CHAPTER 6
822 Words
She interjects.
"Don't forget the part where you nearly plummeted to your death, Your Highness."
King Taejo stands abruptly.
"What?! Bimboryeo, explain yourself this instant!"
He rubs the back of his neck.
"Ah, well, you see, Father... it was all part of the plan. A calculated risk, if you will."
She kneels before the king.
"Your Majesty, we've successfully infiltrated their command post and altered their strategic maps."
He nods approvingly.
"Remarkable work, both of you. Captain Yuna, your skills are exceptional. Tell me, where did you receive your training?"
She stands tall.
"I hail from the Sansang tribe, Your Majesty. We are known for our warriors and strategists."
His face lights up.
"The Sansang! I should have known. Your people's reputation precedes you. This is wonderful news indeed!"
Bimboryeo glances between Yuna and his father.
"Father, you seem quite pleased about this. Care to enlighten your favorite son?"
He chuckles.
"Ah, Bimboryeo, always fishing for compliments. The Sansang tribe has long been revered for their loyalty and martial prowess."
The king paces excitedly, his mind racing with possibilities.
He strokes his beard.
"Captain Yuna, would your tribe consider an alliance with Chongsan? Your skills could turn the tide against the Gojhang."
Her eyes widen slightly.
"I... I would be honored to present your proposal to our elders, Your Majesty."
He grins at Yuna.
"Well, well, Captain. It seems you've been holding out on me. Any other secrets you'd care to share?" Bimboryeo said
She smirks back at him.
"A warrior never reveals all her secrets, Your Highness. Keeps things interesting, don't you think?"
King Taejo watches their banter with growing amusement.
He claps his hands together.
"Excellent! Captain Yuna, please arrange a meeting with your tribe's leaders. Bimboryeo, I want you to oversee the negotiations."
He bows dramatically.
"As you wish, Father. I'll charm those Sansang elders faster than you can say 'alliance'!"
She raises an eyebrow.
"Just remember, Your Highness, my people value actions over words. You might need to prove yourself beyond your silver tongue."
Bimboryeo stretches dramatically.
"Indeed! Now, about that victory drink..."
She shakes her head, smiling.
"Your Highness, I admire your dedication to celebration, but perhaps we should focus on getting to safety first?"
He puts a hand to his chest in mock offense.
"Captain, you wound me! Surely you know that safety and a good drink often go hand in hand."
As they banter, the pair make their way along a winding road leading into Sansang territory.
She suddenly tenses, her hand moving to her weapon.
"Your Highness, wait. Something's not right." Yuna said
Without warning, a volley of arrows thud into the ground before them, blocking their path.
Bimboryeo jumps back, eyes wide.
"Well, that's one way to say 'hello'! Friends of yours, Captain?"
She raises her hands slowly.
"Not exactly, but... let me handle this, Your Highness."
Figures emerge from the trees, bows drawn and aimed at the pair.
Soldier steps forward, arrow nocked.
"Halt! Who dares trespass on Sansang land?" Soldier said
She slowly rolls up her sleeve, revealing an intricate tattoo.
"Easy there, comrade. Is this how you greet an old friend?" Yuna said
The soldiers' eyes widen in recognition as they see Yuna's tattoo.
He lowers his bow immediately.
"Captain Yuna? By the spirits, it is you! Stand down, men!" Soldier said
Bimboryeo leans in to whisper to Yuna.
"My, my, Captain. You're just full of surprises, aren't you?"
She whispers back.
"A girl's got to have some secrets, Your Highness. How else would I keep you on your toes?"
Soldier eyes Bimboryeo suspiciously.
"And who's this with you, Captain? He doesn't look like one of ours."
She places a hand on Bimboryeo's shoulder.
"A trusted ally, comrade. One who's proven his worth in our fight against the Gojhang."
Bimboryeo bows with a flourish.
"Greetings, good sirs! I assure you, my intentions are as pure as the driven snow... well, mostly."
She rolls her eyes but can't hide a smile.
"Your Highness, please. Now's not the time for your... unique brand of diplomacy."
'Your Highness'? "Captain, what exactly is going on here?" Soldier said
She straightens up, all business now.
"That's a long story, comrade, and one best told over a strong drink. We bring news that could change the tide of our struggle."
Bimboryeo claps his hands together.
"Ah, see? I told you the drinks were essential, Captain. Lead on, my arrow-happy friends!"
He stretches dramatically.
"Indeed! Now, about that victory drink..."
She shakes her head, smiling.
"Your Highness, as tempting as that sounds, we have more pressing matters. The Sansang tribe elders are expecting us."
He blinks, then grins sheepishly.
"Ah, yes. Duty calls. Though I must say, facing grumpy elders without liquid courage seems... unwise."
They make their way through the dense forest, the air thick with anticipation.
She glances at Bimboryeo.
"Remember, Your Highness, the Sansang are proud. They value strength and honesty above all else."
- Writer
