Yujin: A Rare Truth

By Robert M. Adams

Yujin is a young woman in a fantasy world with real-life issues. She knows she is different from other students and has difficulty making friends. Her older, overprotective sister is the rock of her life. Difficult trials help her gain self-confidence and set her on a collision course with evil. Yujin is a powerful fighter, but her main weapons are love, hope, and joy. She befriends giants, orcs, and trolls in her transformation into a young adult. The dark powers of her world are threatened by her unique gift of bringing beings together and try to do away with her. Yujin meets someone that brings joy to her life in away she didn’t think possible and vows to protect her. Together they must save themselves and possibly all the lands.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Feb 13, 2022
• ISBN: 9781669805977

Robert M. Adams

Enter the Author Bio(s) here.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

The morning mountain air was cool and revitalizing. The wind that carried the promise of transformation came down between the sharp granite peaks. Winter had lost its grip and with that came a relaxing of the spirit and a time of rebirth. Drifts of snow from the strong winter storms still survived the sun in shaded areas, but the arrival of spring was undeniable. The rolling hills were already covered in green as the hardy grasses and flowers reached up, relishing in the life-giving warmth. A carpet of invitation to the Majestic Mountains. From a distance, it appeared the green was cut and installed as if in a king’s castle. From a closer inspection, the grasses and flowers reluctantly gave way to the rock slides and lack of soil. There was a spattering of plants that were too stubborn to give up. They grew where they could find pockets of soil caught in the rock and were protected from the erosion of the melting snow. These robust plants radiated with a richness that contradicted their size. They hung close to the ground avoiding winds that would steal their water and nutrients. Each small plant was like a mountain man that had tired of society and went to find a life of solitude and peace. Of these plants, none represented the vitality and strength of the Majestic Mountains more than the insaeng. A shy berrylike fruit that stayed hidden close to the ground under the leaves of their mother. The insaeng had always been a lifeblood for the people of the mountains. The plants danced with the breeze and were joined by the arrival of other mountain inhabitants.

The song of the robins could be heard echoing off the sharp cliffs of the Majestic Mountains. They sang to give thanks for the bounty they received each spring and out of shear joy. Even the out-of-tune squawks of the ravens seemed joyous. The wind that made the plants dance carried the melody to all that would hear. The waters of the creeks flowing from the melting snow magnified their sounds so they too could participate in the celebration of spring. The winters here were hard and the arrival of spring was a time to exhale and enjoy. There was another joyous sound that carried in the wind.

Laughter could be heard coming down the valley. Two figures had been walking by the celebrating waters. They left the creek and maneuvered through a field of rocks planted by a winter avalanche toward the rolling hills. The taller girl had her arm around the other, pulling them together. Aera looked down at her younger sister. Yujin leaned into Aera, rejoicing in the love and safety she felt. Alone with her sister in the mountains and hills where they grew up was the only place Yujin felt completely relaxed. The sisters came to their favorite childhood retreat. Two rocks rested in the shade provided by a giant white birch. There were pictures and short stories of their childhood adventures painted on the bark of the birch tree. The works of art were proudly displayed and protected by the giant. The rustling of the leaves beyond what the wind provided let them know they were missed. Yujin was not ready to relinquish her place of refuge yet. She turned into Aera’s arms and hugged her. Aera held her, lightly kissed her on the top of her head, and said, I love you, Yujin—as if reading her mind—I will miss you as well.

Yujin looked up at her sister. Her eyes had filled with tears. I love you, Aera, Yujin said. They gazed into each others eyes. Aera saw the color of the sea and innocence. She was fascinated by Yujin. Her hair matched the color of her eyes, beautiful as the oceans, together they accented her light-brown skin and strong build. Yet as the light of day faded her hair and eyes turned as black as the night. Yujin’s passion and strength came through in subtle ways. Yujin saw tumultuous dark-gray eyes. There was a power there she could not gauge, a raging storm that seemed to contradict her sister’s kindness and love. Yujin said, I would not want to be the one to tempt that storm.

My sweet sister, she said, there is nothing that could bring my storm upon you. You know how I love you. That is saved for any that would dare think of harming you. But that thought did not need to be said. Yujin did not look any deeper. She put her head back on Aera’s chest and held on. Enough of such thoughts, Aera said. She turned Yujin to her side, she blew a kiss to the giant birch and they moved on. Behind them, they heard the rustling of the leaves.

Passing through the fields on the rolling hills, they headed back to the house. Mom would have breakfast ready soon. That was a treat not to be delayed. They walked silently but as the cows called to them, their mood lightened. Penny and Peggy came over and despite their anticipation of breakfast, the girls stopped to greet them. Yujin rubbed Penny behind the ears, and Aera did the same to Peggy. Thank you for the milk, girls, Yujin said smiling, she kissed each one on the nose. Aera ran one hand through Yujin’s hair and fondly smiled as well. Such an innocent girl, she hoped she could stay that way. Aera and Yujin left the cows behind to chew their cud. They could see their mom on the porch, which could only mean one thing. Breakfast was ready.

When they got to the house, they each gave their mom a hug and kissed her. She had the look of a woman that had worked hard for many years. She was taller than Yujin but shorter than Aera. Despite the premature graying of her hair, she was a beautiful woman. We love you, Mom, both girls said.

She smiled and said, No need to butter me up, girls, breakfast is already done. They feigned looking hurt and went into the house. Before she could sit down, Yujin felt the pop of a towel on her backside. You girls were born here in the house, not the barn, their mom said. Looking at each other they smiled and went to wash their hands. When they sat down to eat, they all held hands and their mother gave thanks. Breakfast consisted of the normal farm cuisine—eggs cooked over easy, potatoes fried with onions and peppers, cheeses, fluffy biscuits topped with butter and honey, or a sweet cream gravy seasoned perfectly. Beverages were water and a lightly sweet birch tea. After eating, Yujin began gathering up the dishes. Her mom said, Leave those for me, I can do them after you are on your way.

Yujin looked at her mom and replied, You were right earlier, Mom. I was not born in a barn and continued to clean up. When she was done, the three of them stepped out onto the porch to talk.

Aera was the first to speak, This house has been good to us. Her mom smiled but did not reply. The house was made of stone. Rocks from the mountain were placed together meticulously. Through lore and love, their dad was able to convince the stone to partner with him in raising his family. His family and the land would be as one, keeping each other safe and showing kindness to travelers. The stone had melded together to form walls, a roof, floors, counters, and a fireplace. The stone radiated a warmth that felt like love. Their dad Kurak was from another part of the land. He had met their mom on his travels. He had fallen in love with her but it had taken him some time to gain her favor. His persistence eventually won her over. Together they dug out a life for themselves that many would envy. An hour passed of memories and good times. A quiet overcame them and they looked at each other, knowing the time had come for Yujin to go. She needed to get as much daytime travel in as possible. Aera spoke first, Yujin, I will walk with you to the end of the fields. They will not hold up teachings at the academy for one misplaced student. Even if she is the most beautiful and accomplished student they have.

Yujin smiled. Thank you, Aera, but I’m far from beautiful and not even close to their most accomplished student. I doubt they would notice if I did not even show up.

Aera’s smile faded and she stated, Then they would be fools.

That girl that I have told you about, Pasha, she is the prettiest girl there and also the best student. When I first met her, we got along really well and then. Well, and then I don’t know what happened. One day we were talking and the next it seemed like she hated me.

Well, it is her loss. I would put my beautiful sister up against anyone, Aera stated. Yujin stood and walked to Aera, smiling, wrapping her arms around her. While they stood holding each other, Kaia their mom finished stuffing some extra food she had prepared in Yujin’s pack.

Don’t give up on her, Yujin, her mom said, it is impossible to say what may be going on. Keep being the kind, loving girl you have always been.

Pasha seemed like the one girl there that didn’t mind me being a little different, Yujin said.

You are a loving, caring girl, Yujin. Remember what we have talked about. Being different is a good thing not bad. It makes you unique, her mom said.

I will try to remember. I could never be mean to Pasha, Yujin said, sometimes though, I do want to pop her one. Yujin laughed.

That would be my advice, Aera said.

Aera, Kaia said, I would expect better advice from her older sister.

Mother, I was kidding, Aera said. Then she turned to Yujin, making a fist and punching her other hand a couple of times. Yujin nodded and the two girls laughed again.

Kaia shook her head and said, Yujin, I made you a sack of insaeng tarts so you would not have to waste time cooking. Remember not to eat them all the first day. They are hardy and nutritious but very powerful.

Yes, Mom, I remember, Yujin replied. Images of an upset stomach and trips to the bushes invaded her memories. They all laughed at the thoughts of Yujin’s discomfort for days after she helped herself to a bowl of insaeng Kaia was preparing for tarts.

I love you, sister, but that is one situation you will be entirely on your own, Aera added. Yujin looked at her and smiled, tears filled her eyes as she knew it was time to leave. Aera grabbed Yujin’s pack and said, Give your mom a hug and let’s get you out of here.

Yujin went to her mom and hugged her. She started to speak, Mom, I will—

Kaia cut her off, You will be back before you know it. Then pushing Yujin slightly back, she looked into her eyes. You are beautiful. And after a slight hesitation, she gently turned her toward the door and gave her a swat. Now get out of here before you make me cry. It was already too late for that. Looking over her shoulder, she smiled. I love you, Mom. Yujin grabbed her staff from behind the door. With Aera carrying her pack, they shut the door behind them and headed across the fields.

They walked slowly, neither in any hurry to let the other go. Aera broke the silence, Yugi, she said, using her childhood name, be careful on your trip back. I’ve been seeing some strange things the past few months. There is a wolf pack I have not seen before. They are not friendly like the ones we have here. When I’m out in the woods, I feel something different in the forest. I’m not sure what but something has changed.

Any idea what might be going on, Aera? Yujin asked. I have also felt uneasiness in the forest. On my way home, I felt like I was being watched at times. I was glad to see you and Mom. I didn’t really think about it again till now.

That is what is so concerning. I don’t even have a good guess as to what is causing this. I know you are strong and capable, but sometimes your caution goes down the mountain streams. Having felt this yourself, maybe you will be more cautious? Aera asked.

Yujin hesitated a few seconds as her mind scanned the land. Yes, I will be careful. Aera, you need to be careful as well. I know that you will not rest until you have figured this mystery out. You are not invincible either. I have seen the storm in your brow grow. What do you intend to do?

Aera smiled and met Yujin’s gaze. I sometimes forget that you know me as well as I know you. My intentions are simple. I will discover what is out there and put an end to it. I will listen to the plants, animals, and the earth itself. If this does not suffice, I may track down this wolf pack and have a discussion with them.

That is my concern, Aera. These wolves may not be so willing to have a discussion, Yujin replied.

Do not concern yourself, my sweet sister. It is my belief they will gladly talk. In the end if not the beginning, Aera said.

Ahh, that is exactly my concern. Looking to the heavens, Yujin shook her head and said, Please help us. I hate leaving under such circumstances.

But leave you must. Yujin, I have made something for you, Aera said, Hold out a hand and close your eyes, no peeking. Smiling, Yujin did as instructed. Aera laid something across her arm and said, Now you may open them. Yujin slowly opened her eyes and her mouth fell open. Across her arm was a soft leather headband. She stretched it out with both hands. The headband was many small strips of leather braided together. The brown leather was a little darker than her skin and was braided tight, in the center was a large opal. Holding it up, the opal reflected the colors of her hair. All the colors of the sea and sunsets flowed out at her as she moved it to different angles from the sun. Yujin’s eyes again filled with tears. Do you like it? Aera asked. Not waiting for an answer, she grabbed it and tied it around Yujin’s forehead, gently pulling her hair back from her face. Perfect. Aera said. You make it look even better than I could have hoped. Yujin put her ahead against Aera and gave her a tight hug. Careful, I’m not made of stone, Aera said, trying to keep her smile.

Yujin stepped back, smiled, and said, Thank you, Aera, it is beautiful.

It was made to be more than an accessory to accentuate your beauty, Aera said. This has taken me many months to make. The leather will hold to your skin. You can take it off for bathing if you wish, but otherwise keep it on. It will not fall off. If anyone tries to take it off, the opal will send them an arm-numbing blast. It will not permanently damage them, but it will be no small warning. Yujin, if a time comes that you need me, hold the opal firmly in your hand. Squeeze it tight and think of me. The opal will guide me to you. I will come.

I will never take it off Aera, Yujin said.

Aera smiled and said, It is good for one more thing. It will keep your hair out of your face. With that Aera slid the pack onto Yujin’s arms. Now get going, it will be time for lunch, and we will still be here talking. Yujin hugged her sister a final time. It could have been seconds or hours she didn’t know or care. The embrace ended and Yujin disappeared quietly into the forest. Aera sat back on a rock, put her head into her lap, and cried.

CHAPTER 2

It took a few leagues for the darkness of her mood to lighten. Yujin thought again about the conversation she had a few days ago with her sister. Aera had been concerned that she had begun to rely too heavily on her staff. Aera had wanted her to learn all she could about the use of a staff to become its master. She had also wanted her to learn to defend herself and attack if needed with just her body and her mind. Aera had said it is much easier to separate you from your staff than it is your mind or body. There was wisdom in these words. It was much harder, but she committed to practicing every day as much without her staff as with it.

The rays of the sun danced in her hair between the branches of the trees. The colors went from the beautiful greens and blues of the tropics to the dark stormy seas of the frozen north. Her eyes flickered to match her hair. Yujin rubbed her forearm across her face and touched her opal. It felt cool despite the hot sun. The leather was soft and helped reflect the heat from her skin. Aaii, she said out loud. Aera, you think of everything. The same could not be said for the rest of her clothing. She could feel the sweat starting to run down her back. Yujin ate one of the insaeng tarts and looked forward to reaching Mirror Lake. The cool, refreshing mountain water always left her feeling revitalized. Birds, bees, and a variety of insects both flying and crawling seemed to welcome her as she walked. An occasional dragonfly would land on her shoulder. Their dark greens and blues reminded Yujin of her own hair colors. She felt so comfortable in nature; it was hard to think of going back to her training. She knew she needed to go, but she also knew she did not quite fit in there. The masters were kind and were very patient with her, which she was thankful for. She was not sure why, but she was awkward with the other students. The harder she tried to be nice and make friends, the more it seemed that she pushed them away. For this training period, Yujin had decided to learn as much as possible and not spend the effort she had previously spent in failed attempts at friendships. As quickly as all these random thoughts had come into her head, they vanished. Yujin had arrived at Mirror Lake.

Mirror Lake was small in diameter but deep. The rocky peaks around it kept it shaded allowing the water to stay icy cold and invigorating. Very few plants could grow in it and insects preferred to lay their larva in warmer water. Yujin tossed down her pack and staff, stripped off her clothes, and plunged in. She stayed under the water for a few strokes, feeling the icy fingers clutching her and scrubbing her clean. When she broke the surface, the sweat and heat of her hike were gone. Yujin swam to the far side of the lake and headed back, alternating between breaststroke and on her back. She circled familiar jagged rock formations that broke the surface and dove to the deepest depths to explore others. The chill of the water in the deeper dives soon had her body crying out for the warmth of the sun. Yujin broke the surface and slowly worked her way to shore. As she climbed out, the mountain breeze began to dry her. She stood with her arms up and legs spread letting the wind and sun do their jobs. She relished in the sensation they gave her. Her hair slowly began to lighten as it dried. Without dressing, Yujin climbed up on her favorite rock and sat back. It faced the sun and fit the contours of her body perfectly. She could almost believe that the rock slowly changed its shape over time to fit hers.

Yujin liked the freedom that traveling alone gave her. She got out some of the cheese, bread, and fruit that her mom had packed for her and ate. Between the sun and food, the warmth returned to her body, and the redness of her skin had gave way to her natural light brown. Yujin put the leftover food back in her pack though admittedly not as neatly as her mother had done. Reluctantly she got dressed, positioned her pack, and using her staff, headed away from the lake.

The trail went up and down and around rocks for some period of time. Eventually it began a steady decline through a garden of boulders that contained various fossilized remains of creatures from another age. Yujin always marveled at what life must have been like during those times. The forest started to thicken, leading Yujin to a familiar camping area. There was a particular spruce tree that provided a dry, shaded place to camp. The swims in the icy waters of Mirror Lake were invigorating but later left her in need of sleep. Yujin pulled out her bedroll, undressed, and climbed in. The soft wool immediately began to soothe her. She had helped raise the sheep that had provided the wool for her blankets. The wool that came from these sheep had the warmth of love attached to every fiber. Yujin’s mom had her own special process of cleaning and carding the wool to make it soft. She spun it into yarn and knitted her blankets. The process was long but the result was many years of restful, cozy nights. Yujin felt comforted sleeping in a soft cocoon made with such care and love. Sleep came quickly and was slow to release its grip.

Yujin woke and was treated to a familiar sight. The squirrels, rabbits, hares, possums, and other furry creatures had snuggled in under the tree with her. She lay quietly and tried not to disturb them. Her change in breathing and uncontrollable wiggles gave away to the animals it was time to begin the day. One or two at a time they got up, stretched and hopped, or waddled into the forest. Soon Yujin found herself alone. She climbed out of her warm cocoon into the cool air. Despite a little chill, it was much warmer than in the mountains. There were also many more insects, so she did not linger as long before getting dressed. Yujin rolled up her cocoon, packed, and pulled out a couple of insaeng tarts to eat along the way. The next two days passed uneventfully. Yujin enjoyed her surroundings and the company of the animals. The morning of the third day since leaving Mirror Lake gave her with a feeling of uneasiness. When she had woke up, the animals were already gone or had not arrived at all. Yujin got up and packed her camp.

Yujin held her staff, her senses reaching out, searching the forest, air, and stone. Nothing came back but a unnerving silence. Walking further, it was her sense of smell that brought the first answer. Leaving the trail, Yujin followed the scent back up the mountain. She made her way over and around boulders through the thick brush until she came to a rushing stream. The cold moving water temporarily made her lose the scent. Continuing to climb and veering away from the stream, the scent returned. This time it was accompanied by the low growl of a mountain cat. The growl changed in pitch and seemed to become a call for help. Yujin picked up her pace, leaping from one boulder to another. She could now hear other growls. The picture was beginning to clear. The mountain cat was being hunted by a wolf pack. What manner of insanity or desperation could cause a wolf pack to risk the power of a mountain cat, Yujin thought. She was now close enough to hear the impact of claws on flesh and teeth snapping together. Yujin came to a drop-off. Thirty feet below her, a large pack of wolves she was not familiar with had a mountain cat backed into a small indent in the rock. A quick glance told her that it was a young cat. It had been ambushed out in the open. It had left a trail of blood as it had drug itself to a position more easily defended. There were several dead wolves, but the pack was many. The mountain cat had sustained serious injuries, but none looked life-threatening except for the possible loss of blood. She did not know these wolves, but they did not look like a pack in desperation. Yujin’s mind went to her teachings. Master Curel was instructing her on one of their walks through the hills. They had came upon a cat stalking a songbird. Yujin had stepped in and shooed the bird away. The master had corrected her. He had said, It is not our place to interfere in the balance of nature but to preserve it. The cat needs to eat the same as the songbird. He had asked her if she was going to save the crawling worm from the bird? He had gone on to extrapolate that the cat could have a family to feed, and all their lives hung in the balance of a successful hunt. Yujin was brought back by an attack by the wolves. Three in unison lunged at the mountain cat. One bit deep into a back leg that already had the look of being almost useless. Another came in too close to the head and landed in the mountain cat’s jaws. A crunching of bones resonated. The third wolf had a clear opening to the cat’s throat and went in for the kill. With this, Yujin said, I’m sorry, master and leaped from the cliff.

Yujin landed noiselessly next to the wolf with the death grip on the mountain cat’s throat. While her legs absorbed the shock of the landing, she brought the staff down hard. The wolf lost its grip and slid a few feet away unconscious. In a continued blur of motion, Yujin brought her staff into the third wolf, sending it sprawling. The mountain cat spat out the dead wolf it had in its jaws. It let out a growl of defiance. Yujin thought briefly that the mountain cat might attack her, but it did not. The wolf pack retreated a short distance. The largest wolf, which must have been the leader, came closer. With its teeth bared, it let out a howl of rage. The other wolves quickly closed in. Wolves would normally not press an attack on prey that could inflict this kind of damage back unless they were famished. These wolves were acting differently. They were clearly not starving. Yujin knew they were fatally outnumbered. She hoped that sending a strong message would deter them. Her advantage was that she had seen them attack and knew she was quicker. Yujin came at the lead wolf, crashing her staff into its head. It was knocked back but did not go down. She quickly stepped back and assumed a defensive position next to the mountain cat. It let out another long growl that again seemed more a call for help. The wolves rushed again. Yujin got one and the mountain cat another, but there were too many. Yujin felt a burning pain in her lower leg. She instinctively batted the wolf away, but it was a severe bite. The only advantage they had was the lack of space for more than a few to attack at a time. Even so this fight would be over quickly. Yujin caught another wolf in the neck, but another slammed into her knocking her against the stone wall. It bit into her shoulder. It was too close. She had to drop her staff and grab its head with her hands. With a quick jerk, she snapped its neck. Two more wolves were on the mountain cat. It was bleeding badly but had not given up. Its claws tore into wolves that became too confident or careless. Yujin had been bitten twice more. She kicked and chopped at the wolves, feeling substantial blows landing. It was not enough. The mountain cat fought ferociously and made one valiant attempt to stand. It did not look like an animal that was ready to die. It fought with renewed strength and determination. Yujin had lost track of how many bites she had sustained. She only knew she could not take many more. The lead wolf and two others lunged at her. She had no defense. The mountain cat threw itself on top of her, shielding her from the attack. The weight of the mountain cat trapped her against the stone but his body protected her from the slashing fangs. The last thing she saw before being buried under the fighting animals was a giant shape landing behind the wolves. She saw nothing else, but her hearing was clear. A terrifying growl was followed by the impact of claws against flesh and then flesh against stone. The wolves were howling in confusion and fear. Blood was splattering against the stone wall and running down on top of her. The battle was over in seconds. The wolves were routed, and the ones able retreated in a frenzy. Yujin knew she was injured badly, maybe fatally. She did not know how the mother cat would react to her. The