The last days at the Stronghold crept up on Elyrie. With everyone preparing for their departure, it was like living in a busy bee-hornet nest. Colonel Lee and the other officers were send ahead to organize and prepare the vessels already present at the harbour. Only the last soldiers - two dozen or so, Elyrie estimated - remained at the Stronghold for the last preparations.
Of course, Colonel Shinu remained at the Stronghold as well. And with him, the Yuyan archers. The archers were instructed to stay at the Stronghold after much debate, because even Zhao understood that archers are of little use in the frozen tundra and icy surroundings of the Northern Water Tribe.
Elyrie had kept her eyes and ears open at all times, trying to gather as much information as possible. Jin and Kun helped her, also gathering gossip and rumours about Zhao's plans for the invasion of the North Pole. Elyrie felt he was purposefully vague about his goal. Sure, he wanted to capture the Avatar who was heading North to learn waterbending. The Avatar-cycle had followed the same routine: water, earth, fire and air. After air came water, then earth and finally fire. It was easy to guess why the flying bison was continuously spotted going north.
But what she didn't understand was the need for an entire armada to attack the Northern Water Tribe in the process. It is a powerful nation who survived hundred years of attack without making much of an effort. Their icy temperatures and frozen landscapes were dangerous for anyone who dared venture into it. Firebenders were especially at a disadvantage since the cold climate weakened their bending, while it only empowered the waterbenders.
With all this, it would be a more logical move to wait until the Avatar - or Aang as she continued to call him - left the North Pole to return to the Earth Kingdom to find a teacher there. Most of the Earth Kingdom was taken by the Fire Nation anyway, so this would give Zhao a huge advantage. And even if Aang decided to leave for Omashu or Ba Sing Se, they had a better chance at capturing him on the way there instead of trying to force themselves into the icy fortress of the Northern Tribe.
With a sigh, Elyrie shook her head and looked around her empty room. Everything was packed and ready for their departure. Jin and she had prepared everything for a longer stay on a ship, so most of her items were send back to her old house. She expected to live there soon anyway. Only her warmest clothing was packed, along with her personal items which she wanted on the ship with her, mostly books to pass the time for the long journey ahead.
Playing with her locket, she stood up and pushed open the balcony doors. Lingering at the balcony, Elyrie watched the sun reaching it's highest point. It was almost noon, so they would depart soon. Breathing in the fresh air, she let her elbows rest on the stones. Her chin placed in the palm of her hand, she admired the view over the sea. The ocean shimmered like a mirror and let the light dance on the soft crashing waves.
The sound brought her back. She remembered the summers on Ember Island. As lady-in-waiting of Lady Ursa, her mother was asked to spend summers there. Not as a lady, but as a friend. Like most Fire Nation nobles, they preferred to spend their summers outside of the scorching capital.
In the crashing waves, her mother taught Zuko how to swim. Beautiful tan in the sunlight, her mother seemed more at home in the water then anywhere else. And her daughter, following everywhere she went, had dived in the waves without seeing any danger. As fast as her little legs could carry her, she ran into the waves at every opportunity. Zuko had been more hesitant, not used to the wild waves and pulling currents. However, he refused to let her beat him at anything so he had followed her without thinking. In less then five minutes, he had managed to step on a crab, cutting open his food and falling facedown into the waves which returned him to the shore with quite some force. This resulted in an afternoon of Zuko brooding, coughing up seawater and his lifetime resentment of crabs.
Smiling at the memories, she exhaled and looked at the gates. A carriage was rolled forward, undoubtedly for her to take her to the harbour. She was brought out of her thoughts by a soft knock.
Turning around, she saw that Kun had softly knocked on the open door. Remaining on the doorstep, he asked: "Miss, are you ready?"
"I am." Elyrie answered as she closed the balcony doors. With all her bags already packed, she had nothing to carry with her, so she closed the door to her room and followed Kun to the carriage. Walking behind the young man, she noticed he was tense. He had always been quiet, but he seemed somewhat nervous. Which was odd, since she never thought he would be fazed by anything. With his cool demeanour and calming presence, he was a constant person. He even offered to train her without hesitation, without bothering to think what Zhao thought of those practices. He must be anxious about the expedition, Elyrie shrugged, not wanting to bother him with invasive questions.
"You will ride with me." Zhao said in a harsh tone as soon as she stepped outside. Keeping her face impassive, Elyrie simply nodded and got into the carriage. Kun mounted the komodo-rhino next to the carriage without saying another word.
Zhao rode the Komodo-rhino next to the carriage and gave the order to leave the fortress. Last night, he had come to a decision. Elyrie was still too independent, too confident. She needed to know he was not to be crossed, in any way. Last night, when the pirates returned from their mission, Zhao had stayed up late to think about the lack of a problem now. Without the banished Prince, he was no longer bothered by his attempts to capture the Avatar or to influence his fiancée in any way.
But the more he thought about it, the more he started to doubt that getting rid of Zuko was truly the answer to all his troubles. Gazing at the carriage, he remembered how she had sung on the ship. Her voice full of power and her eyes full of strength, her very being seemingly defying him.
He was certain she was scared of him, after his outburst at breakfast. But her spirit still wasn't broken. Scared and afraid, yes, of course. She would be foolish not to be, he thought as they followed the main road. But she needed to be broken if he was to spend his entire life with her as his wife. He wanted and needed her noble status, her possessions and her beauty to ensure a legendary legacy, but he refused to be second in any way. And if she saw what he would do to those who defied him, she would never question his authority again.
Elyrie looked at the soldiers riding along, but noticed Colonel Shinu and a Yuyan archer riding with them as well. Which is odd, since he was suppose to stay at the Stronghold. Frowning her brow, she was even more surprised to see that they went further into the country instead of following the shore to the harbour. Closing the curtain and shaking her head, she let her head rest against the cushions. It would be useless to ask anyone about it, so she just had to wait and see where they would end up.
"Admiral Zhao wishes to address the whole village." Colonel Shinu informed the village leader, "Gather everyone in the Temple."
The soldiers drove everyone, men, women and children, together in the wooden temple which dominated the centre of the town. A large building with a roof made of straw, it was used for decades as a place of worship for the Spirits of the Forest. But now, it was used to drive the villagers together like kettle.
A silence fell on the murmuring group when Zhao stepped forward.
Elyrie was forced to stand next to Zhao as he addressed the anxious villagers. She knew this village; it was the one which seemingly harboured the rebels which attacked the convoys. Apparently, Zhao wanted to take a last look to make sure no rebels remained as he left the Stronghold. Or so Kun had told her when they walked into the town.
Mentally damning Zhao for forcing her to witness him humiliating innocent villagers, she stood next to him while chewing on her bottom lip. Kun stood slighty behind her, but close enough to ensure she was well-guarded. She sighed as she looked around. Aside from a few men, the village consisted mostly of women and children. Most young men were forced to fight anyway, she thought. It was the same in almost every small Earth Kingdom town.
"This town has given aid to the rebels which attacked Fire Nation convoys. I wish to know their whereabouts." Zhao began as every pair of eyes in the room was focused on him. "So, anyone who comes forward may be forgiven their treason." He continued, almost politely.
Nobody spoke.
Elyrie was sure she could not even hear the breathing of the citizens. Her eye fell on a little boy, barely older than five. Clutched to his mothers skirt, he looked wide-eyed at the Admiral. With his black curls and green eyes, he was undoubtedly from the Earth Kingdom. And very skinny, too skinny for such a young boy.
The silence lasted for a few seconds. Nobody came forward. What does it matter? Elyrie wanted to ask. The attacks had not harmed any Fire Nation soldiers, they had only stolen the rations. And as she looked around the townspeople, she understood why. The villagers looked famished, undoubtedly the result of shortage due to the plundering of passing Fire Nation soldiers.
"Very well." Zhao said after another fifteen seconds of silence, "You had your chance."
"Wait!" a voice cried out from the crowd. A young man stepped forward. "These men are leading the revolts. They are here right now!" he yelled as he pointed at six men, standing at the front of the group.
"Those men?" Zhao said with an almost disinterested voice while motioning to the men, who looked defiantly at the Admiral. "Yes" the young man replied eagerly.
"Don't listen to him! He lies!" a woman yelled. "Yeah, he is not even from here!" a man's voice added. More townspeople voiced their opinion about the man, who grinned at them.
Elyrie looked at the young man, who indeed seemed different from the green-eyed citizens. His hair was sleek and black and he had yellow-coloured eyes. Fire Nation eyes. His skin was slightly paler than those of the other townspeople, which made Elyrie guess he was part Fire Nation. Most likely, a son of a Fire Nation man and an Earth Kingdom woman which was not uncommon in the colonies. These 'halfbloods', as they were called, were shunned by both cultures and never fitted in. No wonder this man was eager to please the Fire Nation soldiers, since the villagers seemed to hate him.
"Thank you very much." Zhao said calmly to the man before turning around and walking out of the Temple. He did not even bother to give another look at the rebels, who raised their eyebrows in surprise.
"Wait, you said I would be forgiven?" the yellow-eyed man cried. "And indeed you may. That is between you and the Gods." Zhao answered without slowing down as he walked outside. Motioning for the soldiers to follow him, Kun gently took Elyrie's arm and escorted her out of the Temple as well.
"Shut the doors!" Zhao shouted as Elyrie walked past him. Kun almost pulled her with him. Holding onto her upper arm, he quickened his pace.
"Kun, what is happening? What is the matter?" Elyrie asked as she tried to keep up with him. He didn't answer, but continued to walk into the direction of the carriage and Komodo-rhinos.
"Ready to burn the houses on your orders sir." Colonel Shinu said as he lit up his fists. As a final answer to the attacks, the plan was to burn the village until nothing but ashes remained.
"Houses?" Zhao replied with a mocking smile, as he motioned to the large wooden temple, "No, burn the temple."
"Sir?" Shinu answered with his mouth open.
"You heard me, Colonel." Zhao replied in a neutral tone.
Shinu felt as if a bucket of icewater was dumped on him. In the Temple were women and children, defenseless and helpless. This was not the way honourable men fought. This was cowardice.
"There is no honour in this." The Colonel replied through gritted teeth as he lowered his fist. The flames disappeared.
"I bet the Fire Lord would be pleased to hear you side with traitors of the Fire Nation." Zhao answered. He enjoyed the look of fear on the Colonel's face. He had not forgotten the refusal of using the archers that very first night, so he planned to make him pay for it.
Both Shinu and Elyrie shall never forget what would happen if you cross the great Admiral Zhao, Zhao thought with a cruel smile.
"Burn the temple."
Elyrie had been standing too far away to hear the conversation between the two men. Kun had ushered her away, trying to get her as far away from the temple as possible. He held her close, his hand tightly holding onto her upper arm. "Miss, we need to go."
"They are going to burn the village, aren't they?" Elyrie said with wide eyes as she tried to pull herself free. She saw Colonel Shinu lit up his fists.
"Miss, you need to go." Kun repeated as he tried to usher her away. She needed to get out of here. He had sworn to protect her and what would happen next, would haunt her forever.
"Kun, let go." She said as she pulled with more force.
"Miss, please," he tried again, "We really need to go."
"What are they planning to do?" she asked while focussing her blue eyes on him, "Tell me!"
"They are not going to burn the village," Kun replied with a hesitant voice, "They plan to burn the temple."
"Let go of me." she said with a voice of iron, not even raising it, "Now."
"Miss, you can't do anything to help them, please." Kun pleaded again as he reluctantly let go of her arm.
"Don't you think I have to try?" she answered before she turned around and sprinted back to the temple. Kun stood motionless for a few seconds, torn between his loyalty to the Fire Nation and his own conscience. Then, he ran after her.
"No!" Elyrie shouted as she made her way through the rows of soldiers. Surprised at the small figure pushing them aside, the soldiers did not react at first. Then one reached to grab her by the arm. Not too hard, since she was but a small girl after all. And he instantly regretted that thought when she sent him flying.
Zhao had been watching the flames spreading onto the roof of the Temple. The cries inside grew louder and he heard fists banging on the walls.
Then, distracted by the commotion, he had turned around to see what was happening. And now he stared at the young woman, dumbfounded. She was a bender? he thought with a surprised look.
Without hesitation, she had aimed a coordinated fire punch at the soldier. Not hard enough to seriously injure him, but forceful enough to knock him over.
"Stop her!" the Admiral screamed after he found his voice again. The soldiers moved in front of her, but she was fast. Too fast.
Zhao continued to stare at her as she avoided every attack. The soldiers seemed to go easy on her, but none of them were able to catch her.
When four soldiers blocked her way, she propelled herself off the ground. Flying over them, she landed a few feet away from the burning building.
"Shoot her!" Zhao yelled as he saw her flying over the men, pulling on the archer next to him.
The archer readied his shot to stop her, but was surprised by a swift kick which knocked his bow out of his hands. Then he was floored by a punch straight into his face. For the second time that day, Zhao was dumbfounded when he saw Kun jumping over the unconscious archer as he ran to help the girl, kicking aside two men in the process.
Elyrie wasn't aware of Zhao's state of shock. As fast as she could, she ran towards the large doors of the temple. While the roof of the temple burned and spread warmth, she kicked against the wood. Unforgiven, the wood did not oblige. Her anger and frustration grew as she heard the screams grow louder inside the temple. Smoke poured out from under the door. She knew she did not have much time left.
To her surprise, another figure next to her kicked against the wood. Kun had come through the help her. "Together!" he said and she nodded, preparing her stance to simultaneously force open the door.
"NOW" Kun yelled as he lit up his foot, with Elyrie following his example. The wood finally broke and the townspeople poured out, running and coughing. Spreading quickly, chaos ensued in front of the temple.
The few strong villagers, some of them earthbenders, pushed aside the attacking soldiers to let the women and children escape into the forest. Outmanned, the soldiers did not stand a chance against the running townspeople. The earthbenders send rocks flying to the soldiers, who were knocked over again and again.
A young woman, barely older than Elyrie, erected a stone wall between the door and the soldiers. Shielding the fleeing villagers from the fireblasts, the temple was almost empty as more people fled into the forest.
The remaining soldiers had enough trouble as it was to stop the fire kicks the young girl and Kun were sending their way. Over twenty soldier came along, but only a handful remained standing.
Elyrie displayed fire power, unlike what they had seen. And worst of all, she had not even received a single punch. Far too fast and agile, she seemed to dance around. She did not fight to hurt, but she effectively knocked out enough men.
Then, a wall of fire separated her from Kun and the remaining soldiers. Turning her head, she saw Zhao erecting the wall of flames around her. Returning to her fighting stance, she waited. And when he lifted his flaming fist, she moved into action.
Blocking his attack with a circular motion, she propelled herself again and shot a firekick his way.
"Have you lost your mind?" Zhao roared as he aimed another fireblast at her.
'On the contrary," she said, while dodging it with a grin, "I got it back."
Zhao roared in anger as he blasted another shot at her. Attacking in blind rage, he was too slow to hit her. As she landed in front of him, she gave him a strong kick. A kick straight to the chest, he was knocked over and landed on the unforgiving earth. Coughing, the impact had knocked the air out of his lungs. Catching his breath, he saw the last people leaving the temple, the few earthbenders remaining attempted to retreat to the forest as well.
He had enough.
"Stop!" Zhao's voice roared over the sounds of boulders, fire and screaming. Elyrie turned around and saw he held the little boy by his arm. It was the black-haired boy she saw in the temple. "Or the kid pays the price!"
"Mommy!" the boy cried as he tried to pull himself free from Zhao's grasp. A woman, his mother, cried out and ran towards her son. The young earthbender stopped her and needed all her strength to contain the struggling woman.
"You unimaginable bastard." Elyrie hissed as Zhao.
"If you do not stop, this child pays the price." he repeated, his eyes full of anger.
Holding up her arms, she motioned her surrender. Two soldiers grabbed her by her arms and held them back, forcing her to bent forward. Next to her, Kun was forced into the same position as well.
Zhao pushed the boy down, who ran straight into his mother's arms. The young earthbender pushed them into the forest by bending the ground forward, but was forced to surrender when four soldiers grabbed her.
Zhao slowly walked towards Elyrie, still full of rage about the stunt she pulled. Looking around, he saw half of his men lying on the ground. Only three earthbenders were captured, while most of the villagers had escaped during the chaos. Behind him, he heard the creaking sound of wood, as the construction of the temple finally gave in. With a loud crash, the building collapsed.
The whole ordeal had taken less than ten minutes. But in those ten minutes, his whole plan had been smashed into pieces.
"When we return, you will marry me and I will show you how a proper woman behaves!" he yelled, as small bubbles of foam formed around his mouth.
He has lost his mind, Elyrie thought as she watched the Admiral. Nothing remained of the collected, cunning Admiral.
"I will never marry you." she stated calmly as she straightened her back, forcing herself to stand erect as the soldiers continued to hold onto her arms.
"You can choose me, or the dungeon." Zhao said as he placed his face right in front of hers with a cruel smile and he lifted her chin with his indexfinger.
Without breaking eyecontact, she inhaled. And then, she spat in his face with all the disgust she could bring up.
For the third time, Zhao stood dumbfounded. But his surprise did not last long, as he straightened his back and wiped his face clean with a handkerchief. When he was done, he took a step forward and slapped her across the face with all the anger he had inside of him. Her face snapped to the side, but she made no sound. Not even a cry escaped her lips. She simple turned her face to look at him. Her blue eyes glimmered with hate and her mouth was twitched in a arrogant smile. She said nothing, but her eyes said everything.
Never bent, never broken.
His temper flared and he grabbed her by the front of her shirt, pulling her up so her face was a mere inches from his.
"You can spit and fight all you want," he said in a low voice, vibrating with anger, "But one way or another, you shall be my wife."
He roughly pushed her back against the soldiers. "Lock her up and make sure she stays there until we reach the North Pole." He barked at them without taking his eyes of the young woman.
As Zhao watched her being taken away, he was fuming with anger. With a loud roar, he turned around and shot a fireblast at the surrounding houses.
"Burn it all!" he yelled at the remaining soldiers.
As he saw the flames take over the town, he felt a sense of calm coming over him. The villagers may have escaped, but nothing shall remain of this treacherous town.
And nothing shall remain of the Northern Water Tribe, he vowed.
This chapter was inspired by the movie The Patriot. The creators of Avatar TLA based the character of Zhao on Colonel William Tavington, which inspired me to use part of the story into my own story. We all know Zhao is not a man of honour and by adding this chapter, I wanted the show the horrors of war and how they always hurt the innocent. Also, it gave me an opportunity to let Elyrie finally use her skills as a firebender and fight Zhao on equal ground.
I hope you liked this chapter!