As the group approached a short hill, Shin saw a small figure in the distance approaching rapidly. He wiped away the sweat that hung on his brow and narrowed his eyes. He gave the signal to stop. Dismounting, Shin reached for his scabbard and tightened his— “Stop!” The figure yelled out. “I am Commander Yi.” Shin loosened his grip for a moment before tightening his grip again, tighter than before. This was the commander he was to meet at Choryeong Pass. Why was he here? “

Vice Minister of War Shin Rip headed the cavalry down the rugged, hilly path, clad in dark, heavy armor that twinkled with each plodding clop of his horse. The Japanese had already broken through Busan, but the critical Choryeong Pass had not yet fallen. His ragtag group of disheveled soldiers and countrymen was the last hope for the Joseon capital. Sweat clung to every brow as the monsoon season had blanketed the land in humidity. The men’s eyes lifted as they climbed over a