Chapter 93 – "So, you are the noble one who came from Goryeo."
"So, you are the noble one who came from Goryeo."
The shaman's words fell slowly.
It sounded as though he had only just confirmed what everyone already knew.
Yeongu paused, then spoke.
"I am not a noble. I was a common soldier sent here. I hold the rank of a nangjang, but it is only in name. I am not someone to be called a noble."
Deep lines formed on the shaman's aged face.
It was a smile.
Then came the next words.
"Then conduct yourself properly."
Those present were startled.
It was a rebuke.
Not something the shaman would normally say.
There had been no prior connection between them.
What spoke now was not the shaman himself, but the spirit possessing him.
Possession (接神): the act by which a shaman communicates with a spirit or allows it to enter the body through ritual.
"I try to do so. A person does not always act correctly. There are mistakes, and there are times one goes astray."
"So you intend to continue as before."
"I will not. I will act properly now. Before, it was for survival."
"For survival."
Yeongu leaned back slightly.
"There were many ruthless men. They forced matters through strength and intimidation. Decisions were made without regard for the harm done to others."
Interest appeared on the shaman's face.
"Then what is your wish."
"Will you grant it."
"A spirit does not grant wishes. It is an exchange."
"I know such exchanges take more than they give. Spare me the offer."
"Look at this one."
Their exchange flowed as if between old acquaintances.
Those nearby stepped back and watched.
"Do not speak so freely to someone you have just met."
"I am not a man."
"You once were. If you are one who cannot return and wanders, then say so clearly. Only then can we speak."
The shaman continued.
"Then grant me one wish. I will give you whatever you desire."
"If you had that power, you would have resolved your own wish first."
The shaman spoke in a lower tone.
"Bring Yi Heesong to me."
"The general of Seonchun Ridge."
"That one."
Yeongu leaned back.
"He has already lost his post and returned home."
"He lost his post."
"You did not know."
"There are limits to what can be known here."
"Then explain your grievance."
The shaman glanced at those around him.
"I was once a general of Goryeo."
"I see."
"Do you know the name Jeong Insang."
"No."
"He was the one who sent me to my death."
"That was not the only time he did such a thing."
At that moment, the shaman began to weep.
The sound was raw, like that of an animal.
Yeongu turned his head, and Wanyan Eunga spoke quietly.
"In the final battle, they were left behind while the others withdrew. They were ordered to hold the rear and block retreat. None survived. The name was Jeong Insang."
Yeongu exhaled.
"So that is why you cling to me."
The shaman stopped crying.
"Will you help me."
Yeongu explained what had happened.
He spoke of Seo Uitaek, Park Cheolgu, and the chain of events that led to Yi Heesong's fall.
The shaman burst into laughter.
"Is that true."
"It is."
"Then I will help you without condition."
"I refuse."
"I said I would help."
"I do not want it."
"Once I decide, I do not turn back."
"It is already finished."
"Is it."
Yeongu spoke calmly.
"Do not dwell on the past. Those involved have already been dealt with."
"I am grateful."
"I did not act for you. I acted for myself."
"Even so, I am grateful. I will protect your life."
"That is unnecessary."
"It is a promise."
The conversation was drifting.
Yeongu chose not to become entangled further.
Matters involving spirits easily cross boundaries.
They demand more than they give.
Among men, exchange seeks mutual benefit.
With spirits, the balance does not hold.
"Return now. Offer prayers at a temple."
"Do it."
"What do you mean."
"Pray for me."
"I understand."
Yeongu thought of soldiers who had met similar fates.
He began to write down names and birth dates.
It was not one name.
There were more than ten.
It seemed many presences had descended into a single body.
As time passed, the shaman's body weakened.
He collapsed.
At a gesture from Aguda, attendants came and carried him out.
"..."
The Wanyan men looked at Yeongu.
There was pity in their gaze, and also a quiet sense of distance.
Yeongu spoke in a low voice.
"Those who turn their own side into enemies and pursue intrigue will meet their due."