神靈
Chapter 70
Trial
The chambers of the Water Tribe Council were louder than usual this day. With boisterous shouts from both sides of the chamber as the Noatak and his brother were led to the stands, with Wolf Tail Guards in tow. At first, the citizenry were quiet and solemn, as if showing their silent support for the duo. But as they got closer into the antechamber with the rest of the councilmen and Yakone's guards, they were heckled and shouted at all the way.
"Traitor!" One of the Wolf Tails who was part of Yakone's faction yelled. "I hope you enjoy your exile!"
"Don't listen to them boys!" A councilman from Sokka's Southern Water Tribe faction retorted. "We know what you did for our people! We're proud to have you!"
"Stow it Southern Monkey!" The Northerners heckled back, and eventually the shouting just melded into one incessant storm of chatter and chaos. It was amazing that even in the face of utter annihilation by the Phoenix Empire, the tribes still found a way to bicker and remain divided, Noatak thought bitterly. If this was the show of unification that Chief Unalaq was hoping to build with the tribes, it did not bode well for his people.
The older Wolf Tail however, ignored them easily, looking to his side to check in on Tarrlok, who was unusually subdued. He could sense that he was tense and frightened for sure, but it seemed as though he didn't have the energy to show it, and with good reason.
Yakone had spent the better part of the day simply just torturing them with his bloodbending. Giving a lecture on the virtues of obedience and his expectations of them as Wolf Tails, all the while immobilizing them with his telepathic bloodbending. He seethed inwardly, hating himself that he had no means of fighting back without a full moon. It had been excruciating for sure, but nothing he wasn't used to in his training. Tarrlok on the other hand, wasn't prepared for such treatment, and it broke Noatak's heart to see his usual cheerful younger brother just stare into space with blank, sullen exhaustion.
Commander Hahn, although he was rough initially with the two boys, seemed to take note of the condition he had found them in after their Father was done with them, and to his surprise, didn't even resort to his usual taunts. Instead, he acted with a cold professionalism as he led them through the chamber.
It was a small reprieve in the face of everything, and Noatak couldn't help but think of the time when he was here with his brother. When Tarrlok had convinced the council the wisdom of having Noatak act as Korra's waterbending instructor while Katara recollected herself from the trauma of seeing that Avatar again. That same suggestion started the chain of events that led them to rescue her parents and Korra finally connecting with the Waterbending aspect of her powers.
Now, in the midst of that triumph, they would be condemned to exile or worse in the very same spot.
He kept an eye out in the crowd, a part of him almost hoping Korra was there to offer them support and speak out for them. On the other hand, knowing what he did about that girl, she would probably to do something stupid and impulsive. Still, Noatak admitted wryly with a suppressed grin, he wouldn't have minded that either.
The procession stopped as they reached the council stand, with the honorable Judge Hotah walking up to his podium. Like most of the furniture in the ceremonial chamber, the podium was decorated with elaborate carvings that blended the styles of both tribes, with circular insignia of Tui and La in the center.
Noatak managed to suppress his grimace as he saw his father stand next to Chief Unalaq on the prosecuting side. Normally, the Chief would not make such an open gesture to side with one faction, but in the case of the lockdown, he was obviously making an exception. And Noatak looked with subdued pain to Sokka's side, where there were more than a few vacant seats. It was obvious that although their expedition southward had been successful in saving Korra, Sokka paid the price in having his faction severely weakened with the number of 'volunteers' he had go South. No doubt a fair number of them were in the healing wards, or worse, never made the voyage back North after their rescue.
It was perhaps enough of a difference to make Yakone appear so confident now and he could see it smile his father wore as the he and Tarrlok were led to the prisoner's stand at the side.
"Noatak." Tarrlok said softly as he stared at the crowds gathering in the stands of the chamber. "Are we going to be alright?"
"I won't let them hurt you, that's a promise brother." Noatak's eyes narrowed as he met his father's ice cold gaze. He knew just how much was at stake here to be found guilty of violating the Water Tribe Chief's orders, but he'll be damned if he let them hurt Tarrlok. He felt a pang of guilt inside already, knowing that it was his idea originally that led his younger brother southwards with him. He didn't mind being punished himself, but if they did anything to hurt his brother he would never forgive them.
Or himself.
His thoughts however, were interrupted by the sound of a gavel banging suddenly sliced through the air. Judge Hotah himself rising as Commander Hahn shouted at the rest of the council to be quiet.
"The tribunal will come to order now." Hahn announced. "The honorable Judge Hotah presiding!"
Hotah nodded his thanks, before looking sternly at Noatak and Tarrlok as they stood, bound in chains, before him and the council.
"In the name of the Spirits, we are all gathered here today to pass judgement on a most heinous crime against the tribes. Crimes that endanger both our tribe and community."
Tarrlok bristled at hearing the charges, shocked that their father would even go as far as to accuse them of that.
"Noatak, Tarrlok." Hotah said, his voice devoid of pity, eyed the two brothers. "You are both brought up on many charges against the tribes, including the kidnapping of the Avatar and the violation of the lock down that was imposed by Chief Unalaq, not to mention various accounts of assaulting fellow members of the Wolf Tail Warriors. How do you plead?"
"We did nothing wrong! It was all for the sake of the Avatar and the Water Tribes that we acted." Noatak protested.
"Nevertheless, do you deny any of the accusations?" Hotah replied sternly, not backing down on his end either.
"We do." Noatak replied with a hint of defiance in his voice, trying his best to hide his outrage and anger at the whole proceedings. "Everything we've done, we did for the sake of our people."
"That remains to be seen." Hotah gave the pair a disdainful look, then he turned with a nod to Chief Unalaq. "We shall begin with the prosecution."
Up above the stands overlooking the council, the crowd held its breath as Judge Hotah continued reiterating the charges that the two brothers were accused of. The litany of crimes was met with hostile stares from various council members in the chamber, while it seemed to Ghazan that a only certain section of the assembly seemed to seep in outrage at the charges.
Even to the most casual observer, it was obvious Unalaq didn't have everything under control for once, as much as he would like to pretend he did. The chamber was clearly split between the two rival factions and even as a stranger to the water tribes, he could feel the tension thick in the air.
"Poor guy. Looks like our beloved chieftain got him too" Ghazan frowned, looking at the two brothers with pity. He knew all too well how it felt to be ensnared by that rat-viper.
"That Noatak kid, he saved us didn't he?" Ming Hua, bandaged and healed up after a special treatment in the healing stations, spoke softly next to the Earthbender. Although she was used to moving now without the assistance of her arms, she was still was conscious of thin frame and addressed the issue by bundling herself in a cocoon of furs (which made her look kinda like a cute furry caterpillar, Ghazan thought).
"Yeah," the Earthbender nodded. "Without Noatak, we'd still be stuck down in the South Pole in that cell. And this is how the Water Tribes repay him." Ghazan grimaced. Unalaq always had a way of getting under his skin, and to see him play out his political games with the young Wolf Tail only incensed that anger.
"You know what the penalty is for even half those crimes." Ming-Hua could only wonder why Unalaq was going out of his way to lay the law on the two young water benders.
"I know," The Earthbender nodded grimly. "If it comes to that, I'll figure something out. But...I can't move against Unalaq. At least, not right now." Ming Hua didn't need to know the details of the 'conversation' that Unalaq had with him earlier.
Before Ghazan could continue observing, a loud crash erupted in the chamber, and he (along with everyone else in the room) turned his attention to the scuffle taking place at the chamber doors, as a flurry of guards tried vainly to keep the doors closed, but with
"Stop this at once!" The voice of a young girl boomed through the chamber, and Ghazan saw that the intruder was none other than the avatar he had heard so much about."
"Well...well. This just got a lot more interesting." The Earthbender couldn't help but grin as he observed the proceedings below.
"What is the meaning of this?" Judge Hotah turned towards the sound of the disturbance in outrage, until he realized what he was seeing. A flurry of surprised gasps soon fell over the council chamber as they saw Avatar Korra impatiently push the stunned guards aside.
"Apologies Judge Hotah," Sokka stepped ahead of the procession. "But is it not precedent as well that the trial isn't to begin without a defense for the accused?"
Hotah seemed unsure at the turn of events. True, this was usually the case, and he turned towards Chief Unalaq who swiftly came to the rescue.
"You are correct councilman Sokka, but this is a military matter and a court martial. Commander Yakone gave this his blessing."
"As the chief said." Yakone said gruffly. "This is my domain. They're my troops."
"Nevertheless, they are entitled to a defense." Sokka pushed the point. "I will be happy to speak on behalf of the boys. Their past service at least grants them this much."
It was a direct challenge to the chief that had not been seen for some time, and this elicited murmurs throughout the chamber as various council members began debating amongst themselves what this meant. One glare from Yakone however, had quieted down even the most loud spoken members.
If it was perceived as such however, Unalaq didn't seem to mind. Instead, he simply smiled. "Why by all means councilman, please, take your place beside the boys. There is no need to antagonize anyone unnecessarily. I am confident justice will be rendered fairly."
Korra did her best to contain her anger at witnessing the whole thing, but she knew by now just how delicate the unity of the tribes was. For the sake of her family, for the sake of Noatak and Tarrlok, she would play by their rules for now.
"Thank you Chief Unalaq." Sokka nodded his thanks, even though inwardly he felt like he was placing his head into the jaws of a Polar Leopard.
"Judge Hotah." Unalaq nodded. "You may continue."
The rest of the chamber seemed to sigh with relief, and it didn't take long before the rest of the council settled back into their seats.
Korra watched uneasily as the next hour seemed to fly by. With Yakone acting as the prosecutor for his own sons and Unalaq and the rest of the council jury watching quietly. To Korra, this seemed completely unjustified, and it reminded her angrily of her own mistreatment at the Warden's hands when he punished her without so much as a trial. In a sense, this was a worse as it was a mockery of the very values they claimed to represent.
The way Yakone and Unalaq were handling this with only the veneer of impartiality as far as she was concerned. At least the Warden was honest in his cruelty.
Sokka himself, having had no time to prepare any defense, represented the boys as best he could, going over their past record and Noatak's proficiency as a Wolf Tail along with the countless lives saved in the South Pole. A few of the members of the audience even nodded in appreciation when Sokka recounted that Korra was able to even learn water bending because of the brothers, and Korra found herself blushing involuntarily as she saw the eyes of the chamber key in on her.
Ultimately though, Yakone's testimony was the crippling blow. With a convincing sincerity in his voice, as if regretting the need to prosecuting his own sons, Yakone gave a damning account of Tarrlok and Noatak's time in the Wolf Tail Warriors. Noatak's lone wolf attitude and unwillingness to follow commands, Tarrlok's unsuitability for missions and endangering of his comrades which culminated in the endangerment of the Water Tribes by initiating their rescue attempt without following orders and leaving them vulnerable to discovery by the Fire Nation.
"I do not question my sons' loyalty or zeal, both fine qualities in any warrior." Yakone said, "But it doesn't change the fact that as Wolf Tail Warriors, they were explicitly ordered not to pursue the Avatar prematurely, not without a proper plan and Chief Unalaq's consent. Yet they chose to deliberately disobey orders and take matters into their own hands. Endangering not just the Avatar, but our tribe as well."
Yakone turned towards his sons coldly. "Is that really the actions of a Wolf Tail Warrior? One who is tasked with the responsibility of keeping our Tribe's location a secret? Someone who we are entrusting with the lives of our friends and loved ones?"
It took every ounce of self control for Noatak to stiffle down his rage, and just as he was about to say something in his defense, he felt his throat constrict against his will as Yakone slyly curled one of the fingers in his fist. Tarrlok must have felt it as well for the younger Wolf Tail seemed to gulp in fear as he felt the same light grip tighten around his neck.
Satisfied, Yakone allowed himself a smirk before he turned back to Judge Hotah.
"I leave the sentence to you."
The assembly soon fell into a chorus of whispering and gossip as Judge Hotah, along with Chief Unalaq and the rest of the council members left their seats to the back room for deliberation. For Korra, the entire farce was too much and she look at Tarrlok and Noatak in helpless frustration.
I couldn't even do anything!
Sokka however, had convinced Korra to keep quiet. Knowing full well that the alliance between the Northern and Southern Tribes was hanging on a knife's edge. The last thing they needed was to have the Avatar take sides. Korra understood that point, the politics and all, but it didn't change the fact that she wanted to just vault past the guards and rescue the brothers right then and there.
"I feel so useless Sokka." Korra muttered. "If I'm the Avatar, shouldn't I have a say in this? I chose to go with them."
"I wish it were that easy." Sokka shook his head. "Unalaq has eyes and ears everywhere and while we do have you on our side. We also lost a lot of strength in the expedition to the south."
For the first time since Korra met him, Sokka's shoulders seemed to slump in weariness, as if he were just remembering all the potential friends and allies he had lost in calling them south to her aid. She felt a little guilty too, knowing that it was only because she was the Avatar that the tribes had gathered to mount that attack. How many other orphans and refugees had to quietly accept that they would never see their loved ones again?
It only took a moment for Sokka to steel his resolve. "Look, I know this looks rotten to you. Believe me, I'm sick of it myself. But we have to play by Unalaq's rules for now. If worse comes to worse, I'll see to it that Noatak and Tarrlok aren't harmed. You have my word."
"I believe you." Korra replied softly. "I just wish I could have done more."
Hotah meanwhile, had already begun reading the charges in a voice that echoed through the chambers.
"For disobeying orders, and kidnapping the Avatar, you are found guilty."
Korra held her breath as Hotah continued, was it to be exile? It would be brutal, but at least they would be alive and free, then they could find some way to work around it...
Hotah however, crushed her hopes as he pulled out another scroll of charges levied against the brothers.
"On the charges of violating the lockdown, including dereliction of duty, abandonment of their posts and reckless endangerment of their fellow comrades. You are also found guilty."
That seems a little harsh. Korra thought. what more could they possibly-
Judge Hotah's eyes were pitiless and void of sympathy as he uttered the next phrase.
"The punishment for these crimes, is death."
It didn't take long for Korra to jump over Councilman's Sokka's stand, charging both her fists up with Firebending.
"Korra, don't-!" Before Noatak could do anything however, the Avatar had already jumped the stands and faced Judge Hotah, her fists charged up in an aggressive firebending stance.
"You can't do this! Noatak and Tarrlok risked everything to save me and my family." Korra shouted fiercely, perhaps surprising even herself at her own impetuousness. But if she was burning with rage, her next few words cut through with icy intent as she stared down Judge Hotah. "If you take their lives, I'll take yours."
The assembly gasped in surprised, and Hotah's face seemed to drain of blood as he stepped back from Korra. The assembled Wolf Tail Guards were producing water whips from their flasks at this point, stepping between Korra and the Judge and preparing to subdue the Avatar if she decided to act on her threat.
Before the scene could break out into violence however, Chief Unalaq's voice cut through the room.
"Calm down everyone, There's no need for violence here. " Unalaq asserted himself in the proceedings as he stepped into the center of the chamber, gesturing for the guards to stand down, and nodding towards Korra as well.
After a few tense moments, the guards obeyed their chief, sheathing the water whips they conjured up back into their flasks. Reluctantly, Korra followed suit as well, powering down her fists and nodding, trying her best to fight back the urge to save the brothers right then and there.
"Korra, I know this is all new to you here, our customs and laws, but nevertheless I ask that you respect them." He said authoritatively, but having read the situation in the room, he continued next in a conciliatory tone towards the Avatar.
"However, as firm as our traditions are, it doesn't mean we can't resolve this for both sides. Give me a moment to convene with the judge."
Korra exhaled, not sure what to make of her uncle's offer, but seeing the reassurance in his eyes, she let out a sigh, followed by a slight nod of assent.
Taking it as his cue, Unalaq turned towards Hotah.
"Judge Hotah." Chief Unalaq gestured towards the backroom antechambers. "I believe we should have a conversation in private. The avatar has a point about the past services these boys have done for the tribes. I wish there to be an exception made."
Hotah, still visibly shaken at having his life threatened by Korra just moments ago, nodded dumbfoundedly. "If you insist Chief Unalaq."
"Councilman Sokka, Commander Yakone" Unalaq nodded towards the two Wolf Tail Commanders. "You may join us as well."
Nodding in agreement, the four men disappeared into the court antechambers as the rest of the tribunal settled into an uneasy peace. Guards shuffled about, separating members of the Northern and Southern factions in the stands while Korra sat alone on the defense stands, her eyes settling nervously on the two brothers, who seemed to also be praying to the spirits for their lives. The entire chamber seemed to be a buzzing with chatter and murmurs now, the onlookers still in disbelief as they watched the Avatar openly threaten the chieftain. Korra never meant for it to come out so aggressively, and admittedly, she could have done things better.
But it was too late to take back things now, the only thing she could do now was trust Unalaq, as well as Sokka.
It didn't take long however, for the trio to finish their deliberations. And minutes later, to everyone's surprise, it was Chief Unalaq who emerged from the room at the head of the three officials.
Unalaq gestured at the assembled parties to calm down and take their seats, before beginning again, with a slight nod towards Korra.
"In light of the Avatar's passionate defense of the accused, as well as other considerations which have been agreed upon by Judge Hotah, we have decided to amend the initial verdict."
Unalaq then turned towards Noatak and Tarrlok, who could not hide the look of relief on their faces as they realized this might be their salvation.
"Though our commander may be quite willing to pay the ultimate price. I won't deny that you boys have served our people well in the past. In light of all you have done, I will offer to spare your lives."
Noatak and Tarrlok both let out a visible sigh of relief, along with Korra.
"However," Unalaq added, "You will both at once renounce the title of Wolf Tail Warriors and continue serving the tribes as ordinary citizens."
To Korra, who had known Noatak only for a short while, it seemed as though the sentencing may as well have been a death sentence. She had rarely seen his stoic composure crack, but she saw his shoulders slump in defeat and shame. Tarrlok too, was shocked at the sentence, the conflict between the relief of their lives being spared but the disgrace of losing their positions in the ranks evident in his eyes as well.
Before Korra could even go over and offer any words of comfort however, Unalaq continued.
"There was also a second decision made." Unalaq announced, and to Korra's confusion, even Sokka gave a rare smile.
"Korra, since Noatak is no longer a Wolf Tail, the council won't allow him to train you. As a slight concession to Councilman Sokka. We've agreed that your new teacher should be Master Katara."
A/N: One thing i realized writing this story, there is a lot of moving parts haha! A bit of a breather chapter to show where people are, but we'll see how the future holds up for our heroes! Hope you guys enjoyed this. Will update when I can :) I'm starting to realize that there is probably no such thing as a chapter that is perfect or good enough, so for the sake of moving forward, even if it's slowly, i'll post what i can, when I can.
Hope you are all staying safe during this pandemic!