In the reign of King Geunchogo of Baekje, there lived a scholar named Suro who was given to thoughtful planning and deliberation. But he developed a most unexpected bond with a poet named Deokman, who would later live in exile in Goguryeo. When Master Goheung wrote the history of Baekje, Suro asked him to include the story of his brother by oath.

Suro and Deokman had long ago traveled to the nation of Wa with an envoy from Baekje and shared their teachings with the people there. The former imparted knowledge for good sustainable living, while the latter instilled a spirit of boldness and creativity in the local people.

Some years later, war erupted between Baekje and Goguryeo. Suro heard rumors that Goguryeo’s army of cataphracts, who carried red flags, held a secret. He infiltrated the Goguryeo camp to find out what it could be. He learned that although Goguryeo had a large army, aside from elite cataphracts with red flags, most of the recruits were farmers, engineers, and civilians who were made to take up arms.

Still more surprising was the presence of his dear friend Deokman in the Goguryeo camp!

Deokman had been inspired by the brave warriors of Goguryeo. The exiled poet had defected completely to the enemy’s side. He too was startled when he encountered his old friend Suro, who had somehow crossed the front lines of the battlefield.

Realizing that their ideals were now worlds apart, the once-sworn brothers broke their bond. Before parting ways, Deokman gave Suro his cherished brush as a parting gift.

In the end, the army of Goguryeo was defeated by Baekje at the Battle of Chiyangseong and was forced retreated to Pyongyangseong Castle. At the Battle of Pyeongyangseong, King Gogukwon of Goguryeo was killed in battle. Deokman was also mortally wounded in the fray. Feeling his end approaching, Deokman met his sworn brother Suro once last time before death took him.

So ended the poet of Baekje who became a man of Goguryeo. Yet his life came to be recorded in the annals of his former homeland’s history, thanks to the efforts of a scholar who had remained his sworn brother at the last.