Avatar: The Book Of The Phoenix

Xuo and The Fire Benders

The ornate throne room of the Earth Kingdom palace shimmered with the light filtering through the stained glass windows. Dust motes danced in the single shaft of sunlight piercing the gloom, illuminating the hushed whispers and nervous glances exchanged amongst the assembled court. King Xuo, his face etched with a mixture of weariness and anger, sat upon his throne, his green robes a stark contrast to the somber atmosphere.

Before him stood Governor Chang, a figure of utter dejection. The once prosperous governor, now gaunt and covered in grime, looked more like a beggar than an official. His long mustache drooped, and his ponytail hung limply, a stark reminder of his fallen state.

The silence in the room was deafening, broken only by the shallow breaths of the courtiers. King Xuo, his gaze fixed on the trembling governor, finally spoke, his voice low and thunderous.

"Governor Chang," he began, each word heavy with accusation, "explain yourself. Your reports speak of prosperity, of a thriving province. Yet, you stand before me, a shadow of your former self, your people starving. Refugees from the South flooding my city."

Governor Chang, his voice a mere rasp, stammered, "Your Majesty, I... I assure you...we were not prepared for this kind of attack. Those Fire Nation dogs took us by surprise... as we celebrated a day of peace, no less!"

A ripple of disbelief passed through the court.
Many of those present began exchanging hushed whispers.

"Perhaps the Fire Nation seeks to make war, and conquer us once more!" One of the nobles proclaimed from the crowd.

The court began to chatter in agreement.

"Nonsense!" Another noble challenged. "Fire Lord Zuko secured the peace in good faith. He would never betray his promise!" He declared defiantly.

The crowd began to get unruly, as arguments amongst the court and nobles rose up.

"Silence!" King Xuo commanded, raising his hand. The crowd grew quiet immediately.

"Whether or not these nomads were fire benders it is clear they were not under Lord Zuko's orders," he said sternly. "We have maintained a stable peace with the  Fire Nation for five years, and I consider Lord Zuko a friend and ally. What did they look like, Governor?" Xuo asked, turning back to Chang.

"I—I don't remember. It's all just a blur now. They appeared as if fire benders...but they fought with such savagery...the likes of which I had never seen. They ran through the streets, killing indiscriminately, and plundering as they went. Oh, the horror..." He trailed off.

"Why spare you? Did these 'nomads' ever identify themselves?" The king asked.

"I learned little, my Lord. Only that they were led by one known amongst them as 'Khan Rokkun'...and to deliver you a message." Chang said.

"Khan Rokkun..." King Xuo said bitterly. "And what did this 'Khan Rokkun' want?"

Governor Chang hesitated. He gulped, nervously preparing for the king's response.

"I don't know, sire. But he warned that this would be the first of many attacks...unless you cave to his demands." Chang replied.

"Ha!" King Xuo laughed out loud. "This ash spawn thinks that he is in any place to make requests! Well, Governor Chang, let me be clear: whoever this 'Khan Rokkun' is, he will be sorely disappointed. This is my kingdom! Not his!" He barked.

"I've heard of this clan of outlaws before," General Fong inserted himself, stepping forward to the throne. "It's a sad bunch of ex-imperial free staters with no ounce of respect for law and order."

"Indeed," King Xuo frowned. "And now they have been so bold as to launch a direct attack on the king's appointed governor. And what of your men, Governor Chang? And the Dai Li sent to protect you?"

"Even our Dai Li agents stood no chance against them," Chang responded, hurriedly. "One by one they cut us down, until there were none left."

"My lord, allow my earth benders and I to track them down," General Fong proposed, stepping forward again. "My men will certainly have no trouble crushing a gang of bandits." He said as he glared at the governor.

"These were no bandits," the governor protested. "They were ruthless, fighting as beasts, like men possessed!" He ranted. "And this small war band was just one of many. We will need an army to face them and even then we stand no—"

"ENOUGH!" King Xuo bellowed, rising abruptly from his throne. "Are these not men like we are, Governor Chang? Do they not bend the elements to their will as we do?" His voice thundered.

The court fell silent again for a moment. King Xuo regained his composure, and sighed.

He slowly sat back down on his throne. He spoke again, calmer now, but with conviction.

"Make no mistake," he said, speaking both to Chang and Fong. "These nomads will live to regret the day they made war on this kingdom and my crown. They slaughter my people, plague my city with their barbarism and now this so-called Khan Rokkun sits in the governor's seat as if he has any right to rule."

"My king, if I may speak." One of the nobles came forward.

"The floor is yours, Nobleman Xa." King Xuo gestured.

"Perhaps we have overestimated these nomads. These Firebenders are raiders are they not? Meaning that they desire only money and resources. It is highly unlikely they intend any form of conquest. If I may suggest, perhaps it would be in our best interests to give them what they want, if to prevent further hostilities." He looked back at the court, unsure of his proposal.

"So you would have us bleed our pockets dry, for the sake of bribing the barbarians?" Someone asked from the crowd.

"Traitor!" A voice rose up.

"Hang him!" Another yelled.

The court began to argue again, until King Xuo spoke.

"I appreciate your proposal, Nobleman Xa," King Xuo said. "But it will not be said decades from now that the great Earth Kingdom bent the knee to the will of the ash savages."

Nobleman Xa  bowed, and returned to the court. King Xuo looked to General Fong.

"General Fong, send your scouts out. I want this threat dealt with swiftly." He commanded.

"Of course, my lord." The general bowed reverently.

"And write a letter to Lord Zuko," Xuo told the scribe. "He must assure me that this attack was not his doing."

The king turned to the court.

"There will be no quarter with these Fire Nomads. Let our strength against this threat serve as an example that the peace between the Four Nations remains strong, and will not be disrupted by simple ruffians. We will avenge our people at Bin-Er and wipe this fire-scourge from our lands." King Xuo scanned the room, making sure there weren't any objections.

"Now," he said after a moment. "Leave my presence. I must rest and think about the days ahead."

The court emptied the room, in complete silence.