Journey Into the Knight

Chapter Nine

Ernesto was indeed an old man. TaeOh was also right about him seeming harmless, he looked like a nie old man, kind behind his eyes. Byul still felt herself shift closer to YongSun. TaeOh took the lead as always, YongSun was in the middle and Byul was bringing up the rear. They had been examining the man from one of the windows of his shop for a few minutes before they even walked up to the door. The building was two stories, made of old grey brick, two doors, on at the front and one at the back and a total of ten windows. That means a total of twelve visible exits, not knowing the complete interior was going to be a problem but at least they had an idea about an escape if needed. 

The store itself was kind of a message to the North king. Magic had been eradicated from the south and it was because of his family and him. Apothecary was viewed as a type of magic even if it was only really herbs and such, but even the fact Ernesto is referred to as a sorcerer is saying something. TaeOh finally motioned that they could enter the shop and they all fell into their single line. Byul could see YongSun preparing herself, her posture straightened and there was this feeling of power coming from her, the princess was back. 

The inside of the store was not unlike some of the other apothecary shops Byul had been to over the years, it was cramped with tables and shelves and cabinets, each filled with bottles or herbs or other objects, there wasn’t much room to move around. As soon as the bell above their heads chimed as they opened the door, the man appeared from behind his counter. He gave them a friendly smile, skin wrinkling around his soft brown eyes. He didn’t seem phased by the three hooded figures in front of him, TaeOh thought it best if they hid their faces until the time was right. “Hello, welcome to my shop.” He took a slight bow. “I am Ernesto, how may I help you?” 

TaeOh took a step forward and Byul automatically moved closer to the princess, making sure she was protected. He slowly pulled back his hood and gave his very friendly TaeOh smile. “I am JongYoon, these are my sisters, we were sent here because you may have some information that we need.”

Ernesto looked him over carefully. “I assure you, whatever you were sent here for I do not have your answers, unless it is medically related.” There was a hard warning to his voice that told them there was obviously something he was trying to say beyond his words. “Now if you need an elixir I can help you.” He motioned around the room. “But if there was something else you were looking for then I am sorry but I can not help.”

“Please sir.” YongSun said, making  Byul’s blood run cold, she moved forward to grab the princess from doing something stupid. Even TaeOh spun. But it was too late, YongSun shook her hood back revealing her face. 

Ernesto’s face went white as he stared at YongSun for a good minute, everyone in complete silence. His hand finally went to his heart and a small smile spread across his face. “Princess, I am so very glad and honoured to see you.” He looked on the verge of tears. “I thought with the death of your father, that something terrible had befallen you.”

Byul remained slightly shocked at his reaction, she still didn’t trust him at all, not when it came to YongSun’s safety. “So I guess you can help us after all.” TaeOh remarked. 

Ernesto looked at him. “My apologies JongYoon but I have been sought out by so many, and most think I can somehow spark magic back in this land, some try to kill me for keeping the memory of magic alive, I never know who will come looking next.”

“My name is TaeOh.” He said politely with a bow. “I understand your position and thank you for hearing us out.”

“Of course.” Ernesto said. “I made a vow the day the Princess was born to protect her at all costs.” 

YongSun gave him a shocked look. “You did what?” She glanced back a Byul. Byul was still standing very close to her, just in case. “Then how come I’ve never heard of you before?”