If you are captured and your mind is controlled by the Demon Lord, he may force you to release the dragons.
“I won’t let that happen.” Kira’s reply was fierce. She felt a rush of anger as she realized that she might be the end of their world. All the treasures were not a protection. They were an absolute danger. For a moment, she wanted to scream, to release all her anger, frustration, and worry. It just wasn’t fair.
The dragon nudged her. You must stay strong of mind, child, for you will need it.
The dragon lifted his head and stared off into the darkness. Someone approaches. I must leave you now.
He touched his muzzle to Kira’s cheek and then leaped straight into the air, his long body undulating through the azure sky. Kira wished she could fly away with him and leave all her worries behind.
They heard the barking of a dog that was immediately recognizable.
“Jindo!” Taejo shouted and began to run toward the now visible white form. Far behind, Kira spotted the forms of Brother Woojin, Seung, and Major Pak.
“I don’t believe it! How can they possibly have gotten here so quickly?” she asked.
Jindo had reached Taejo’s side and was having an ecstatic reunion with his master. It brought tears to Kira’s eyes to see how happy the two of them were.
Wiping away her tears, she looked around. “I wonder where we are.”
“We are right near Flower Hill Temple at Mount Jiri, in Kaya,” Jaewon said, his voice sounding hoarse. “We are near my hometown.”
“Is this the temple where your . . .” Kira’s voice trailed off, unable to finish her question after seeing the pain on Jaewon’s face. It was not easy for him to be so close to home and remember his brother’s death.
“No, not this one. Our village went to Stone Mountain Path Temple. It is on the other side of the mountain. That’s where he died,” he said. He let out a harsh breath. “I don’t think I could go there.”
She placed a comforting hand on his arm. “There’s no reason for us to go,” she said. “Come, let’s go meet the others and find out how they got here.”
They walked to where the others were greeting Taejo, his faithful dog pressed tight to his side. At Kira’s approach, Jindo barked in greeting and jumped up to lick her face. Gom growled in disapproval but then was subjected to a thorough licking by the dog. Grunting, the little dokkaebi hid behind Kira, trying to avoid the curious dog.
Jaewon reached over and pulled Seung into a bear hug and pounded him on his shoulder.
“It’s good to see you again,” he said. “It’s amazing how much I missed your big mouth while you were gone.”
“I think you meant my cooking, for I know how bad yours is,” Seung said.
Jaewon sputtered indignantly. “That’s not true at all! I’ll have you know I made a seafood stew that even Kang Kira raved over!”
“She must have been really hungry,” Seung retorted.
The two friends grinned at each other as Brother Woojin and Major Pak greeted Kira warmly.
“Are you all better?” she asked Major Pak, examining him thoroughly.
“I had the best caretaker,” he replied, pointing at Seung. “I’m in perfect health.”
“I’m so relieved to hear that. But I did not think I would see you for many weeks! What magic made this possible?” she asked.
“The most beautiful sight that I have ever seen descended on us at North Wagay,” Brother Woojin rhapsodized. “Several chollimas flew into the village. They made quite a miraculous display before they were able to communicate with Shaman Won. He told us that they’d been sent by the Dragon King, who commanded them to bring us to Flower Hill Temple. We arrived late last night and then, less than an hour ago, I heard the voice of the Dragon King giving me word that you were coming.”
Then Kira understood. “He told me he was finding a safe place for Taejo.”
“Shaman Won also said that the rest of your dokkaebi army is heading down to meet you. Because they don’t need to rest and are very fast, they should come find you within two weeks,” Brother Woojin said. “In the meantime, we will rest here. I have sent a few messengers to your brother and the Iron Army to let them know where we are.”
Kira agreed, relieved to hear that her brothers and the dokkaebis were on their way.
“But let us return to the temple. I can see the prince has been through a terrible ordeal,” Brother Woojin said.
Looking over at the prince on the grass, hugging his dog, Kira saw the exhaustion on his gaunt face. Anger at Fulang flooded her.
She went over to her cousin and helped him up to his feet. “Come on, let’s go find you some more food,” she said. She squeezed his arms, noting how thin he’d gotten. “We need to get your strength back again.”
Taejo smiled at her. “You don’t have to worry so much,” he said. “I’m not a child anymore. I can take care of myself.”