The Art of Peace

Prologue

"It is time for me to retire."

The council members stirred uneasily at Iroh's frank announcement. Zuko stared straight ahead. He'd been expecting this moment, but he hadn't fully come to terms with it either. Mai sat by his side, uninterested. She showed up to these meetings to show her loyalty to Zuko, not only as a representative from her powerful family, but as his fiancé it was her duty.

The long table was surrounded by men, mostly old men, though Count Yi was only in his forties. They were the Fire Lord's council, the Fire Lord's most trusted advisors. And they were all as conniving and power hungry as Ozai had been, only they happened to lack the singularity of vision the former Fire Lord did. They were scavengers; picking at whatever scraps the royalty threw to them.

"But Iroh, you cannot!" Fire Sage San exclaimed, to a chorus of many nods and grunts of affirmations. His red bishop's hat almost flew off with the fierceness of his outburst.

Iroh shook his head. "I am old. I don't have the strength or the will to play these games of intrigue anymore. It is time I leave that to my nephew."

"But," San sputtered, "The Fire Lord is just now twenty! He cannot rule a nation! No offense, sire."

Zuko stood, commanding the room's attention. The heavy robes of the Fire Lord sat easily on his muscular frame, but he kept his hair just long enough to put into a top knot. He inclined his head briefly, acknowledging the Fire Sage. "I realize I am young, but that is why I have you here to advise me. I think we should all wish my uncle well on his path, wherever it may take him."

The room was silent, no one wishing to defy the Fire Lord outright. Mai smirked to herself. Watching people being put in their place was always amusing.

San sunk back in his chair, arms crossed over his chest. The other council members were murmuring to each other, disconcerted. His fingers drummed against the thick red robe as he searched for some political advantage in this situation. Certainly, with Iroh giving up his coveted spot as Chancellor, many would be vying for the position.

"But sire," San's nasal tones cut through the chatter, "While you know you have the council's unconditional support, many people are still unconvinced of your readiness to rule. You must have a Chancellor."

Eyes narrowed, Zuko contemplated. There had been one confirmed assassination attempt already. There was still debate as to whether the second time was just bad fish. He did need someone to watch his back, and go to the meetings he couldn't attend. And enforce his rule throughout the Fire Nation. His uncle had been invaluable in the past three years.

Iroh nodded sagely. "This is good advice, my nephew. The fire nation needs a firm and steady hand to guide it. There are still many supporters of Ozai who are just waiting for the first sign of weakness."

Zuko may have claimed the throne, but the hearts of the people were still divided. Much of the nobility was still in favor of war, as they'd invested heavily in arms manufacture, including Mai's family.

Sensing a great political opportunity, General Liu felt compelled to speak up. "I have the support of the army at my back, my Lord. If something were to befall you, Agni forbid, I would be able to impose peace among the people."

"Ah," San countered, "but it is the Sages that the people turn to in times of crisis."

Count Yi sniffed. "Trade is the lifeblood of a nation. Without commerce, the armies and the temples would wither and die."

Mai privately agreed with the count, but held her tongue. Long ago, she'd learned it was best not to say too much to powerful people. All the poison darts in the world can't undo a poorly chosen word.

"Enough," Zuko said, silencing the bickering. "I see the necessity of a second. Aside from my noble uncle, there is only one person I trust enough with the safety of my people."

Her back visibly straightened, and she unconsciously smoothed her skirt. Carefully composing her acceptance speech in her mind, Mai allowed a small smile to slip onto her lips.

Zuko waved his hand, and a servant bowed deeply to him.

"Please summon a messenger hawk and a pen and ink," he said, lost in thought. "I need to send a letter South."

Author's Note:

I hate disclaimers, since common sense dictates that I am making no money off of this, since it's a free website for both posting and reading.

I update fairly infrequently, I'm sorry, but I do have at least one more chapter written. Please review, all comments and criticisms welcomed 

Carolyn