Chapter 12: Foreseeing Fear
Ciara's plan with going around the ships, proved to be a big success. By nightfall they have docked silently. There a path lead toward a large glorious palace, torches illuminated the pathway, casting dark shadows on the ground.
Zuko walked off the ship with eagerness; he was now on his homeland soil. "Finally." he whispered to himself, resisting the urge to act like his uncle after he drank tea. A strong but comforting hand fell lightly on his shoulder, "Ah, Prince Zuko, soon you will back to the old life you once knew." Zuko nodded silently, but wondered if his uncle's words were true.
Ciara came up to his right side, a firm hand placed on the Avatar's shoulder. Aang was bound tightly; already it was difficult to walk. Ciara motioned for a guard to take Aang, and to bring the other prisoners along. Zuko smiled at Ciara and headed up the long flight of stairs which would soon lead to his father.
Minuets passed, and soon they were at the doors, two guards stopped them, "Who goes there?" Iroh stood forward, replying a stern voice, "Iroh, the brother of Fire Lord Ozai." The guards stiffened, and opened the doors immediately, not paying attention to the banished prince that followed after his uncle.
"I told you this old fox still has his moves." he whispered to Zuko, soon entering a large room. The room was brightly lit by the dancing flames of the torches; red tapestries with the Fire Nation's crest filled the walls. There before it all was a large crimson throne, a figure sitting upon making the guards beside him scowl with fear.
"Who dares disturb me at this hour?" emitted a booming voice from the figure. Iroh smiled, "Brother, you haven't changed a bit." The figure looked at Iroh and grinned, "What brings you here? News I propose?" Iroh laughed and nodded, "Good news, why not let your son tell you?"
Zuko stepped forward, showing no fear in his blank expression, "Father, I bring you the Avatar." Lord Ozai leaned forward, watching the guard push Aang toward him. "How can it be?" he muttered in awe, standing up and circling the airbender. He turned toward his son and nodded, "You proved to me that you can face the challenges of war… So I will give you two gifts: One is that you are no longer banished and your honor is restored. Two: You may dispose the Avatar any way you wish. I am proud of you son…you may be off. I hope to see you in the morning for breakfast."
Iroh stayed with his brother, watching Zuko and the others leave. Ozai leaned back in his throne and asked, "Who was that girl?" Iroh grinned and responded, "Why don't we talk about her over a cup of tea."
Zuko walked toward his ship with ease, enjoying the look of terror in Aang's eyes. "Don't worry Avatar…this will only hurt for a minuet." he grinned, sliding his finger across the cold and unfeeling blade that he held.