The wind cut through the trees, sharp as a blade. Lin moved in silence, his cloak brushing through the underbrush. Yan followed behind, clutching the pack Lin had handed him earlier, his breath rising in soft puffs.
They hadn't talked much since leaving. Not out of tension, Lin wasn't the one to talk to, and Yan had learned when to stay quiet.
A sudden crack branches snapping.
Lin stopped. "We're not alone."
Yan looked around, alert now. "What is it?"
From behind the trees, armored guards emerged six of them, blades already drawn. The crest of the capital shimmered on the armor.
"Catch the beast" one of them barked "You're under arrest for defying royal command . Come quietly."
Lin's eyes narrowed. No words. Ni hesitation.
Then he moved.
In a blink, he was in front of them. Steel clashed, sparks flew, and the forest filled with grunts. Lin's strikes were precise and brutal.
Yan didn't flinch. He didn't scream. He just stood behind a tree, watching his eyes wide, but not afraid just stunned.
Soon, it was over.
Four bodies on the ground and one more limping away into the woods, bleeding and terrified.
Lin turned back.
Yan let out a slow breath. "Well....that was intense."
"They were send to kill me"
"They failed," Yan said, smiling slightly. "So did we win."
Lin raised an eyebrow "You're not afraid."
Yan shrugged "I mean, I thought we'd die. But we didn't. So....yeah, I'm good."
Lin stared at him for a second longer than needed, then turned and kept walking.
Yan followed hands in pockets and softly whistling. "You're really something, you know that?"
"I do" Lin replied, not looking back.