Several days had passed since Gromer returned from the forest after encountering the terrifying creature. So-Yeon vividly remembered how he had stormed into the village, shouting about beasts with glowing eyes and a strange stone embedded in their foreheads. The villagers had dismissed his words with skepticism, but unease had taken root in her heart. She knew Gromer wasn't the type to speak lightly. His fear was real, and that frightened her even more.
Today, she decided to venture into the forest for herbs. The woods, slowly awakening after the winter, offered the perfect time to gather medicinal plants. However, after recent events, she resolved to leave Ellie at home. The girl was unhappy, even pleading to join her, but So-Yeon remained steadfast.
"It's too dangerous, Ellie," she said firmly, standing by the door. "You're staying here. I won't be gone long."
"But, Mama, I can help! I'll be careful!" Ellie's tone was insistent, but tears glistened in her eyes.
So-Yeon knelt in front of her, her voice softening though her resolve stayed firm.
"I know you want to help, my dear. But I need you to stay safe. Please, trust me."
Ellie clenched her fists but nodded. So-Yeon sighed in relief, gently stroked her daughter's hair, and left the house, entrusting Ellie to a neighbor's care.
Gromer was waiting for her at the village's edge. His grim expression spoke of lingering worry about the events of the past few days. His bow rested on his shoulder, and the handle of an axe jutted out from his belt.
"Are you sure this is a good idea?" he asked, giving her a wary look. "The forest isn't the same as before. It's changed."
So-Yeon adjusted the basket in her hand, her face calm but determined.
"We don't have a choice, Gromer. If I don't gather herbs, we'll run out of medicine. You know how much people need it."
He snorted but said nothing. They headed into the forest, where an eerie silence enveloped them. Normally, birdsong and the rustling of leaves accompanied their steps, but today, everything around them seemed tense.
"What are people in the village saying?" So-Yeon asked, breaking the quiet.
"Different things," Gromer replied curtly, not turning around. "Most think I've gone mad. But some see that something isn't right. A farmer told me he saw animals behaving strangely. Like someone was controlling them."
So-Yeon frowned. Gromer's words were unsettling.
"Do you think it's connected to the stone you saw on the deer?"
Gromer stopped and turned to her, his gaze heavy with seriousness.
"I'm sure of it. That stone… it wasn't just part of the animal. It was controlling it, like a puppet on strings."
"A marionette," So-Yeon murmured, clutching the basket. "If that's true, then someone must be behind this. Stones like that don't just appear on their own."
"I think so too," he agreed. "And that's what scares me the most. We don't even know what we're dealing with."
So-Yeon exhaled, a chill running down her spine.
"You said the stone was... strange. Did you feel anything when you looked at it?"
Gromer paused, his face tense as he recalled the memory.
"Yes. It felt like it was looking back at me. As if it had a consciousness of its own. This isn't just magic, So-Yeon. It's something else."
Her fingers tightened around the basket. The thought that the stone might be part of something alive filled her with dread.
"If these stones truly have such power, then someone is using them. It's a weapon, Gromer. And it's aimed at us."
He nodded in agreement. They continued their journey, but the unease lingered. The forest grew more ominous with every step. Even the trees seemed alien, their branches bending closer as if they were listening.
Suddenly, a branch snapped. The sharp sound shattered the forest's silence. So-Yeon froze, her heart pounding in her chest. Gromer instantly drew his bow, pulling the string taut.
"Who's there?!" he barked, his voice cutting through the air.
Silence. Only the faint rustle of leaves stirred in the wind. Gromer didn't lower his bow, his eyes darting between the trees.
"Was it just a deer?" So-Yeon asked quietly, her voice trembling.
"Deer don't snap branches like that," he muttered. "We shouldn't stay here."
So-Yeon nodded, gripping her basket even tighter. They resumed their path, moving cautiously and avoiding unnecessary noise. But every shadow and every whisper of the wind made them glance over their shoulders. The forest felt as though it was watching them, holding its breath.
When they finally emerged near the village, So-Yeon felt the tension slowly begin to ease. But deep inside, she knew the forest was hiding something. And what they had experienced today was only the beginning.
Once they reached So-Yeon's home, she and Gromer exchanged brief goodbyes. Inside, Ellie greeted her with a pout, clearly upset. But instead of scolding her, So-Yeon pulled her into a hug and began quietly preparing the herbs they had managed to collect.
***A Warning at the Market
By the time they arrived at the market, the morning was already in full swing. Rows of vendors bustled with activity, and people darted back and forth, haggling over prices and exchanging news. So-Yeon chose a spot at the market's edge, hoping not to draw too much attention. But as soon as she laid out her medicines, a crowd began to gather.
"These are the same herbs that helped my wife!" a man shouted, holding out his coin pouch. "I'll buy everything you have!"
"Wait!" interrupted a woman nearby. "I need them for my son! Those beasts in the forest made him sick. I'll pay more!"
"My sister needs them too!" someone in the back yelled, trying to push forward.
So-Yeon felt a wave of anxiety wash over her. People were swarming her, waving money and shouting their pleas. She tried to remain calm, quickly taking coins and handing out bundles of medicine, but the crowd grew larger and more chaotic. Her movements became almost mechanical, her thoughts racing.
Ellie stayed close, helping her mother with the money and herbs. The girl felt the tension but managed to work swiftly and skillfully, passing the necessary bundles. The stream of people seemed endless, and So-Yeon barely had time to respond.
"Be careful, Ellie," So-Yeon warned as the girl bent down to pick up a fallen pouch. "Don't lose sight of the crowd."
"Mama," Ellie whispered, clutching her mother's hand, "they're getting louder. I'm scared."
So-Yeon looked at Ellie, seeing the fear in her daughter's eyes—a reflection of her own emotions. The crowd was starting to lose control, with everyone shouting over one another to be noticed first. Her heart tightened with fear, but she knew she had to stay calm.
"It's alright, Ellie," she said soothingly, though her voice betrayed her tension. "Stay close, okay?"
But at that moment, the crowd suddenly parted, and a group of guards approached the stall. Their metal armor gleamed in the sunlight, and their faces were stern. The leader, a middle-aged man with thick eyebrows, stepped forward.
"Are you So-Yeon?" he asked sharply.
So-Yeon straightened up, trying to appear composed.
"Yes, that's me. What's the matter?"
"You're accused of selling medicines without a license," he said firmly, his tone almost accusatory. "By order of the magistrate, you must cease trading and come with us."
The crowd fell silent, then began to murmur. People exchanged glances, some whispering while others tried to intervene.
"But she's helping us!" someone from the crowd shouted. "These medicines save lives!"
"The law is the law," the guard replied sternly. "So-Yeon, you've broken it, and you'll have to answer for it."
Ellie clung to her mother in fear, but So-Yeon remained composed. She knew arguing was futile. Just as the guards were about to take action, a man stepped out of the crowd. He was tall and solidly built, dressed in a dark cloak. His face bore a faint smile, but his eyes gleamed with cunning.
"One moment, gentlemen," he said, positioning himself between So-Yeon and the guards. "May I clarify something?"
"And who are you?" the lead guard demanded.
"My name is Raymond," the man replied, bowing slightly. "I'm a merchant, and as I understand it, selling medicines without a license warrants a fine, not immediate arrest. Am I correct?"
The guard frowned but didn't argue.
"You're right, but the fine is steep. She likely won't be able to pay it."
Raymond smiled and turned to So-Yeon.
"Do you have the money to cover the fine, madam?"
So-Yeon realized this was her only chance to avoid something worse. She nodded and retrieved the pouch of coins she had earned from selling the medicines. The guard counted the amount and, satisfied that the fine was paid, waved his hand dismissively.
"Fine, but this is your final warning. If we catch you doing this again, the punishment will be more severe."
So-Yeon nodded, keeping her emotions in check. Once the guards left, she finally exhaled in relief.
"Thank you," she said quietly to Raymond, looking at him cautiously. "I don't know what I would have done without your help."
"It's nothing," he replied with a smile. "But I am curious—what made you take such a risk? The medicines you sell are clearly valuable. Why not work with someone who has a license?"
So-Yeon hesitated. She couldn't tell this man everything, but she felt he deserved at least part of the truth.
"I'm just trying to help people," she said after a pause. "These medicines save lives, and I can't sit idly by knowing I can do something."
Raymond nodded, his eyes studying her face.
"A noble goal, but it will be difficult to achieve alone. If you wish to continue your work, I can help you. I have connections and resources. But first, let's talk somewhere quieter."
"What?" So-Yeon asked, startled. "You're offering a partnership?" She took a small step back, her gaze filled with suspicion.
Raymond, noticing her reaction, simply smiled warmly and spoke gently.
"Yes, a partnership. You create the medicines, and I'll handle their distribution and protection. What do you say?" He extended his hand, offering a business agreement.
So-Yeon continued to look at him warily, her voice low and cautious.
"Why would you do this?" she asked, pulling Ellie closer to her. Her distrust was evident.
Raymond withdrew his hand, but his smile remained. Tilting his head slightly, his voice softened with a hint of intrigue.
"Because we have a mutual friend," he said with a light smile.