Avatar: The Legend of Anzen Hyriu, Book 1: The Legend of Beifen

Chapter 23

Chapter 23

Scouting Mission

I woke up filled with anticipation. This was a huge deal for 14 year-olds - their first mission without an adult. I dressed properly, buckled on my sword, and put on my quiver. I also put on my water pouch even though there was water everywhere here. I reported to Wei and Chen's tent. Taruk and Koluk were already there.

"Good, now, we just need Fai," Wei said.

Luckily, Fai didn't take long to get there. When he did, Wei explained the mission.

"Okay, you four will scout out to the coast. It is an hour and a half march. You will look for animals and anything unusual. Make notes of the ocean currents and how high the water is. Also, note the clouds and weather. Well, that is about it. Oh yes, Taruk will lead this mission. I know you three do not get along with him which is precisely why I did this. You will need to learn how to swallow your pride and take orders, even from someone you may not like. And, Taruk, you will have to learn not to abuse your power. You all will have to be respectful of each other. When you return, we will ask you about the mission individually. Anything to add, Chen?" Wei said.

"Nope, I think you got everything. You all look well prepared, though, Hyriu, you look like you're marching to battle," Chen laughed. "I see a sword, bow and water pouch."

"It is what you didn't see that I am proud of," I said and lifted up my pant leg to reveal my dad's dagger.

"Ha ha, yes indeed, very well prepared. Well, be on your way. Follow the river to the ocean, but keep it at the edge of your view," Chen instructed.

We left the camp. We mostly walked in silence; Taruk kept muttering how he got the worst team ever. We saw some tiger-seal tracks, but they were several days old. By noon, the ocean was in sight. There was a drop off ahead of us where the ocean was. I tripped over an uneven piece of ice.

"Careful, Hyr-o, we wouldn't want you falling and breaking something, now would we?" Taruk sneered.

"Go jump in the river, Tar-yuck," I snarled back as Fai helped me up.

"Hey now, I'm your leader. You need to respect me," Taruk said.

I walked up to him, "Respect is a two-way street."

We glared at each other for a few seconds.

"Hey, guys, calm down. I think I found something," Koluk called.

We walked over. "What is it?" Taruk asked.

"I think this qualifies as 'unusual,'" he said and pointed.

On the ground were several footprints made by many feet.

"Who made these?" Fai asked. "There wasn't a scouting mission any where near here."

"And the foot wear isn't of Water Tribe make," Taruk said.

"Most of these are only a few days old; some are only one day old," Koluk added.

Just then, I heard a twang of a bow and the whoosh of something fly by my head. Koluk cried out in pain. An arrow had struck him in the thigh.

"Koluk!" I cried.

"I'm- I'm alright," he said through gritted teeth.

"Can you walk?" I asked.

He tried to get up but fell down with an expression of pain.

"I can't even stand," he said.

And then a thought entered my mind, 'Who fired the arrow?' I stood up and looked around. I saw a flicker of movement.