"What do you think?" San Jin turned to the pair from the prince's yard, "Have you ever seen something like this?"

"I don't know, it feels like there must be some trick. It shouldn't be all that hard to toss the ring through to release the target but I don't know. Why give us four tries for something that simple?" The friendlier of the pair shrugged then looked at his partner.

"You're right. It is bound to have a trick but how will we figure it out if we split up the tries. I think we should at least have one person go twice. Any volunteers?" He turned and gazed steadily at Junseo.

"I agree we need to apply the learning from one try to the next but I am not sure I should be making any of the tosses," Junseo looked at his Sun Temple partner but the boy just shook his head.

"Who wants to volunteer then?" San Jin asked but the other boys turned away. "Well then, it's just me and you." San Jin pointed at Junseo. "Come on. You make the first toss while I watch."

Junseo studied all the rings before picking one out. He thought he sensed crystals so put out a feather of energy to see if both the ring and target might have hidden stones. He wasn't certain how the pieces might interact but put his theory to the test with his first toss. It looked like his ring was on a good line toward the target until it went past the hoop and veered down and out. Junseo nodded to himself then pointed to the ring with the least energy for San Jin to try. The throw stayed in line but only hit the mark hard enough to bring the gate down by less than a foot. San Jin selected another ring but this time his throw veered off course. Junseo watched closely and decide a counter spin might work. His efforts were only partially successful but the gate lowered enough they could squeeze through and scramble to the finish line. They were directed to bleachers at the end of the course where they could keep an eye on the scoreboard.

The team Hae-sung had been assigned was called off the course after leaving two members behind at the puzzle wall. This result embarrassed him, especially when San Jin and Junseo's group managed to come in second. "I just couldn't get them to listen. The idiots just wouldn't help each other." His voice carried far enough for the Prince's training master to hear and the man frowned.

"Not so loud," San Jin advised. "Look around. How many allies do you think we might get by complaining?"

"But," whatever Hae-sung might have said was interrupted by the officials calling all the competitors down to the field for one last procession. They assembled with their training groups and the boys from the forge sandwiched between one of the smaller academies and a coupled of the non-declared contestants. They all strained to hear the recap of the day's results for the rankings, after which they were ready for the signal to be dismissed. The signal did not come. There seemed to be some confusion by the royal box, with a guard trying to herd the pair of women toward the exit.

"Enough!" the Dowager's sharp command carried down to the field. She turned around to beckon Knight-Master Lei Wen Hou and he hurried over for a brief discussion with the guard. He bowed and offered his arm to help the small woman down to field level. She signaled for her companion to follow, adding, "Come on Minnie, le me get a closer look at the grandson you keep bragging about."

The royal party moved at a deliberate pace along the line, stopping here and there for brief greetings. When they got to Junseo, he bowed deeply and stayed inclined. "I see you got your grandfather's height," the Dowager observed, "and I expect a fair bit of his cleverness too."

Junseo blushed, struggling to keep a straight face as he caught a wink from the corner of his eyes. He only bowed again as Knight-Master Lei guided the women to their waiting guards.

"What was that about?" San Jin whispered.

"My grandmother's best friend, teasing her, I think." Junseo turned to watch the royal party leave. "I didn't know Granny Min was coming. My Uncle didn't say anything."

"Well, he is waving you over now so you better go see what he wants." San Jin patted the younger boy's back in sympathy then pointed him in the right direction. Junseo approached his uncle but was intercepted by his grandfather's guest. Junseo bowed to the right degree for a senior government representative and thanked the man for honoring the competition. His grandfather's eye widened just enough to signal he had followed the correct protocol. His uncle bustled over to join in congratulating Junseo on his performance.

"Yes, you did not disappoint," Ambassador Kim said.

"I am just happy to have the opportunity to meet such a talented group," Junseo said and looked around for an escape.

"I dare say you will have a time living down your Grandmother Min bragging to the Dowager about you." His Uncle's attempt to encourage gossip only elicited a squirm and a cough from Junseo and stony stairs stares from both ambassadors. Junseo took In-Yeon's appearance on the edge of the field as the signal he needed to excuse himself.

"It looks like I need to take my horse back to the yard," he said with another bow and hurried away trusting he had fulfilled his family obligations for the day. He hurried over to the stables with In-Yeon. Hae-sung was there grooming his horse but there was no sign of Chenhui. San Jin insisted Song-hee should go help Hae-sung.

"Our grooms already polished up my tack and this little lady just wants some scratches." San Jin smiled at the way the horse sidled up to him. "Oh, that doesn't look good," he said nodding his head toward where his father stood with a group of officials talking with Manager Doak and Scout Jia. A priest from the Sun Temple wedged himself into the group and stood with his arms crossed.

In-Yeon started making his way closer to the adults but Junseo tugged the boy back. "We will find out soon enough. Let's just finish up and grab something to eat from the street vendors on our way back to the yard."

"What about Chenhui?" In-Yeon asked.

"Good question," Hae-sung grumbled.