Book Two: Water
Chapter 19: The Campaign of Two Nations Part 1: Royal Matrimony
Annun, Kunikluk Region, North Pole
General Senlin and Admiral Palartok awaited for the return of the ferry that came from Dahongpao. They had killed two men in the eastern region of Kunikluk. As soon they exited the capital's east entrance they passed through the village of Ikiruk in the wee hours of midnight. Slew their targets and hid their bodies and took their identification papers.
They hadn't frozen to death yet because Palartok constructed a large igloo in the outskirts of the Annun village. The interior of the igloo remained rather warm enough for both men to survive for the time being. News from the capital hasn't reached Annun yet or any of the other villages, usually the closest ones get the news first.
Senlin cackled as he continued to replay the events in his head, where he assassinated a royal family member and planted evidence that proved the Earth King called the hit. Soon everything will go according to plan, by now Kimaru should be in the Han province where they agreed to meet. He was so sure both Ba Sing Se's Upper Ring and Aupaluk's Palace would be tossed into disorder.
"We've been here for only a day, you do realize it took us two weeks to get here from Dahongpao. We should have planned better instead of taking this mission head-on. When word reaches out to the villages they'll be looking out," worried Palartok, the thought of them getting caught finally hit his mind. He was worried they would get arrested and then executed.
"Patience, Admiral Palartok. We have to remember we used fake papers they're looking for two Kingsmen with certain features," Senlin assured his partner.
"When the Northern Water Tribe prepares for war what are certain steps that are taken? Who is usually in charge of that?" he questioned Palartok. While the steps taken are always the same, there are new nobles in charge sons of the previous men who were a part of the chief's court.
"Well, the likely scenario such as is this, the Qiangda Kingdom ambassadors will be called to the palace to work out a deal with the chief. While our ambassador coaxes the Earth King in Ba Sing Se after he receives a letter," described Palartok.
"However, there's a possible scenario where the leaders of either side don't like the other too much and they begin deporting tourists and immigrants back to their nations. Unless of course, the leaders are tyrants and start killing civilians but that hasn't happened since Earth King Yao," mentioned Palartok.
"If we're stuck here they'll force the ferry to return faster?" Senlin inquired, Palartok shook his head, "No, the civilians are transported through the harbor of Aupaluk any within another region could leave through the docks of other regions. Luckily, Annun has its harbor," Palartok answered.
"Kimaru's just going to have to wait then, the Oma Kingdom will be the safest for us. Once Gao Zu hears of the war between the Qiangda Kingdom and the Northern Water Tribe, he'll shut down the borders and double the military presence in border states. He might even try taking Qiangda Kingdom territory if the army's main focus is repelling the Northie troops," stated Senlin.
"Isn't that why each province has an army and a governor as their commander?" guessed Palartok.
Senlin nodded his head, "Yes in times of war if most of the nation is fighting another, some states deploy troops around their land borders so that enemy kingdom does not take their state. Being a governor is a dangerous job, the civil war has gone on for centuries one day it can be fine and the next day you don't wake up because Oma or Qiangda Kingdom troops raided your capital and have assassinated you. At that point they anoint a superior of their army the new governor until Gao Zu or Qiang Zhen elects one," divulged Senlin.
"That is a dangerous job, but I'm assuming the pay is high," assumed Palartok.
"The pay is high, the governor owns the provincial lands, he owns the farms, the mines, the people, and is commander-in-chief of the army and navy if they have one. It always seems to be a noble from the state," commented Senlin.
"Not to mention they have executive and legislative powers, while each governor has a judicial court that solves criminal investigations and ultimately punish those criminals," added Senlin.
"Wait so if you're in the Qiangda Kingdom and I'm in the Oma Kingdom, if I kill you I become governor? Why couldn't your heir or someone below you in the office take it?" asked Palartok.
"That's what's supposed happen if the governor had a son or daughter they will likely be anointed the new governor. But sometimes, if the heir is too young someone below rank takes the seat of governor. Those people are taken to the hidden bunkers, only the governor, his family, and his guard know the location of it," Senlin elaborated.
Elder Noa's Estate, Aupaluk, North Pole
The court of nobles sat around the meeting table while Elder Noa paced around the table as he cooked another plan in his head. Elder Siku an old-aged woman with short gray hair was calm while a few others panicked. She was aware of Noa's reputation and she still wondered why Cupun had him in a position of power.
"And so what are proposing to be the next set of plans?" Elder Siku asked Elder Noa.
"There's only one way we can't trust these dirt people, the only thing we can do to protect our people and our chief, is to deport ALL Qiangda Kingdom tourists and migrants," proposed Noa.
"Elder Noa you have to stop calling them that, that's very offensive. And that's a terrible idea we can't go that route! People will start panicking," Elder Siku argued.
"We work with census to get these people out smoothly through the harbor," Elder Bato added.
"And kill anyone who refuses to obey deportation orders," said Elder Noa.
Siku exclaimed, "No! We do not allow the guards to kill civilians! Do you know what this will do, Noa? If we are to approve of this decision, we do not kill the civilians."
"I have a better alternative Elder Noa," a younger man raised his hand.
"Yes, Elder Hasook?" Elder Noa questioned him.
"Instead of killing the civilians if they refuse deportation orders, that's breaking the law. Just arrest them and lock them up as prisoners of war," said Hasook.
"You are likely turning into your father, young man. I like that idea," complimented Noa, he pointed and smiled at the young man. His father just died of natural causes and he was anointed the patriarch of his family. And as such by law he's allowed to join the court in his father's place.
"No we shouldn't do any of this, the civilians have done nothing wrong!" Siku argued with the court of nobles they all disagreed with her. It's like Noa ignored her opinions simply because she disagreed with everyone else.
"All in favor?" Noa smiled as he rose his hand in the air, Bato, Hasook, Kinto and Wei, all except Siku.
"Elder Bato?" he asked the older gentleman.
"Yes," the older man replied.
"Elder Hasook?" he questioned the young man.
"Yes," the young man answered.
"Elder Kinto?" he inquired to the middle-aged nobleman.
"Yes," agreed the nobleman.
"Elder Siku?" he asked the woman.
"No," she shook her head, she felt disadvantaged in this and she knew that Chief Cupun would have not agreed to this either.
"Elder Wei?" he wondered if the man joined them or joined Siku.
"Yes," he nodded.
"It is final then, five yes, one no. We will begin deportations soon," Elder Noa concluded.
"You're all dismissed," said Elder Noa, Elder Siku was the first one to stand up. She stormed out of the Elder Noa's estate and barked orders at her men, "Get the carriage ready, I'm ready to leave!" The guards saluted her although they knew something was wrong because Elder Siku was a kindhearted woman.
Her carriage driver was concerned about what had occurred inside the home of Elder Noa. He opened the door to the carriage and asked, "Elder Siku you seem to be upset what happened in there?"
"I will tell you when we get to the estate, it's not safe here," she declined she then stepped inside the carriage and he closed the door gently.
Elder Noa minced out of his home as he stood at the entrance of it his hands behind his back. He smirked at the woman's reaction, the youngest member of the Court of Elders approached him, "Wow she didn't like that decision."
"Hasook the Younger you will learn that there are people who are with the tribe, and people who are against the tribe," he advised the young man.
"Doesn't that make her traitor?" he guessed.
"Yes and no, it makes her unpatriotic. She's putting the civilians of other nations first, before her tribe," he replied, the young man nodded.
"I will assemble the court when I need you again," he mentioned to Hasook. The young man nodded and then walked off and gestured to his guards that he was ready.
At the same time, Chief Cupun, Prince Tulok, Princess Tanaraq, Kya, Rafa, and Niyok have arrived at the city's kashim where Ashuna the spiritual leader of the Northern Water Tribe lived with her daughter Misu. They both worked there and her daughter was her apprentice who will then take the mantle next if Ashuna passed on. The young brown-skinned, chubby girl opened the doors to the kashim and bowed to the royal family.
"Good afternoon Chief Cupun, and Prince Tulok. I am deeply saddened that you have to join us in such an uneventful manner. If you follow me I can take you to the Hall of the Dead where my mother is preparing Amak's body," she greeted the chief and prince and then commented on her thoughts about the death of Amak.
"Thank you, Misu," thanked Tulok, Rafa held onto his wife she continued to cry for the death of her son. Tulok pushed his centenarian grandmother in a wheelchair inside the kashim. A platoon of royal guards surrounded the city's kashim and watched its surroundings like arctic falcons.
Inside Ashuna along with the local alchemist Mamittuk an elderly man who was an expert on poisons examined the body further. Ashuna presented Mamittuk with the poison which he attempted to waterbend out of the small bowl.
The droplets rose out the bowl and spun them around, "Gather a bit of the boy's blood if there is any," he requested Ashuna. The old woman nodded and tilted Amak's body a bit some blood had still be fresh and it poured out into the bowl.
She laid him flat on the table again as the alchemist hovered the poison above the bowl. He dropped the poison and stared at the bowl as the two substances mixed for a few seconds. Then the blood thickened and coagulated.
"White Jade plant poison, when the poison is extracted from the leaves, it gives the victim a rash, then it shuts the trachea, and if somehow that doesn't happen. It'll thicken the blood and force a heart attack, but it's likely the boy suffocated or bled out. Tragic death indeed," explained Mamittuk.
"Thank you, Mamittuk. What would I do without you?" she thanked the master alchemist.
"You would be stumped at the substance," he laughed he then left the hall as soon as Misu, Ashuna's daughter arrived with the royal family.
The old woman knelt before everyone, "Chief Cupun, Prince Tulok, Queen Kya, once the great ruler of our tribe, Rafa and Niyok, thank you for coming."
She rose to her feet and noticed a new face, "Oh I'm sorry I didn't know there was another with you," she apologized and bowed to the girl.
"This is my bride-to-be Princess Tanaraq of the South," introduced Tulok.
"A pleasure to meet you, princess," Ashuna slightly bowed her head, Niyok screamed at the sight of her son. She ran away Ashuna snapped her fingers at her daughter and pointed toward where Niyok ran off to. It had been a signal to catch the woman so she can be comforted in her time of need.
His body was pale, and cold now his eyes were shut with glue but the mortal wound was still open. Ashuna wasn't done with the body yet but she did want to explain to Cupun and his family. She presented them the corpse, "My apologies I haven't finished preparing the body yet, but.." she apologized then pointed at the wound, "Cupun, this is where the assassin punctured Amak, the wound that killed your son, Rafa. With the help of my friend Mamittuk, we discovered the poison used was the White Jade plant. A poisonous plant that's native to the western Oma Kingdom" disclosed Ashuna.
"If you'd like I can finish the body right now and you can pray to the gods. I can get Yakone to lead you to the sanctuary," added Ashuna.
"We would like that," Rafa agreed, "Yakone!" shouted Ashuna.
A young man darted into the Hall of the Dead, "Yes Master Ashuna?" he questioned the woman.
"Kneel before your leaders, boy then answer to me," she scolded the young man.
He dropped down to his knees and kowtowed the royal family. Kya the matriarch of the royal family rolled her eyes and was annoyed, "Get up boy! You're doing too much!"
"Yes, your highness!" he tittered nervously, "I need you to lead Chief Cupun and his family to the sanctuary. Where they can pray to the gods," ordered Ashuna. The socially awkward shaman apprentice saluted Ashuna and turned around in half-circle and marched away. Tulok pushed his grandmother's wheelchair up the ramp.
Ashuna grabbed some things so she may sew the wound up before she blessed the body of the royal. Yakone led them through a long corridor, they made two lefts and eventually arrived in a large chamber with a brazier in every corner. These braziers kept the chamber warm and lit it up, the chamber was decorated with large statues surrounded by shrines for every god in the pantheon. There was an empty pedestal this was once where the statue of Atshen stood.
The incense had been lit an hour ago, as Yakone's mother Yugoda had prayed after she heard the Horn of Anguta. Kya pulled out her beads she shed tears for her grandson but she knew what death was and understood it very well. Soon Anguta will come for her too. She held tightly onto her prayer beads while Tulok and Rafa knelt to the left and right of her. Cupun sat nomad-style and lowered his head.
Cupun meditated and prayed to the pantheon he sought a reason for the death of his nephew but even he knew he shouldn't question Anguta. He began his prayer he muttered to himself, "Oh great goddess La fill me with your wisdom in these dark times. Why has Akna's son Anguta taken my nephew? Your loyal servant calls for your help. Only you know the truth of what has transpired here and I hope Tiandi can protect my people."
Yakone sat across from Chief Cupun he meditated as well he had begun to twitch as of something had been happening to him. Yakone acted as a medium for the gods or their servants to speak, Tanaraq noticed this and it's always made her uncomfortable when a shaman made a connection.
"Tulok.." she whispered.
"I think the seer is being used as a medium," she whispered to him again.
Tulok opened his eyes and saw the young man twitched in front of his father. Yakone began to speak in tongues before he fell face-first onto the ground. Tulok rushed over to the young seer and helped him up, "Are you okay?"
Chief Cupun hummed he was speaking to the ancestors if anything, but it was interrupted by Yakone, the young seer found himself disturbed. Cupun abruptly opened his eyes and was concerned with the boy's state of mind.
"What's wrong, Yakone?" he questioned the young man.
"What did the gods tell you?" he asked the young man again.
"WAR! DEATH! SUFFERAGE!" he cried out, the young man's mother rushed into the sanctuary.
"Yakone! What's wrong?" she shouted as she ran in to comfort her son. Yakone began to cry it was too much for him. She embraced her son and attempted to calm him down.
"Tell us, Yakone what happened?" she asked as she spoke to the young man in a calming tone. Kya was now frightened at what the young man yelled.
"What's he talking about?" bellowed Rafa.
"Anguta says, Amak needed to go he was a key element in the war with the Kingdoms. The northern Kingdom is angry their leader feels pain as well. Anguta has taken a soul from the northern kingdom. War is coming! Sufferage is coming! Death is coming!" he cried out, his voice quavered as tears produced in his eyes.
"A soul was taken from their kingdom? Father, what does he mean?" Tulok wondered in confusion.
"It means for war between us someone personal has been taken from the Earth King's life," Kya broke in.
"I made no orders for any soldier to take the life of anyone in the Qiangda Kingdom," Cupun grumbled in anger.
"La said it wasn't someone loyal, an old enemy of the tribe but she didn't say more. Torngark warns of treachery in the tribe and that the chief must be careful," warned Yakone.
"What can we do to stop it?" Rafa asked Yakone.
"We can't stop it, Tiandi has set it into stone, if the Earth King wants a war we'll give him a war," said Cupun.
"Father we can stop this war before it st-" Tulok attempted to reason with his father, "Cupun, listen to me. Focus on our family, focus on your's son wedding. After this is done you may focus on the war, son," his mother advised him.
"Yes, mother. Elder Noa and the others will handle the situation but you're correct. Family comes first," he agreed with his mother.
"Yakone come dear you need some rest," Yugoda told him she helped her son to his feet and led him out of the room and into a bed.
Misu entered the room she bowed her head to the royal family, "My mother is ready for you, so we can bless the body."
Rafa pushed his mother's wheelchair, while Cupun and Tulok lumbered out of the sanctuary. Rafa was concerned about his wife, "Where is my Niyok?" he inquired.
"She is waiting in the Hall of the Dead, I had one of the workers speak to her. She's gone through the same thing you and wife are going through right now," answered Misu. They were led back toward the Hall of the Dead.
They arrived in the Hall of the Dead, Niyok continued to sob for her son but she had been better than earlier. She stopped shrieking at least, Ashuna had just finished with the mix of the oil she was going to put on Amak's body. The oil was a mix of herbs from the Spirit Oasis in the city and salmon trout blood, the oil was known to have warded the body from any evil spirits and sanitized the body.
Ashuna grabbed the vase and poured the oil onto Amak's body and massaged it around from head to toe. While this happened Misu lit incense and grabbed drums and begun to hit the drums, her mother Ashuna closed her eyes and began to throat sing.
Kya, Niyok, Rafa, Cupun, Tulok, and Tanaraq prayed to Anguta so that safe passage could be granted for Amak to the Spirit World. Ashuna continued to throat sing while her daughter beat the drums on her lap. Yugoda minced inside with a small pestle filled with grounded animal bones and dried up polar leopard liver. This was rubbed onto the body's forehead and heart which allowed the spirit to transcend into the world of the living on feast day.
Yugoda had grabbed an arctic jackal-fox pelt this is one of the unique rituals only done for royals, the pelt covered his torso. This was known to be the armor he'd wear as he traveled through the path on the way to the Spirit World. Other ritual practices were performed on the body for it was ready when Ashuna stopped the throat singing and Misu stopped beating the drum, Yugoda spoke to the family, "Now you may say you're final goodbyes by kissing Amak's cheek."
Rafa picked his mother up and carried her over to her grandson's body, her thin wrinkled lips kissed his left cheek. Next was Niyok who cried uncontrollably she held a long kiss on her son's cheek, then his father Rafa, from there it was Cupun, and then Tulok. Tanaraq didn't participate because she never met him and it would be weird as a custom to do so. She sat in silence as she watched the royal family who gave their loved one their final goodbyes.
She teared up because now she remembered when she had to do this for her mother although she was very young when her mother was killed. She wiped the tears from her eyes and sniffled. Ashuna told Yugoda, "Prepare the carriage for the body with Misu," Yugoda nodded and both her and Ashuna's daughter exited the hall.
"I will need Rafa and Cupun's help," Ashuna requested both men exchanged looks and nodded.
"We're going to carry your son's body to the carriage from there, you will follow us to the cavern where your family is buried," Ashuna said, several minutes later Misu returned, "The carriage is ready, mother."
Ashuna helped Rafa and Cupun place Amak's body on a slab of wood and then like on a palanquin they carried the body toward the carriage. From there the guards assembled around the royal family and put them inside their carriages so that they could follow the body's carriage to the northeast behind the Spirit Oasis was the spirit forest, where to the right of it was a large cavern with ice gates that protected the remains of the royals.
Upper Ring, Ba Sing Se, Qiangda Kingdom
Many carriages arrived at the royal palace Guwen comforted Qiang Zhen in the throne room while royal guards were sent to escort the parents of his cousin Baotong to the palace. Qiang Zhen cried on his throne his royal guards saddened at the immediate loss of the heir apparent but Guwen was right he needed to wed so that he had more heirs.
A guard entered the throne room, "Lord Guwen, the mass of nobles have assembled outside is King Qiang Zhen ready? The nobles are worried Qiang Zhen passed," he inquired to the adviser.
Guwen shook his head, "No he's not ready, his mother Ting will stay here to comfort him. I'll speak to the crowd."
A short, chubby woman appeared from the left-wing of the palace she was in extravagant light green robes with floral designs embroidered into the robes. His mother wore a headdress and a bun her hair was mostly gray with a streak of black that remained.
Her green eyes were the color of jennamite. She held her son tightly, "Look at me Qiang Zhen, I know that Baotong was killed but you need to be calm. For your family and your kingdom. Remember you are the Earth King and the people need their Earth King in these dark times."
Zhang Youlang interrupted this comforting moment when he and his guards entered the throne room he was filled with joy when he saw his future son-in-law's face. Qiang Zhen's eyes were red with sorrow, his mother was angry however but her mood changed when she recognized the nobleman.
"Thank Yama it wasn't you! I heard the Horn of Quietus!" frowned Youlang.
"Zhang Youlang my son is grateful that you checked in on him, I thank you. He is safe but the heir apparent was assassinated by a Northern Water Tribe assassin," she thanked the nobleman and then disclosed the new information.
He fell to his knees, "No...what?" he paused. "The assassin w-was s-sent by Chief C-cupun," he replied in between sobs.
"The Northern chief broke the treaty? The Northern chief broke the treaty!" Youlang questioned it then repeated it in anger.
"You have to do something, call the ambassadors, who's taking charge of this?!" grumbled Youlang.
"Lord Guwen will be making the decisions, my son is unable," Ting commented.
Guwen exited the palace a large crowd of nobles stood on the courtyard of the palace, the royal guards were right behind him. He shouted, "The Earth King is still alive! But a royal family member has indeed fallen! Earth Prince Baotong who was the heir apparent to the throne has been assassinated. If you will all stand in silence with me for a few seconds so we may our respects to the fallen prince." The crowd gasped and stayed silent while they paid their respects to the Earth Prince.
Guwen knew that if he told them who was involved in the assassination the nobles would have panicked or even attacked their neighbors in the city. So he kept to himself but he added, "We don't know who's involved but as soon as we know, the king will assemble the court and the town criers will announce it!" Guwen turned around the guards right behind him as he entered the palace, Baotong's parents were escorted through the secret entrance of the palace so they remained unaware of the situation.
When Guwen entered the throne room it was the same time that Baotong's parents came through the east wing of the palace. The remaining members of the family were Qiang Zhen, his mother Ting, and Baotong's parents Songli and Mang. The hurtful thing here is that Songli and Mang had already lost a son to the civil war Shin-su, Baotong's older brother. Now Baotong was assassinated and it left both parents childless. No heir to continue their bloodline but they didn't know.
Songli scanned the throne room she counted everyone who was there, "Wait so who passed away? I see everyone in here but my Baotong." She gasped when she said her only son's name, "Baotong! Noo!" she screamed she fell to her knees. Her husband Mang ran over to his wife's aid and embraced her. Ting, Qiang Zhen's mother nipped over to the mother who mourned another death of one of her children.
"Why has Yama done this to us?! WHY!" She screamed hysterically.
"I am here Songli, I have your back and while Baotong is no longer with us, you can spend the next few days in the palace for comfort while the soldiers transport Baotong's body back to the city. Don't worry we'll handle the burial, it's the least we can do for you," comforted Ting.
Ting was a strong woman she's gone through so many hardships and so many deaths her husband was assassinated as well, then fell her nephew Shin-su, Songli and Mang's firstborn, then her father-in-law Ta Po and now her nephew Baotong was gone. She knew that people were born, they live, and then they die and such is the process of life. She needed to be strong for her family she anointed Guwen to run things while her family mourned the loss of Baotong.
"Lord Guwen what are the next things we should do?" wondered a royal guard.
"Call for the Council of Five and Aupaluk's Minister of Diplomacy," Guwen ordered a royal guard, he saluted his superior and replied, "Yes, Lord Guwen."
Meanwhile, the royal family had finally gone toward the cavern near the large spirit forest on the outskirts of Aupaluk. The carriage of the royal family came to a halt as did the carriage that carried Amak's body. They ventured inside the cavern while Rafa and Cupun carried the body of Amak on the wooden slab.
The snow was too deep for the wheelchair to be pushed so Tulok carried his grandmother inside the cavern. Tulok was only ever in there once and he never remembered much of it at all. He asked, "Is this really where everyone in our bloodline has been buried?"
"Yes," his father answered.
"Even to the FIRST chief of the Northern Water Tribe?" he inquired again, "Yes, son. Even Chief Sivullik" responded Cupun.
"Woah," he uttered, Tulok was fascinated with that even the very first chief of Aupaluk was buried here along with all of his ancestors. The various tribes came together and built Aupaluk to bring the tribes all together and united as one. They elected Cupun and Tulok's ancestor Sivullik as the first hereditary chief of the Northern Water Tribe.
Ashuna came to an empty spot she stood in a ma bu stance and formed a rectangle the size of Amak's body. Then she pushed down the ice sunk and her daughter removed the snow, Cupun and Rafa lowered the body while Niyok tried to jump into the grave with her son. Tanaraq held the woman back and squeezed her tight, she sobbed uncontrollably. Misu hovered the snow over the body and then gently lowered the snow over and hardened it into ice.
"On this day, my grandchild enters the Spirit World may he join my daughter-in-law and his grandfather," whispered Kya she closed her eyes Rafa offered to take his mother-in-law from his nephew's hands. Kya changed hands and Rafa took his mother-in-law in his hands. The royal family exited the royal burial cavern along with Ashuna, and Misu.
At the same time, Rong Yan entered the personal kashim of Chief Cupun inside he meditated and from him emanated the spirit of Avatar Ku Tei. The old war general gazed into the overwrought eyes of his successor.
"Rong Yan, what's wrong? You don't look to be in a good state of mind," Ku Tei asked with concern.
"The world is falling into chaos again, the Northern Water Tribe's Chief's nephew was assassinated by an assassin of the Qiangda Kingdom last night. The scroll that was discovered by his body was forged with the signature of Earth King Qiang Zhen. The ambassador who examined the scroll said it was fake and was missing the stamp. But one of the elders from the court arrested the ambassador before she was able to examine it. As of now, they're preparing for war while the chief is in mourning," explained Rong Yan.
"By Qin's beard that's not a good thing someone is toying with these governments and whoever assassinated the chief's nephew wants the war to continue," Ku Tei gasped.
"One more thing, General Senlin wasn't killed when he invaded the Jongmu Air Temple. He survived the fall. When I spoke to Avatar Kwan Chun he told me he might have survived with an earth tomb," mentioned Rong Yan.
"An earth tomb is basic training for a soldier of the Qiangda Kingdom, it's to save them from natural rockslides or other things that can happen unnaturally," answered Ku Tei.
"Oh gods, Senlin is restarting the war. You need to take this information to Chief Cupun when you have the chance. It's the only way he'll listen to you," advised Ku Tei.
"I can't he's only focusing on his son's wedding and his nephew's funeral, as of now only the court of nobles will take any information. I was threatened by the lead elder of the court that if I interfered he would have me arrested," said Rong Yan.
"Something's going on here and I don't like it one bit, you need to take it to Cupun or even the chief's heir. Someone with higher power than the lead elder," Ku Tei commented.
"If Senlin is trying to start the war again, would he have done something to the Qiangda Kingdom?" wondered Rong Yan.
"Senlin is a conniving evil man anything's possible, but you can't reach Ba Sing Se in time," replied Ku Tei.
"Is Thod still alive?" asked Ku Tei, Rong Yan nodded, "Yes but even Elder Noa won't allow Thod to get involved with the situation. Someone equal to Noa's power can order Thod and send him to Ba Sing Se."
"Yes that's a likely scenario, find Thod and repeat this plan to him and only keep to your friends to trust at the moment. How goes your waterbending training and how is Naartok?" he questioned Rong Yan.
"My waterbending training is going well, I met a bloodbender who removed the spiritual blockage from my spiritual body that allowed me to communicate with Avatar Mun Jin. Since then I have been able to learn waterbending at a normal rate and I can project my spirit like Avatar Anana before you," reported Rong Yan.
"Master Naartok is doing well he misses you," added Rong Yan, Ku Tei lowered his head as if he was downcast, all his friends missed him as did the most in the Qiangda Kingdom.
"I miss him, Sun Wu, and Yong Ten, how I long to see my friends. The only one I've reunited with a few years ago was Chunen, my old firebending master," commented Ku Tei.
"The Spring Equinox is nearing in a week if the chief won't listen to you then he'll listen to Avatar Ku Tei," mentioned Ku Tei.
"The Spring Equinox is the Prince's wedding with the Princess of the South Pole, he'll be very busy that day. I'll try my best," Rong Yan responded.
Ku Tei's spirit dispersed and Rong Yan stood up his past life believed it was Senlin behind this entire mess. But even if he could have convinced the chief about all this, Dashi was falsely imprisoned and Noa's hatred for the Qiangda Kingdom is what kept this from being stomped out. Now he had to seek an elder who wasn't on Noa's side. But he didn't know who it was but he knew that Thod knew who was. He left the kashim and headed toward the Southern Water Tribe embassy. If someone knows where Thod lived it was Naartok.
Lord Guwen entered the war room he sat next to Qiang Zhen's throne within the war room, he sighed. It hadn't been used since Ta Po during the Thirty Year War. Qiang Zhen wasn't too much involved in the civil war most of the actions that were decided were amongst the Council of Five. Qiang Zhen only approved the decisions. Five high-ranked members of the Qiangda Kingdom's military entered the war room the Council of Five ranged from a middle-aged man to an old man, they were different shapes and sizes.
Each of them bowed to the advisor of the Earth King, "Ahh Lord Guwen, it is good to see you again. How is the young Earth King doing?" inquired General Ren.
"Not well, his heir apparent has been assassinated," replied Guwen, Ren frowned, "That's not good, do we know who?" he asked.
"Prince Baotong's body was found with a dagger plunged into his chest, the dagger itself was of Northern Water Tribe origin, his throat was slit and his genitals castrated. There were other clues left behind one of them were the identification papers of a man named Sagluruk. According to Kunlun City's census, this man came with minstrels. The bards were questioned but even they didn't notice anything suspicious about the assassin," summarized Guwen.
"The most important clue that was found was a scroll signed by Chief Cupun of the Northern Water Tribe. It detailed a hit on Prince Baotong while he spread our King's 'propaganda' in the Kunlun province. We believe Cupun has broken the treaty, while Qiang Zhen and his family mourn the loss of the prince, his mother anointed me the one responsible for accomplishing our next steps. I've sent men for Minister Iglaak he shall be arriving shortly," concluded Guwen.
"May I see the document?" asked General Tsuyo-sa, Guwen placed the document in a small box made of earth and earthbent the box. It slid across the world map at a swift speed to the general. He opened the scroll and with the signature, he read its contents, that's when Ambassador Iglaak was escorted in by two royal guards.
"Lord Guwen, Generals Qingbao, Ren, Rongyu, Sudu, Tsuyo-sa, a pleasure to see you all. What do you require of me?" he questioned the men. Tsuyo-sa turned around and handed the rolled-up scroll to the Minister of Diplomacy from the North.
"Explain this," Tsuyo-sa said.
"I requested your presence, Minister. We need you to check the authenticity of this official document," Guwen mentioned to the Minister. Iglaak read the scroll and then gasped but then he contained himself.
"While I am shocked that I'm reading this, this document does not come from Chief Cupun," assured Iglaak.
"Do tell," added Rongyu.
"First there is no seal on the scroll, second the scroll is written in Kingsmen language, not Tribesmen language," acknowledged Iglaak.
"But he could've written it in Kingsmen language to the assassin," commented General Sudu.
"What ethnic origin is of the assassin?" questioned Iglaak.
"Northern Water Tribe," responded Guwen.
"Any official document to a hireling will be written in Tribesmen language so that isn't easily translated by the enemy party. In this case, if Cupun wanted to be discreet he wouldn't even have had the assassin leave the scroll as evidence. What else was left behind?" Iglaak explained.
General Rongyu agreed with Iglaak, "He's right this is planted evidence by a third-party, if an assassin killed Baotong and was ordered by Cupun, they would remain discreet about it. The assassin wouldn't be sloppy and leave behind identification papers and a fake scroll with a forged signature. Someone wants us at war with the Northern Water Tribe, but who?" he wondered.
"Do you think this third-party was also involved with the recent assassinations of government officials?" General Qingbao brought up.
"It could be a possibility," Guwen agreed, "Thank you for this, Iglaak. We thought for a second something worse was happening," he thanked the minister. Iglaak bowed and was dismissed.
"So then what do we do?" General Ren asked.
"We look for this Sagluruk," suggested General Sudu.
"No, that would take too long, allow the governors to do their searches," disagreed General Tsuyo-sa.
A scout rushed into the war room. He saluted everyone in the room Tsuyo-sa turned his attention to the scout, "What do you report?" he questioned the scout.
"There is Northern Water Tribe troop movement in northeastern Hankou province, we believe they've just arrived. They're located near the coast and close by the Gangdise Shan mountain range," reported the scout.
"They're already here?! How many?" exclaimed General Ren.
"I only saw a platoon, sir," answered the scout.
"Send someone on a flying beast to Governor Jiangren Shang, I want him to deploy a troop of fifty men to the northern coast of Hankou and eliminate any Northie troops," ordered Lord Guwen.
General Tsuyo-sa volunteered, "I'll take the orders to a scribe and then have Qiang Zhen stamp it."
Guwen shook his head, "King Qiang Zhen is not to be disturbed at the moment, general. You will bring it here to me and I will stamp it. You are dismissed."
"Minister Iglaak will find out eventually that we turned against the North, my lord," commented Qingbao.
"Are we to trust Minister Iglaak? He could be lying to us, Qingbao," argued Ren.
"Ren you can't be serious, he seemed truthful and he was right, why would an assassin leave such a mess?" Qingbao questioned Ren.
"Could be a double agent," Ren answered, Rongyu rolled his eyes.
"You are all dismissed, for now, when we receive a report from Governor Shang in Hankou we will continue with the next step," Guwen told the Council of Five.
Meanwhile, Rong Yan found himself in the Southern Water Tribe embassy in Aupaluk he opened the door to the embassy as the guards saluted the Avatar. He remembered the layout of the building and went to Naartok's office he knocked on the door, "Come in!" answered Naartok.
"Rong Yan, are you sure you're not tired from training this morning?" he questioned his student.
Rong Yan shook his head, "No this is a different matter, do you know where Thod is? I spoke to Ku Tei and he told me Thod could help out."
"You spoke with Ku Tei? What did he say?" he asked Rong Yan.
"Yes, he told me to speak with Thod that he could help find out what's going on. And he said he misses you, Yong Ten, and Sun Wu," replied Rong Yan.
Naartok nodded his head, "I miss him too."
"Now on to your request, I can take you to Thod's estate he lives in the northeastern area of the upper district of the city. What can Thod do?" he stated then he inquired further.
"Thod is the ambassador he could send a scroll to the Earth King and find out what's going on," responded Rong Yan.
"I'm quite busy right now but here's this map of the area," Naartok said as he pulled out a map of the area.
With an inked quill he circled Thod's estate with ink and handed it to Rong Yan, "His estate isn't far from the embassy you'd only have to walk about five blocks, good luck to you." Rong Yan grabbed the map and darted out of Naartok's office within the embassy.
Several minutes later, he finally arrived in front of the gates of Thod's estate a walrus bear was painted on the doors of the estate. Rong Yan believed this to be the family's animal, two men stood watch in front of the gates and told Rong Yan, "State your business."
"Master Naartok gave me the location to Ambassador Thod's home I need to speak with the ambassador it is very important," he told the guards.
"Open the gates," he told his co-worker.
"Ynook what are you doing?" the other questioned his co-worker.
"That's the Avatar, fool. Lord Thod said we only keep out Elder Noa and his men out," exclaimed his co-worker.
The guard sighed and listened to his friend Ynook they both opened the gates to the estate. In the courtyard was Thod with his grandson who was maybe about seven-winters-old. The boy had unlocked waterbending and the family was very happy.
He taught his grandson to stream the water as it was commonly called, Thod jerked his head over to the gates which opened. He saw the young Fire Nation man had entered his estate he lumbered toward the Avatar to greet him.
"Avatar Rong Yan what a pleasant surprise," he smiled at the Avatar, the boy continued to stream the water while he ignored what happened around him.
Thod bowed to the Avatar and then inquired, "Is there anything I can help you with?"
"I spoke with my past life he believes that General Senlin is trying to start the war again, he told to me to repeat this to you. And that you know who can order you to Ba Sing Se to find out what's going on," summarized Rong Yan.
"I know of someone who has always opposed Elder Noa, Elder Siku. She doesn't live too far from here. If you can get to her estate and speak to her she can send word here and I'll leave tonight," stated Thod.
"Be careful Rong Yan, I don't trust Elder Noa. Something's wrong with him he might be a loyalist to a third-party," warned Thod.
Rong Yan bowed to Ambassador Thod and made his way out of the estate's courtyard. At the entrance, he questioned the guards at the gate, "Do you know where Elder Siku lives?"
"Yes, she lives not too far from here I'd say about a block down," nodded one of the men he turned to his co-worker, "Right Ynook?"
"One block, third estate to the right," he conceded, Rong Yan ran off down the street.
Eventually, he reached Elder Siku's estate the guards noticed him and bowed before Rong Yan, "Avatar Rong Yan, Elder Siku told us if we saw you to flag you down. She seeks to speak with you."
"Can you take me to her?" Rong Yan wondered, "We can't but the men inside would be more than happy to assist you," one of the guards noted.
They opened the gates to the estate and allowed Rong Yan inside one of the men inside hinted, "Elder Siku awaits your arrival, Avatar. I will be more than happy to take you to her." He led Rong Yan inside the home of the elder and toward her dining hall.
The older woman sat at the far end of the dining table where she ate dinner along with her family. Other noble family members within her home, a man and a woman, two young women and, three children sat around the table. She swallowed her food while the guard entered with Rong Yan, "My apologies Elder Siku but Avatar Rong Yan is here," apologized the guard he reported to his boss.
She looked at Rong Yan and smiled, "Avatar Rong Yan I thank Tiandi for allowing you to come this way. We need to speak privately it is urgent."
She rose from the table and excused herself from the dining table she led the young Avatar to her living room where she sat down on a pillow platform. Rong Yan was given a chair by an estate guard, where he sat down on and waited for the old woman to speak.
"You're here about what happened back at the palace with Dashi, are you not?" she questioned him, he nodded, "Yes actually I am. I have information to give you and I want to suggest something as well."
"While Ambassador Dashi was arrested by Elder Noa, Ambassador Thod ordered a guard from the palace to retrieve him the scroll that was supposedly sent by the Earth King. We took the scroll to the prison where Dashi is currently being held, Warden Sangok took us to her cell where she examined the scroll. She explained to us that it was fake, the seal had no insignia and there was no official stamp," summarized Rong Yan.
"Can you clarify more about this stamp?" she asked Rong Yan.
"According to Ambassador Dashi, the stamp is placed on documents that are officially approved by the Earth King. Whoever wrote this letter, didn't know this and so, therefore, it is fake. There's a third-party involved here that wants the Qiangda Kingdom and the Northern Water Tribe at war with each other," Rong Yan disclosed.
"I'll have my scribes write a scroll signed with my name on it, you don't need Cupun or Tulok. Elders have enough executive power to order ambassadors and other diplomats. Take the scroll to Thod as soon as possible. But have him leave to the Southern embassy, tell Naartok that he owes me a favor. With that favor he could send Thod off to Ba Sing Se on a mammoth bustard," she explained the plan to Rong Yan.
"What's a mammoth bustard?" Rong Yan wondered confused.
"A mammoth bustard is arguably the largest and fastest flying creature in the North Pole, it's a gigantic wooly bird, most of the population here in the North Pole are tamed. There is however a breed known to the Natignak region, but the storms out there are powerful and dangerous," she informed the Avatar.
She gestured a guard to walk forward, "Yes, Elder Siku?"
"Call in Scribe Hiryu I need to him to write me a scroll," requested Siku, the guard nodded and ran off.
Minutes later, a middle-aged Water Tribe man ran in with parchment, an inkpot, and a quill. "You require of me, Elder Siku?"
"Yes, dear. I need you to write a letter," she told the man, he quickly prepared everything for the letter.
He dipped the quill into the ink first as she began, "To Earth King Qiang Zhen, this is Elder Siku of the Northern Water Tribe. We have found the body of Chief' Cupun's nephew Amak, the evidence left behind was the identification papers of a Qiangda Kingdom man, a dagger of Qiangda Kingdom origin and a scroll from you detailing the assassination of a royal family member," she began, while the scribe continued to write.
"It has thrown the tribe into disarray with many thinking you have broken the treaty, while the court disagrees with me I needed to learn exactly what was going on. Dashi says the scroll that we found was a fake and I believe her," she continued.
"We believe a third-party is involved in this situation, I am sending Thod to speak with you and find out what happened on your end. We hope that you'll prepare a diplomatic meeting in the Baiyan Air Temple along with Hegumen R'Kang, where we could meet on neutral grounds. Regards, Elder Siku of the Northern Water Tribe," she concluded, the scribe finished writing the last bit of words. He waited for the ink to dry though before he rolled up the scroll and handed it to Rong Yan.
"Hopefully he is willing to meet in the Northern Air Temple where Hegumen R'Kang and the other abbots can keep the peace between Earth King Qiang Zhen and Chief Cupun," hoped Siku.
Rong Yan grabbed the scroll and bowed to Elder Siku before he headed out and to Ambassador Thod's home. He used his enhanced speed to sprint toward Thod's home, he only reached it in a few minutes. Rong Yan ceased his sprint in front of the gates to Thod's estate, the guards permitted him inside where Ambassador Thod had still lingered in the courtyard. Rong Yan panted but he gave Thod the scroll, "Here. Come I'll escort you myself to the Southern Water Tribe embassy," he said.
"Why the embassy?" he questioned the Avatar.
"Because Elder Siku believes it to be dangerous for you and her, Naartok owes her a favor. He'll send you to Ba Sing Se on a mammoth bustard," replied Rong Yan concerned for the ambassador's safety while in the city.
"Very well then," agreed Thod.
Dahongpao, Wuyi, Oma Kingdom
A total of seven Qiangda Kingdom soldiers rode in on ostrich horses, at the entrance of the city was an Oma Kingdom checkpoint. The most important person in Dahongpao stood to watch as she waited for the Qiangda Kingdom troops.
"Governor Cha, enemy troops are closing in what do we do?" questioned the man in charge of the checkpoint.
"Stand down, I've allowed them to enter the province they're here for someone," answered the woman, the man nodded, "Yes, Governor Lundu."
"STAND DOWN!" the captain barked at the men at the checkpoint, the men got out of their defensive stances.
The woman was of average height, tan-skinned, brown eyes, and brown hair, she was skinny, with an hourglass-shaped body, she had high cheekbones and dimples. Her hair stood up and was held by a yellow-colored headdress adorned with flowers. The makeup on her skin was white, she had a rose painted on her glabella and her nose bridge had a beautiful feather glued on it.
She minced delicately a few steps in front of her, the men on the ostrich horses came to a halt and bowed to her. She greeted them, "Welcome to Dahongpao, Lieutenant Laobing, and this is?" she questioned the old war veteran.
"This is Dimian the leader of the Terra Team, and this is his crew Mao, Chongtu, Shing, Qiji, and Sensu," he introduced the Terra Team.
"I'm sure you're eager to learn more about who you're looking for. Please follow me," she offered, she walked with such swagger as she was confident in something.
One of the Terra Team men found her attractive. Shing the youngest one smiled shyly, Chongtu the serious one smacked his friend across the chest, "Focus, Shing!"
"Sorry!" he apologized.
They strolled through the streets in a discombobulated blob as they followed the governor, the citizens stared at them. They were terrified for two reasons, first enemy soldiers walked through their capital, second, they were afraid of the new governor. The old governor, father of Cha, recently passed away and so she was the next in the line of succession. She was cruel, beautiful, and sometimes a psychopath but it's not like most of her citizens have seen that side. They only know what they've heard.
One of the low-class citizens whispered to his friend, "Jeez I wonder what they did to deserve to be escorted personally to her estate."
"Maybe they're lady-killers and she just has a fetish for enemy soldiers," the other whispered in return, his friend elbowed him, "Ow, what was that for?" he cried out using his inside voice.
"Shut up, there's a guard right there!" he scolded the man in a whisper.
They strolled toward the high-class section of Dahongpao, a nobleman caught the eye of the new governor and covered himself with his tunic and picked up the pace inside his home. Her estate was the largest of the homes in Dahongpao. She only wanted the toughest of guards as well, all the men who patrolled her estate knelt to her as if she was the Earth Queen of the Omashu Kingdom.
"Any events happen while I was gone, Mushi?" she questioned one of the men at the door.
"No, Governor Lundu. Everything is as smooth as ever," he replied.
"Good or it'll be your head," she commented, the man gulped and saluted her then powerwalked away.
"Welcome to my estate, gentlemen. Right this way," she told the Qiangda Kingdom soldiers, her guards opened the sliding doors to her home. She led them to her meeting room where she met with various other government officials, like mayors or magistrates. She sat down on her pillowed and blanketed platform on her knees.
"So, what brings you to my province?" she inquired her hands rested on her knees, she carried a sullen expression on her face.
"We're here to know if Senlin has passed through here," answered Laobing.
She looked at the old man confused as if she was to know that name, "The Great Betrayer," he added.
"General Senlin of the Qiangda Kingdom, he who betrayed the Qiangda Kingdom during the Thirty Year War," Dimian mentioned as to give further details maybe then she'd know more history.
"Noopee," she drawled out and shook her head.
"He's been going under the alias of Taofan, we were hoping the census could tell us if he's been here or not. So we can pinpoint where he's been and hypothesize where he's going," added Dimian.
"I did get the census workers to hand me records of names of every traveler who's been in the city, like you asked through the scroll I received," Cha commented.
"GOW!" she screamed, a loud squeal was heard in the distance a scribe darted into the meeting room.
The man fell to his knees with his tools and the records in his hands, they had fallen to the ground. She rolled her eyes and she taunted her scribe, "Gow, you're a mess. Clean up your act or I'll get rid of you!"
She took the parchment from the scribe's hands while he composed himself he was visibly shaken. She skimmed through the parchments of records. "T-T-T" she sounded out the letter T while she searched for the name 'Taofan'.
"Taofan, Month 2, Day 18, 657 BG – Four hours passed morning, yep he was here alright," she said.
"You got your information, what next?" she asked them, "We're hoping maybe someone here saw him and who he entered with," answered Dimian.
"You can try but I don't think you'll get that kind of information if he's wanted, he's likely working with daofei or Fifth Nation," commented Cha.
"How do you know?" inquired Laobing.
"Because I let daofei and Fifth Nation live in my city if they act out of line. They answer to me," Governor Cha disclosed to the men. Shing once again continued to give the governor the eye. She noticed this and stared back only to bore through his soul but it didn't work. He was hypnotized by her looks.
"You," she pointed at Shing, all the others turned their heads back and all eyes were on him. Gow crawled away from the governor at a rapid pace and hid.
"Stand up, soldier," she requested, he exchanged looks with everyone one of his allies. Dimian, Laobing, and Chongtu gave him the evil eye, while the others stared at him.
She mentioned then questioned the young man, "You keep leering at me and giving me the eye. Do you like what you see?" she gestured by brushing the back of her hand across her body.
"Governor Cha, let me apolo-" Dimian began he was cut off by the governor, she signaled them with her hand and shouted, "SILENCE!"
The young Terra Team member was in his late twenties, the governor was maybe in her early to mid-thirties. He was mesmerized by a siren, she whispered in his ear, "You look like you desire to lie with me." She then sucked on his ear lobe, the reaction to his skin was goosebumps across his arms, she sensually rubbed his hairy arms as well because she knew he was sexually aroused.
"Come on then, I promise you won't be an effective partner.." she offered the young man. She clutched at his left wrist and dug her nails in his skin. She led him into another hall and most likely toward her room.
"When the Earth King hears about this, Shing is so done," implied Dimian.
"Calm yourself, Dimian. The boy is young, he'll learn never to do something like this again," affirmed Laobing.
"You're right he won't because when we get home, he's off the team!" Chongtu exclaimed.
Mao giggled at Qiji, Dimian glowered at both men, "If you ever decide to do something like that you're off the team too!"
"Yes, Captain Dimian," both men said in unison.
Rong Yan and Thod had arrived at the Southern Water Tribe embassy, Rong Yan opened the door for the older gentleman. He led Thod to Naartok's office where Naartok ate a bowl of seaweed noodles for lunch, the door was open, however.
"Ambassador Thod, what brings you to the Southern embassy?" he wondered when he saw the old man and Rong Yan.
"I need to use one of your mammoth bustards to take flight to Ba Sing Se, Elder Siku told me that you can assist us," replied Thod, Naartok sucked in some more noodles while he nodded to Thod's reply.
"I can do that, what's with all the secrecy though?" he questioned both Thod and Rong Yan.
"Elder Noa doesn't want to send Thod to the Earth King, he wants a war and while Cupun is mourning for the loss of Amak and also focusing on Tulok and Tanaraq's wedding he's far too busy. He's imprisoned Dashi and according to Siku, he's going to start deporting Qiangda Kingdom citizens," summarized Rong Yan.
"Oh no, that's not very good. The Earth King will see that as a provocation," commented Naartok, he placed his bowl of noodles down.
"Come on, I'll allow you to use my Kilgik, he's the fastest mammoth bustard here," declared Naartok, he rushed down the halls of the embassy and to the stables within the compound. He led Thod to a gigantic wooly furred bird, it's squawks echoed when it saw its master, he tossed a dead fish at it.
The bustard caught the fish in its beak and swallowed it whole, "This is Thod, Kilgik. I need you to take him to Ba Sing Se, got it?" he commanded his flying beast.
"Think you can do this alone?" Rong Yan wondered.
"It's better if you stay here, I need someone to make sure Elder Siku and Ambassador Dashi are fine. Keep an eye on Elder Noa and make sure Cupun knows about this too," stated Thod.
Eight hours passed, Kilgik and Thod flew over the Hankou province's northern coast he peered down below and could see Northern warriors had built a base on the coast. They carried out large crates with the insignia of the North on them.
"What in Torngark's name are those men doing here? There's no way Cupun deployed troops on Qiangda Kingdom soil, and their uniforms are too dark to be Southern troops," soliloquized Thod.
A loud squawk was emitted from the mammoth bustard, the northern soldiers down below jerked their heads up to the sky. A large shadow overpassed above them as it flew southeast, one of the men exchanged looks with his superior, "Commander Inuksuk, a mammoth bustard is heading southeast. Do you think its someone important flying to Ba Sing Se?" he guessed as he stared at his commanding officer.
"Possibly, but here we're hidden. Its time we laid waste to the Qiangda Kingdom, soon the Earth King will declare war on the Northern Water Tribe," answered Inuksuk.
"I thought we weren't allowed to attack until Admiral Palartok gave us orders?" hinted the rebel. An arctic hare owl flew in, Commander Inuksuk raised his arm for the bird to perch on it. He removed the letter in its messenger pouch.
"Commander,
Word has gotten out here in Gongzhu, an assassin under the employ of a third-party has assassinated the Earth Prince. I believe this is Senlin leaving behind signs if he's killed the Earth King and then the Earth Prince which means something big is happening.
Rumors have gone around the Northern Water Tribe has broken the treaty, it's time."
As another turn of events, a horn echoed from the waters beyond them Inuksuk recognized this to be Captain Kireama who set sail from the province of Yang. "She's here," he uttered.
At the same time, Thod passed over the Gangdise Shan mountain range, he could see the Baiyan Air Temple clouded by a wall of clouds. The beauty of the temple took his breath away he's never actually been there.
After another hour that he passed by he finally went over the mountains and saw a troop of soldiers marching up the Gangdise Shan mountain pass. It would take them at least a day to reach the Northern Tribesmen soldiers on the coast.
"Did Cupun send those seamen to die? Unless it was Noa but Noa doesn't have military power," he thought. It was obvious the platoon of men would be overrun by Qiangda troops that marched toward the northern coast.
Meanwhile, back at Governor Lundu's estate, Shing was shoved out of Cha's room by the woman herself. He careened side to side not from injury but from love itself. Dimian and the others glanced at him and then locked their eyes on him.
Laobing had fallen asleep, Mao shook the old man. "Wake up! He's out!" Mao called the old man.
"You idiot!" Chongtu scolded Shing.
"How'd it go?" hinted Qiji, Shing giggled, "It was amazing."
"After we go back to Ba Sing Se, you're losing your job!" Chongtu threatened the young man.
Finally, Governor Cha exited her room she patted herself down and smoothed out any wrinkles from her robes. She offered Laobing and Dimian, "I will personally escort you myself to Full Moon Bay, they won't talk to you. But the daofei fear me, they'll spill the beans."
Dimian chuckled at Shing because he performed well and that was good enough to convince the governor to help them out. Dimian shook his head, "You're staying with us, I won't tell Qiang Zhen what happened here."
Three Days Later
Elder Noa strolled through the courtyard of the royal palace on his way to the barracks, he ran into the captain of the guard who saluted him. Elder Noa's arms were behind his back and Captain Sokka greeted the man, "Good morning Elder Noa, have you come to see Chief Cupun?" he asked the elder.
"No, I came to give you your orders for the day," he declined, "Certainly," Sokka slightly nodded his head.
"You are to start deportations of Qiangda Kingdom tourists, and migrants who haven't obtained citizenship. Start with the city first then I want you and your men to do the same in the Uguuruk region," commanded Noa.
Captain Sokka gazed at Noa dead in the eye he could see the man was very serious. There was no way Chief Cupun approved of this he thought but this was the Court of Nobles. They have the power to work with the embassies to do this.
"Report to the embassy and gather records of every person from the Qiangda Kingdom there. If the civilians refuse, you arrest them for refusing deportation orders. Our prison is gargantuan enough to hold a few hundred prisoners. After you're done with it I'll send someone to the embassy to dismiss the workers there back to their country," added Elder Noa.
Captain Sokka was shocked that Elder Noa wanted to hold civilians, prisoners if they refused deportation orders. "If you refuse these orders, captain. I will strip you of your rank and have your men arrest you for treason, am I clear?" Elder Noa threatened Captain Sokka, Noa had a scowl on his face while Sokka remained nonchalant about the whole situation. How could Chief Cupun permit this sort of thing to happen.
Sokka nodded, "Yes, Elder Noa. Your wish is my command," he clopped past the elder who smirked.
Captain Sokka sighed he didn't know what the heck was going on around here. But his rank was on the line he had to do what was commanded of him. Captain Sokka wandered to the nearest watchtower and climbed the ice ladder.
"Captain Sokka, what are your orders?" a warrior inquired, "I need you to bang the drums, three times then pause for two seconds and repeat it. The other watchtowers will hear it, I'm calling a mass gathering of guards in the area," he ordered the warrior who nodded.
He grabbed his drum sticks while his partner sat down as he took a break. The warrior banged the drum three times then paused for two seconds and then banged it another three times and repeated it for ten seconds. The second watchtower had done the same and the line of watchtowers went off.
As guards one by one heard this they all jogged to the barracks where Captain Sokka waited for the large group of guards in the noble section of the city. Once it reached the tower between the upper-class and middle-class section, the tower's watchmen only banged it once and paused for three seconds and one more time. It was a signal to let the middle-class watchtower half a mile away that only the guards of the upper-class section were being summoned.
Several minutes later, a mass gathering of guards waited patiently outside of the barracks. Captain Sokka paced to the left and right with his hands behind his back once he saw over a hundred guards had come in he began his speech.
"You're all probably wondering why you were called here by the watchtowers," Sokka's announcement began.
"Elder Noa has been chosen to handle the next set of steps, he's ordered me to carry out deportation orders of ALL Qiangda Kingdom citizens in the city. If they refuse we, unfortunately, have to arrest them, those who obey escort them to the harbor. There are ships docked at the moment waiting for deporting civilians," he continued.
The reaction of the crowd of guards was mixed some gasped, others were confused and a low number of guards were excited. Sokka concluded his speech, "I'll be sending scrolls to every village elder within all the regions of the North Pole. Soon I'll be sending a detachment of guards to assist village defenders to make sure the deportations there go smoothly. Lastly, all embassy workers will leave. Thank you."
"What's going on?" shouted one of the men in the crowd.
"It's a long story but the Qiangda Kingdom broke the treaty, we're going to war," Sokka answered.
"How is the war or the treaty being broken the fault of the civilians?" another cried out.
"It's not, this is all Elder Noa's doing. Now do your job!" he yelled at the guard who inquired the last question.
"You're all dismissed," he shouted at the guards, the crowd dispersed several visited the embassy while others visited the census. The royal guards marched down to the middle-class and low-class sections of the city and had begun the deportation process.
Rong Yan watched as a large group of guards spread out from the barracks having gone in different directions. Naartok stayed within the embassy he hiked up to the palace although Cupun was nowhere to be seen.
"Where's the chief?" he questioned one of the royal guards, "Chief Cupun is busy arranging his son's wedding if you need something take it to Elder Noa and the other elders," the guard replied.
Rong Yan lowered his head and sighed then nodded, "Okay."
Tanaraq wandered through the halls she headed out the palace she planned to go out and shop with her brother for her ceremonial gown. Rong Yan stopped her, "Where's Cupun?"
"Out with Tulok arranging our wedding, they're getting some things for his outfit while they figure out decorations and such," she responded.
"What about Kya or Amak's parents?" he inquired.
"They're not to be bothered their son was just buried three days ago, as for Kya she lives with them and is mourning as well. Why?" she replied.
"I need to talk to someone from the royal family they need to stop Elder Noa," Rong Yan mentioned.
"Look Rong Yan I want to help but I can't help you right now, my wedding is more important. I'll see you later," Tanaraq declined to help Rong Yan at the moment because her wedding was more important.
He sighed then he ran off, he wasn't sure where Aloi was but there was no sign of her in the palace either. It took him two hours to reach the lower-class section of Aupaluk, he heard screaming in the distance. He sprinted over to where he heard the screams of a woman, she was being separated from her family. Her husband was of Northern origin and her two children were born here in the Northern Water Tribe while she was from the Qiangda Kingdom. She struggled to fight off the guards and screamed again.
One of the guards shouted at her, "Stop resisting! By order of Elder Noa, you are hereby under arrest for refusing deportation orders!"
The waterbending partner of the warrior guard pulled water out the canal and froze cuffs around the woman's wrists. She had been bounded she cried ever so loudly but the guards had orders. Rong Yan intervened, "What are you doing to this poor woman?" he shouted at them.
"My apologies, Avatar I'm under strict orders to deport Qiangda Kingdom citizens," apologized the guard but he repeated his orders from Elder Noa to Rong Yan.
"If you have an issue take it to the elders," chimed in the waterbender.
The woman squirmed around she screamed at Rong Yan, "Help me! Help me!"
"No. Let her go," requested Rong Yan.
"No can do, Avatar," declined the waterbender. "I didn't ask, I said let her go," demanded Rong Yan.
"Or what?" taunted the warrior he puffed out his chest and invaded Rong Yan's space.
"We don't care if you're the Avatar, you don't run this place. The Court of Elders do as of now," taunted the warrior.
Rong Yan swiftly shifted into gong bu and shot out a tentacle of water that wrapped itself around the warrior and froze. Snow from the ground crept up the legs of the waterbender holding him in place. He released the grip on the woman's wrists, she crawled back into her home, his water whip wrapped around Rong Yan's arm.
Rong Yan froze the end the guard held and split a tentacle for the other arm and froze the waterbender's entire arm. The warrior struggled and yelled, "Guard down! Guard down! The Avatar's attacking us!"
Waterbenders from the other side of the streets, ice stepped across the canals and threw shackles of ice around Rong Yan's limbs. Another rose a cone of ice around him and trapped him up to his neck. "Avatar Rong Yan, you're under arrest for assaulting guards," exclaimed the guard who trapped him in the cone. Rong Yan lowered his head in shame he was being stupid, now he got arrested.
Ba Sing Se, Ba Sing Se province, Qiangda Kingdom
The mammoth bustard squawked again the sound echoed through the skies it signaled its rider they were in Ba Sing Se the grand capital of the Qiangda Kingdom. After about an hour it finally landed in front of the Northern Water Tribe embassy. The stable hands took the beast into a stable while Thod minced inside of the embassy.
All of the workers and guards within bowed to their respected elder, he rushed through the halls to find Minister Iglaak's office. Thod knocked quickly on the door it had been urgent, Iglaak was shocked to find Thod at the door.
"Ambassador Thod, what are you doing here?" he questioned the ambassador he was shocked.
"This is urgent Iglaak, the Earth King was accused of breaking the treaty. Elder Noa imprisoned Ambassador Dashi, I visited her and she told me the scroll was fake!" claimed Thod.
"What scroll? That's happened here too, the Earth Prince was assassinated by a Northern Tribesman assassin. The Council of Five showed me a scroll and I told them it was fake, and that whoever did this wanted the Qiangda Kingdom to declare war on the Northern Water Tribe," he inquired, Iglaak related to Thod about something similar that happened here in the Kingdom.
"You too? Something's up and I don't like it! I need to speak to the Earth King," said Thod.
"The Earth King isn't available right now he's preparing for his wedding tomorrow afternoon to a noblewoman. Lord Guwen his adviser is dealing with this situation at the moment, you can come with me to the war room. The Council of Five has summoned me," Iglaak shook his head and explained the situation to Thod. They hurried out of the embassy and toward the war room where the Council of Five and Lord Guwen waited for Minister Iglaak.
They strolled down the streets toward their destination and discussed the events that have transpired since they have last seen each other. Thod chuckled, "...my son's wife just gave birth to a new baby girl. The entire family is so happy!"
"Congratulations, you're a grandfather again!" Iglaak smiled as he congratulated Thod, Thod spoke in a soft inside tone, "I noticed something on the way here though, on the northern Hankou coast I saw Northerner ships and soldiers. I don't remember Cupun ever giving orders to deploy soldiers on foreign soil."
"What?" exclaimed Iglaak at the claim that Thod had made.
"Are you sure?" he asked him.
"Yes, there was maybe about a platoon of men that I could see. Then further away after I flew over the Gangdise Shan mountains I saw Qiangda Kingdom troops marching north," repeated Thod.
"From what you've told me earlier it could have been Noa," insinuated Iglaak.
"But Noa has no military power, without approval from Cupun this action is illegal. And those actions are banishable. Noa is stirring the pot and I don't like it!" reasoned Thod.
They finally came toward the war room and entered the room itself. The war room was a large terrace in the middle was the world map and around the world map was each general within the Council Five. Across from the entrance from which both diplomats entered through was Guwen.
"Ambassador Thod, what a pleasant surprise," said Guwen.
"Gentlemen?" he said as he took a gander to his right and left, General Qingbao stood from his seat first.
"Minister Iglaak, you've lied to us," Qingbao said as he accused the minister of the embassy.
"What? No!" the middle-aged man was startled and shook his head they accused him of lying to the faces of the Council of Five.
"Explain the Northern Water Tribe soldiers on the northern coast of Hankou province," hissed Sudu.
"No we weren't even aware of the soldiers in your province!" argued Iglaak.
"Lord Guwen you must understand when I flew over here to speak with Qiang Zhen I was shocked to see the soldiers and their outpost. Chief Cupun just lost his nephew to assassination, he's placed an elder from his court to handle this situation. We believe the elder is working against the Tribe, I won't get this information to Chief Cupun until after the Spring Equinox," explained Thod.
"That won't pay for the blood of the Earth Prince," maintained Guwen, Ren glanced back a messenger falcon flew in and perched on his arm.
He removed the scroll from its satchel, "News from Governor Jiangren," he announced. Ren placed the scroll into the earth box and shoved it over to Guwen.
"Please you must understand we did not hire an assassin to kill the prince, someone accus-" Thod attempted to explain but was cut off by Guwen's hand.
He gestured for silence he opened the scroll and read, "Lord Guwen,
It's just as we feared the Northern Water Tribe has invaded our shores while the defense troop has been deployed. They have not returned, a distress message had been sent from a survivor. The troop of soldiers have been wiped out, the man who sent the message might be dead.
The report mentions the men were slaughtered and a small force of ships from the navy has been deployed. We believe the Northern Tribesmen are trying to gain control of northern waters. We have no navy so we hope the Earth King can send a command of battleships from Bai Da or the Yu province.
Regards,
Governor Jiangren Shang"
"Guards arrest Ambassador Thod and Minister Iglaak for espionage," barked Guwen.
"Your chief will have to hold talks with our King if you want to be released," he added, rock cuffs bound the wrists of the men.
"Lord Guwen please I had no idea! I just came here to speak with the Earth King! The blood of a Northern royal was spilled by Qiangdian hands!" yelled Thod as he was being hauled away by the guards along with Minister Iglaak.
"We will coordinate this invasion, for now, General Tsuyo-sa, send a detachment of men to the Northern Water Tribe embassy. The workers are to be dismissed back to their country immediately. Failure to comply is an arrestable offense," Guwen ordered, Tsuyo-sa nodded to his orders, "Right away, Lord Guwen."
One Week Later
The Court of Nobles stood in assemblage in Elder Noa's home he held a meeting with the other elders the only one absent from it all was Elder Siku. She didn't want to take part in any of it. The five men sat around the table as they spoke and debated about things.
"The city's clear of all Qiangda Kingdom citizens, those who refused were imprisoned. There are a total of fifty prisoners. The others went willingly," reported Elder Noa.
"That went rather smooth with only a few who have attacked the guards," Elder Kinto commented.
"I agree I didn't think deporting two hundred citizens and the embassy would have gone that well," Elder Hasook agreed.
Captain Sokka knocked on the door to the meeting room, a guard opened the door and announced the arrival of the Captain, "How goes the deportations in other regions?" questioned Elder Noa.
"There have been ten casualties in the Anugi region, criminals of the Qiangda Kingdom not willing to go were killed by the guards. But all in all, we've deported half of the Pole back to their country. Deportations of Nuvuya start soon, elder," reported Sokka.
The guard knelt to someone who remained unseen, "Chief Cupun what a pleasant surprise," gasped the guard.
"Where is the Avatar?" asked Cupun.
"I sent him with Ambassador Dashi to Ba Sing Se, I thought maybe if Dashi went with the Avatar they could help the Earth King figure this all out," Noa lied.
Cupun nodded, "Thank you for helping me out, Noa. You're a trusted individual. Did Thod leave too?" he wondered.
"Thod? I haven't Thod, no," Noa shook his head, Elder Noa thought to himself, 'Where is Ambassador Thod? If Ambassador Dashi and Avatar Rong Yan are in prison, that could only mean Thod is still at home..Or..oh no Ambassador Thod went to Ba Sing Se. But who could've ordered him to take a trip to..Siku! That traitor!'
"I've been meaning to send Thod to Ba Sing Se to speak with the Earth King but I supposed you've already done that with Dashi and the Avatar," commented Cupun. He scanned the people at the table he then guessed, "Siku's not here, I'm guessing she's sick?" Noa nodded.
At the same time, Rong Yan remained imprisoned in the icy prison of the Northern Water Tribe. He didn't want to get into more trouble if he broke out. He hadn't seen Dashi, or Warden Sangok all week either. It'd be no use if he spoke to his past lives but then he remembered something he should've done a long time ago.
Rong Yan sat down nomad-style and meditated he closed his eyes and reappeared in the palace. He phased in and out of walls while he looked for Aloi. He finally teleported to her she screamed and covered herself.
"Rong Yan? Rong Yan where are you?" she inquired to the Avatar.
"Aloi listen to me I got arrested last week. You've all been busy with the wedding that I focused on what's going on. I assaulted two guards when I tried saving a woman from being deported. Elder Noa has deported many if not all Qiangda Kingdom citizens back to their homeland. I need you to bring this information to Chief Cupun or Tulok, it's the only way to stop what's going on," he told Aloi.
"You were arrested? What deportations?" she was confused about the events that transpired in the middle and lower-class districts of the city.
"Is that why you were gone for a week? I thought you went to Ba Sing Se with Ambassador Dashi?" guessed Aloi.
"Who said that?" he returned an echo question.
"Elder Noa's been telling everyone who's asked him this. That's the only reason why no one's gone looking for you," Aloi claimed.
"I'm in prison above the cliffs of the city, don't ask for me. Talk to Tulok or Cupun they're the only ones who could pardon me for the crime I've committed. Please we need to stop Elder Noa before its too late. The only thing he can't do is declare war," disclosed Rong Yan. Aloi nodded, Rong Yan's spiritual projection dispersed. Aloi got up from her bed and quickly had gotten dressed. The palace was empty Cupun and Tulok were focused on tomorrow while Tanaraq and Unaraq focused on other things.
Meanwhile, a large royal ship docked on the harbor of Aupaluk, the helmsman opened the doors to the cabin built on the royal ship. He held the door open a tall middle-aged man stepped out, royal guards in light blue armor set themselves up in rows of three behind the others. Three soldiers in three rows on the left and right of the man. An older gentleman walked out from below deck of the ship he had long gray hair and a half-faced facial hair. He wore ceremonial shaman robes this was Anatkuk, he stood beside the man.
Naartok stepped forward and knelt before Chief Unirak, "Welcome to Aupaluk, chief. I'm glad you and Anatkuk have finally arrived at the North Pole."
"It is good to see you again, Naartok, thank you for the warm greetings," he thanked Naartok.
"A carriage sent by Prince Tulok awaits you further away from the harbor. Follow me please," Naartok told Unirak.
The royal guards of the South marched behind Unirak, Naartok, and Anatkuk, "It's been quite some time since I've visited the North Pole," commented Anatkuk.
Unirak turned his attention for a brief moment and glimpsed at Anatkuk, "How long ago was that?"
"I was a young man in his thirties visiting for a pilgrimage to see Tui and La," stated Anatkuk, "I hope I have the opportunity to see them," he smiled. Naartok opened the carriage door, Unirak walked in first, then Anatkuk, and then Naartok himself.
Cupun sat in his throne room, he had a conversation with Unaraq and gave him more advice on being a chief. A guard ran inside to notify him of the news, "Chief Cupun, Chief Unirak of the Southern Water Tribe has arrived on the harbor. He's making his way through the city and will show up shortly."
"Thank you, soldier. My servants have prepared chambers for the southern chief and his spiritual shaman," he thanked the man and mentioned that his servants have prepared chambers for the chief within the palace.
"My dad's finally here!" exclaimed Unaraq with excitement.
"I'm glad he's finally arrived I need to speak with your father on important matters," said Cupun.
"Shall we greet him?" Cupun asked Unaraq, "Yes I'd love to!" replied Unaraq.
Both men exited the throne room a squad of royal guards accompanied both royals. Cupun stood outside on the courtyard with Unaraq ready to meet with the chief of his sister tribe. The carriage slowly climbed the ramp that led to the courtyard of the palace. Unirak peered out the window he could see two men surrounded by many royal guards.
His guards spread out after the carriage ceased to move any further. A guard opened the carriage doors first stepped out Naartok, then Anatkuk, and then lastly Unirak. Unaraq broke the formation of northern royal guards and spread his arms wide open.
He shouted, "Dad!"
"Unaraq?" his father recognized the voice of his son and called out his name. He caught a glimpse of his son and then embraced him. They finally reunited after being unable to see each other for about three months.
"I missed you, son. Where's your sister?" he said then he wondered where his daughter was.
"She's been busy with her wedding, she's out with some of the servants and noblewomen," Unaraq answered.
"I'm sure she'd be happy to see me, and the Avatar?" he inquired.
"Rong Yan is in the Qiangda Kingdom at the moment on a diplomatic mission with Ambassador Thod," responded Unaraq.
"Did something happen?" he wondered, the royal guards split Cupun paced over to Unirak. They gazed at each other Unirak extended his hand and Cupun's hand met Unirak's. They pulled each other in for a hug, "It's good to see you again," Unirak told Cupun.
"Likewise, friend. We need to discuss some matters before we discuss the wedding. If you'll follow me to my throne room." said Cupun.
"Definitely," agreed Unirak, the royal guards of both chiefs joined together and escorted both men to the throne room.
The throne room was a four-walled room built of ice and snow, the middle had a table made of ice. The world map was a large piece of skin nailed to the wooden table, Chief Cupun sat down on his throne on the far north side of the table, Chief Unirak and Prince Unaraq sat on the left side, while Anatkuk and Naartok sat on the right side. There were empty seats on the southern side of the table usually where the General and Admiral of the Northern Water Tribe would have sat.
"What's going on, Cupun?" Unirak questioned Cupun he was concerned as to why he took Unirak to the throne room.
"My nephew Amak was assassinated by a Qiangda Kingdom assassin, they used a poisoned dagger and left behind their identification papers, and scroll with the hired hit," disclosed Cupun.
"I'm truly sorry for your loss, and hope that I can help you and your family while you're mourning for your lost loved one," apologized Unirak he hoped he could have given Cupun peace of mind when he shared his condolences.
"The signature on the scroll was from Earth King Qiang Zhen himself," added Cupun.
"What?!" Unirak and Anatkuk gasped at the same time.
"I knew the boy king would break the treaty, it was only a matter of time!" commented Unirak he criticized Qiang Zhen. Naartok knew better he remained silent he wasn't sure if this was the best time for him to chime in.
"Chief Unirak this is what the gods were speaking of," brought up Anatkuk.
"Do you remember three months ago on the eve of the New Moon Festival? Tiandi and Anguta have cursed me with dreams. My prediction was correct," he asked Unirak.
"A call to arms from Cupun of the North, the war with the kingdoms is imminent," repeated Unirak as he recalled the conversation from three months ago.
"We had a similar situation here with a young seer," related Cupun, a flash of memories entered his head.
"WAR! DEATH! SUFFERAGE!" he cried out, the young man's mother rushed into the sanctuary.
"Yakone! What's wrong?" she shouted as she ran in to comfort her son. Yakone began to cry it was too much for him. She embraced her son and attempted to calm him down.
"Tell us, Yakone what happened?" she asked as she spoke to the young man in a calming tone. Kya was now frightened at what the young man yelled.
"What he's talking about?" bellowed Rafa.
"Anguta says, Amak needed to go he was a key element in the war with the Kingdoms. The northern Kingdom is angry their leader feels pain as well. Anguta has taken a soul from the northern kingdom. War is coming! Sufferage is coming! Death is coming!" he cried out, his voice quavered as tears produced in his eyes.
"A soul was taken from their kingdom? Father, what does he mean?" Tulok wondered in confusion.
"It means for war between us someone personal has been taken from the Earth King's life," Kya broke in.
"I made no orders for any soldier to take the life of anyone in the Qiangda Kingdom," Cupun grumbled in anger.
"La said it wasn't someone loyal, an old enemy of the tribe but she didn't say more. Torngark warns of treachery in the tribe and that the chief must be careful," warned Yakone.
"What can we do to stop it?" Rafa asked Yakone.
"We can't stop it, Tiandi has set it into stone, if the Earth King wants a war we'll give him a war," said Cupun.
"Father we can stop this war before it st-" Tulok attempted to reason with his father, "Cupun, listen to me. Focus on our family, focus on your's son wedding. After this is done you may focus on the war, son," his mother advised him.
"I remember now, he spoke of suffering, war, and death. He said my nephew was a key element in the war with the Qiangda Kingdom. The young seer mentioned that Anguta took a personal soul from the Earth King," recalled Cupun.
"The boy said La mentioned to him that whoever started the war wasn't loyal, it was an old enemy of the tribe. Torngark warned him of treachery in the tribe and he told me to be careful," remembered Cupun.
"Quite a frightening prediction and it's all falling into place, the seer was correct," Anatkuk agreed with the seer's prediction.
"UNARAQ!" a voice cried out, "Aloi!" he responded to the cry, he recognized it was Aloi his good friend. He jogged over to the formation of guards, "Let her in!" barked Cupun. The guards separated and Aloi threw herself into Unaraq's arms.
"What's wrong?" he asked her.
"I need to talk to Chief Cupun," she said as she panted. Cupun heard his name and was concerned about the state of affairs he wondered, "What's going on, airbender?"
Unirak turned his attention to the girl that hugged his son, "Ahh I remember you, you're the girl my daughter was rude toward. I wanted to apologize for the whole ordeal," he apologized too late to Aloi but she let out a small smile before she bowed before him.
"They made up, Dad. A long time ago," mentioned Unaraq.
"Chief Cupun you need to know the truth!" she chattered.
"Get to the point," said Cupun.
"The scroll from the Earth King, it's fake!" she claimed.
"How is it fake?" he questioned the girl.
"Ambassador Dashi tried to explain this but Elder Noa would have none of it, he wrongfully arrested her and threw her in prison. While you mourned for the loss of Amak, the Court of Nobles with the lead of Elder Noa approved for deportations of all Qiangda Kingdom civilians in the North Pole. Elder Noa said if the civilians refused the deportation orders he would have arrested and imprisoned them in the capital's prison," Aloi alleged about Elder Noa.
"The only one who didn't agree was Elder Siku, she sent Ambassador Thod to Ba Sing Se, a week ago and he hasn't returned," she fretted.
"Do you have a source for all this?" he asked her, Cupun was suddenly attacked with all this news, it was hard for him to believe all this. Elder Noa was his most trusted court elder he didn't believe the accusations Aloi found him of.
"Avatar Rong Yan told me this morning," she claimed.
"That's impossible, Avatar Rong Yan is in Ba Sing Se," denied Cupun.
"Lord Cupun, she is speaking the truth. Avatar Rong Yan was with me when Ambassador Thod left the Northern Water Tribe. He came to me and asked me for a favor, I sent Thod on my mammoth bustard to Ba Sing Se. Avatar Rong Yan never left," informed Naartok.
"Where is the Avatar right now?" Cupun wondered, "Elder Noa imprisoned the Avatar for assaulting the royal guards, sir," a guard brought up.
"What?!" shouted Cupun.
"He threatened Captain Sokka that he would strip him of his rank if he didn't carry out his orders, the girl is right. There are over a hundred civilians wrongfully imprisoned as we speak, chief," said the guard.
"Send word to Warden Sangok, I want Ambassador Dashi and Avatar Rong Yan released from prison RIGHT NOW!" Cupun barked.
"I also want Sangok and the prison guards to start processing the civilians who refused deportation orders and I want them sent back to their homes in the city," he added to the orders he gave the guard.
"Yes, chief Cupun," saluted the royal guard he and another ran out of the war room.
"How was the Avatar able to speak to you from prison?" he asked Aloi.
"Avatar Rong Yan has mastered spiritual projection, he came to me this morning in my chambers and told me everything," Aloi said.
"Fascinating," he replied.
"I never thought Air Nomads could do that," he said.
"Well actually, sir. It's not solely an Air Nomad ability anyone who is spiritually powerful can project their spirit," stated Aloi.
"You said my Ambassador was sent to Ba Sing Se as well?" he repeated again but as a question.
Aloi nodded, "Yes."
"But he hasn't returned in a week, I fear for his safety, gods what did Noa do?" begged Cupun.
"Torngark is right, this is the treachery he told Yakone. All those deported civilians are angry and will have a different opinion now about me and my people," worried Cupun.
"It is too late to reverse that, do you know if it's happening anywhere else? Someone get me, Captain Sokka," he wondered then he turned to his guards and ordered the summons for Sokka the captain of the guard.
"And find Elder Noa! He's going to pay for what's going on!" he shouted. Cupun rested his hands on the table and lowered his head as he sighed.
"These are the fears we spoke about, what are you preparing to tell your people when the time comes?" Anatkuk inquired to Chief Cupun.
"I tell them the truth," Cupun said, "When I return home we will tell our people the same thing, Anatkuk," mentioned Unirak, Anatkuk gave a slight nod to Unirak.
"Someone escort Elder Siku here as well, I need to speak to her," commanded Cupun, a guard nodded and exited the war room.
Meanwhile, at the prison of the Northern Water Tribe, two royal guards entered Warden Sangok's office. He concentrated on his work as he wrote things on a piece of parchment, "Can I help you?" he asked the men.
"Chief Cupun sends orders to release Ambassador Dashi and Avatar Rong Yan from their holding cells," noted one of the men. Sangok stood up from his seat and lumbered out of his office toward the cellblock where they held Ambassador Dashi. She had been asleep one of the waterbending guards sunk the ice bars into the ground. The sound of the bars that sunk into the icy floor had woken her up, she yawned and was confused about what was going on.
"You're being released from your cell, Chief Cupun has ordered for your release and awaits you in the war room," one of the royal guards said. She was so joyful that Cupun permitted her to leave her cell for being wrongfully arrested. She had diplomatic immunity and based on international law that was signed by world leaders long ago, diplomats couldn't be arrested for their crimes.
"Where's the Avatar, Sangok?" they implored, the Warden took a glimpse up into the air. There was an iron cell hung by four thick and strong chains he pointed up. The royal guards rose their chins as their eyes met the iron cell.
The Avatar was placed above in that cell so he couldn't reach the ice, or earth to use for bending. Sangok led the royal guards toward the tunnel above them that led toward the cell that hung above the prison. Warden Sangok grabbed one of the men by the collar of his armor, "Watch where you're going, you could fall to your death!" he warned the guard.
The royal guard peered down to see there was no path to the cell only an edge. Warden Sangok stood in ma bu, a path constructed out of the icy walls of the prison extended just below the cell of the Avatar.
Sangok carried the key to the lock and unlocked the cell door which slid down. Rong Yan sat nomad-style as he meditated. His hands were bound by metal which made him unable to bend air or fire as well.
"You're free to go, Avatar," Sangtok said.
"Chief Cupun requests for your presence in the war room, Avatar," repeated the men.
Rong Yan slid off the cell and landed on his feet on the icy path. Warden Sangok removed the iron gloves around Rong Yan's hands, they had fallen to the ground as they cracked the ice a bit. A thud sound produced from the gloves as they hit the ground.
Ba Sing Se Royal Palace, Ba Sing Se province, Qiangda Kingdom
Qiang Zhen was being dressed by his servants in his chambers a knock on the door was heard. "Who is it?" he asked.
"It's me," the voice replied, Guwen opened the door to the chambers of Qiang Zhen.
The servants made sure everything fit on the Earth King. The formal attire he wore were large, and long royal blue robes, and a crimson red sash. On his head, he wore a black futou, underneath the robes was a white spider-silk tunic, and wraps on his legs. On his feet, he wore black slippers made of expensive material.
"I must have a word in private with the King, you are dismissed for now," he told the servants, all them had bowed to Qiang Zhen and Guwen then they all exited the room.
"I have news to bring you but as of right now, your wedding ceremony is more important," mentioned Guwen.
"I wish your father and grandfather could be here to see you now, furthering the dynasty and marrying young. I know that Tiandi had plans for them in the Spirit World and that your mother and I have the opportunity to witness your happiness," continued Guwen.
"Where is my mother now?" Qiang Zhen inquired.
"She is making sure the last bits of the wedding decorations are done," answered Guwen.
"I wish they were here too, Baotong didn't deserve to be assassinated. Sometimes I feel like these are challenges that Tiandi himself has given me. Challenges that I will face, overcome and grow from, I tend to believe my destiny is to become a great and powerful Earth King. Maybe even the one that ends the civil war, like my forefathers before me have dreamed of accomplishing," Qiang Zhen confided his thoughts to his adviser, he always saw Guwen as a father figure and he was glad Guwen would stand by his side during his wedding ceremony.
"And you will, your grandfather, your father, and your cousin might have been taken from you but their deaths shall not go in vain. You alone must honor their legacies and make them proud. I never married or had children of my own but I always saw you as my son. Your grandfather has allowed me to get close to you and mentor you when you needed it the most," divulged Guwen.
Qiang Zhen nodded and wiped a tear from his eye he slowly embraced Guwen, "Thank you."
At the same time, Yi'an's hair was being styled by the women in her family, her mother, and her grandmother. Her hair was being tied up, it was large, tall and in the shape of a hive, her sister opened a palette of paint and gathered her brush and a small cup with water.
Her younger sister painted the girl's face next, the white paint went first. Then blush and lip paint were added next, her sister glued red petals on her glabella.
"My finishing touch, Yi'an. Red rose petals are an expression of love and devotion to your future husband," chattered her sister. The dress Yi'an wore was entirely red, the Qiangda Kingdom believed that the color red signified happiness.
"You will be the life of the wedding ceremony, my daughter. You will be more beautiful than any consort before you," smiled Xin'ai. Her grandmother grabbed a floral decoration she stepped on the wooden ladder steps and placed it on the hair of her granddaughter. She stepped down and paced over to her jewelry box.
When the old woman opened it she found her beads of jade she minced over to the bride and placed the beaded jade necklace around her granddaughter's neck, the old woman mentioned, "Here are my beads of jade, they are for beauty and I know the bridegroom will notice them first."
"There you look like a perfect porcelain doll," complimented Xin'ai.
"Who could have ever thought my daughter will marry the Earth King himself? You're bringing honor to your ancestors, to us, and your future bloodline. I'm so proud of you," whispered Xin'ai in Yi'an's ear. Yi'an did her best to hold the tears back she didn't want to ruin her makeup up instead she shared a sad expression on her face while she used her hands to fan her tears dry.
Her mother, grandmother, and sister all cried with her because today was the very last day that Yi'an lived with them. Tonight and for the rest of her life, she will live in the palace with her husband. Each woman hugged the bride. Her father stepped into the room and embraced his daughter as well, he gave her a light peck on her forehead.
"The carriage awaits you, my daughter. You have honored me and the Zhang family. Come," her father Youlang smiled and lightly grabbed the girl's wrist and led her to the carriage outside. The estate guards opened the gates to the estate while a servant opened the carriage door.
"Congratulations, Miss Yi'an," said the servant he bowed to her and assisted her inside the carriage.
He shut the door and then jogged over to the carriage that the rest of the Zhang family will ride in. They were being led to the feast hall within the palace where the entire wedding ceremony and the wedding party was planned to occur.
An hour has passed, the wedding ceremony had begun when Yi'an came to the palace music played and fireworks boomed in the sky. The carriage her parents were in made it to the palace first, they were seated inside by the servants of the palace.
Earth King Qiang Zhen waited at the altar, the city's spiritual leader the head Earth Sage waited patiently behind the altar as well. He was there to read from the religious book of the Kingsmen religion, for the mantras and to instruct the future couple further in the traditional rituals of marriage.
The seats were split into about twenty rows each with about ten seats on the left and right. Down the middle was the open path to which the bride will stroll through when she will come. In the front row to the left was Ting, Songli, Mang, Guwen, and a few other government officials. To the right were Xin'ai, her mother, Youlang, Yi'an's sister, and Youlang's steward.
Behind the first left row were the Council of Five and ministers that followed, behind the bride's family were respected servants. The rows that followed were the governors all of the Qiangda Kingdom provinces, and behind them were all the noble families who were invited to the wedding.
The bards that were hired ran into the ceremony room and settled down and had begun to play. That's when suddenly Yi'an beautiful as Qiang Zhen remembered her when they first met. Her head covered by a red veil that hid her face. He smiled so brightly like he had fallen in love once again, the short, voluptuous girl that stole his heart. She waltzed through the hall down the middle and joined the groom in the middle of the room next to the altar.
The Great Earth Sage lifted his arms and began the ceremony between the two nobles. He opened his book and had begun to speak about marriage which was mentioned in the religious text he held in his hands.
A servant appeared with a portrait of the physical presentation of Qin, the first Earth Emperor. The emperor who ascended into godhood. The Qiangda Kingdom and the Oma Kingdom both revered Qin and worshipped him as a deity.
"Now both the bride and bridegroom must pay respects to the Earth Emperor Qin, kneel before his presence and pay your respects," instructed the Earth Sage. Yi'an and Qiang Zhen knelt on their knees and bowed before the portrait of Qin.
"Now your Highness, you alone must kowtow three times to the Heavens from which Tiandi watches over us, then to your mother Lady Ting, and finally you will kowtow to Lady Yi'an," the sage instructed the Earth King further.
Qiang Zhen remained on his knees with his future spouse he kowtowed three times to the heavens and on the third, he prayed to Tiandi. Then his mother stood up and stood idly in front of him, he kowtowed to her as well. Yi'an rose to her feet and Qiang Zhen kowtowed to his future wife, she extended her hand out for him to hold. He helped himself to his feet with the help of his bride.
"Now may the relatives of the bride and groom shall pay respects to each other," he told the first row of guests. The families and elders stood up and exchanged handshakes and hugs. The sage gestured to Qiang Zhen to lift the veil, he lifted the veil that covered Yi'an's face. They smiled at each other, "You may kiss your bride, my king," said the great Earth sage. They slowly closed in and their lips touched gently the first kiss they ever shared.
Guwen stood up and announced to the guests, "If you please follow the royal guards over to banquet hall we can begin the banquet!" The royal guards stood in formation and then exited the ceremonial hall and led the guests toward the banquet hall. Where the Zhang family arranged the feast, the pastries, the treats, and even activities.
The table at which was the longest sat Qiang Zhen to the left, and Yi'an to his right, to the right of Yi'an was her close family. To Qiang Zhen's left was his mother, his aunt, and uncle and the Grand Secretariat.
The tables were then filled with government officials, from generals to admirals, to the governors from every province in the kingdom. Then were the nobles and their relatives who followed, the most important figures in the Upper Ring attended the wedding of the Earth King and his now-wife.
A few hours of the banquet have gone by, Guwen whispered in Qiang Zhen's ear "I hope this a good time to pull you aside."
Qiang Zhen rose from his seat he whispered to his mother who sat right next to him, "I'll be back in a few minutes, mother." She smiled and he kissed his mother on the cheek he followed Guwen to a walkway that led outside. It led to rail that gated them in, in the distance he could see other nobles who strolled down the streets in the lantern-lit evening.
"Tell me Guwen, what has happened?" bugged Qiang Zhen.
"It's about the recent events, the assassination of Baotong, our scouts have reported an invasion of Northern Water Tribe soldiers on the northern Hankou coast. I sent a scroll with deployment orders to Governor Jiangren, while he deployed troops to stop the incursion. A distress scroll arrived from the soldiers themselves, the one who wrote it is probably long dead but they were wiped out by a force of Northern Water Tribe navy ships," summarized Guwen.
Qiang Zhen was shocked and distressed about the situation, "War?" he questioned.
"Another war, gods..." he said before he paused.
"Why would Chief Cupun break the treaty?" he begged Guwen.
"Ambassador Thod and Minister Iglaak claimed that you sent orders for an assassination on a royal of the North. I called it out as a flat lie, I would've known if you've done such a thing. I arrested both men for espionage," Guwen reviewed what had been done to the men from the North.
"I am hoping you could approve deployments of a naval command from either Bai Da province or the Yu province," requested Guwen.
"We could talk about this with the Council of Five in the morning," Qiang Zhen said.
"One more thing, the census has reported a surge in civilians returning from the Northern Water Tribe. With claims of being deported by the chief and his court, others have said civilians were arrested and a few were killed for refusing orders," reported Guwen.
Qiang Zhen rested his hands on the railing as he heard the echoes of the music that played inside. He turned to face Guwen then he bellowed, "Wake me up at dawn, I'm ready to declare war on the Northern Water Tribe, how dare those savages kill our civilians."
Yi'an exited the party as well she nipped briskly to find her husband she lifted her dress with her hands, when she saw both men outside she called out, "Qiang Zhen, honey please come inside. Your mother wants to tie the knot."
"We took too long," Qiang Zhen said, "My apologies your Highness," apologized Guwen, he bowed his head and followed the Earth King back inside.
When Qiang Zhen and Yi'an arrived together they held hands inside the building. Ting ran toward them with a red ribbon, Xin'ai joined her and wrapped the ribbon around Yi'an as Ting wrapped it around Qiang Zhen. Both women tied part of the ribbon together this was a symbol during marriage to signify that both hearts are forever united.
Ting signaled the musicians to stop the music, then she announced, "The red ribbon represents love, the tying of the knot between the newlywed couple means two hearts uniting forever!"
"Now we wish Yi'an and Qiang Zhen a good evening in the bridal chamber!" she praised, both mothers held each of their child's hands and led them toward the bridal chamber. Youlang held the door open for the couple to enter the chambers where they'd spend the evening together.
By Earth Kingdom tradition in the morning when the couple left the bridal chambers, the family or servants expected blood to be on the sheets of the bed inside. There was an assortment of rituals done inside like serving each other tea, eating uncooked dumplings, amongst other things.
Aupaluk, Northern Water Tribe
Rong Yan and Ambassador Dashi were escorted to the war room where Chief Cupun, Chief Unirak, Anatkuk, and Naartok waited for their presence. The woman minced in first then Rong Yan lumbered in with royal guards behind them.
"I want to formally apologize for what transpired in this past week, I will only trust those who have been trustworthy and the reputation of being good to the people. I regret anointing Elder Noa to handle the situation and I hope you can all forgive me," Cupun apologized to Ambassador Dashi and Rong Yan, they lowered their heads in humility when they were pardoned for being wrongfully accused of a crime.
"Ambassador Dashi I hope you are still willing to work with us after this whole debacle," he told the woman. She nodded and smiled, "Gladly, we have a war to stop."
"Elder Noa has caused much damage in one week, I want to hold him accountable for his heinous action of deportation of all Qiangda Kingdom migrants. In this case, I'm hoping you and your embassy workers could send orders to all those affected. We can have them come back, they will be trusted as any northern citizen and will not be held accountable for what their government in their motherland does," Chief Cupun declared.
"Right away, sir," she approved on his declaration of order. Sokka entered the war room he was distressed and frightened he thought he was going to be punished for having followed Noa's orders. He brought up an apology before he was cut off by an apology, "Chief Cupun, I want to a-".
Cupun shook his head, "No I'm sorry for what you had to do, from this day forth you will take my nephew's place as Captain of the Royal Guard," he announced the young man's promotion. Unirak, Anatkuk, Rong Yan, Naartok, Dashi and the royal guards clapped for Sokka's promotion to Royal Captain.
Sokka smiled and then knelt before Chief Cupun, "Thank you, I didn't deserve this promotion."
"You did deserve it," assured Cupun, Elder Noa was the last of those summoned to the war room. The royal guards blocked the entrance of the war room as Noa stepped inside the room. Royal Captain Sokka signaled the men to stay put.
"The Qiangda Kingdom embassy is empty, and you should also know some of the deportations in some regions did not go smoothly, chief. There were some civilian casualties under Elder Noa's orders, I feel guilty of civilian blood on my hands," confessed Sokka.
"What?! Civilian casualties?" questioned Cupun.
"The Earth King will see this as an incitement for war," Naartok added.
"Not if I can convince him of what happened here in Aupaluk. I can assure you an extradition of the person responsible for all this to the Qiangda Kingdom surely would satisfy Earth King Qiang Zhen," hinted Dashi.
"What in Torngark's name did you do?!" shouted Cupun, this was the first time Rong Yan, Dashi, and Naartok ever saw the chief angry since they've first came to the Northern Water Tribe.
"I only did what was right for the tribe. You know that everything I do is FOR the tribe," Noa maintained his composure. He believed in the Northern Water Tribe first, the world second.
"Your selfish actions have cost lives, wrongfully imprisoned others, an ambassador with diplomatic immunity and the Avatar. You're a disgrace to the tribe, did you think your actions were for the tribe? You endangered my country!" yelled Cupun.
"Ambassador Dashi needed to be held accountable, she allowed an assassin to enter our city right under our noses and assassinate YOUR nephew," argued Noa as he pointed his finger at Cupun.
"The Avatar was arrested for attacking your men and standing in my way. I told him if he interfered in tribal affairs he will be arrested," added Noa.
"You leave the death of my nephew out of this, its none of your business!" bellowed Cupun.
"Amak's death has affected us all, Chief Cupun, are we no longer safe from the Earth Kings? Are we bend our knees to the dirt people? You're either for your tribe or against it," argued Noa.
"Captain Sokka, arrest Elder Noa for treason, deceit, and the deaths of civilians. He will be punished tomorrow afternoon. Tonight I focus on my son's wedding," commanded Cupun. A waterbender bent water out of his waterskin and wrapped it around Elder Noa's wrists.
"You are hereby under arrest, anything you say now will be held against you tomorrow afternoon," the waterbender told Noa.
Noa lowered his head in shame, then in one last-ditch effort he screamed at Cupun, "You have put your tribe in danger! What are you going to do when the Qiangda Kingdom raids the city?"
"That's enough!" shouted Cupun, Captain Sokka snapped his fingers another royal guard slapped Noa's mouth with a gag of ice. Unirak lowered his head he remembered when the same had to be done to Tanaraq.
"Ambassador Dashi you may return to Ba Sing Se maybe then the Earth King will hear what you have to say. May your gods give you the strength," said Cupun, Dashi nodded, "I will make preparations for my departure, thank you Cupun."
Elder Siku entered as Elder Noa was escorted out in cuffs she was shocked but she knew this would happen. Cupun still angry raised his head his mood lowered when he saw the older woman was present. She bowed to Cupun and all those in the room and she smiled when she saw that Ambassador Dashi was released from prison.
"I'm glad you were told about what happened recently, I voted against the deportations while my colleagues approved of it. But most were coaxed into making their decision. I hope you don't hold it against them," Siku began.
"You have my word, they will go unpunished. You're being promoted however, you will take Elder Noa's spot as the lead of the court," promised Cupun then he declared Siku's promotion to leader of the court.
She was surprised she wasn't sure what she heard, "You are undoubtedly the most trustworthy, respected by the people, honest, morally-correct elder in my court, and I will always listen to your ideas. You could change the tribe for the better," praised Cupun.
Everyone clapped Elder Siku bowed again to Chief Cupun she was humbled by the announcement she was now Cupun's adviser. Another royal guard runs in, "Chief Cupun, the wedding has begun your attendance is mandatory, sir."
"You are all dismissed, I will see you at the wedding. Unirak my friend, our children are getting married we need to go now," he chuckled.
A large choir of women throat sung while the lead sang, this was the music of a traditional Northern Water Tribe wedding ceremony. Everyone who sat in the first few rows were important Chief Cupun, Ashuna, Misu, Issumatar, Oomailiq who were high-ranked in the North's military attended. A few village elders from nearby regions attended. On the other side was Naartok, Chief Unirak, Unaraq, Rong Yan, Aloi, and the workers of the Southern embassy.
Captain Sokka and his men kept watch on the entire ceremony he made sure that not a single evil soul would disrupt the wedding. The royal guards stood vigilant as they watched everyone like arctic falcons. Anatkuk stood on a platform behind an altar he was appointed the one to marry both Tanaraq and Tulok by Unirak.
Tulok entered first all eyes were on him his ceremonial outfit was made of polar bear fur. He wore an indigo vest underneath, and purple leggings, he wore dark blue slippers. His hands were decorated with purple wrist wraps that started at the wrists and ended just below the elbow.
A headdress covered his head, he had the pelt of a polar bear dog, the preserved head served as a cap. A black-painted line across the bridge of his nose from cheek to cheek was known as the ceremonial face paint a man must wear.
The ceremonial outfit was largely a cloak that covered his body, it was sleeveless and light blue the exterior lining was polar bear dog fur. His hair had two braids on each side adorned with feathers of a mammoth bustard. Mammoth bustards were known to be the most powerful flying beasts in the North Pole. The length of the cloak ended just below his knees. He stood on the left side as he waited for his bride-to-be.
Tanaraq waited at the beginning of the aisle her father stood by her side and gently kissed her on the cheek. He wrapped his arm around hers he gave a slight smile to his daughter. Unirak wore thick light blue clothing on his shoulders were small pelts of arctic vulpine rabbit, he wore walrus bear leather for boots and gloves. They both strode slowly down the aisle all eyes went from Tulok to the Princess of the South Pole, her beauty was radiant and she glowed brightly. She smiled her eyes glistened in the moonlight several of the royal guards gawked at her and gave her the eye.
Her tunic was a cherry blossom pink color, over the tunic she wore a thick buck moose parka, the fur of the parka was white with a tinge of blush pink pigmented into it, the exterior lining of it was white. A hooded cherry blossom pink cloak was clipped onto the parka. Her snowy white hair was decorated with beads and the hair loops that connected from the frontal lobe area to the bun which held the hairstyle together. A floral headband with flowers carefully plucked from the Spirit Oasis was wrapped around her forehead. The betrothal necklace that was given to her as a gift many years ago was nicely worn around her neck. She held flowers gathered from the forests of the Niptaktuk, a region north of Aupaluk in her hands.
Chief Unirak was extremely proud of his daughter and he knew his late wife Amka would be too. This is the blessing he was permitted to experience by the Mother Bear Akna. She wore the latest make up styles of the girls from the Northern Water Tribe. Her brown skin reflected off the moonlight this was her destiny. Her father walked her down the aisle they both gave each other a long hug before she met her future husband face to face, Anatkuk shut his eyes and began to chant.
After several minutes have passed he began, "Mother Akna has blessed the both of you since your birth to have your lives intertwined, for the good of the entire Water Tribe."
Ashuna stood from her seat and placed statuettes of Tiandi and Akna on the altar. By tradition, the husband agreed to serve the wife and agreed to the duties of the husband by kneeling before the statue of the Chief Deity. While the wife agreed to serve the husband and agreed to the duties of a wife by kneeling before the statue of the Mother Bear.
"It is here and right now that you two follow through with your destinies just as the Mother Bear foresaw. You bring great joy and prosperity to both the Northern and Southern Water Tribes, one where we can be together united," he continued. He went on as both lovers stared into the other's eyes.
"Prince Tulok of the Northern Water Tribe, will you love and care for your wife in sickness and in health, to protect her from the dangers of this life and the next? If you agree to this you will stand before Tiandi and kneel," he called Tulok, he gave the prince the traditional conditions that must be agreed upon. Tulok knelt before the statuette of an old man with a long beard he humbled himself before the Father, the Husband, and the Chief as he was known in Tribal religion.
"Princess Tanaraq of the Southern Water Tribe, will you attend to your husband's needs and bear him a strong line of warriors? To ensure the bloodline continues with powerful leaders the world has ever seen? If you agree to this you will stand before Akna and kneel," he questioned Tanaraq, she turned to face the statuette of a bear which stood on its hind legs and knelt before the Mother, the Wife, and the Chieftess as she was known in the Tribal religion.
Ashuna prepared the traditional ceremonial cup and poured spirits made from fermented mountain berries, bear berries, and mixed with water. He handed the cup to Tulok first which he drank, then to Tanaraq who drank from it after.
"You may now kiss your bride," Anatkuk smiled to Tulok and then gave him a slight nod. Tulok placed his left hand on Tanaraq's cheek and slowly pulled her in for a memorable and romantic kiss. Tanaraq put more effort into this one after they finished they met foreheads. Tulok broke it and grabbed her hand, she turned as well. Their fathers and everyone who attended knelt before the Prince and the Princess of the Northern Water Tribe.
The wedding was moved to the banquet hall where the royals sat in the largest table available. The newlywed couple sat in the center with their family on their sides. Where food was brought to their tables by the cooks, drinks in wooden cups which ranged from fruit juices, exotic drinks, and spirits arrived. The music had begun to play again a large space was left open for any who dared to dance. Two hours had gone by, Unaraq approached Aloi and whispered in her ear she nodded and followed him away from the music.
Just like the time they met they hung out somewhere away from the banquet hall where they enjoyed the environment outside of the city. How beautiful was the nature in Aupaluk outside of the barren wasteland that surrounded it.
Aloi giggled and pointed to the lights in the sky the aurora borealis that they both experienced for the first time. Unaraq and Aloi held a conversation for quite some time as they hung out. They locked eyes and slowly they closed in Aloi threw her arms around Unaraq and held onto him as he went for a very passionate kiss.
Out of all the noblewomen he met in the Southern Water Tribe, he ended up falling for an Air Nomad. But he didn't care what others thought, Unaraq felt happy he finally met someone who brought light to his life. He stood behind Aloi and held her by her waist, he rested his head on her shoulder as they both watched the aurora borealis in the sky.
"I wish my mother was here, she would be so happy right now. My sister got married, and I found happiness in a good, selfless, powerful, and beautiful woman," Unaraq mentioned.
Aloi blushed, "She's watching you right now, and she's smiling," Aloi said as she pointed to the northern lights in the sky.
Meanwhile, both Unirak and Cupun were known quite well for their dance skills. After a while, both chiefs squared off in a dance competition. The crowd roared for both of the men, the southern royal guards cheered for Unirak and booed Cupun, while the northern guards cheered Cupun and booed Unirak.
They exchanged looks at each other and performed a partnered dance between two men, it was a very popular dance since the time of Avatar Manirak. The crowd went wild, Rong Yan tried to impress the crowd by doing the Si Wong Deathworm. A dance that he learned from sandbender travelers who visited Yin La while he trained with the Fire Sages.
A southern guard yanked him out before he was allowed to dive in and throw himself to the ground. The guard shook his head, Rong Yan pouted and stormed off in embarrassment. A guard cackled at Rong Yan then reminded him what tomorrow was.
"Tomorrow's Torngark's Day of Dupes," the guard reminded Rong Yan, the Avatar rubbed his hands together menacingly and grinned wickedly.
