Tales of Gaolingpart 10

Sokka and Jin had crept back to the window.Straining to hear, Sokka thought it sounded as if the men inside were making a list.One man made checks on a sheet of paper as the other read his aloud."Alright, last one...Ten crates of penguin skins...twenty crates, fake medicine...three chests, lead coins...and ten crates of 'special items'...
"Oh no, not more of those skins! We can't move the lousy things since that day at the tanners'.Everyone's giving'em too close a look, now."Sokka flashed a smug grin at Jin, who rolled her eyes.He whispered to her "Sounds like shipping manifests."She motioned him to silence.
"Well, they gotta get off-loaded.They need the room."
"Something going back?"
"Not something, someONE.The Commander's pet has some plan to kidnap a rich girl and hold'er for ransom."
"That's bloody stupid!No one's rich enough to pay a ransom that'll cover the cost of making a run..."
"One family is, and I hear it's gonna be an ongoing thing.He's gonna bleed'em dry before they get so much as a finger back!"
"Where's he gonna keep'em?"
"I hear they're going all the way back to the Commander!"
Sokka heard one man let out a low whistle.Words floated around in his brain: 'ransom'...'rich'...'one family'...'girl'...His brain locked.He wanted to be wrong, but in his heart, he knew he was right.
Toph.
"Oh no!" he gasped aloud.
"What?" said Jin.
"I know who they're talking about!"
"Who?"
"My girl-...a friend.Jin, I know we just met, but you gotta trust me.Someone I ...know...is in danger."
"What do I do?"
"You gotta go to the merchants, get as many as possible to meet me in the market square.Tell'em we can end this problem tonight!"
"Where are you going?"
"The Bei Fong Estates."Sokka said grimly."And I hope I'm just making a bigger arse of myself than before."The two ran out of the alley.
"She's very lucky."Jin said, evenly.
"Who?"
"Whoever it is."Jin shrugged as she turned and sprinted away.

Sokka ran all the way to the gates of the Bei Fong Estate.He pounded on the double doors.A shutter on the left door flew open, and a pair of familiar eyes looked out."Who DARES assault the doors-...oh, it's you, Sokka."said Lu-Pei."You know I can't let you in."
"Doesn't (pant) matter (pant) Where's (pant) Toph? (pant)"
"That is none of your business!"The door warden's voice boomed.Then, in a lower, hurried tone, said, "She's walking in the gardens with that Tengu clown."
"Gotta (pant) check. (pant) Maybe (pant) trouble. (cough)
"I think he'll be the one in trouble if he tries anything fresh.This IS Toph we're talking about."
"Not him...pirates wanna kidnap...Toph, hold'er for ransom...long time."
"But Sokka..."
"WILL YOU JUST CHECK? If I'm wrong, you can beat me silly or throw me out with the trash or whatever!But, PLEASE, check..."
The shutter slammed closed, and Sokka heard orders given.Minutes seemed to pass like hours.Then, Sokka heard the sound of bolts being withdrawn.Once again, the doors to the Bei Fong Estate swung inward.A tense Lu-Pei was standing there, next to a wild-eyed, agitated Lao Bei Fong.
"She's gone..." he said anxiously.

Right then and there, Sokka told Master Bei Fong and the Door Warden what he knew of black markets and pirates.The three rushed into the manor, to be met by the Lady Bei Fong and Katara."Sokka?What's going on?"
"Toph's been kidnapped, we think.Gonna be shipped out, held for ransom."Katara drew a sharp breath, then helped a nearly-fainted Poppy Bei Fong stay upright.Sokka continued, "Lu-Pei.I need your best rider and your fastest ostrich-horse!"These were speedily produced.Sokka pointed to his sister."Take her where ever she says as soon as possible."The guard looked from Sokka to Lu-Pei, who nodded.Turning to Katara, he simply said, "Get Aang.Meet me inthe market."