

YunHo hummed. “I’d say three to four days.” JaeJoong’s finger joined YunHo’s on the map and brushed over an unspecified spot in the northern region of the Verdant Current. YunHo smiled. “I’m not sure how long it will take to reach there, but we will probably move directly through the landscape to reach TaeYong.”

A glass shattered and immediate silence followed. Surprised YunHo looked up whilst ChangMin and JaeJoong looked astonished around.

“Qu'est-ce que vous avez dit?” a bulky man growled and rose from his chair.

ChangMin raised his hands in defence. “Pardon. Il ya un problème?” He motioned for YunHo and JaeJoong to stay calm when the taller man stepped towards their table and was joined by two others.

“Vous paries. Qu'est-ce que vous as à faire avec ce mec? Les amis de ce criminel ne sont pas les bienvenus ici.”

ChangMin furrowed his eyebrows. “Je ne comprends pas.”

The trio grinned and clenched their fists. “Nous sommes très heureux de vous montrer ce qui arrive à ses amis.”

Flabbergasted ChangMin stared at them and instinctively rose. Confused YunHo and JaeJoong rose as well and got hold of their belongings.

“Que se passe t-il ici?” the innkeeper croaked at his return and slammed a wooden bowl onto the bar. Its steaming indefinable content splattered onto the surface.

The bulky man turned around and glared at him. “Ils sont amis de TaeYong, ce criminel. Vous n'avez rien perdu ici!”

The innkeeper regarded ChangMin, YunHo and JaeJoong with a wary glance. ChangMin motioned for YunHo to stay quiet while he tried to figure out the situation. To his surprise the stubby man shrugged.

“Ce ne sont pas mes affaires. Vous avez payé une nuit et je vous l'ai donnée. Vous êtes les bienvenus si cela ne vous convient pas, JiHoon.”

Grumbling the bulky man chucked a few coins onto the ground and stomped out of the pub. He was followed by a handful others and thus the room quickly emptied. Dumbfounded ChangMin sank down onto his seat whilst YunHo and JaeJoong eyed him in confusion.

“What happened?” YunHo asked after a while.

ChangMin shook his head. “I’m not sure. They just really lost it when you mentioned TaeYong.”

A wooden bowl landed ruggedly on the table. “Not say name,” the innkeeper croaked in broken Crimson and glared at ChangMin. Two other bowls were placed in front of JaeJoong and YunHo who meekly thanked the chef with a bow before said one left the scene.

ChangMin furrowed his eyebrows. “Pourquoi?”

The stubby man only shook his head. “Je ne dis rien. Je veux que vous sois parti à l'aube.” With that he threw a rusty key onto their table and made his way back to the bar.

Confused they blinked at the key. Sighing ChangMin got hold of it. “It seems that Hanne was right. The people really are not fond of him.”

“Seems so, albeit I didn’t understand half of the conversation,” YunHo muttered and grimaced at the content of his bowl. “What was that supposed to be?” he whispered and picked at his meal with his spoon.

“I’d say some kind of stew,” ChangMin replied with furrowed eyebrows. “Hopefully.” JaeJoong scrunched his nose when he smelled at the lump in his bowl. In the end their hunger helped it down and their sleepiness let them handle the narrow space of their accommodation.

[part 4]