“And what happened to your hair?” she asked, marveling at the changes in him.
He smiled ruefully, running a hand over his short hair. “I was very sick after the dunking in the Yalu and had a high fever. In order to cool off, I demanded that they shave my head. Being good soldiers, they listened to me, even in my delirious state.” He sighed. “I look like a monk! But I have to admit, it is very comfortable.”
Kira assessed him for a long moment. “It suits you. You look less noble and more like a soldier.”
Shin’s eyes gleamed in delight. “And what happened to your hair? I find it interesting that when we see each other again, we have both lost our long hair. Is this a coincidence or are we soul mates?”
Kira tugged at her short wavy hair. “My story is not as funny. I had to cut it to get a ride with the River God’s daughters.” She shrugged. “It’s only hair. It’ll grow back.”
“You look cute and sweet and harmless,” Shin said. “Very deceptive. I approve.”
Kira choked. “Please, don’t make me laugh.”
Leaning close to her, Shin said, “It is good to see you again, Kang Kira. I have missed you.”
She shook her head in disbelief. “I can’t believe you’re here. I thought you were dead.”
“I’m pretty hard to kill,” Shin bragged, winking at her.
“And after all you’ve been through, you still came all the way down here,” she marveled.
“I told you, I would do anything for you and I meant it,” Shin said with a serious gaze. “Please don’t ever forget it.”
As always, Kira found her reaction to Shin Bo Hyun puzzling and uncomfortable. She was grateful when her brother Kwan came charging up, his expression one of complete distrust.
“Shin Bo Hyun,” he said in a reserved voice. “To what do we owe this honor?”
The other man inclined his head respectfully. “As I was explaining to your sister, my army is committed to join forces with the Iron Army against our mutual enemy. We were headed down to Dongnae, which is where we last heard the Iron Army was stationed.”
“Then we welcome you,” Kwan said. “The Iron Army is heading west to Kudara. You may march with us to Muju.”
He then stepped closer to Shin, so that only Shin and Kira could hear him. “But know this: leave my sister alone or you will wish you had drowned in the Yalu River.”
Kwan motioned for Kira to follow him. She left with a rueful shrug of her shoulders. Shin looked resigned to Kwan’s distrust. As she walked through the campsite, she caught sight of a pair of amber eyes watching her.
“Nara! What are you doing here?” Kira exclaimed. She greeted the kumiho with an enthusiastic hug.
“I was curious about this man that you felt such guilt over,” Nara said. “Once I knew you were in safe hands, I went looking for him and quite conveniently guided him to you.”
Kira looked at the besotted faces of the men as they stared at the kumiho. She then gazed appraisingly at Nara, who was dressed in a red soldier’s uniform and wearing the same dragon headband over her forehead. Even in uniform she looked gorgeous.
“Don’t worry, I’m not up to my old tricks again.” Nara smiled. “But I can’t help it if they find me irresistible. I think I’ll join you instead, although your brother may not approve.”
“You will be one of many, then,” Kira replied with a smirk.
As they walked outside Shin’s campsite, Nara’s uniform shimmered away and was replaced by a silvery blue hanbok, with her hair once again flowing down her back.
“Now that’s much better,” Nara said.
“Not very useful in a fight, though,” Kira said.
Nara shot her a thoughtful look. “Not everything must be utilitarian,” she said. “Beauty is an important part of life also, little sister. It makes life worth living. Don’t you ever want to wear a fine silk hanbok and put your hair up with jeweled combs?”
Kira shook her head. “It is truly not important to me,” she said. “But I do appreciate beauty. In fact, I like looking at you all dressed up like that. But it’s not for me.”
“How intriguing,” Nara said. “It is refreshing to meet someone with so little vanity.”
“Oh, I have vanity,” Kira said. “Just not about my looks.”
At their approach, Kwan, who was busy setting up camp, did a double take.
“Not you too!” he fumed. “This is turning into some mad circus.”
“Does that mean you don’t want my help?” Nara asked.
Kwan ignored her.
“Well then, I’ll sit here and watch you work,” she said, gracefully sitting on a fallen log.
Jindo, who had begun to growl at the kumiho, was hushed by Taejo. Brother Woojin kept Taejo close to his side, perplexed by Nara’s appearance, while Seung avoided looking at her, preparing the evening meal with his back turned entirely to their new guest.