Chapter Twenty
Zuko and Katara had started a routine; after Yuri cooked breakfast they would clean up and wash the dishes. Yuri would pack them a modest lunch and they would spend the day outside. They had explored the surrounding area thoroughly, spent a few afternoons at the lake and watched the people of town go about their business from a distance. With the close call they'd had last time they were in town, they had decided it was safer to avoid it altogether. The less attention they brought to themselves, the better. The wanted posters had made those desperate for the reward money eyeing everyone suspiciously. Katara was put out that if they had received a return message from their friends, they wouldn't know, but Yuri had reassured her any messages would be delivered by the young courier boy who worked at the dragon hawk keep.
This particular afternoon, Zuko toted along a thick leather bound book, the spine worn and the title faded. He told her it was Jeong's and he had found it whilst helping clean out some of the storage space. It held a collection of tales and he had been eager to leaf through it. He found a shaded spot beneath a tree and gingerly turned the pages as his eyes scanned the contents. Katara was inspecting some of the local flora and fauna but grew bored and found herself leaning against the trunk of the same tree, shoulders lightly brushing Zuko's. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the warmth of the filtered sunlight dancing through the shifting leaves, listening to the flutter of paper as Zuko read. After a bit he made a pleased sound and she cracked her eyes to find him with a small smile staring at the story before him.
"What is it?" She asked, leaning across him a bit to see the story. He smiled and shifted so that she leaned comfortably against him and the book was angled to where she could see.
"The Dragon Rider."
"I've never heard of it." She pressed against him a bit more to study the page.
"It's a classic in fire nation lore. I can read it to you if you want."
Her eyes turned from the book to him and she smiled. "Yes please." She wiggled until she was comfortable and leaned her head against his shoulder as he started to read.
"A very long time ago in a small village there was a son of a farmer. He was an ordinary man who helped his father with the land for they grew wheat. Every week the son, Lao, rode the long distance into town to sell some of the wheat to the baker to make bread. Now the baker had a daughter named Reyna who was beautiful and admired by all the young bachelors in town, including Lao. Lao would look upon her beauty week after week during his delivery trips to the bakery, but knew he had no chance to become one of the many eager suitors. He was a poor farmer with nothing to offer her while the other men were a variety of rich heirs, master apprentices and sons of upper class merchants.
Reyna was one of the few genuine people Lao had ever met. She was kind to everyone and didn't eye him with disdain as he came to sell his harvest at the back door in raggedy, dirty clothes with farm calloused hands. Once a week Lao would look forward to his conversations with Reyna as she took the wheat from him after her father paid him and began to mill it in the small back room. At first Lao was embarrassed and would leave after receiving his payment and stutter a greeting to her before returning home, berating himself for his awkwardness. After months of gentle coaxing she got him to stand longer and talk with her. Eventually he would stay long enough for her to grind the wheat with mortar and pestle to the soft white flour used for baking the fragrant breads. Gradually he began helping her with this chore as they carried on some of the most meaningful conversations of young Lao's life.
He could feel himself falling in love with her. Often during the grinding, her father would summon her, casting a disparaging look at his sordid state that came with the hard, dirty work of a farmer's life. Reyna was often called to consort with the customers, which were often well-to-do young men looking to win her affections. Her father was pleased that his daughter would draw such business to his little shop. He would impress upon the men of the town that he had high hopes for his daughter, warning of a high dowry for her eventual hand in marriage and found his business booming with generous patrons trying to earn his favor. The baker was not fond of the poor farm boy that spent time with his precious daughter and made it clear that he would never be worthy nor deserving of her due to his lot in life.
Now the little village sat near the base of a mountain told to house some of the most dangerous creatures and separated from the village by an expanse of forest riddled with bandits and cut throats. No one dared venture near that wished to live long. One of the most treacherous of all creatures rumored to live in a cave hidden amongst the trees was a dragon.
One day as Lao was entering the village he encountered an angry crowd surrounding the bakery on the outskirts of town. Concerned for Reyna's safety, he pushed towards the front. Once there he saw the baker looking bereaved and many of the town folk discussing things angrily.
"What's happened?" he asked the man closest to him.
"Bandits. They've pillaged many shops and they have kidnapped Reyna. We're rallying a search party to invade their camp and get her and our money back."
Dread sat like a heavy stone in his gut. "Count me in. I want to help find her."
"You?" The baker asked in outrage as he heaved himself to his feet, coming closer to poke Lao in the chest. "And what is a farm boy like yourself supposed to do? My daughter has been taken by renegades; you suppose throwing wheat at them will get her back?"
A wealthy, well-to-do young man that Lao recognized as one of Reyna's many suitors stepped forward to calm the enraged baker. "Now now… We can use all the help we can get. We all have Reyna's best interests at heart. Come, I'll buy you a pint at the tavern." The man led the now weary baker to the pub down the road. All those interested in rescuing Reyna from the band of crooks gathered together with whatever they had on hand as makeshift weapons to storm the woods.
Lao who had nothing but his bundle of wheat went empty handed. He had no weapons, nor any knowledge of how to use one even if he had one. His bare hands would have to do, but the long back breaking hours of farm labor had made him strong and lean. He looked around at the rest of the townsfolk, mostly men who were interested in winning Reyna's affections, they all toted objects such as pitchforks, clubs and other nefarious seeming items. Once armed, they made hastily for the thick woods that none had dared travel before. The trees were thick, letting little light in and strange animal calls made Lao jump; it truly was a horrible place and he feared for Reyna the deeper they walked.
"Over here!" Came a cry from one of the villagers and they all closed in on him to see what he had found.
"Footprints."
"We must be close to their camp."
Lao could feel his heart beating harshly as the men conversed in hushed tones and followed as a few led the way. Sure enough, signs of life became more apparent the further they traveled. Well tread paths, broken branches and symbols carved into the bark of a few trees. The line of men stopped suddenly as the few at the front gasped. Slowly, cautiously, they moved forward as a group and Lao saw what had brought the ones in front up short. It was the smoldering remains of a campsite. Tents had turned to char and ash, supplies and belongings were scattered about, everything seemed to be singed. The smell of cooked flesh became apparent and Lao felt his insides churn violently before turning to empty the contents of his stomach. The bandit's camp had been burned with them in it. The men from the village dashed about, searching wildly for any signs of Reyna.
Lao helped the search efforts, but all the charred bodies belonged to men. He felt ill at the sight of the disfigured men, but his stomach was now empty. A strangled cry rang out and the search party rushed to see what was wrong.
"The print!" He yelled, holding out a shaking hand. There in the dirt was an impression of an animal foot. A very large foot, one that was tipped in wickedly sharp claws.
"The Dragon." One man whispered in awe. There was no doubt that such a print must have come from the renowned creature and it also explained how the raider's camp had come to burn. The legendary creature was always said to have a frightening and terrible strength. An animal no man faced and lived to tell the tale of.
Something caught Laos's eye and he stooped to pick it up. It glinted in the weak light filtering through the leaves.
"What have you found?" A man asked, clasping a hand on Laos shoulder as he knelt.
"Her necklace." He choked as his fingers curled over the fine golden chain. He would recognize it anywhere. It was her prized possession, the only thing left of her mother who had passed giving birth to her. She had told him the story on one of those long days grinding the wheat into flour.
"That is Reyna's!" Another shouted, having spotted what Lao held.
"Then that means…"
"The dragon took her." Another man stated solemnly. There was a moment of silence as the men of the search party absorbed what that meant.
"Best be getting home now, it will soon be dark." One of the men suggested.
"What?" Lao cried out in shock.
"We tried, but it's no use. Best we be getting back to the village now." He explained as if Lao were dense.
"But the dragon has her! We have to save her!" Lao cried leaping to his feet and looking around the ring of defeated faces.
"There is no saving her." One snapped.
"If the dragon of the mountain has her, it's too late." Another said softly.
"I'm not giving up! I'm going to save her from the dragon!" Lao declared fiercely. His declaration was met with looks of pity or anger or utter dumbfoundedness.
"There's no use."
"You'll just end up like the men of this camp!"
"If you go, that dragon will eat you too!"
"I have to try." Lao said softly in response to all the replies.
"You'll surely die!" One cried.
Lao smiled sadly as he clutched the necklace in his fist tighter. "If I do, so be it. I have nothing left to live for if she's gone." With that, he strode deeper into the woods in the direction of the mountain.
Night soon fell and Lao huddled beneath a broad pine tree, using the fallen needles as a bed. He examined the stars in the sky and the necklace by the light of the moon; Reyna always on his mind. Sleep finally graced him until the early call of birds in the morning. Lao stretched and set off once more, determination never wavering as he strode boldly towards the mountain, ignoring all aches and pains, the twinge of his stomach and the fear for his life. Nearing the end of the second day Lao found a river and drank deeply from it. He splashed himself with water and was surprised to find stubble. As the ripples settled he stared at his reflection and a wild eyed man stared back, bedraggled and haggard. He was tired and famished, but dead determined to save Reyna or die trying. He bedded down for the night, necklace in his grip, knowing tomorrow his fate would be decided.
The next morning Lao steeled himself and began the treacherous hike up the mountain to the cave set high above the tree line. By midday he found himself level with the open mouth of the wide cavern. He straightened and cupped his hands, bellowing.
"Reyna!"
A distant cry echoed back from deep within. "Help! I'm here!"
Relief made his legs weak for a moment. "I'm coming! Everything will be alright!" He called into the dark depths. Lao was just headed in when a great, beastly face emerged from the shadows lunging past him and Lao staggered and fell. He stared up in awe at the great writhing creature as it flew around, emitting a fiery display. Lao watched in horror from his seated position but when he was not immediately consumed the horror turned to cautious curiosity. The great beast looped and twisted through the air, breathing streams of fire. Lao became briefly hypnotized. The wretched creature was actually beautiful. The gleaming silvery scales caught and reflected the light from the sun in scintillating patterns as it elegantly twined through the air. The fire that flowed from its great maw was not normal fire. It danced as elegantly as the dragon through the sky; the colors that of no ordinary fire Lao had ever seen.
The great dragon stilled, hovering effortlessly before him, fire ceasing as it gazed deeply into his eyes. Lao had not realized till now that he had found his feet again. The ancient eyes of this creature held intelligence and knowledge. Lao felt he should be doing something as the dragon held him under its scrutiny. Courage welled from deep within as he addressed the great animal.
"Great Dragon of the Mountain." He addressed it cordially, making eye contact and trying to put the sincerity and humbleness he felt into his voice. "My name is Lao. I did not wish to disturb you, what right have I? I am but a lowly farmer from the village beyond the forest. I would never seek a confrontation and still would like to avoid one if possible. For you see, within your den there is a beautiful woman. A splendid woman, one that I love with every fiber of my being. I have come this great distance hoping to rescue her from a beast. Little did I know that I would not find a beast, but a noble and wise creature. I know not why you have taken my beloved Reyna, though I am beginning to suspect you had the same intent as myself: to save her.
Though I am not an educated man, I recognize in you a great intelligence and wisdom. I know, as I have always known, that a man such as me, could never hope to be more to Reyna than perhaps a confidant and a friend. I know I am not worthy, but I beg of you, please, I would happily take the place of the woman you hold within. If it pleases you, I offer up my meager life in exchange for hers. I would always be your humble servant in whatever manner you please. The only thing I dare ask as my final request is that Reyna is to live a long, full life in the comforts of her home. Great Dragon of the Mountain, please consider my offer." With this, Lao sunk to one knee and lowered his head, awaiting judgment.
A whiskered tendril snaked out and Lao flinched slightly. The silvery wisp halted and waited for him to raise his eyes. The dragon had moved even closer, close enough for him to gather a greater appreciation for the wickedly sharp teeth. He swallowed as he met its fearsome gaze and the tendril moved forward once more until it gently met the center of his forehead and Lao gasped.
Images flashed before his eyes, too fast for him to comprehend and a gentle, ethereal yet feminine voice echoed in his mind.
"Lao." It whispered gently and he saw the face of the dragon once more as the visions cleared.
"Is that you?" He whispered in awe.
"You were correct in my desire to rescue the female from harm's way. Far too long those humans have run rampant, laying waste to everything in their path. In my long time, I have seen many atrocities and yet this human woman was the one that has moved me to act."
An image of a frightened Reyna appeared in his mind before fading away again. "This human is special, there are not many like her."
"I know." Lao agreed. "She has become very dear to me."
"For her beauty?"
Lao shook his head, the whisker remained in contact. He smiled sadly down at his feet. "For her kindness."
"She is a worthy human." The dragon said.
"Yes and I'm afraid my sacrifice will not be worthy."
He could feel a shift in his mind, as if something were sifting through his thoughts, his memories. "You are poor and looked down upon."
"Yes." Lao whispered as his fingers gently clenched.
He could feel her pondering and weighing his worth. Dread made his empty stomach clench. "You truly love her and are willing to give your life for her?" The feminine voice whispered.
"Yes. I would gladly die for her." He said stoutly.
"Very well. I accept." With a suddenness the whisker withdrew and the great dragon lunged, mouth agape and fire frothing forth. Lao blanched and braced himself for a grizzly demise, but it never came. Instead there was heat and light. He pried his eyes open to find himself in the midst of a fiery tornado; the colors that spun about had him gaping in awe. With an exhilarating swiftness the tornado of fantastically colored flame closed around him until he was encased in the flames and they winked out of existence in the center of him. He spun in amazement, patting himself as if to reassure him that he was still whole and unharmed. He whirled to find the dragon still watching him steadily.
"I… I don't understand…" he stuttered.
"I have judged you worthy. I have bestowed upon you the gift of fire. I trust you will use it wisely." The ethereal voice whispered in his mind again. The dragon nodded sagely and he could feel her urging him to try something. He held out his hand and there upon his palm danced a flame. His eyes bulged, for this ability had only ever been rumored to exist. The whisker reached forward and made contact with his forehead once more and he could feel the dragon pouring her knowledge into him. Suddenly he understood the weight of the gift she had given him, the possibilities and the means to use them. The silvery whisker withdrew once again and Lao took a step back, pressed one balled fist into the open palm of his other hand and bowed deeply.
"Thank you Great Dragon. I shall treasure it always."
"Go, fetch your woman." The dragon ordered gently and Lao's eyes widened once more.
"But…"
"You have both been judged worthy. Take your woman, return home and spread what you have learned so that others may learn as well."
"Of course Great Dragon, but I feel as if I owe you. You have bestowed upon me many gifts; how am I to ever repay you?"
The great silvery beast smiled, revealing gleaming teeth. "Is this what you truly wish?"
"It would not feel right of me to take all you have given as a gift without giving you something in return." He bowed humbly.
"There is something that you could do." The whispery voice mused.
"Anything you wish of me."
"The folly of man is great and it saddens me to see them fall further and further. Will you, Lao, ride with me and guide humanity? It is a great undertaking."
"Whatever you wish, of Great Dragon." Lao bowed once more.
"Then as I said before, fetch your woman, make a home for yourselves, and show your village all you have learned. Soon I shall call on you and we shall travel great and far to right many wrongs."
Feeling his dismissal Lao rushed into the cave and freed his beloved Reyna. She rushed into his arms, relieved and astonished that this kind, strong, yet quiet man had risked all for her. He pronounced his love for her right there and she eagerly reciprocated his feelings. He lit a small fire to guide them out of the cave.
"Lao, this is incredible!" Reyna exclaimed about his new gift.
"The Great Dragon has gifted me with many things, but her greatest gift of all was my opportunity to be with you." He told her, gently brushing hair from her face. "In return, I shall aid her as we travel and help the world become a better place."
"That is a noble endeavor." Reyna agreed. "Between your travels, I shall wait for you."
As they emerged into the bright sunlight, the Great Dragon waited for them, curled on the ledge, watching them steadily. Reyna balked, but was gently pulled forward behind Lao. A long tendril extended and the feminine whisper asked, "Are you ready?"
"Yes." And Lao, knowing the dragon's intentions climbed astride, pulling his bride to be behind him as the Great Dragon sailed off, taking them to their village, their lives and their future. The End."
Zuko closed the thick leather tome and looked to Katara leaning against him expectantly. She raised her head from his shoulder and gave him a dreamy smile. "That was a lovely story."
Zuko smiled softly with a far off look. "My mother used to read me stories all the time. When I was younger, I didn't like this one as much as some of the others, because there wasn't a lot of fighting, but I think I've come to appreciate it with time."
"Aw, do you have a bit of a romantic streak there Fire Lord Zuko?" Katara teased.
"It's supposed to be a secret." He teased back but a faint blush colored his face.
Katara grinned and looped her arm around his, resting her head on his shoulder again. "Will you read me another story? Please?" She asked. Zuko nodded and that was how they spent the rest of their day.
Sarahplainntall here! Got this next chapter up pretty quick (yeah!). The overwhelming number of people who favorited and/or followed this story after I published my last chapter were an incredible inspiration to churn out this next one so quickly; so thank you fans, you're all incredible. I'd like to give a special thanks to Shae, HarlowKate, Meadow and a few guests. You are FABULOUS for reviewing! It absolutely makes my day and I get the urge to write.