Chapter 21.5- And so the Dragons Danced

XXXXXXXXX- NATSU

I stood along with the rest of my forces as we prepared to welcome Lord Hiroshi. The one that was to take over Omashu as Governor while I moved out to carry out my next orders. Of course, we were not really preparing to welcome him. We’d be leaving as soon as he arrived, and I only waited so long to maintain the thin veneer of civility that guided interactions between the Fire Nation’s Upper Class. He was a former friend of my Grandfather. Emphasis on the word, “Former”. He was one of those had not hesitated to cut the old man off once it became clear that the FireLord’s displeasure was lasting and not merely a passing phase. His actions meant that I didn’t hold him in much regard, but leaving before he arrived was a level of disrespect I was uncomfortable with. Even worse, it had potential to be dangerous for the Fire Nation’s position in the area.

I wouldn’t put it past the Earth Benders to start a rebellion of all things while I was gone. If the man arrived to an uprising, then I was unsure of what fate I would face. If the FireLord was especially displeased, I could see myself discharged from the military with that action alone. So here I stood, next to an Ostrich-horse, at the head of a long formation of soldiers as I waited for him. He was late. The sun had already passed overhead. It was midday and there was still no sign of him and his procession. A fact that was very strange because I had received the letter from the Naval base that had received his ships about three days ago. It was a two day journey from that base to Omashu. Adding an extra day for nobles to nobles meant that he should be here by now. Nevermind the fact that I had sent out two outriders from my own forces to guide him here and they’d confirmed that he was close by.

It was only when Toji finally spotted them over the horizon that I realised what was going on. It was a power play. He was going to have me standing around waiting for him as a display of his power over me. I scoffed. What foolishness. I turned to my horse and mounted it. Maki turned to me, wondering what was going on.

“I’ve gotten tired of standing. Hiroshi will meet me on my horse”

“Are you sure that is wise?”

“Purposefully keeping me waiting isn’t wise either. If he went to all that trouble to pay me an insult, then there is no need keeping up appearances.” I replied to her. She nodded, and then turned to some other member that had come with her from her division and whispered something to her. Both women laughed and I fought down the urge to probe into what she’d said. I needed to be cool. Caring about what people whispered to each other was not the way to get there. I stared down the approaching escort with mounting impatience.

Every minute that went by, I could see in real time just how much effort Hiroshi was putting into being disrespectful. He had slowed his march down even further. What his horse was moving at could not even be vaguely considered a canter. I stared ahead for a minute more, working out my thoughts in my head, and then made a decision.

“Move out” I ordered, and spurred my horse forward. My formation was a long one. Even as slowly as he was moving, Hiroshi would have arrived by the time the last of them were moving on. If Omashu burned in that time, then it was my loss.