The Seal of Destiny- Seokjin (Part 1)
The day Soekjin was born, it was warm and sunny. The neighborhood glowed in the golden hue of the sun. The head of the sun did not burn the skin, instead was like a warm tickle on the skin. The light wind eased any uncomfort caused by the heat.
Seokjin was found in a basket, with a birthmark on his chest which was very similar to the broken seal that was lying. His mother picked him up gently, watched him for a few moments and held him close to her chest and cried hard.
—
Seokjin always knew that he had a bigger purpose in his life, which lay beyond his little village. Though he had not ventured very far from the village other than a few neighboring ones. He was fourteen, when he started to earn. A kind sword-maker in the village took a liking to him and offered him apprenticeship. He was already helping his family with chores around the house, tending the garden and managing their little Herb Shop, but when you have six younger brothers and aging grandparents, any help to their kind and gentle mother would not be enough.
Seokjin was popular and well-liked in the village as well as the neighboring villages, not because he was handsome, though it definitely was one of the biggest reasons that got him noticed, not only by women, but also by men irrespective of age. He was polite, held conversation in a manner that the person will always feel heard. Most importantly, Seokjin was kind like his mother. All these qualities made a well-sought bachelor as he grew into a young man.
What most people didn't know was that Seokjin was smart. He had an eye for details, however minute it would be. He was perspective. He always knew when people were playing him or anyone else. He knew when a trader was cheating and selling his goods at a higher price. He knew when some traveler tried to sell his grandparents some bad quality herbs. He was also a good swordsman. Though not receiving any formal training, he and his younger brothers were somehow naturally skilled with activities related to warfare. He would at times go out in the woods with his younger brothers- Yoongi and Hoseok and would get rid of the bandits that would time and again cause trouble to the villagers and the travelers. This was a secret from everyone, including his mother and grandparents.
—
Seokjin was in the woods, coming back from a neighboring village, taking a break so that his horse could rest and eat. The sun was right above his head. He had estimated that he would reach home by evening and could join his family for dinner. While eating the fruit that he had packed as a snack, he heard a loud bang. It was coming from behind, from the path he had already crossed. He was sure it was a bandit attack. He had two options- he could either pack his things up and continue his journey and ignore whatever is happening, or he could go back and help. After much deliberation, he picked his sword up and walked toward the sound of attack.
From far behind the tree, he found a small troop, around ten soldiers, surrounded equally by the bandits. It looked like the soldiers were carrying some supplies and this must have brought them to the bandits' target. He waited for a few moments, analyzing the scene in front of him. Then he attacked. The bandits were in a surprise, which became helpful to take them down faster with the help of the soldiers. In the end Seokjin and the soldiers won. Other than some injuries, the soldiers were fine. They had managed to hold two bandits captives. Introductions were made and Seokjin offered to ride with them to his village as it would be the closest and they can rest and heal for the time being. The soldiers accepted his offer.
They reached the village late at night. Seokjin took them to the local inn, where arrangements were made for the soldiers to live and a boy was sent to call upon the village healer, who could treat the injured. Once everything was settled, Seokjin took leave after informing the captain. When he reached home, he saw light in his home. Walking in he saw Yoongi sitting by the fire with empty jars and herb baskets. He was stocking up for their store. When he saw Seokjin, he stood up and walked over to give a hug.
“You were late. Everyone was worried.”
“I know. There was an attack in the woods on some soldiers. Brought them here. They are at the village inn.”
“Are you okay?” Yoongi asked.
Seokjin patted his brother on his cheeks softly. Yoongi was not the one who would open himself up to anyone, however close they may be, but Seokjin has seen his soul. He knew all his brothers better than anyone. Which is why he was sure that Yoongi was not pleased that he stuck around in the forest to help anyone, even the soldiers.
—
Next morning, after completing all his morning chores at home, along with receiving an earful from his mother, for getting into a fight in the forest, Seokjin decided that he will visit the soldiers before going to work. Carrying some herbal leaves that will help for quicker healing, he walked towards the inn. He found some of the soldiers eating breakfast, the captain was sitting among them. He walked towards them and shook hands, asking about their health, how they were feeling, if they required anything else.
“It was comfortable.” The captain had replied. “A luxury compared to what we are used to.”
“I am glad that it was comfortable for all of you.” Seokjin replied.
They made some small talk for a while, when the captain asked him-
“What do you think about joining the army, Seokjin? You are a fine fighter, and we may benefit from your skills at the capital.”
This question surprised Seokjin. Going to Capital, means going to the heart of the kingdom of the murder that killed his father. All his life, he had thought how he would avenge the death of his father and the injustice that his mother faced, but all the time, he swallowed the idea. But it seems like fate is giving him an opportunity, a chance to soothe his revenge.
“I have really not thought about it.” Seokjin replied to the waiting captain.
“Think about it. You seem like a guy who could do great things at the Capital.” The captain told him before leaving the table to get a refill of food, patting him on the shoulders.