Chapter 4

Guards are Gullible

Zack

"Sir, do you think we were overheard?" I asked, worriedly. There had been a group of guards heading down the corridor when we left.

"Calm yourself, young soldier. All is well." Iroh said in a knowing tone. I still couldn't help but look behind us to make sure we weren't being followed.

Iroh and I went to the outskirts of the city and waited until nightfall. When the darkness overcame the city I put on my disguise, which consisted of ratty fire nation robes and a black cloak, and headed back towards the palace to get the prince.

I got into the palace easily enough, but when it came to the corridor where the prince's room was it got tricky.

There were guards patrolling the halls, making sure that no one got in, and more importantly, that no one got out.

I pulled my black cloak around me more tightly and tried to get past the guards by using the shadows and my agility to my advantage.

I didn't really have a plan on how I was going to get in and out of the prince's room without raising alarm. So I did what any soldier in my position would do. Knock out a guard, drag him to an empty room, and dress in his armor.

Luckily, in my case, the guard I knocked out was roughly my size, so his armor fit well, and he was apparently the overseer of all the patrolmen in the hall, making this a lot easier than I thought it was going to be.

I marched down to the prince's room and entered, no questions asked.

"Prince Zuko," I whispered.

"What do you want, guard? I'm sleeping here." The prince said angrily.

"It's me, Zack. It's time to go." I whispered back.

The prince immediately threw off his sheets and stood up, ready to go. I motioned for him to pretend to be my prisoner so I could take him outside.

We exited the room, Zuko's arms tied behind his back, and I shoved him forward. All of the other guards tensed up so I quickly came up with an excuse.

"His father gave me orders to bring the prince to him." I said, making my voice deeper.

They all nodded and relaxed. I tried to get to the door as fast as possible without looking conspicuous.

We made it out and I quickly untied the prince and ditched the guard uniform and we made a run for the city limits.

I made sure that Prince Zuko was in front of me at all times so I could be sure to keep him in sight.

When I checked over my shoulder I was relieved to find that no one had followed us.

We finally reached the gate of the city and saw the general. We raced over and stopeed just before him, panting slightly.

"Good work soldier." The general said to me.

"Zuko, listen closely, there is a reason that you had to escape on such short notice." Iroh began.

The General explained why Zuko had to escape, and why it had to be tonight. He told us that Zuko's sister, Azula, had made her two girls who were competing to be her body guard enter into a contest. The goal was to kill Zuko. And whoever did would be her be bodyguard. She was sending them out tomorrow morning, which is why we had to leave at dusk, to give us a head start on finding a place to hide. The girls were said to be two of the most ferocious creatures ever to enter into the Fire Nation.

"Zuko, when you get to Gangaga you must not bend! It would also be wise to go by a different name. Zack can help you there. You wouldn't want to have a name that didn't fit in with the names around you, it would make you an easy target." Iroh explained.

Iroh had already thought of everything. he had the plan down, the only thing left was to fill in the details, like Zuko's new name.

"Prince Zuko, you must do as this young man asks. I have watched him for some time now and I know that he will do what is right and he will know what is best for you." Iroh stared at his nephew for a long moment before continuing. "I have briefed Zack on what your story will be, you will discuss it on the way so we do not waste time. Take this jasmine tea with you. think of me whenever you drink it. Now go." Iroh said finally.