74. Short Tales - The Scroll

Chapter 74: Short Tales - The Scroll

The standoff slowly eased.

At a wordless command from Akari, the Kyoshi Warriors relaxed their stances. Not entirely, but enough to let diplomacy take precedence over hostility. Lieutenant Jee lowered the flame in his palm until it vanished, flicking his fingers to extinguish the last tendril of heat.

"Lieutenant Jee," he said, offering his name now that the edge of tension had dulled. "I'd like to speak with your mayor. A dozen of my men will accompany me. Standard protocol."

Akari gave a short nod and signaled with her fingers. The Warriors nearest the forest line opened a path. Behind her, Jee gestured to the twelve soldiers chosen from the front line. Without a word, they fell in behind him in two tight columns, disciplined and alert.

The journey to the village was quiet and efficient.

The trail wound through the woods of Kyoshi Island, fragrant with damp earth and scattered with fallen leaves. Birds called in the treetops, unaware of the undercurrent of tension that trailed the group. At the edge of the village, wooden homes with high rooftops came into view, and the smoke of morning cooking fires curled into the air.

There, at the first structure by the path, Jee halted and turned to his escort.

"Remain here," he instructed his men. "Await my return."

They saluted in unison and fell into position, watched warily by Kyoshi Warriors stationed along the fences and rooftops. The two forces didn't speak, but eyes never left each other.

Akari led Jee beyond the gate, through a quiet square where elderly villagers watched from shaded porches, and straight to the home of the village mayor.

The house was large but simple, elevated with a wooden veranda and framed with curved green tiles. A pair of older guards flanked the door, and one of them stepped aside upon seeing Akari approach.

Inside, Mayor Hanoo sat in a circular room with polished wood flooring and scrolls hanging along the curved walls. He was in his mid-sixties, dressed in layered green robes with copper accents. His weathered hands rested on the lip of a steaming teacup, and his expression hardened at the sight of the uniformed firebender entering behind Akari.

"Mayor Hanoo," Jee greeted him with a respectful bow.

"Lieutenant," the mayor replied, his voice cautious.

"I've come with direct orders from the Crown Prince," Jee said. "We are to speak in private."

Hanoo looked to Akari. "And what happens if I refuse?"

Jee smiled faintly. "You won't."

The mayor's expression twitched with frustration. After a moment, he sighed and gave a begrudging nod. "Very well. Akari, will you see the guards out?"

Before she could move, Jee held up a hand.

"One more thing," he said, turning to her. "You're the mother of a girl named Suki, aren't you?"

Akari blinked, caught off guard. "Yes. I am."

"Then you should join us as well," Jee continued. "The orders I received included you. Apparently, this conversation involves more than just the mayor."

Akari narrowed her eyes slightly, but curiosity had already overridden suspicion. She nodded once and stepped into the chamber, closing the sliding door behind her.

Inside, three chairs were drawn around the low lacquered table. Jee took his seat across from the mayor. Akari settled beside him, her posture poised and attentive.

Whatever this was, it was no ordinary visit.

The moment was still. Only the crackling of the oil lantern on the table broke the silence as Jee reached into his coat and pulled free a tightly wound scroll, sealed in black wax with the mark of the royal phoenix.

He laid it gently on the table before Mayor Hanoo.

The mayor hesitated, then picked it up. The wax seal broke with a soft snap. As his eyes moved across the inked words, his expression darkened with every line. He read aloud, his voice firm but increasingly strained.

[To Mayor Hanoo.

My recent trip to Kyoshi Island has garnered the attention of the Fire Nation. Meaning your little island is no longer a forgotten relic. In the name of the Fire Nation, Kyoshi Island will now be considered territory of the Fire Nation. However, in truth, the island will be directly under my authority. If you or anyone want the island to remain as irrelevant as it is, I assure you: accepting my proposal will be the best choice.

You will find that swearing fealty to me is your best option before my father turns his attention to you.

In addition to this, I present several diplomatic proposals:

First, I put forth that five willing Kyoshi Warriors be selected to forge formal unions with members of my unit, strategic marriages to ensure goodwill and shared interest between our peoples.

Lieutenant Jee and Sergeant Kujan are to be among them. In recognition of their service and loyalty, I hereby elevate Jee to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Kujan shall be promoted to Warrant Officer.

Lastly, a more personal request: I ask that your daughter, Suki, be given to return with Jee to the Fire Nation. I wish for her to join me, not merely as a servant, but as an honored companion. This request is mine alone. She will retain the freedom to refuse, but I ask you present it to her in good faith.

Lieutenant Commander Jee,

The rest is up to you. Make it happen, by whatever means necessary."

Mayor Hanoo slowly lowered the scroll. For a long moment, no one spoke. Then his voice, tired but edged with disbelief, broke the silence.

"This… this is an occupation, dressed up in silk and ceremony."

Akari leaned forward. "You expect us to offer up our daughters as tokens of loyalty? You want my daughter to leave her home, her people, to become some prince's… companion?"

Jee raised a hand. "With respect, Lady Akari, the Crown Prince made it clear that no one is to be forced. This isn't conscription or capture. These are diplomatic alliances. He wants unity, not subjugation."

"Unity?" Hanoo scoffed. "Unity built on veiled threats and promises of protection against your own Fire Lord? That's not unity. That's leverage."

"The Crown Prince spared this island from his father's wrath," Jee said calmly. "You know what would have happened had the Fire Lord's generals discovered this place held the Avatar. The prince delayed that attention. You've all had peace because of him."

"That doesn't give him the right to dictate our families' fates," Akari said sharply. "Suki is not his to request."

"He knows that," Jee replied. "That's why he asked, not demanded. He wants her to be given the choice."

The mayor rubbed his temples. "This is politics played with emotion and blood. It's too much to digest all at once."

Jee's voice softened slightly. "You're not wrong. But consider this: the Crown Prince could have burned this village to the ground when he first came. He didn't. He could have claimed this island with fire and banners. He didn't. He's giving you a chance to walk beside him. That's more than most receive from the Fire Nation."

Silence returned again. Akari's jaw clenched. The notion of offering warriors, even willing ones, as political bridges was an ancient practice, but that didn't mean it sat well with her.

Hanoo finally nodded. "We will consider this. But know this, Commander Jee, if even one hair on my daughter's head is harmed, no army in the world will keep me from making it right."

Jee nodded solemnly. "Understood, sir. I'll await your response."

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