Chapter 86. The Strike.
The penetrating midday rays of the local sun illuminated a lavishly furnished room. On the walls hung masterfully painted portraits of the Fire Lords: Sozin, Azulon, and Ozai, each gazing upon the world with their inherent majesty. The individuals present in the room were no less intriguing.
- I'll try to gather as much information as possible about Ozai's plans, said a man whose appearance clearly indicated he held a significant position within the Fire Nation's bureaucracy.
- I'm counting on that, replied the Fire Sage in a hissing voice. With the person standing beside him, he saw no need to restrain himself, revealing his true nature. – You wouldn't want to disappoint our Lord, would you? he asked, feigning concern.
- N-not at all, the first man nervously replied, appearing much smaller beside his interlocutor.
- Good, the Sage said, satisfied with both the answer and the fleeting fear that crossed the man's face. – Tomorrow I'll leave your company, but tonight I'll stay here, he stated, not asking but declaring.
- The room is ready, and you'll be escorted, the man calmly responded to this imposition. His home always had several rooms prepared for unexpected guests, complete with everything needed for a comfortable stay.
- May darkness be with you, the Fire Sage said before leaving the room.
- May chaos reign, another voice echoed.
As soon as the Fire Sage departed, the man heavily slumped into a chair. It had taken immense effort to conceal his true state from his interlocutor.
He faced many hours of contemplation. He knew his fate hung in the balance until he completed his mission, so he had to ensure the worst didn't come to pass. They wouldn't kill him, but... they could inflict far greater pain on those close to him.
He could no longer bear to look into his wife's tear-reddened eyes. Guilt gnawed at him relentlessly.