Secret Meeting

by Lee Kwang-soo · 2026-03-20

“I am late. I was on my way back from hunting at Gaseombeol.”

At Jumong's words, the watch soldiers held up their torches and examined his figure. Seeing the birds and beasts attached to the saddle, one soldier reached for Jumong's reins and spoke.

“It's boring watching the night watch, and with no snacks to drink, could you spare a bird?”

Jumong replied with a smile, “That's not difficult.” He then handed over a bird.

“But what brings you here so late? I have never seen a soldier crossing this ferry at such a late hour, even though I go hunting almost every day.”

Jumong lowered his head and pulled the reins of the horse that was trying to graze.

“Ah, the young friend does not know. They are searching everywhere in the country for Prince Jumong, who has escaped. They say that whoever captures Prince Jumong will be rewarded with a house and ten horses, along with two official positions.”

Jumong laughed out loud and said, “A house and ten horses, plus two official positions, sounds good. But do you think the escaped Prince Jumong would come this way while standing guard here?”

One soldier replied, “Who says he wouldn't? The riding Prince Jumong has probably traveled a thousand miles already. What are we doing crouching here? Come, let’s have a drink. Young friend, take care.”

Jumong felt fortunate for their farewell and was about to ride away when another soldier grabbed his reins and spoke.

“Young friend, wait a moment. Did you happen to see Prince Jumong today? I heard he crossed this ferry when the rooster crowed.”

Jumong replied, “How could I have seen someone who crossed after dawn?”

The soldier nodded and said, “That makes sense. Well then, take care. We will roast the bird and drink. If the officials ask, just say we were keeping a good watch here.”

With that, he let go of the reins. Jumong raised his whip and urged the horse to run. The moon had not yet risen. He had to pass Gaseombeol before the moon rose.

The horse seemed to understand its master's intentions and galloped forward with vigor. It was a familiar flat path, so even with his eyes closed, he could tell where he was. As the lights from the houses of Gaseombeol came into view, the horse became damp with sweat.

Jumong slowed the horse and entered the willow grove. He was looking for a place to hide the horse. Jumong tied the horse to a willow branch by the water and raised his hand to pat its back, signaling that tonight's events were significant.

Jumong walked alone to where the government boat was tied. Here, several small and large boats were moored, always available for princes and court officials. Sometimes they would also go boating.

Jumong could choose a boat by the water's color. He pulled out a small boat that was not too difficult to row alone and began to paddle. Being skilled at everything, Jumong was also adept at rowing, and the boat moved well according to his will.

A few days ago, due to the rain, the river had swollen and the current had become strong, but Jumong found his way without difficulty. This river flowed from the east to the west, entering the East Sea, but when it reached Gaseombeol, it curved round and flowed in several bends. The place Jumong aimed for, the yard of Yerang's house, was located just upstream of one of these bends.

The water was not clear, but it was clear enough to reflect the stars. Black boats floating on the buoyant surface were on the calm river at night. The sounds of rowing and the gentle rustling of water brushing against the drooping willow branches were the only sounds heard. As the fish were also trying to sleep, Jumong paddled the boat upstream to find a small stream.

The eastern sky brightened, but the moon had not yet risen. Jumong paddled carefully, trying not to make any noise, hastily searching for the promised spot with Yerang in the shadows of the black thicket between the sky and the water, hiding the boat in the catkins forest and waiting for the moon to rise.

A cool breeze brushed against Jumong's sweat-drenched body. Looking quietly, steam rose from the surface of the water, blending the white of the water and the black of the land together. However, it was not enough to obscure the clear autumn sky, as most of the steam did not rise but crawled heavily over the water and land.

Fireflies flew around chaotically. They were the flickering lights of love. They burned their bodies to emit light and flew calling for their partners. While flying, they emitted light and sat on the blades of grass, shining, longing for someone unknown. Flickering, the blue lights of love.

The eastern sky brightened further. The moon was still not visible, but the moonlight had already reached the willow grove where Jumong was hiding. He waited for the moon to rise. When the moon rose, Yerang would come here.

Jumong began to listen carefully. He thought he might hear footsteps, or voices, or the sound of clothing rustling. All thoughts in his mind vanished, leaving only the desire to hear Yerang's voice. If Yerang's voice came from the sky, he would fly up to the sky, and if it came from the water, he would jump into the water.