The admiral’s expression turned crafty. “Well, here’s the exciting part of my plan. We will create our own diversion.” He pointed to the map of the southern tip of the peninsula. “Our navy has had great victories against the Yamato in the East Sea. We have pushed them west. But I have an idea that will send their naval forces a punishing blow.”
He pointed to Jindo Island on the southwestern tip of the peninsula. “Modo Island is this tiny point right here to the east of Jindo Island. The channel between Jindo and the mainland is called the Roaring Channel because of the fierceness of its tides. It is the fastest of all our waters. This strait is treacherous, for it shifts directions from north to west and then back every three hours. We will draw the Yamato fleet into the Roaring Channel as the tides are changing. My sailors know how to navigate the channel, but the Yamato don’t. If we time it right, they should incur tremendous damage without us even firing a shot at them.”
“But how does that help my sister get to Jindo?” Kwan asked.
On a piece of parchment, the admiral used a fine paintbrush to highlight the area. “Here is the pathway. It leads to this shore point. The patrols cover several areas along the coastline. Four nights from now, you will wait on Modo for my signal.” He then drew their attention to a small covelike area on the eastern side of Jindo. “We will engage all the Yamato on the north side of the island. At the same time we will attack this entire northeast coastline, drawing all the patrols away. When you see the night sky light up in flames that will be your signal. Only then should you run across the pathway, if it is there, or row your boat over to Jindo. Hopefully that will buy you enough time to cross over without being seen.”
“We really need to know how long that path will stay open,” Jaewon said, “and whether there will be time enough to cross it.”
The admiral’s craggy face was creased in concern. “While we think it is approximately an hour, we’ve noticed that the later in the month that the pathway forms, the shorter the time it stays open.”
“Exactly how far is it?” Kira asked.
“Almost seven li,” he said.
Kira smiled in relief. “That would only take us half an hour to run,” she said.
“I have to warn you that its appearance is gradual. That’s why you must be vigilant about watching for it. The hour starts as soon as it shows. You must plan accordingly.”
Jaewon and Kira looked at each other uneasily.
“Admiral, if it is open less than an hour, and we have to wait until it is dark enough, there’s a chance that we won’t make it,” Kira said.
“Or we wait until it is completely dark and row over,” Jaewon said.
Kwan shook his head in frustration. “Rowing takes a lot longer. More time for a patrol to come back and spot you. Neither of these options will work.”
It was dangerous, relying on the fallibility of the Yamato patrols and the aggressiveness of the admiral’s naval attack.
“I know it’s risky but it’s the best option available to us,” Kira said.
Kira thanked the admiral. “It’s an audacious plan, but I worry for the safety of your ships and men.”
The admiral smiled. “This old guy has quite a few surprises left in him, ready to be unleashed on the Yamato. Don’t worry, young Musado. We will be fine. But be careful: along this stretch of coastline there is a village nearby, nestled right into the mountains. You must avoid it, as the Yamato have taken it over. Even though Tiger’s Nest Temple is located in the heart of the mountain range, you will have to go the long way around.”
“I think it’s quite brilliant,” Kyoung said. “And Admiral Yi is the best naval officer in all of the Seven Kingdoms. I have faith in him.”
The admiral and his men left the tent, Kyoung walking out with them.
Kwan held Kira back. “I don’t like this. Even if you get to Jindo safely, it’s a trap. The dragon is leading you right to the temple monks who want to kill you!”
“I have no choice!” Kira snapped.
“Let me go in your stead,” Kwan said.
Her eyes widened as she took in her heavily bandaged brother. “You can hardly stand.”
“But they aren’t after me—”
Kira shook her head. “This I know in my heart. It must be me. If Sunim were here, he would say the same thing.”
Her brother closed his eyes. “I’m scared,” he said. “I feel like I might not see my little sister again.”
“Don’t worry,” Jaewon cut in. “I’ll be with her.”
Kwan gave Jaewon a dirty look. “That’s what I’m afraid of.”
2
She was in an underground tunnel, like the ones in Hansong. It was dark and empty and stank to high hell of rot and sewage. But the stench couldn’t mask the odor of true evil. There was a demon in the tunnels. And she was on the hunt.
The pitter-patter of small feet caught Kira’s attention. She was surprised to see the form of a child up ahead. Its little girl face turned to her and laughed an unnatural high-pitched squeal. Kira saw the telltale shimmer of underworld magic. The demon form underneath the skin taunted her.