Prologue

Bloody coughs echoed through a simple room as a long bearded man poured tea into a cup. He did this on behalf of a man currently laying in his bed watching the ceiling with lazy eyes and labored breath. The warmth of the tea roused the sick man however, and upon rising from his bed a weathered smile adorned his aged face.

"You continue to impress with your skills at teamaking," The calming aroma of tea helped to soothe the throat even as the illness continued to assault the lungs.

"I have only learned that which my teacher has provided," The tea maker bowed his head low and allowed his head to touch the flow in subservience, "I would be a poor guest if I had not learned something by now."

General Iroh, Prince of the Blood, Dragon of the West, ironic that right now it was his breath that was failing him. The best doctors of the fire nation and even some discreetly brought from outside were unable to provide more than temporary relief. Consumption was something that took life on its own time, rather than by the whims or wills of any man or woman. Iroh did not remember how he had contracted it, only that now the symptoms had become severe even for him. It was the worst time for something like this to happen as well, not when so much was going on in the life of Prince Zuko.

"That look in your eyes... You are already thinking of something to say," Iroh knew so little of this man from beyond the sea, but the power behind his gaze intrigued the Dragon of the West.

"You have already acquired the materials for Prince Zuko's journey, and all that remains is your presence," The guest remained on his knees as he spoke to Iroh on the mat, "But in your condition travel will only exacerbate your illness."

For weeks Iroh had been telling himself that he would recover soon, and that he would be well enough to accompany Zuko in search for the Avatar. Now was the perfect time to sail if they wanted to make their way to the continent. The tides would not be this favorable for months if they delayed any further, summer storms or the creatures of the deep could tear ships apart with all hands lost to the waves. No, if they were being perfectly honest with themselves the time to leave was now. Zuko was already running thin on the time allowed to make preparations for his journey outside the Fire Nation. Any further delays would be chalked up to disobedience, and who knew what would happen if that was to happen.

"That cannot be all that is going through your mind," Iroh pressed further despite another round of coughing that shook his body, "You can speak freely at this point. You are no longer sitting in my brother's court."

There was a flash behind the eyes that disappeared in seconds. The hint of something more than the simple traveler that Iroh had rescued from the waves two year ago. Those were not the eyes of a simple amnesiac wanderer, they were those of a man more than twice his age with the weight of the world upon his shoulders. Iroh almost thought it a fluke when he first saw, but more and more he understood that it was not mere chance that their paths would cross.

"If you would allow me, I would ask to travel with Prince Zuko during his mission in your stead" There it was, the actual heart of the question before them.

Eyes did not meet when the request was made. In the apparent custom of his people, Iroh's guest bowed his head low to the ground. A shame, for if Iroh could see more of the man's face perhaps he could see the writing that his words failed to reveal. This man who apparently knew nothing of what bending was at first, yet could speak as frequently as the best educated men in the nation. Who had to be told the name of land he had washed up upon, but could understand military strategy and complexities from snippets of conversations.

"And leave me here without your esteemed company?" Iroh found the energy to joke a little despite the circumstances, "Who will help me compose new poetry after several cups of rice wine?"

"If you would rather I remain here in your company, that is where I shall remain," A raised head but a lowered mask, fascinating.

Both men wore masks in public, and both could see various shades behind what they chose to show the outside world. Iroh was the one at a disadvantage here, as a man could learn information about his past through public record. As for this traveler, nothing seemed to exist of his life in any record Iroh had been able to get his hands on.

"Heh, I do not think it would be polite of me to ask you to stay by a sick man's side when you could be doing so much more with your time," On the other hand it would be a true shame to keep such a man inside the walls of the palace.

"Working in your service has provided my lodgings and security in the strange chances of the world," The guest said solemnly, "Whether it is in your service or your nephews I could do no more than to offer good counsel and good conversation."

Good consuel. Something Prince Zuko needed now more than ever. Iroh trusted the men assembled to crew and man the ship. Lieutenant Jee was a solid and dependable man, but Zuko required more than just a military education and firebending teacher. Perhaps the perspectives of this stranger could offer something that might be of use to the education of an exiled young man. Besides, it was not as if there were learned men lining up outside the Prince's door now that news of his banishment had been widespread. Even some of Iroh's old friends in the capital were unwilling or unable to aid a cause that was considered political suicide.

When strapped for friends and resources, one had to take what one could get. Turning down help when things were dire was not a sign of strength as so many others in the Fire Nation would believe. In time, Iroh hoped his illness would recede and he would be able to make the journey to join his nephew, but until that time, perhaps this was the best that could be done. There was something exciting about taking a chance like this, even though so much was at stake, the General who once darred the impossible still lived inside the old man.

"Then... perhaps there is more for you to do aboard the Salamander than in the capital," Iroh coughed again as he grabbed hold of a letter and handed it over quickly. "When you see my nephew, give him that letter for me."

"You should leave right away, no doubt the boy is already impatient and worrying. He probably feels he has wasted too much time already," Iroh frowned sadly as he considered all the hardship that had befallen his nephew in such a short amount of time.

"I shall pack my things at once and make all haste for Port Vermillion," He didn't have much honestly, only a sword and a few sets of clothes, and now a letter in his possession, "Again, I thank you profusely for all the kindness and mercy you have shown me since I have come into your care."

"If you truly wish to repay me, then do all you can to serve my nephew faithfully until I am ready to join you away from this sickbed," Iroh commanded as he saw his guest bow again and touch his head to the floor.

After raising his head up, he put his fist into an open palm salute and with a clear and strong voice declared his intentions.

"Cao Cao will not not fail in the service of Prince Zuko, on this I stake my life!" The name who called himself Cao Cao at last stood to his feet seemingly full of vigor and righteous zeal.

The Dragon of the West had known many in his lifetime, and he could see talent in a man or woman. In peaceful times perhaps Cao Cao would have become an able minister in some government, but these were not peaceful times. It was a time of exiles and war, and a time when the young Prince of the Fire Nation needed every capable man available. For now, Iroh hoped that he had made the right choice in this moment, and that the time would soon come when his body was able to match his desire to travel with his nephew. In the meantime, the man Cao Mengde would have his chance to see the world.