The ornate chamber of the Earth King shimmered with the midday sun. King Xuo, his brow furrowed in deep contemplation, sat upon his throne, a map of the Earth Kingdom spread before him.
"Where do you believe this Rokkun hides his forces?" Xuo's voice, though firm, carried a tremor of unease.
A young Lieutenant, his face etched with worry, stepped forward. "Your Majesty, reports from the southern provinces are... troubling. Refugees speak of raids, villages burned to the ground. We believe Rokkun is operating from a coastal stronghold, here, utilizing the sea for swift, unpredictable attacks." He traced his fingers over the area.
Xuo's gaze hardened. "And our envoys?"
The Lieutenant bowed his head. "None have returned, Your Majesty. At least, not alive. Most... most were returned in pieces."
A chilling silence filled the chamber. Xuo clenched his fists. "That beast... he delights in torment."
He turned to Nobleman Xa, a man of cunning political experience. "Nobleman Xa, you once mentioned a unique approach to placating the savages."
Xa bowed deeply. "Yes, Your Majesty. I believe a substantial sum of silver, delivered to the Khan may sway his attention. The Nomads are renowned for their brutality, but even they have a price."
Xuo considered this, his eyes narrowing. "The Khan is a shrewd negotiator. But perhaps... perhaps this is our only path." He gestured to a nearby attendant. "Prepare a chest of silver, a king's ransom. It will accompany the next envoy to the South."
The Lieutenant and Nobleman Xa exchanged a nervous glance. The fate of the Earth Kingdom, it seemed, rested on a gamble – a gamble with silver and the unpredictable whims of a nomadic leader.
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Avatar: The Book Of The Phoenix
FanfictionBook 1: Five years following the defeat of the Fire Nation, the world experiences an unprecedented age of peace and prosperity. All seems well; however, danger looms as the resurrection of old and new foes threaten to upset the balance and plunge th...
