Chapter 23

The Throne Room of the Palace of Khamdo was a riot of color. The lacquered wood and stone were painted with vibrant colors of red, green, and yellow, while the walls depicted frescoes of the Spirit World in green, yellow, blue, and other colors. Pillars painted with motifs of Dragons, Badger Moles, Elephant Koi, and Sky Bison held up the ceiling, itself painted in various designs invoking celestial spirits. The floor was painted in geometric designs and covered in carpets of red and white silk, woven into those same designs to blend seamlessly with the floor. Bronze statues of spirits stood in alcoves along the wall, gazing down at the assembled imperiously. The whole thing had a feel of some celestial throne room in the Spirit World somewhere. The Tsenpos of Khamdo may not be benders and may be Fire Nation Vassals, but they clearly were still a spiritual lot. Of course, the architecture was not the only thing in the Throne Room. If it had been, there would have been no need for an audience. There were also people.

Fully armored Guards in their cord and plaque armor with spears adorned with banners and shields painted with roaring Spirit Faces lined up along the walls. They stood at perfect attention, as disciplined as any Fire Nation Soldier thanks to almost a century of Fire Nation 'Advisors' helping the Tsenpos construct their Guard Force. Along with those were various nobles of the Protectorate in their Silk Deels, though the highest nobility and some of the more ambitious minor nobility wore Fire Nation-Style Kimonos. In the corner, a noble wearing a Deel played a Fire Nation-style Shinobue flute while the throat singing of the local music style was nowhere to be found. It all led up to a throne carved of yellow jade with various designs of spirits worked into it. The armrests of the Throne were flanked by two Qirin, chimerical animals that, like the Lion Turtles, had long since abandoned the Human World for the Spirit World.

Upon that throne sat a Twenty-something Man in the elaborately embroidered deel of the Tsenpo. While the style was of Khamdo, the color was predominantly red, showing the allegiance to the Fire Nation of the Protectorate and its leader. This was Namri Tsenpo. Bikki had to admit, he didn't look like much. The robes looked like they might swallow him up. Clearly, Namri Tsenpo was no warrior, but then, that was the point, wasn't it? He was supposed to be a shrewd, scheming, type. Those sorts of people were supposed to be the sort that would create a false first impression and then use it against you when you fell for it. He imagined that Namri Tsenpo had done that before to good effect if General Iroh's information was correct. Bikki had no reason to doubt the Dragon of the West's intelligence-gathering capabilities so he would tread lightly.

Regardless, Gelek Tsogyal announced their party as he led them into the Throne Room. Bikki watched the faces of the various nobles and functionaries as they were announced, looking for any hint they might give of brewing intrigues, though he would be the first to admit that he was no expert at such things. On Nagai Island, if you wanted to get rid of a leader, you challenged them to a duel. It was simpler that way and had less chance of causing a gigantic mess when your twisty scheme inevitably went wrong. Plus, it didn't interrupt the flow of tribute and warriors to the Fire Nation, which meant no military intervention from the Fire Lord.

"Crown Prince Zuko of the Fire Nation, Prince-General Iroh of the Fire Nation, the Dragon of the West, Lord-Colonel Bikki of the Yonbanjin, and Company!" Announced Gelek Tsogyal loudly.

As they were announced, most of the assembled nobility seemed surprised, but only mildly curious. Not so one old man whose red kimono was trimmed in ultramarine, an expensive dye that had to be imported from the Water Tribes. The Old Man stroked his long, wispy, white, beard in interest which signified to Bikki that something was afoot with him. He'd keep an eye on the Old Man and tried to draw General Iroh's attention to the man. The General's fractional nod indicated he already knew, which meant Bikki could relax. If the Dragon of the West was keeping an eye on the Old Man, then Bikki didn't have to worry. After all, he could think of few hands to place their security in that were better than General Iroh's.

Directing his focus back to Namri Tsenpo, Bikki saw the man stand and descend his throne, bowing to Prince Zuko and General Iroh, whose bows were shallower in return, as was proper for an official court proceeding between Vassal and Lord. As he straightened up, Namri Tsenpo began to speak to Prince Zuko.

"I am heartening that you have come as requested, My Lords. As the family of my Liege Lord, Fire Lord Ozai, you did not need to." Began Namri Tsenpo.

"When a Vassal requests your presence, it is only good form to inquire as to why." Responded General Iroh.

"Indeed. I had hoped you would do so. There is a problem we have been having that may begin to affect our yearly tithes if it is not rectified soon. I had hoped to come to an understanding with you My Lords, to see such an issue rectified." Nodded Namri Tsenpo.

"What issue?" Questioned Prince Zuko.

"It is the Gyirong Mines. Two weeks ago, we found two of our workers missing. A day later, a tunnel collapse during operation buried another five. Two days after that, the mining crew sent in to re-open the collapsed tunnel heard it." Intoned Namri Tsenpo.

"Heard what?" Demanded Bikki.

"The howl of the Snow Lion. They abandoned the work, fleeing from the section of the tunnel they had already cleared." Answered Namri Tsenpo.

"So send in another work crew." Insisted Prince Zuko.

"We did. We sent in the crew with the most experience the next day. They worked through the howling, but an hour before the end of the shift, they stopped. When the foremen went to check on them and find out why, he found the Crew had been torn apart. Now none of our work crews will go into the tunnels to mine, even after we threatened lashes." Informed Namri Tsenpo.

"I see. You wish our aid to handle this Snow Lion?" Queried General Iroh.

"Indeed. I have heard that you are all powerful benders and capable warriors. It is in the best interests of the Fire Nation, as my Liege Lords, that this affair be dealt with and mining resume." Concurred Namri Tsenpo.

"Where are these Gyirong Mines?" Asked Bikki.

"In the Gyirong Valley on the route to the Eastern Air Temple. I am told you seek to visit the Temple Ruins, it would be on your way." Pointed out Namri Tsenpo.

"And what sort of powers do Snow Lions have?" Pressed Bikki.

"Snow Lions have not been seen in many years. However, they were reputed to have claws and teeth as sharp as swords, a tough, armor-like, hide, the power to sense ill intent, and a roar whose sound could strike with the power of a battering ram. Likely how the cave-in started that collapsed the tunnels and buried the work crew." Explained Namri Tsenpo.

"Sounds like a difficult fight." Remarked Prince Zuko.

"Still, I suppose we can't refuse an official request for aid from a vassal." Mused General Iroh.

"Uncle, what happened to not getting involved?" Protested Prince Zuko.

"This is different, Prince Zuko. Besides, if it is truly on the way, what harm could there be in investigating? I doubt it will take us more than a day or so out of our way." Shrugged General Iroh.

"Besides, it sounds like these mines are critical to the tribute of the Khamdo Protectorate. The Protectorate's Tribute is critical to the war effort. I think we all have people fighting we'd rather not see disadvantaged, right Prince Zuko?" Argued Bikki.

"You just want to see a Spirit." Scoffed Prince Zuko.

"That doesn't make me wrong, though." Chuckled Bikki.

"Fine. I suppose we'll handle this Snow Lion, but then we head straight for the Eastern Air Temple. No detours." Acquiesced Prince Zuko.

"Of course, Prince Zuko. Once our business in the mines is done, we should be more than able to head straight there." Agreed General Iroh.

"Splendid! I truly cannot thank you enough, My Lords. Seeing the Gyirong Mines put back into operation is truly in the best interests of both Khamdo and the Fire Nation." Nodded Namri Tsenpo.

"That being the case, should we not leave now?" Questioned Wong Fei-Yan.

He and Deniigi had been silent up until now, not speaking or interjecting into the conversation between Imperial Princes and Vassal Lords. It wasn't their place to do so. Now, though, this was a conversation on planning the Group's next move, and that was a whole different kettle of fish. Deniigi seemed to agree with that assessment because she spoke up next to add her voice to the conversation.

"Yeah. Prince Zuko's been real vocal about heading to the Temple as soon as we can. We don't want to keep him waiting, right?" She queried.

"My thoughts exactly. How far to the Gyirong Valley is it?" Asked General Iroh.

"It's five days away on foot." Answered Namri Tsenpo.

"Plus a day there, plus two days up to the Temple. It sounds like we may need to use the Komodo Rhinos to shorten the time." Mused General Iroh.

"Good idea." Concurred Prince Zuko.

"Hey! That means I can let Ayai out of her pen! She hasn't been able to really stretch her legs since we left Waegu!" Grinned Bikki.

"That reindeer goat is a menace." Grumbled Fei-Yan.

"You just aren't good with her." Snorted Deniigi.

"Yeah, it's hardly Ayai's fault you were so rough with her on brushing duty. She nipped you to let you know to slow down." Confirmed Bikki.

"Regardless, perhaps we should take our leave. Our two companions will need to purchase mounts of their own, after all, and that will require some shopping around." Cut-in General Iroh, the Dragon of the West forestalling an argument.

"No need. I will provide mounts from the Tsenpo's stables for your companions. It is the least I can do." Insisted Namri Tsenpo.

"Thank you. We should leave. Now before we get sidetracked further." Demanded Prince Zuko.

And with that, one more exchange of bows was had and the group left the Throne Room, guided out once more by Gelek Tsogyal. As they were led out of the Tsenpo's Palace, however, Bikki noticed something that sent a pang of worry fluttering in his stomach. The bearded man in the Ultramarine-Fringed Kimono had left the Throne Room at some point during the audience they'd had with Namri Tsenpo. That bored nothing good for them, but Bikki couldn't help but wonder what had set the Man off. He didn't even know who the Man was, though General Iroh might. Bikki asked the Dragon of the West that exact question as their group returned to the Dragonhawk to collect their mounts.

"That was the man I warned you about, Dhundup Dorje." Answered General Iroh.

At that, the ill feeling in the pit of Bikki's stomach only worsened. . .

XXXX

AN: So, here we have the audience with Namri Tsenpo and the setup for a bit of adventure. Snow Lions are a real thing from Tibetan Mythology. They're protector spirits of Temples and Palaces and the like. The Chinese adapted them to their own mythology fairly early on, which is where the mythological Chinese Lion Dogs come from. From China, it spread to Japan via the Ryukyus as Shisa. I've adapted a bunch of stuff like that into the setting as Spirits or Spirit-Beasts ala the Lion Turtles. You'll note I said that Namri Tsenpo's throne has designs of Qirin on it and in the last chapter Gelek Tsogyal was described as having Pheonix Designs on his Kimono. Expect such things to show up in this fic.

On that note, it's a bit odd for a Guardian Spirit to be killing random miners, isn't it? There may be more to this story than the Group knows. Dhundup Dorje certainly seemed to know something. There may be a twist or two in this plot yet to come.

At any rate, the next chapter will be the first part of the Mines. I will also be posting a few images soon.

Stay tuned. . .