The chief's "successor" had been nothing more than a squad leader before the assault—roughly equivalent to one of our commanders, not even a captain. No authority, no leadership qualities worthy of the position, and as for his intelligence...
Well, perhaps I was being unfairly demanding.
But whereas Pakku had been provoking me while simultaneously testing the waters, this individual belonged to that breed of heroes who spit in the face of the "vile conqueror" and "kill the final villain while losing gallons of blood."
In short, patriotic, but not particularly bright. And this was not a heroic epic.
So I had to sigh heavily, wipe the spit from my face, and... burn half his head. If I had "forgiven" even that, my reputation would have suffered. Besides, there was a considerable difference between the supreme waterbender and a mere squad leader.
After ordering the man—reeking of scorched flesh—to be taken away (there was my first living training dummy for practicing Chi-manipulation techniques), I requested the next one be brought in. He proved considerably more reasonable. I suspect the wild screams of his predecessor as he burned in blue fire had something to do with it. In any case, he agreed both to participate in the "negotiations" and to conduct himself properly.
And so began the long and tedious process of signing an unconditional surrender.
The concept was new to this world, and nobody really understood why I cared so much about it—let alone why I wanted three copies and witnesses in the persons of Iroh and Zuko. What was so important about a piece of paper?
Well, in the grand scheme of things, nothing.
Still, I harbored a faint hope that by actually saying, Yes, we lost and surrender ourselves to the mercy of the victor, the waterbenders might gradually begin to accept that reality. It was a psychological trick and nothing more. I wasn't even sure I was using it correctly, but even the smallest grain of sand still added a little weight to my side of the scales.
Besides, participation in such a "serious affair" greatly flattered the disgraced prince...
And caused the old waterbender to bore into my back with a thoughtful, dissatisfied stare.
I'd wager he concluded that I was now testing the limits of his patience and "loyalty" while simultaneously taking revenge for his earlier antics. A sort of trial by humiliation.
I can't say he was entirely wrong…
In short, the act served several purposes and was expected to produce several useful consequences. And, of course, sending Fire Lord Ozai a document in which representatives of the Northern Water Tribe acknowledged their defeat and bowed before the Fire Lord would be quite beneficial for me personally.
Once I was finished with Pakku and the rest of the surviving "elders," I had them sent to the prisoner-of-war camp and moved on to the next matter, beginning to dream of this day finally coming to an end.
If only.
Next on the agenda was the "enchanted little pond" and its guardians.
"General Iroh, Prince Zuko," I said after dismissing the other officers, addressing the two august personages, "I have a request for you as well."
"Of course, we will help," the general replied with a dignified inclination of his head. "Though, truth be told, Herald, you are handling matters more than admirably. If you were expecting some advice from me, then unfortunately, I doubt I can offer anything particularly useful. Except perhaps this: strengthen the guards on the prisoners for the first few days, paying special attention to the waterbenders and the surviving warriors. I am certain they will attempt an escape tonight, and given the confusion and the moon only just beginning to wane, their chances are not insignificant."
"I know, and I'll commit every force I can spare. But it's impossible to account for everything. Someone is bound to break through, which means tomorrow morning will likely bring public executions. I'm not thrilled by what has to be done, but... a gangrenous arm must be cut off to save the rest of the body. Even if that 'rest' screams and hates you for it."
"Quite so. I do not condemn you. I merely wish to warn you of the potential problems and consequences of the decisions being made today."
"Thank you, General. But that isn't what I wanted to discuss with you and Prince Zuko."
"And what did you wish to discuss, Herald?" asked the young man scarred by his own father.
Including him in the signing of the surrender documents had proven genuinely beneficial. Whereas before the prince had regarded me with considerable distrust, now…
No, he certainly hadn't developed puppy-like devotion toward me. But neither was he eager to foam at the mouth and grind his teeth in outrage whenever I was present.
"I need your testimony as witnesses to Admiral Zhao's crimes. I have several other proposals as well, but it's best to start with one thing at a time."
"Crimes?" the prince repeated.
"The attempt on your life is practically proven already. What interests me more are his efforts to capture the Avatar for himself, regardless of common sense or the interests of the state."
"Very well," Zuko nodded. "Though I don't really see the point if Zhao is already dead."
"I doubt he acted alone. At the very least, his deputies must have known where he was going and why he was taking dozens of ships with him. Your account will help reconstruct the full story and more accurately identify the circle of people involved. Of course, I could arrest every officer indiscriminately and drag them all into interrogation rooms, but someone still has to govern the occupied territory and command what remains of the fleet. Even if I promote all of my own officers and fill the vacant positions with them, it still might not be enough. Not to mention that attempting something like that here and now would be sheer idiocy bordering on suicide."
(End of Chapter)
🙌Bonus chapter for 200 power stones!
🔥The next bonus chapter will be for 400 power stones.