There is going to be a pattern. 3 chapters with Lamara, 3 with Hyriu, 3 with Lamara, and so on. Personally, in the beginning of the book anyway, Lamara's storyline is my favorite. So let's get back into it. Enjoy.

Chapter 7

Gathering Forces

"No! And that is final!" Chief Arnook finished. We had gone to him and asked again if we could go after Hyriu. "And I thought I banished you," he pointed an accusing finger at Lina.

"You gave me until the end of the day, it is not midnight just yet," Lina snapped.

Arnook let out a disapproving sigh.

"I advise caution, Chief," Torriku muttered. "She is in her teen years, the lot of them. It could be that time of the month when they get-"

"When they get what?" I shouted. Everyone looked at me in shock.

"Lamara, when did you start talking again?" Arnook asked desperately trying to save the conversation.

"Come on, Head of Hydronia, please tell us what time of the month it is," I challenged.

He looked at me with disapproval. "Enough!" Arnook shouted. "I will not have pointless arguments in my courtroom! I think it would be best if you all left."

We turned to walk out. As we were walking, I heard Torriku mutter to Arnook, "I think that one is engaging in sexual activities. I've heard they get more temperamental when they are with child."

I stopped walking and turned slowly, "What did you just say?"

He looked at me, caught off guard. "I-"

"You think I'm having sex!?" I demanded.

"You're not denying it," he smirked.

I formed an air ball, but before I could throw it, Lina grabbed my arm, "Lamara don't."

"Listen to your friend," he taunted; Arnook buried his face in his hands.

Lina looked at Torriku, "I'm glad I was banished. I don't want to be apart of any society with people like you in them."

"There are people like me everywhere, you're an outcast and no one will accept you." Torriku retorted.

Lina looked away, a tear in her eye. I had never felt so angry before. I felt the air pressure in the room build up. Suddenly all the windows imploded. I ignored it and strode forward, the others followed me. Right when I stepped past the doors, I slammed them both shut with airbending.

"What a jerk," Fai said.

"I can't believe they replaced Wei with…him," Ava agreed.

"So now what do we do?" Koluk asked.

"I do not know, but I have to leave," Lina said sadly.

"No, you don't," Ava chirped.

"What do you mean? I am banished," Lina asked.

"From the Northern Water Tribe, not from Heiwa Valley. We talked to Monk Dadao, he was happy to accept our proposal," Daminao smiled.

"And your proposal was what now?" Lina inquired.

"For you to live in the Air Temple," Ava and Daminao said together.

Lina's face lit up, "What? Really?" They nodded. "What if Arnook finds out?"

"He can't do anything, it isn't in his jurisdiction," Koluk realized. "That's genius!"

We helped Lina get her belongings. Her parents were delighted when we told them Lina would be living with the airbenders. We were about the head to the Mountain Pass, when Lina stopped.

"Wait," she said. She whispered to Ava.

Ava muttered back, "Yeah, yeah, I think so."

"Follow me," Lina instructed. We followed her through the maze of ruined houses. We came to what was left the Warrior Training Field. Part of the circular stands had collapsed. Lina walked inside, we followed. In the center, a lone figure sat on some rubble. We walked over to the person.

"Taruk?" Lina announced our presence.

Taruk jumped and looked back at us and relaxed. "So you're leaving I guess."

"Yes, what about you, do you have your stuff packed?" Lina asked kindly.

"You say it like we're going on a little vacation," Taruk snorted. Lina waited for an answer. "No, I don't have any stuff."

"What do you mean, your house sustained only a small amount of damage?" Lina asked.

"Yeah, but my father kicked me out after the trial. He said I wasn't welcome there. They didn't let me take any of my things," he voice was void of emotion. I actually felt sorry for the guy for once.

"Well, do you know where your going to go?" Lina asked.

"No, probably just get on a boat and see what happens," he stared at the ground.

"With no provisions, Taruk that is a death sentence," Lina reasoned.

"Yeah, well I don't know what else to do," he muttered.

"You could come with me," Lina suggested.

Taruk looked up at her, "Really?" then he composed himself. "Where are you going?"

"To Heiwa Valley, they talked to the monks and they said I can live there," Lina said.

"They'll never accept me there. Not after the last time I went to Heiwa Valley," he said.

I remembered the time Taruk chased Hyriu out of Heiwa Valley and when I punched him.

"I will talk to them for you," Lina offered. "Come on, Taruk, they will let you in, trust me." She held out her hand.

Taruk looked at us then took her hand and stood. I saw Fai shift slightly, glaring at the joined hands. Lina let go of Taruk's hand after he stood though. We all then headed toward the Mountain Pass. I felt bad for Taruk but I still hated him. I didn't like the idea of him living in my home but I kept my thoughts to myself.

We arrived at the top of the pass and we walked through the tunnel. Waiting for us were all the Monks along with some of my friends including Ostria, Ranlon, and Deepika.

"So, how did your audience with Chief Arnook go?" Head Monk Dadao asked kindly. We all grumbled. "I see," he said, almost relieved. "Ah, Lina I see Ava has told you her idea for you to live here with us. I take it you accept?"

"Of course," Lina smiled.

"Who is this?" Monk Seng motioned to Taruk.

"I believe this is Taruk, one of Lina's friends and he too was banished, am I correct?" Monk Sonam said.

"Well yes, this is Taruk and yes he too was banished. I was kind of hoping he could come too. He does not have anywhere else to go and he was banished for standing up for me," Lina said nervously.

The monks exchanged looks. Monk Dadao spoke, "Of course he is welcome here. Air Nomads never turn away someone in need. It will not be a problem to have him live with us. Would you like to go get your belongings, Taruk?"

"Um, I don't have any belongings," Taruk said uncomfortably. "My parents disowned me."

Monk Dadao hesitated so Sonam jumped in, "Well you can have a new family here. As well as new belongings. You are a sword fighter yes? I can't say we have many swords here, but I'm sure you could speak to Daminao about forging a new one. Uh, Ostria, Deepika, Ranlon, come." they did. "I'd like you all to meet Taruk, he is the newest member to join us here in Heiwa Valley. I'd like you four to get acquainted and show him around. As well as his new home. I believe we have a few vacant rooms here in the temple as well as some open houses in the valley. Show him those as well."

"Uh okay," Ranlon said. "Hello, uh Taruk is it?" Taruk nodded. "Okay, well um, follow us, I guess."

They walked away.

"Lina, that was a good thing you did," Monk Sonam said. "I think being here will help him. I think you'll fit in here nicely."

Lina smiled appreciatively. We dropped her things off in her room, it was close to the Air Nomad Library. Then we went to the medic to discuss our next move with L. E. and Shan.

"So, how'd it go?" Shan asked as we sat down around him. He was looking a lot better. Color had returned to his face, the bags under his eyes had faded some and he was able to talk and move around freer.

"Horrible," Moji replied.

Shan nodded as if expecting such an answer.

"He did not give us his blessing?" L. E. came over with a cup of water for Shan.

"Nope," Koluk said bluntly.

"He barely gave us any respect," Moji added.

After a moment of silence, Shan asked, "Now what?"

"We go get Hyriu," I answered.

"Okay but um, how if Arnook won't let us leave?" Koluk asked.

"You're not much of a rebel are you?" Shan asked with a smile. Koluk gave him a look. "Right, stupid question, of course you're not."

"I believe Lamara is suggesting we go against the Chief's wishes," Moji smirked.

"What, betray him?" Koluk exclaimed. Just then someone pulled back the curtain and walked in; it was Chief Arnook. We all grew pale.

"Excuse me, does anyone know where Monk Dadao is?" he saw us. "Oh, hello children." His eyes stopped and narrowed on Lina.

"I believe Head Monk Dadao is in his study," Hana told Arnook.

"Ah thank you, well goodbye," he said in a distracted way and left in a hurry.

We all breathed a sigh of relief.

"Again, we can't betray Chief Arnook, at least, I can't," Koluk insisted.

"Either you betray Arnook to save Hyriu or you betray Hyriu and forsake him to Avon's tortures," Dhanu spoke up. "I'm in. I've had enough of Northern politics."

"Me too," Moji stood. "I never really fit in here anyway, no one will miss me if I leave."

"I think Gen Li might," Koluk joked.

I thought about how Gen Li and Moji's relationship had started out rough but they'd grown close since our arrival.

"Just don't say anything to Exo," Shan teased.

Moji's face flushed, "I - I don't know what you mean.

"Anyway, I'm in," Shan said.

"I don't know, I need to establish stability in the patients and if they take a turn for the worse…" L. E. was saying.

"L. E.," Hana walked over. "You have removed all the poison that you could from Tekton and the others. All you're doing now is speeding up the process. We can get along without you."

"I don't know…" she said again.

"L. E.," I stepped forward. "We are leaving, with or without you, we are leaving."

"Fine, if you are leaving, then I'm coming. I will not leave my friends. I'll grow a large field of herbs just in case," she added to Hana.

"Alright," Hana smiled.

Koluk nodded, "Now all we need is a plan."

Oooo, betraying Chief Arnook. How interesting. Taruk living with the airbenders will be interesting I think.

Chapter 8: Plan of Betrayal will go up Thursday.