Author's Notes: Hello everyone, glad you liked the last couple of chapters. As always Nickelodeon owns Avatar the Last Airbender and Stephen R. Lawhead owns Hood.
When heaven joins the battle against you, who could stand-Hood
Zokar strode through the halls of the royal palace, Azula walked behind him, as they walked he thought back over the last few weeks. The summons to return to the Fire Nation had come barely two weeks after the battle. The speed with which the message had reached them, and the command in the message that they make all haste to return, boded ill.
The battle had ended much as Zokar had anticipated it would. When the enemy had broken they had fled towards the safety of High River, Azula and General Fay-Un in hot pursuit. After dealing with the enemy holdouts Zokar had also followed, though he kept his force together and went at a slower pace. The enemy had a good start and komodo-rhinos were not built for speed, he followed rather to aid Azula and Fay-Un in case the enemy should reform.
In the end they had not and Zokar's force had killed hundreds, if not thousands, more before darkness had forced and end to the chase. The next day the weather turned foul, with heavy rains and winds which further hampered their pursuit of the foe. By the time they caught up with them the enemy had reached the village of High Ford, where they had originally crossed, and where in the process of evacuating back across the river, delaying only long enough to destroy all the boats they were not using.
From the interrogation of captured prisoners they learned that the enemy army had originally numbered over sixty thousand men. Though hard numbers were difficult to obtain; Zokar estimated that only about eight thousand of the enemy made it back across High River, the rest being killed, captured or simply vanished into the country side.
As the army rested from their rigorous chase Zokar called a council of war. There the question was raised as to wither or not to continue the pursuit across the river. Azula urged that they cross the river and attack at once. They now outnumbered the enemy three to one and the enemy was still little more than a disorganized mob, if they struck immediately the enemy would be completely crushed.
In this she had the support of General Fay-Un and the Twins. Fay-Un was exhilarated that it had been his Home Guard who had played the pivotal role in the battle not the regulars, who often looked down on members of the Home Guard as being inferior to them. He was also an ambitious man and knew being credited with a second victory would greatly enhance his career. The Twins supported the idea because they were chaffing at having played only a support role in the battle and were eager for second battles were they could play a more central role.
The idea was opposed by General Be Shun and Chen. To attempt to pursue, they claimed would be folly. Be Shun argued that while they did now enjoy a numerical advantage over the enemy the situation was drastically different. In the previous battle they had fought mounted and had had unlimited maneuverability. Here battle would be an amphibious assault across a river which was both wide and deep, the advantages they had enjoyed before would not be present here; plus, they would be fighting on foot this time and the lightly armored Home Guard would suffer tremendous loses.
Chen, the son of an admiral, concurred. Most of their soldiers, he argued, had no experience in handling boats, let alone assaulting across a river, doubtless while under enemy fire. They would probably lose many just getting across. Plus if the weather remained poor, as it appeared it would, they might lose their whole army just from the weather while trying to cross without the enemy having to do anything at all.
Hoong and Lǎoshǔ had said nothing. While skilled fighters they did not consider themselves strategists and were sure that the opinions of two commoners would not be welcomed. Captain Fang was not present. He had been wounded during the battle and was still too weak to leave his bed.
In the end Zokar had sided with Chen and General Be Shun. So they waited for General Hong to arrive. His arrival was delayed for nearly a week due to poor weather. Only two days after the battle, before Hong arrived, the messenger hawk had arrived from the Fire Nation ordering Zokar and Azula to return home.
Upon their return they had been welcomed by a large crowd so their arrival turned into an impromptu victory parade. Azula had basked in the cheers of the crowd, though she tried to hide it behind a mask of regal dignity. Zokar had regarded the crowd with his usual blank expression, not quite sure how else to deal with this sudden surge in his popularity.
The welcome had not, it seemed, been extended to the palace. They were instructed to rest and await the Fire Lord's summons, they waited three days. At last the summons had come this morning.
Zokar brought his mind back to the present as they entered the throne room. It seemed just the same as always. The same courtiers, the same throne and the Fire Lord behind his walls of flames looking down on them, it was just as he remembered it.
Azula, while keeping face immobile moved her eyes from side to side. Everything seemed so different than from when she had left with Zokar. She had always considered herself above those who comprised the court but now she found she felt contempt for many of them. Many of them had never seen a battlefield or shed any of their blood for the advancement of the Fire Nation.
Even Father seemed smaller. He still intimidated her and made her miss the comforting weight of Fire Fang at her side. But he no longer filled her with the awe that he had before. When she looked up at him he seemed less like an all-powerful monarch and more like a manipulative man terrified of losing power and seeing threats where the was none; and those who made up the court were the same.
They depended on their wealth and family connections to protect them and advance their fortunes. She had been like them once and the thought filled her with disgust. They were so small and petty, scheming to embarrass each other at the next banquet or party while others fought for them and the Fire Nation.
Some here she knew had been among those who had turned on her when she had been in disgrace now since her return to grace they rushed to regain her favor. She had known that they would of course, it was how the game was played, but still it annoyed her. She was now a warrior, one blooded in battle, and these courtiers and there games seemed meaningless.
They were not of course and she knew that as well. For the moment she was safe, relatively, from Father's wrath. He could not publically move against her after they had won a great victory. But past successes soon faded from memory. If she wanted to keep herself, as well as Zokar, safe she needed to ensure that they accomplished something that would not fade from memory.
With this in mind she had been busy among the members of the court. She had past among them; calling in old favors, promising new ones, threatening to reveal hidden secrets and more. All to garner the support that she would need to give Zokar that opportunity to do just that. Indeed, there was only such feat left; command of the army that would resume the siege of Ba Sing Se.
The drill would be ready in less than a year and with the way now open there was nothing to prevent the siege from recommencing; with the drill there was no way the walls could hold them out and whoever was in command would become immortal as the one who claimed the prize that had eluded the Fire Nation for nearly a century. She just had to ensure that that commander was Zokar. With him in command, and herself at his side, she could secure her position as heir and Zokar's reputation as the greatest general in Fire Nation history would be ensured, as would his safety from Father's displeasure.
At last they reached the throne and bowed. Zokar looked up at the throne and stared at the flames that surrounded the throne. The Fire Lord remained silent for several seconds, clearly a pause for dramatic effect, and then he began to speak.
"I rejoice to learn of your efforts in the colonies. You have rooted out corruption and restored order to the territories. Your efforts have been of great value to our nation General Zokar."
"I thank you my lord." Zokar said simply.
"However," Ozai said, not bother to acknowledge Zokar's words; "I am rather disturbed by the reports I have received regarding the battle."
"My lord?" Zokar asked, making sure to keep his voice neutral.
"According to the reports we received from General Fay-Un your performance in the battle was less than exemplary. Indeed, it seems from the reports that we received you yourself hung back from the majority of the battle, only intervening near the end of the battle, leaving Princess Azula and General Fay-Un to do the majority of the battle. After the battle you mounted a half-hearted pursuit and refused to cross High River and engage the remnants of the enemy army, even though you were advised to do so and outnumbered them nearly three to one."
Zokar felt an uncharacteristic surge of anger as the Fire Lord spoke, while behind him he heard Azula gasp. In fact much of the anger was not directed at either the Fire Lord or Fay-Un but at himself. How had he missed this? He had known about Azula and yet he had not even suspected Fay-Un, he had underestimated the Fire Lord, a bad mistake.
Though inwardly he raged outwardly his face remained expressionless. He forced the emotions down and calm to return. Emotions solved nothing; he had to remain calm and clear if he were to repair the damage that had been done.
"My lord…" he began but got no further as the Fire Lord dropped the flames around him and raised a hand, silencing him.
"I do not suspect you of any wrong doing, of course, you are a member of the royal family and no member of the royal family would ever be lax in the execution of their duties. Your efforts in dealing with corruption and mismanagement in the colonies prove that. As for the battle, I rather blame myself. Clearly I returned you to battle before the wounds you received in your duel had completely healed, which, as can be seen from the reports, effected your performance and judgment.
"In view of this, I have come up with a plan to ensure your health and make best use of your abilities. I am relieving you of your field command and granting you ownership of the Dragon Fire estate. You shall retire there for a month and rest. Afterwards you shall return to the capital and take up your new duties; as commander of the Home Guard."
As the court buzzed with this news Zokar kept his gaze straight ahead. Well played, well played indeed; he thought. Yes, he had been played quite well; the Fire Lord had really done it this time.
The Dragon Fire estate, so named for the number of fire lilies that grew there, was a princely gift. It was a large estate with a mansion and several hundred acres of beach, fields, forests and mountains. It was commonly used by the royal family as a vacation home and hunting retreat. It, combined with his royal allowance and income from his businesses and investments, meant that he would be able to live in the highest style and comfort for the rest of his life.
By giving him command of the Home Guard he was now charged with planning and organizing the defenses of the Fire Nation from both rebellion and invasion. He would also be charged with the enforcement of the county's laws. Indeed, the commander of the Home Guard always received the title of Guardian of the Nation.
But neither was meant as a rewards and everyone here knew it. By sending him to Dragon Fire, several days away from the capital, the Fire Lord was ensuring he would quickly fade from the public eye. While ensuring that Azula and Fay-Un got all, or most, glory for the battle.
As for his new command that was a joke. The Fire Nation had not been invaded in more than a century and did not look to be invaded for another century. To the regular military the Home Guard was made up of those either too young or too old or those trying to get the benefits of military service without having to actually serve in the real military, which meant they probably couldn't hack it.
Command of the Home Guard was usually given to an older officer as a cushy final post before he retired. They were not even invited to strategy meetings. It was a dead-end post, a comfortable dead-end post, but still a dead-end post. He had gone from commanding an army to being the nation's chief thief-catcher, and everyone here knew it.
They were soon dismissed and he returned to his quarters. The Ash Knights were present, as was Azula. They all knew what had transpired and were more than a little upset about it. He cut their protests short with a raised hand and retired to his private rooms for about twenty minutes. When he returned he had a number of scrolls with him. He indicated for them to sit and Tala poured them drinks. After they all had their drinks he began to speak.
"You have all heard what has transpired so I need not repeat it."
"My lord," Chan said; "Surely there is something that can be done."
Zokar shook his head. "No, not at present, the Fire Lord has spoken and his word is law. At present, the only reason I would be returned to the front was if some disaster occurred there, and I would not have that just to save my pride and career. No, for now there is nothing I can do for myself, but you," he turned to look at each of his knights in turn; "There is."
He brought forth the scrolls he had brought with him. He gave one to each of them and then a second to Hoong and Lǎoshǔ. "These," he said, indicating the second scrolls he had given Hoong and Lǎoshǔ; "Are titles of nobility. While I fear they have no lands attached to them it is my right, as a member of the royal family, to elevate you to the nobility as a reward for your loyal service. Congratulations; Lords Hoong and Lǎoshǔ.
"The rest of them are recommendations from me to the other commanders in the field. With these you can doubtless join any commander you wish. I do not doubt in time each of you will be able to gain commands of your own."
"You are sending us away?!" Lǎoshǔ cried in shock, and the others looked the way he sounded.
"I know each of you would rather go with me. But that would be a waste of all of your talents and I would not have that; so I am granting you leave from my service. Remember, however, that this is only leave. If and when I am again sent to the front I shall recall you."
They all sat in silence for a time and then Chen forced a smile. "Well, I suppose it would be a trifle overkill." At everyone's curious looks he continued, his voice taking on a dramatic tone. "Well, just picture it. Us, swords held aloft, bellowing our war cry at the top of our lungs as we rode at full speed," and here his voice took on a rueful tone; "In pursuit of a couple of truant students."
For a moment the others just stared at him. Then the Twins began to chortle, then to laugh out loud. Soon they were all laughing so hard tears ran down their cheeks.
He dismissed them shortly afterwards to enjoy the celebrations in the city and to begin making preparations for their departure. Though they all tried to remain solemn they all had looks that combined sadness and anger and they all looked to be on the verge of tears. After they had gone there only Azula remained.
"Zokar…" she began, but Zokar cut her off.
"I know; you had nothing to do with this. We both underestimated Fay-Un."
"He'll regret this!" Azula spat. "I'll make sure of that!"
"I don't doubt it." Zokar said dryly.
"This isn't over." Azula said. "I'll not see one of the best generals in the Fire Nation cashing students. This is politics, my field of expertise. You just leave this to me. I'll get you reassigned, and make Fay-Un rue the day he messed with the royal family." This last being said in a low hiss.
"I thank you but urge you not to do anything that might endanger your newly regained standing."
"As if I would be that careless." She snorted. "Besides, this isn't just about you." This last being said in a low, strange tone of voice.
As she left to return to her rooms she paused at the door and turned back. "Zokar," she paused as if unsure of what to say, finally settling for; "Thank you." And then she was gone.
As Azula headed for her rooms she seethed internally. How dare that little spider-rat Fay-Un do this! It was not just the way he had stabbed Zokar in the back, by attacking a member of the royal family he was showing a lack of respect for all of its members. When she was done with him he would know not to make that mistake again. Still, she had to calm down, she told herself. She had told Zokar she would fix this and she would.
Father had to know that Fay-Un's report was a distortion of the truth. He was just using it as an excuse to get rid of Zokar. Which meant he probably did not look too kindly on her just now for her failing to act to bring Zokar down as ordered, though it appeared as though he was willing to overlook that for the moment, she could not be sure how firm her standing was right now.
She would not be surprised to learn it still wasn't very firm. She was sure that he suspected she was in collusion with Zokar. Though she wasn't sure if Zokar thought of it she was sure Father was deliberately separating them to keep them from working together, as commander of the Home Guard he would be expected to spend a great deal of time traveling about the country inspecting Home Guard units and fortifications, though she was sure most of them had fallen into ruin a long time ago.
Still, before she could act she had to know where she stood with Father. So she was pleased to learn, upon reaching her rooms, that she was commanded to join the Fire Lord for dinner that night. At the appointed time so went to Father's quarters. To her surprise she found that places had been set for three.
When the Fire Lord appeared he was escorted by his new wife, Fire Lady Oriole. She was of medium height; it annoyed Azula that the other girl was taller than her, with the black hair, pale skin and golden eyes typical of the Fire Nation population. Though she wore her hair in an elaborate fashion and wore the royal robes and jewelry she looked more like a little girl playing grown up.
Though she was obviously trying to carry herself with the regal bearing expected of a member of the royal family she could not quite pull it off. Partially it was due to her obvious unease and partially due to the fact she was undergoing a growth spurt. This resulted in her having a rather gangly figure which hindered her efforts to move with the expected air of regal dignity.
Though Azula knew Oriole was herself a firebender she did not carry herself as one. Indeed the girl seemed to be highly nervous. She obviously knew Azula's reputation and clearly feared her. The old Azula would have been thrilled by this and actively encouraged it. Now such things seemed petty and demining to her, she had more important things to worry about.
Ozai indicated Oriole with a fake smile. "May I present your new mother, Fire Lady Oriole of the Tsao family. Lady Oriole, meet your daughter, and my heir, Princess Azula."
Azula nearly growled in anger. She had hated doing this with her own mother, it was doubly worse doing it with this slip of a girl; but she had to do it. Reminding herself that she had more important battles to fight; she came forward and bowed. "I greet you, Mother."
Perhaps sensing the barely hidden hostility in Azula's words Oriole started slightly and her hands started to come up to cover her stomach, which Azula now saw was just beginning to swell with pregnancy. Ozai saw the movement as well and gave her a look that caused her to cringe slightly.
Gathering her courage Oriole drew herself to her full height and placed her hands in her sleeves and nodded in acknowledgement of Azula's bow. "I greet you as well, Daughter, and I rejoice at your safe return." She did well, her voice didn't tremble and she managed to keep most of the fear she was clearly experiencing out of her voice.
The dinner past slowly and was clearly painful for most of those there. Azula clearly saw what was going on, Father was showing her that he did not need her anymore and would disregard her in an instant if she crossed him again. Oriole was clearly terrified of both her husband and her stepdaughter, flinching and cringing whenever one of them spoke to her.
While Ozai was clearly annoyed by this it also seemed to give him a perverse pleasure and he seemed to make a habit turning the conversation to topics that made her uneasy. Watching him Azula felt disgust, such petty cruelty was unseemly, Zokar said so and she agreed with him now, it made Father seem more like a school bully than a Fire Lord. That she had been the same way disgusted and embarrassed her. All this, when combined with the knowledge that Father was still treating her like a pawn, to be used and manipulated at his whim, further angered her and made the evening seem to go even slower.
Three days later Zokar arrived at Dragon Fire. Looking down from the ridge of hills they had just crested he surveyed the estate that was now his. It was a large affair, originally a coastal defense fort, over time, as the need for such defenses declined, the royal family took it and altered it into the small palace it was now. Indeed, the only truly military thing left was the high wall.
The whole affair was situated on a hill overlooking the beach. Behind Zokar the hills gave way to wide grassy planes where the fire lilies that gave the estate its name grew. Further back were great forests that teamed with game animals and rising in the distance, mountains.
"Master! Look at the water!" Tala exclaimed excitedly as she stared at the crystal clear water below. Instantly she seemed to realize what she had done as she fell silent and looked at him nervously. He merely nodded in acknowledgement.
Tala, though she said nothing aloud, was the only one clearly pleased with this turn of events. In the capital she was always terrified by all the officials and officers who interacted with Zokar. She knew that they would not harm her, they would not anger Zokar by touching or even insulting what they believed to be his concubine. Still, their contemptuous looks was enough to make her think for a moment that Zhao still had her and all the old terror would return.
Woo and the other servants accepted her presence and they no longer filled her with fear. Indeed Woo had become far more courteous to her since she had healed his nephew. As for Zokar; he still made her uneasy, as he seemed to do to everyone. Still, he had kept his word and had never molested her and allowed her to use her bending again. Looking at the ocean, the chance to immerse herself completely in her element, with only her master and fellow servants around her, she saw this as being as close to complete freedom as she would ever be.
The month passed slowly for Zokar. He did not like prolonged periods of inactivity and forced inactivity was even worse. Still, he found ways to keep himself occupied; every day he trained for several hours in the morning. After lunch he would take Night Shadow over the plains. The horse loved to run and Zokar enjoyed the rush of wind on his face as they galloped hither thither and yon across the estate.
In the evenings he would often dine with members of the local gentry. Some came to solicit for favors and some came out of neighborly courtesy. He spent his nights reading in the library. Tala, naturally, loved the water. She went swimming daily, both day and night. As he watched her, at times raising herself ten or more feet into the air on a column of water, Zokar found she was actually quite a strong bender. What was more, while she swam all the fear seemed to leave her. It gave Zokar quite satisfaction to see her spirits return.
At the end of the month Zokar returned to capital to take up his duties as commander of the Home Guard. He did not remain there for long, just long enough to get the general feel for his new duties. He decided to go on an inspection tour of the various Home Guard units and the fortifications under their care.
The tour was most aggravating. While the units he inspected were diligent enough in their regular duties, mainly concerned with enforcing law and maintaining order, they had let some of their other duties slide. Many of the fortifications erected to repel foreign invasion had been allowed to fall into disrepair, some beyond salvaging. Zokar sent several requests to the capital for the necessary funding to repair or replace the damages; all had been answered by letters from the Ministry of War stating that the money was needed for the regular military for operations in the Earth Kingdom.
More satisfying were the letters he received from Azula and the Ash Knights. The Twins had rejoined their father and now each of them commanded a contingent of cavalry in his army. Chen had joined his brother and commanded the marine contingent in his brother's fleet. Hoong was stationed in the capital with the capital defense force. Lǎoshǔ had been given command of a contingent in the colonies charged with dealing with bandits who were attempting to take advantage of the army moving on.
The letters from Azula dealt mainly with the goings on at court. Though she never actually said it he knew she was attempting to get him reassigned. Zokar understood her desire for subterfuge, her letters always showed signs of being opened and then reclosed.
Several months passed and Zokar fell into a routine, he spent most of his time at his estate, coming to the capital only when necessary, knowing he was still unwelcome there. When not at his estate he would be travelling on inspections. He had found a number of Home Guard who had gotten complacent and was determined to cure them of this attitude by randomly appearing and making their lives most uncomfortable if he found them still slack in their duties. His fifteenth birthday came and went unmentioned while he was on one such inspection.
Early winter found Zokar at the capital. Since the beginning of the war the Fire Nation had celebrated the deeds of Sozin. He waited in the throne room for the Fire Lord to make the traditional speech recounting his ancestor's deed and accomplishments. At the Fire Lord's side sat Azula. Though she maintained an air of royal dignity she had made a barely perceptible nod to him when he first entered. On his left sat Fire Lady Oriole, her pregnancy now clearly visible.
At last the signal was given and all fell silent as the Fire Lord rose to deliver his address the court. Before he could begin to speak, however, there was a disturbance at the entrance to the throne room. A soldier was trying to force his way into the room. "What is the meaning of this!?" The Fire Lord roared angrily, causing the women on either side of him to flinch.
"My lord," the soldier replied breathlessly; "I bear an urgent message from the Fire Sages!" The Fire Lord, who had little time for the sages, waved the man forward impatiently. The man came forward and bowed. "My lord, the message just arrived from the Sages. They report that the Avatar has returned!"
If there was more to the message it went unheard as everyone present began to talk at once. Above it all Azula's mind reeled. The Avatar had returned! The most powerful being in the world, the represented balance in the world, which would doubtless make him or her the enemy of the Fire Nation! This had not been anticipated, it was long believe that the last Avatar died with the Air Nomads at the beginning of the war, and no one seemed to know what to do, Azula certainly didn't.
A frightened gasp came from Oriole. Looking over in annoyance at the other girl Azula saw that her stepmother was looking down into the crowd. Azula followed her gaze and gasped as well. As usual Zokar was standing slightly apart from everyone. What was not usual was his face; his usually blank expression was gone. His face was now a twisted mask of hate and rage.
The rage Azula saw dwarfed anything she had ever seen on Father's face. His eyes were twin pools of hate so intense that she shuddered and quickly looked away from them, unable to meet their gaze. His lips were pulled back in a snarl that bared his teeth. His nostrils flared and his breath came in rapid bursts. In his hand his glass crumpled as he crushed it in his rage. He suddenly turned and stormed from the room, those around him pulled back in terror as he stormed out.
Author's Notes: Well that's done, what did you'll think? In the next chapter his reasons for opposing the Avatar will be stated, as well as his opinion of Zuko. . Please keep praying for Shawn, persecuted Christians, Saeed Abedini and everyone else who needs it, including Amir Hekmati, an American in poor health being held in Iran. Bye for now and may Jesus bless you all.