Golden chains [Part 2]
>Part 1<
Chapter 2
Jonghyun remembered it clearly. The soft grass, the white peeks, grey giants. Where he lived. It was a beautiful place, peaceful. The lord he worked for was kind enough, he thought. He had never met him as such. But he let him stay, as long as he worked. And Jonghyun did as soon as he could. After all, it was all he could do to repay his mother's sin.
He was a bastard son. An accident, a shame. His mother shouldn't have lived if his father didn't plead his guilt. But then again, what would a dead kitchen maid be? His lord was merciful. As long as Jonghyun stayed out of his sight, it was all fine. So he worked on the fields, repaired the trade carts but his favourite was to tend the horses. He owned nothing but had everything.
He slept with the cattle, was given bread twice a day and snacked off the trees when they bore fruit. It was more then he could ask for. He even saw his mother when the sun set. He waited for her at night and told her what he had done that day while she petted his hair. She had always babied him and somehow Jonghyun like that. Nobody ever spoke to him, only when giving an order. Nobody ever listen to him. It had upset his mother. She felt guilt towards her son, a handsome boy that resembled his father more and more as he grew.
He had light golden hair and big innocent eyes. A trade that only the mountain people had. They were not if this Kingdom yet sometimes they braved the mountain passes and came forth to trade. They carried goods so precious only the royalty could afford and for that, the king from long ago founded this city.
Though the visits from the foreigners became fewer, the city had become more reliable on their scented oils and herbal medicine that grew all over the foot of the mountains. And with the fewer visits, people like Jonghyun had become fewer even still. The boy had never even seen a man with his colours before but he loved to hear about the stories his mother told.
Even if she had spend one night with the man, she still loved him. She didn't even know his name but his face was so familiar to her. She had no shame to tell Jonghyun about her love for his father and so Jonghyun could not hate him. The romantic story made him smile and often, after he had told about his day he asked his mother if she could tell once more how his parents fell in love.
It was the perfect bed time story as he laid in the pile of hay. The calf sleeping next to him close to his own mother. Jonghyun's mother always made sure that he slept before she left, hating that she couldn't bring him into the villa with her. Her son was treated like an animal and there was nothing she could do.
~~~~
It was when he had eleventh years, when it all changed. There was a feast in town. Jonghyun could hear it from the fields. He had never been there, it was not his place to be. But with all the confusion his mother had called him to the back of the kitchen. She had kissed his head and given him a bread that was sweeter than any fruit he had ever eaten. He thought about saving it, but his mother had warn him to eat it quickly and tell nobody.
"Mother, who has come to the city?" He had asked but she shook her head. "I do not know, but rumour has it that it is royalty. Yet I doubt it. Why would someone come here?"
Royalty. Jonghyun wanted to see. He bit his lip. If only he could go. "Hey! You! Slave boy!" His mother was shocked but Jonghyun answered with the norm bowed head. "Yes? Sir." The horse master was a grumpy man, one that had a well rounded stomach and no hair on his head but only on his chin. "The master's servant has asked for you. Go to the yard."
He was to follow the order but his mother stopped him. She had her small cold hand on his wrist and an expression Jonghyun found difficult to read. "Mother?" She didn't speak at first but pulled him closed to her. "My son, take care." Why? Jonghyun didn't understand then. He closed his eyes as she ran his fingers through his hair and parted his fringe. Placing a kiss on his forehead, she let him go. She had a sad smile on her lips and Jonghyun found it difficult to part from her.
There were a dozen slaves in the yard. Probably they were called there to carry something heavy to the town square. It excited Jonghyun, maybe after all he was about to get a glimpse of the festivities. Yet the other slaves seemed a little less excited. They were all older than him, having more seasons and they were stronger, taller. Jonghyun stood out even more with his light hair and short statue.
“Where are we going?” he had asked but the other slave didn’t look at him. Jonghyun turned to see what he did look at. Guards, six of them were now encircling them. Why? They were nothing precious. “Where are we going?” He asked again, when he noticed how pale the others were. “The market.” Finally came, a voice that was breathless said.
“Move it!” a soldier called, but Jonghyun didn’t move. There was something horribly wrong. His heart was beating in his throat and he felt terribly cold. “Mother?” He whimpered, he needed to get back to his mother. He turned, trying to run back to the kitchen’s back door but he couldn’t. Strong hands had gotten hold of him and he struggled. There was a snicker and coldness closed on his wrists. Jonghyun hadn’t even realised it when they shackled him until it was too late. “Mother!”
He had done nothing wrong, he had always done what was asked. Why was this happening? His eyes were burning and his scream pitiful. His mother never came, not even when he screamed again. They pushed him out of the palace. After all what could a young teen do against shield and arms?
It had always been a dream of his to see the city. But Jonghyun could not see through his tears. He was scared, so very very scared. Nobody spoke and the whispers of the freemen were incomprehensible to his ears. Until they were sat down against a wall. People were looking at him, staring like he was a strange animal. He must have looked odd to them. They all had light skin and dark hair.
He didn’t like it. He raised his hands to cover his hair, the shackles clinking and hitting his head. Why were they staring? Was he a freak? His eyes fell on a little girl that was looking at him. When their eyes met she hid behind the coat of her father. Was she scared? Where they all scared of him?
Jonghyun was not left to ponder on the notion. They were called forth, he and his group forced on the wooden platform. Jonghyun didn’t even dare to look up then. There must have been a countless number of people. Yet there was no sound.
Slowly, very carefully Jonghyun glanced up. There were none but two. They were in a tent of dark blue sheer. A man dressed in white and a lady dressed in even darker blue. They looked funny to Jonghyun. The man especially. He had a bright orange beard with the ends of his moustache curled up. His head covered in a white turban and gold details, creamy beads hanging off it with a slight decline. Two colourful green feathers with eyes on the end sticking to the left on top of it all. Jonghyun’s eyes fell on his hand, there he was still covered with a white glove, yet a big red stone on his thumb. The lord was petting the head of a great sword, its head engraved and strong.
He was scaring the teen. Never before had he seen such riches, this man had so much power. Maybe the lady would show him pity. If he could see her. She was veiled. Nothing to see but cloth. Her dress embroidered with the endless stars of night. She could be anything. His breath hitched as he noticed her move. He felt her eyes but was unable to see it. It was making him so uneasy. He started to shake when she stood up and walked closer. She had no interest in the other boys. She when straight to him.
The lady got so close that Jonghyun started to see the light of her eyes. She hummed and Jonghyun confused it with singing. It was such a lovely sound. "It must have been hard for you, growing here." Jonghyun only swallowed. Was he allowed to answer? But she didn’t wait for him. She held out her glove covered hand and ordered. “Hand.” The young boy was scared to disobey but didn’t think his hand would look clean. He didn’t remember the last time he washed up. Wouldn’t he spoil the cloth on her fingers?
The metal of the shackles clanked together as he raised his hand. Without warning, she grabbed his and turned it so that the palm was up. What was she trying to see between the dirt? A finger traced a line on his palm and she sang again. Jonghyun didn’t understand what was going on but he felt calm.
It seemed to be enough, she turned and Jonghyun blinked. That was it? Was he allowed to go home now? The lady sat back down and the man leaned closer just to whisper in her ear. Whatever she had said, it pleased him. He called one of the servants that were waiting behind them and spoked to him. Were they not going to check the other slave’s palms?
Soon an older noble man took the stage. His turban was red and purple. A well rounded stomach covered in the same colours. He chuckled just to end in a cough. “Well, my lord, my lovely lady. I had never thought you would pick…” He had turned and looked Jonghyun over once. “A boy like him.” he coughed again. “He is still young but well adjusted to work.” He said but was stopped to continue when the white lord raised his hand.
“This boy has the line we have been looking for. There is no need for you to try and discourage any doubt you might think we have.” The man gave Jonghyun a smile that warmed the boy somewhat out of his fright. They had been searching for him? Somebody wanted him? His breath hitched in his throat.
“Come.” The lady said and it reminded him so much of his own mother’s voice then. He stepped forward but the chains on his hands didn’t let him get any further from his comrades. Guards came to his rescue and he was freed. Servants took him then but he still saw the white lord heave a large pouch into his former lord’s hand.
He was sold. He was sold like a piece of bread, like an animal. Jonghyun felt upset. His heart broken and realisation struck him. He didn’t tell his mother that he loved her.
They gave him shoes to wear. Woven matts that went between his toes. Still stones cut his feet, and blisters made him whine. He had never been so far from home. And as he looked back he didn't know if he could call it home anymore.
New moon, half moon and full moon. Where ever they were going was terribly far. The track of caravans, horse, camels and foot soldiers were for Jonghyun countless. They stopped binding him when he didn’t know where they were. Why would he run? He had nowhere to go. They camped in the woods, passed great cities and crossed a wide river.
When trees became thinner and water rare, did Jonghyun started to voice his questions. He had trouble sleeping, the nights to warm and the day scorching hot. His skin had become red and irritated. His shoulders searing. It hurt him.
They had set camp one night. When there was no moon but thousands of stars. Jonghyun had tried counting them but a song stole his attention. He had cocked his head, listening and trying to understand the words. He could not, it was a language he did not speak. He got up and went looking. His ears finding the way to the mystery.
It became more interesting when Jonghyun realised that he was following a light. It was not orange like all fires at night but it was green. Like it was altered by emerald glass, yet it was flickering as a fire would.
Jonghyun gasped as he saw that it was indeed a fire, a large open pit were green flames licked and played. A lady veiled so dark that she could have been part of the night sky sang. Jonghyun wanted to step away, to run back and deny that he had intruded on whatever was happening but the lady looked at him and he couldn’t. He could not move, he was frozen, unable to read the expression of the noble lady through her silver mask.
“Don’t be afraid.” She whispered getting closer to the boy. Jonghyun was starting to be so much more afraid. She chuckled and touched his chin. That second the boy gasped, he was allowed to move again. “I saw you. In the stars.” She continued, walking back to where she was before. Jonghyun didn’t know why but he followed. “In the stars? What was I doing there?” Jonghyun had never seen a green fire, how could this even be.
“You were a shadow.” The boy cocked his head. A shadow? “I don’t understand.” He whispered. She reached out and stroked his golden locks. “We are taking you there. To the shadow tower. There they will make you one.” “What?” His voice was barely audible. “You will be the shadow of a great lord, my son.” Jonghyun’s breath hitched. A lord? Her son?
~~~
As she had promised, Jonghyun was left at a lonely black tower. One that looked over the sea that the boy had never imagine seeing. But that was it. Just the tower and the sea. There was no city, were no houses. Not even a farm. Jonghyun looked on in misery as he was left with another four boys here whilst the caravan moved on their way. She had called him her son. But how could a mother abandon a child in a place like this.
When there was no one left but them, the old wooden door opened. The loud creaking of the gate made Jonghyun shiver but there was no one. No one but them. So they took their own steps. The great hall was dark and lonely yet soon was proven to be a trap. The door fell shut and they were in darkness.
“Don’t worry. We mean no harm.” Came a voice, a small old lady held up a candle and soon a dozen of servants came to light a path. “We only wish to teach.”
Jonghyun didn’t remember anything about time anymore. There were no windows, night and day didn’t exist. Jonghyun didn’t know how to talk anymore, they had taught them everything anew. Jonghyun didn’t know what he was anymore, they had shaved his head and dressed him the same as everyone else. Just like everyone else. He served, he learned, he lived. They had burned a mark on his shoulder, proving what he was. Just an number.
Until one day they didn’t let him stay with the others anymore. Jonghyun didn’t feel sad. He didn’t have any relationship with any of them. They had never talked. Yet still he was the only one that was called to climb the steps to the final floor.
There was a creak when he opened the door like all the doors did in this tower. But once he opened it he was washed over with light. It burned his eyes. Blinding so terribly he wanted to scream. He couldn’t, he couldn’t even breathe. He had already lost consciousness.
“It must have been hard for you.” It was a voice he knew but didn’t remember. “You always had such a soft heart.” It had such a nice ring to it, like a song. “You will reflect him well.” Jonghyun tried to open his eyes but it was too painful. “Ssh, don’t move just yet. Just listen. I want to tell you about your love, your life, your everything. Your Kibum.”
~~~~
“My lord, I can’t.” The old man begged. Jonghyun grasped the letter tighter in his hand. The scribbles something he could not understand. Kibum laughed aloud but there was something mean in his voice. “Have you lost the ability after you taught me?” The scholar shook his head franticly. “I am very able, yet this is an insult, my lord.” Jonghyun lowered his head.
“An Insult? You are an insult. Refusing to follow your lord’s son’s command. I should have your title and throw it away!” Kibum was raising his voice, his chest expanding with force. “My lord, he is a-”
“A Human!” The lord corrected him before he could make the mistake. “He is just a human as you and I. One that did not of the means to be taught.” Kibum had enough, he would not allow such insults just for difference in social class.
“Now I will have him read when the moon circle is over. Or I will strip you from your title.” His lord should not go through this trouble for him. He didn’t need to read, if he did then they would have taught him so. But now Kibum was blackmailing a man to go against customs and there was nothing Jonghyun could do. He could not talk back or he would be tapped on the fingers again.
As of now, he had been unable to please his master. He had brought him breakfast when he was stirring, clothed his shoulders and brought him the matters of the day. His lord had ignored him. He should be in a council right now but here they were. “Stay here and study.” Kibum ordered and Jonghyun did so if not with a jotted lip.
If people saw his lord without him, what would they say? The first day and it was all going terribly wrong. “My lord, allow me to come with you.” Jonghyun pleaded but Kibum gave him a stern look. “Read.” He ordered him and turned, stumping out of the room. Jonghyun sighed, he was warned that his lord was not a morning person. Yet this, this was bad.
~~~~
“My lord, the bath is ready.” Kibum was sitting in his chair reading a letter from far away. At Jonghyun’s words, he sighed. It was getting late, the sun had set and he had been lectured by his mother. His mood was sour and Jonghyun knew that he was tredding on broken glass. But with a soft voice he was able to call his master to his bath. He waited, his head bowed as his lord walked closer. He had already dressed him in his comfort wear but that wouldn’t do. Jonghyun followed after, the steam of the warm water perfumed to Kibum’s favourite sent. ‘I believed that Jasmin would calm you.’ Jonghyun thought, but his lips stayed shut. He would only agitate him more.
“You can stay outside.” The lord said, as he handed over the over robe only leaving a thin silk covering him. “My lord, I will-” Kibum did not listen. His sigh echoed in the room. “I can bathe myself.” He clarified. Jonghyun shut his mouth, the robe folded in his arms. “Of course, forgive me, my lord.” Kibum didn’t want him, he didn’t need him.
On his own the young man touched the water, his foot breaking the surface of the pool like bath. The silvery silk covering his shoulders started to swim. Lazily, he untied the knot while he walked into the water. The steam freshened his breath. He closed his eyes and relaxed, sinking in until his chin hit the water.
Jonghyun watched, his body falling to lean on the open door. He looked lovely, the young lord. He was lean and tall, only the hint of muscle. His skin flawless, always protected from the sun. He was beautiful, with his dark chestnut hair, a wave through it, parting on his forehead. Jonghyun sighed. He wished that those slanted eyes would look at him at least once without negativity. The young lord’s gaze never lifted when he looked at him.
Jonghyun was supposed to be his support, his need, he was there to do every wish. But Kibum was pushing him away. He was not allowed to touch him, he was only allowed to watch. His lord laid back into the water wetting his hair and humming. Jonghyun looked at his own hand. He wished to wash those dark locks, massage Kibum’s shoulders until he was relaxed and sleepy. That way he would be sure that he would get a good night rest.
Kibum didn’t sleep well, Jonghyun had realised. He had heard the young lord toss and turn at night. Maybe he was cold, temperature did drop low without the sun. Jonghyun had stoked the fire up but he ended up giving back his fur, and covering his master more. He had asked for more blankets on the morrow. Yet somewhere inside of him he wished to warm Kibum’s body with his own.
It would be a silly fantasy. It was not uncommon for a master to take his slave in adultery but that seemed unlikely with Kibum. Maybe time would tell and Jonghyun would have to try harder. Or Kibum would find a way to make him disappear. If that were to happen, Jonghyun wouldn’t know what would happen to him. He was Kibum’s, he was qualified only for him. No one else would take someone else’s trash.
Jonghyun’s breathe shook, his eyes burning and he turned. His lord would not see him at his lowest. The slave would busy himself with other matters as his master bathed. Jonghyun set aside the robe and stoked the fire. He added oils to the light fires to make the room heat up with a scent pleasant to sleep.
He aligned the books Kibum had pulled out, cleaned his quill and closed the silver inkpot. The parchment laying on the table distracting Jonghyun. His master had been looking at it, sighing at it since it had arrived. The slave shook his head. He had spend the day learning the letters but in no way was he confident to read it, no matter how hard he wanted to.
Was it for these matters Kibum wanted him to read? Was his master troubled with the bringing of this news? If Jonghyun would know how to read, he would have pleased Kibum. The slave bit his lip and tried to crack his head. The swirl of the letters made it ever more difficult.
The first sentence of the second paragraph was short. It seemed to be easy too. No big words and it might not be so problematic. Jonghyun’s lips moved “I…leek, no l-like…” he sighed, what was that character again? “wery, mooch…. to meet you.”
“Jonghyun?” The slave let the letter go as if he was burned. His master had caught him in his private affairs. But it was not the case. Kibum was not to be seen. The slave hurried to the restroom. His lord was done with his bath. “Bring me a cloth to dry and then bring me a night cap.” Jonghyun nodded, not fighting his master. He would have wished to dry his body for him but it was not smart to hope for something now. He would have to follow orders quietly. At least for a short period. Maybe his lord needed to get used to him.
Jonghyun gave his lord a smile but the other didn’t reflect it. Maybe one day he would. Jonghyun was hopeful. After all he had a lot to prove and tomorrow was another day.
>Part 3<