Chapter 2:
Jeong-Jeong turned around in his tent. He had already sent the message to Ishi, the queen of Bao Yu. But he felt remorse. He tried to calm his mind, but it didn't work. It was so unfair! He tried to find a way so that no one had to risk his life. He promised to the queen to leave the siege if he lost. But his superiors would never give up and only thought about how to burn that city to the ground!
A soldier came in with a messenger hawk. He looked up surprised. The answer came very quickly. He took the parchment and sent the soldier away. He sat down on a pillow and began to read.
Colonel Jeong-Jeong of the Fire Nation,
I am honored to play a Pai Sho game with you. Where do you want to meet? My city and I will throw you a feast for you and your men.
They will what? Jeong-Jeong read the beginning of the message again. The great queen Ishi will throw a feast for them?!He shook his head and read it again and again without taking care of the rest of the message.
"This is weird! Unbelievable!" he thought. "They're joking!"
Suddenly he saw the other lines that were on the piece of paper.
You will be warmly welcomed, but I only accept to see you and five of your most honest men. The Pai Sho game will be held on the rendezvous point. Don't worry for the table, I'll take care of it.
Answer to this message quickly.
Ishi, Queen of Bao Yu.
Five of his most honest men? Jeong-Jeong had just sent away the most honest on permission! The others weren't to be trusted for such a mission...
Colonel Ryoku came in.
"I heard that the message of the queen of Bao Yu has arrived."
Jeong-Jeong bowed and gave him the message. The colonel read it quickly and looked up from the parchment.
"And you have already somebody in mind?"
"In fact...No."
The young man was still in the position of attention. His face was showed no emotion.
"At ease colonel. Why do you have nobody in mind?"
"They aren't to be trusted, Sir. If I go alone, nothing can go wrong."
"Hmmm..."
The colonel turned around Jeong-Jeong, with his eyes still on the message.
"What a strange way of welcoming the enemy. Throw a feast...How strange, isn't it Jeong-Jeong?"
"It is, yes."
The colonel returned him the message and walked to the exit of the tent.
"Rapport in a half an hour colonel. And don't be late."
"Yes, Ryoku. I won't."
As the superior officer walked away, Jeong-Jeong began to breath again.
He didn't like the situation which in he was. He didn't like the way how Ryoku acted. It was as if he was suspecting him of treason to the Fire Nation! If he wanted to stay out of problems, he had to take a man with him.
Suddenly he saw a young boy, some 14 years old. He would do the work. He stepped out of his tent and went to the boy who was carrying heavy weapons. In the corner of his eye, he saw a soldier next to the entry of the tent, and seemed to be peeking him. But he didn't take care of it.
"Hey! You!"
The boy stopped and opened a mouth like a koï fish.
"What's your name?" asked Jeong-Jeong.
"Z...Zhao, sir." stammered the teenager.
Quote of the day:
King Bumi: Throw them, a feast!
Guards make noises of surprise, the cabbage merchant of chagrin.
Aang: Huh?
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Sorry for the short chapter. I thanks all the readers for reading my story! I need some constructive criticism! English is my second language and I need to know if I make mistakes!
Zuko-Chen
