The Firelord's Honor

Chapter 63

Chapter 63

Things moved very quickly after the funeral. The next evening there had been a final meeting to discuss their plans. Not everyone agreed on the best course of action, but eventually they'd worked it out. They would leave the next afternoon for the capital, a now fully unified force. Zuko hadn't liked the idea of using the deaths of the Fire Lady or Ming for any kind of political gain, their fates were just the latest in a long line of tragedy he hoped to put an end to. It ended up that way though. After his heartfelt speech on the beach and the hero's funeral, any uncertainty about him or his foreign backers among the soldiers disappeared overnight. The morning they were to leave, Katara interrupted his meditation and pulled him out of their tent in time to see several older Generals and high ranking officers bow deeply. He knew these men had not been easy to win over. Their whole lives had been devoted to the war and for the last decade, his father.

Zuko choked back his surprise as Katara straightened his tunic for him before the officers stood from their bow. The oldest, an Admiral that had only agreed to aid him because all of the officers on his ship refused to follow Ozai when they had a better choice, spoke for the group.

"Prince Zuko, as you know, when I first heard about what you are attempting to do, I was unimpressed. Treason is not something any loyal subject should ever consider, let alone a soldier. When my entire ship threatened mutiny if I did not go along with this I was furious, but my hands were tied. Until yesterday I believed you to be no more than a young deserter, come back with a foreign water witch for a bride and enemy soldiers to commit patricide and steal a crown you thought you deserved. While I had little love for Ozai, Azulon was something of a mentor to me in my younger years and I believed in this war."

Katara was stiff at his side, likely upset at such an unflattering commentary. He took her hand where it hung beside him and ran his thumb along her knuckles as the Admiral finished.

"After yesterday, knowing what Ozai has done and watching you and your family respond, and a rather long conversation with General Iroh, I have changed my mind." He looked around at the other men gathered around him, all of them nodding solemnly. "We all have. We have come to formally pledge our fire and our lives to you, Prince Zuko. When you reach the capital, we will be behind you."

Almost too stunned to speak, Zuko could only thank the men and respond in kind as they bowed again. The Admiral gave Katara an appraising look before inclining his head and leaving. All but one of the others left in his wake. A General, seemingly of an age with his uncle, hesitated a moment.

"Lieutenant Lei was under my command. I sent her to the palace when Ozai demanded the best we had. I didn't know why then, though in hindsight it was obvious what he wanted them for. In truth, it would not have changed my decision to send her had he asked plainly for potential brides. Her family had died some time before and she was someone that I was particularly proud of. To be chosen as Fire Lady was a tremendous honor." The General seemed to wilt before their eyes. "I refused to believe the reports from the palace. If they were true then her suffering was my fault. Then yesterday..."

He straightened, clearing his throat and tucking his helmet under his arm.

"Thank you, both of you, for what you did for her."

Having said his peace, the older man left too.

"Wow. That wasn't how I expected to start the day. I thought... Katara?"

She was quietly sobbing beside him, her hand pressed to her lips to keep from crying out loud.

"Katara, what's the matter?"

"It's just, so sad. I didn't know she didn't have any family and... oh I miss my own mother and, dammit I'm sorry Zuko." She rubbed furiously at her face, making an effort to calm herself. "It's been more than a month since I've seen Kya and without her nursing, my hormones are just... and I miss her. But, I need to get a hold of myself. I can't keep doing this. I feel like we have this conversation twice a week."