Journey Into the Knight

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Byul volunteered to go with TaeOh to get the horses. It wasn't a long walk to the village, she should be able to make it without exerting too much energy. She wanted some time to think about this new plan they had put into action, but mostly she just wanted time alone with TaeOh.

Byul and her brother had grown slightly more apart since entering the Knight. Not because they disliked each other, but because they no longer had only themselves to rely on. It was kind of nice to walk with just him once again through the woods, like old times, but it wasn't long before Byul could feel the absence of the others.

There was nothing Byul wanted more than to be going with them at first light. When YongSun had first suggested that she should stay behind, it was like being slapped, as if she somehow failed them and now was being punished somehow. She knew better, they were just looking out for her, making sure she was safe, and it did make more sense for her to be on the outside of the castle to receive TaeOh's messages, it would just be better if she could be by his side.

As if knowing what she was thinking, TaeOh commented on her thoughts. "We will be fine Byul." She gave him a side glance. "There is no other person I'd rather walk back into that palace with than you, but this is the way it needs to be." Another beat of silence. "I will make sure she is safe."

That made Byul's heart swell with warmth. "And what about you?" She said it more harsh than she intended. It wasn't just YongSun she was worried about. There was more than a good chance he would be imprisoned upon their arrival. They had no idea what Henry would have in mind for them.

TaeOh merely shrugged. "We can only hope for the best, besides I am good at talking myself out of a lot of problems." He winked.

Byul let out a small laugh. "Yeah and you are just as good as talking yourself into them." She sighed. "Please be careful, I can't lose you."

TaeOh patted her on the back. "We're in this together Byul, no matter what. Besides, I need someone I can trust to make sure that WheeIn doesn't try to force information from our allies."

They both snickered. "Yeah, I am sure more than one of them would be shocked we sent such an enforcer to talk with them." One part of the plan was to collect allies. If they needed to rush the castle or find a quick way out, they needed a lot of people on their side. Henry was powerful but TaeOh and Byul knew a lot of unhappy people willing to help shut him down.

As they were reaching the town, TaeOh watched her. "How are you feeling?... Honestly"

Byul knew better than to try and lie to him about these things. "I'm not in a lot of pain but everything hurts like if I did six months' worth of hardcore training in a single afternoon." Even breathing hurt but she was determined to fight through it.

"Then why would you come with me to get the horses, you should be resting."

He knew very well why she didn't stay behind, he would have done the same thing, they needed this time for a proper goodbye. "I won't say it, you know." She said in reference to the last thought she had.

TaeOh smirked, already knowing what she meant. "Never goodbye but we will meet again." They bumped fists. "We will meet again Byul, I will make sure of it."

Byul nodded, they had to believe in those words. Like the old days, it was all that kept them going while they had to be apart... knowing they would meet again soon. "If you don't keep your promise you know I will beat you up in our next life."

He let out a sharp laugh. "I'd like to see you try." They engaged in a small slapping fight as they walked, laughing the entire time. After they caught their breath TaeOh put his hands behind his head. "So are you going to tell me about you and YongSun?"