Avatar: The Warrior's Rebirth Book 2-Inferno

Chapter 13: The Prince Returns

Fire. Air. Water. Earth. These are the four elements. For over ten thousand years, we have learned how to bend these four elements. And in every generation, there is always one who can master all four: the Avatar. In each generation, the Avatar has always been the one to bring balance to the world.

Here we are at last, in the royal city of the Fire Nation. The time has come to finally remove Yao Tsung from his position as Fire Lord. My people have been oppressed by him for far too long, and I will see to it that it ends.

But already, it's starting to feel like an impossible task. Thanks to my carelessness, we got spotted entering the city, and now security is becoming tighter. I can't see how we're going to get close to Yao Tsung if things keep getting this complicated.

And now three times since we've arrived here, I've come too close to losing one of my friends. I understand why they're taking risks like these. I'm just afraid it will get us caught one of these days, or worse.

***

A new day was dawning. It was now the third day since the Avatar was sighted, and no one had heard from him since. Not that Yao Tsung was bothered by this. He was sure it was only a matter of time.

Delores was due to arrive soon. Yao Tsung knew she had plenty of experience facing the Avatar. Maybe he was still at large, but Griffin was right. They knew what they were up against. The Avatar hadn't reached his full potential, giving them the advantage.

While having his breakfast of smoked coy fish and eggs, complete with a cup of watermelon juice, one of his servants approached his table. "My lord, I apologize for disturbing you, but one of your guests has come to call. Master Talzannah, I believe you said his name was."

Yao Tsung swallowed his mouthful of eggs before ordering his servant, "Let him in, and tell the kitchens to prepare a plate for him."

The order was carried out, and a minute later, a chair was pulled up for the newly arrived Talzannah and a plate was placed in front of him. After sipping his juice, Yao Tsung turned his attention to the Airbending master.

It was then that the Fire Lord noticed the disconcerted expression on Talzannah's face. "Now why the long face, old friend?" Yao Tsung asked him. "There's no need to worry about the Avatar. I have assurance from Griffin telling me Delores can help us find him when she arrives."

Talzannah shook his head, not touching his plate. "Are you certain we will be in control of the Avatar problem when she arrives?"

Yao Tsung didn't reply at once. Taking the time to cut off part of his smoked coy fish, the Fire Lord chewed his sliced fish before answering. "Now really, what has brought this up? I've never known you to speak in such a pessimistic manner."

Talzannah shook his head. "You don't understand. I have reason to believe the Avatar and his associates struck again last night. A report was given to me by one of the Fire Sages."

When Talzannah started speaking, Yao Tsung was taking a gulp of juice. No sooner had Talzannah finished talking, did the Fire Lord react. He started to convulse in his chair before spitting his juice out his mouth. It soared into the air, staining a tapestry of himself.

"What do you mean?" he demanded, his cool tone abandoned.

"One of your sages spotted three of my Airbenders in the catacombs, as well as the Kyoshi Warrior travelling with the Avatar."

This was a complete surprise to Yao Tsung, but he tried to keep his expression calm and collected as he said, "Go on."

***