Southern Coast of Joseon
Mid Autumn 1837
Before, the guards stood their posts out of habit. They scanned the horizon because it was their duty, not because they expected anything to appear. The ocean had always been there, wide and empty, something that marked the edge of the kingdom but rarely demanded attention.
That was no longer the case.
Now, every man who took position at the watch posts arrived earlier than necessary. They spoke less during their shifts. Even when nothing was there, their eyes stayed on the water longer than before. The sea had changed in their minds. It was no longer empty space. It had become a place where something could appear at any moment.
That morning began like any other.
The sky was clear. The wind was steady, carrying the scent of salt inland. Fishing boats moved along their usual routes, small and familiar against the open water. Everything looked the same as it always had.
For a while, nothing happened.
