At dawn the next day, the ship was outside the block-aid that protected the main harbor into the capital of the Fire Nation. Aang and Sokka were stunned.
"What is he doing?" Sokka asked. "I thought if he went back without the Avatar…" He turned quickly to Aang.
Aang had been sitting quietly while they watched the prince's ship float there and wait for clearance. He knew what Zuko was doing.
"He has the Avatar. You were right, Sokka. When he first took Katara, we should've fought to free her. I thought a better moment would come up. Guess I was wrong." Aang looked sad. I was so careful of a trap…and I walked right into it! He took Katara and treated her well, knowing I would follow and wait it out. And now, he has me.
Sokka was angry. He couldn't believe how stupid he'd been. My father wouldn't've EVER walked into a trap like this! There is no way out! If we leave, Katara will surely die. If we stay, Aang will be taken captive! He punched their pile of supplies in frustration.
"What can we do now?"
Aang shrugged. "Pray?"
Zuko received clearance around midday when he was able to convince his father's council member's that the big white dot against the gray clouds was the flying bison the Avatar flew on.
He was standing on deck when they passed by the block-aid ships. They were huge vessels, built to withstand anything that tried to run them. A shiver rolled down his spine.
"Honestly, does my father need such huge ships? Who would try to run them to get to the capital at this point in the war?" he said to his Uncle. Ronan came up behind them.
"Maybe they aren't there to keep people out. What if the Fire Lord wants to keep people…in?" the young boy asked.
"That's a disturbing thought for a boy of your age to have," Iroh said. "Why would you say such a thing?"
Ronan shrugged. "It was very hard for us to leave when mother moved us. She got the impression that he was afraid of his own people deserting him. That's what she said, she did."
"That's perfidy to say such a thing," Iroh responded. He was slightly amused.
" 'Tis no matter. She's dead now anyway. And I'm not saying it's my point o' view. I'm just tellin' you what she said."
Zuko was taken aback when Ronan said this. He hadn't talked to the boy in a few days, and had forgotten how painfully truthful he and his sister were all the time. When Zuko or Iroh didn't respond, Ronan lost interest in the conversation, like most 10 year old boys would, and went off to find his sister.
"He's right, Uncle," Zuko said when Ronan was gone. "It is odd there is such a strong block-aid now, when there is no army left big enough to threaten the capital. He could be using those soldiers to end this war faster. Perhaps…"
Iroh turned to his nephew angrily. "Do not speak it. You will regret saying what you cannot take back."
Surprised at being reprimanded by his uncle, which didn't happen often, Zuko turned back to look at the approaching shore line. A few moments of uncomfortable silence went between the two.
"Zuko," Iroh sighed. "You have told me your plans. You have told me why you wish to do this. I may not agree with it all, but it is your duty as future Fire Lord to do what you feel is best for your people. And I will stand by you, whatever the task may be. Do not be afraid to ask for help when you need it." With that, Iroh turned and walked down to the ship's galley.
Uncle never ceases to amaze…Zuko shook his head and smiled. He was still pondering his uncle's words when Katara walked up behind him.
"The children are packed and ready to land. You wished to see me?" Even after the previous morning in the mess hall, Zuko noticed Katara still spoke to him formally. He couldn't blame her. After all, she still was his prisoner, according to their laws.
"Yes. I need to speak with you. It's about my plans after the children are safe and my men are gone. Come, let's walk a little."