The Battle Part 1

January 25, 1898

Busan – Defense Ridge

The cold wind swept over the ridgeline above Busan Bay as Captain Luis Graham peered through his field binoculars. Smoke already curled on the southern horizon. Pohang was under siege. Even from here, he could hear the distant rumble of cannons, like thunder rolling through the mountains.

He adjusted the focus with his gloved hands. The Russian landing craft were visible—barely—creeping in from the coast, escorted by cruisers.

"They've hit Pohang hard," Graham said to himself. "They'll be pushing north soon."

General Nam Kyung-jin of the Korean Imperial Army stood beside him. Clad in a heavy wool coat and a fur-lined cap, he said nothing at first.

"If Pohang falls," Graham added, lowering his binoculars, "Busan is next."

Nam's eyes stayed on the horizon. "Then we do not let it fall."