Chapter 3: Finding Strength
"Chief Arnook was a man of great valor and dedication to society. He had always endorsed the practice of certain Water Tribe traditions that started losing importance in recent years…"
While Kano's letter was being read out loud, Sokka kept his head held down with respect and sorrow. Chief Arnook's death being an assassination certainly shocked him. The man was quite peaceful and served as a father figure to the entire tribe. As the letter implied, who would want to target him?
"He was a man noble enough to have the blessings of the Moon Spirit upon his family. Was it not him who took measures to protect the northern tribe during the Great Siege of the North?"
Sokka's chest twisted uncomfortably. His nightmare started to replay in his mind. If the dream foretold Arnook's death, then surely it was trying to tell Sokka something. What if… what if Yue's words foreshadowed something? He shrugged the thought away. He was probably thinking too much. It wasn't the first time he had nightmares of Yue being in danger and him failing to save her. She was a spirit, now. Immortal. But what exactly did she mean by her people being in danger? If it was this conflict she was referring to, he would be more than happy to do his part and help restore peace.
"Was it not his daughter who sacrificed herself to protect the Water Tribes?"
His eyes softened.
"Such a man lies deceased today with a wound to the chest as repayment of his acts of courage. While we do wish to adapt and move on, the task is risky because Prince Anyu, Chief Arnook's nephew who is next in line for chiefdom, has three more months until he is of ruling age. It is with utmost reverence and urgency that I ask the Avatar to find a solution to this dilemma and provide the Northern Water Tribe with support these next three months. I request your help in restoring peace and stability to our ruling system and eradicating the radical rebel groups. We are humbly waiting for your response. Signed, General Kano."
"Thank you, Juro." Aang stood up. "As we predicted earlier, the Northern Water Tribe feels that these rebellious groups are a threat to not only its government and culture, but also to its way of life."
"We have been detecting suspicious activity there for months and have sent many representatives over, but now that the conflict has reached this stage, serious action must be taken." Sokka turned to the man next to him. "Minister Yudai, did we receive any news about who committed the crime?"
"That is rather difficult to answer, sir," Yudai said. "Rumors have it that the newly appointed attendant could be a possible suspect, but Chief Arnook had known him for years before, and there are no records of ill feeling between the two. In fact, they appear to be very close."
"Many guests have also been in Arnook's company during the Tribal Banquet prior to the assassination," President Dao added. "And they are now undergoing interrogation. As the crime was committed at night, it can be assumed that the criminal escaped before the guards from the outer ring could reach him."
"What happened to the inner ring guards? I was expecting the chief's private chambers to be heavily guarded," Sokka questioned rather angrily. "Ever since these rebellious activities began, I took extreme caution in appointing the best guards to specifically watch over the chief. How could they be absent that one night knowing he was in danger?"
"They were there, but many of them had been...highly intoxicated…" Yudai answered hesitantly. "Which only widens the suspicion that the attendant is the actual criminal. There is a likely possibility that the attendant intoxicated the guards to distract them and committed the crime afterwards, but there is no evidence to prove it."
Sokka sighed in frustration.
Aang noticed his brother-in-law getting fidgety and attempted to steer the conversation elsewhere. "We all regret what had happened, and Chief Arnook's death is a great loss, but what we should focus on is the step to take next."
"General Kano's requests are clear and perfectly reflect the people's demands," Minister Akio said. "He wants Prince Anyu to be given the title and the rebel groups to be eradicated. The prince will turn sixteen in three months, and until then, he requests security."
"But so many troops and representatives have already been sent over. The situation only worsened with this sudden murder," Yudai interjected.
"Also, the northern tribe is considered a global power at this point," Dao included. "This level of crime in the area is certainly alarming and beyond what we can easily solve. I believe it's best if you step in, Avatar Aang."
"I agree with you, President Dao, but as I am occupied in assisting Fire Lord Zuko with issues in the Fire Nation, I don't have the convenience to go right away. Zuko and I plan on sending a diplomat over to settle things down for a while. At least until the situation in the Fire Nation grows stable."
"And I will be that diplomat," Sokka announced. "Every year, I attend the Moon Festival. This year, the conflict took place right around that time. It will be easier if I solve the issue while I'm there."
"We all know how attached Councilman Sokka is to the sister tribe," Aang said. "So we figured he would be the best choice. It's about time we sent a member of higher authority to handle the job. With strict security of course."
A servant stepped into the meeting room and handed Akio some papers. Akio skimmed through the contents and dismissed the servant. "It appears we have more information about the chief's behavior prior to the incident."
"Really?" Sokka inquired.
"These are personal accounts of a few servants who saw the chief that night. Apparently, Chief Arnook appeared to have been depressed and spent quite a bit of time alone in the Spirit Oasis. He had been lamenting about his deceased daughter."
Aang and the war ministers gazed at Sokka. While the ministers hoped to receive more information from the warrior's feedback, Aang grew slightly sad and worried. Akio passed the papers around to Sokka.
Chief Arnook's final words were alarming and woeful. The elderly chief appeared grief-stricken over his only child's death despite the incident taking place almost three decades ago. His Majesty grew emotional and, among wails and sobs heard by many concerned servants, confessed what he considered was his greatest mistake. He admitted that if Princess Yue had been alive, he would have reconsidered her interests and allowed her to marry the man she loved. These words were surprising as Chief Arnook regularly admitted how proud he was of his daughter's sacrifice.
Sokka felt as if he had trouble breathing clearly from the burning lump in his throat. He felt like he couldn't handle it.
"I'm sorry, gentlemen." The councilman stood up, handing the papers to Aang. "I just... need to be excused."