Chapter 14: Hidden Threats
Within the garrison, Kaiya stood in her battle attire, the dark red uniform with gold accents highlighting her commanding presence. The room was lavishly appointed, with rich tapestries depicting Fire Nation victories and intricate wooden carvings of dragons coiled around the pillars. Two female servants, both of Fire Nation heritage as per Kaiya's strict requirements, approached her with practiced precision.
The servants began to undress Kaiya, their movements swift and respectful. Piece by piece, her armor and clothing were removed, revealing her lithe, powerful form. Once fully undressed, the servants guided her to a grand bath already drawn, steam rising gently from the surface of the water. The bath was an epitome of luxury, lined with smooth, polished stones and scented with exotic oils.
Kaiya stepped into the bath, the warm water enveloping her body and easing the tension from her muscles. The servants, experienced and attentive, began to wash her, their hands moving with delicate efficiency. As they worked, Kaiya leaned back, allowing herself a moment of relaxation.
"Rina, Lina, come in here," Kaiya called out, her voice echoing softly in the serene room.
The twins entered the room promptly, dressed in their Fire Nation uniforms. Their faces showed a mix of curiosity and apprehension as they stood at attention, their hands clasped tightly behind their backs, the flickering candlelight casting shadows on their faces.
"I didn't select you so you could stand idly by doorways," Kaiya said softly, her tone carrying a gentle reprimand, her eyes soft but firm. "You need to be with me at all times unless I dismiss you."
Rina and Lina bowed their heads. "We apologize, Captain Kaiya. It won't happen again," they said contritely.
Rina stepped forward. "Captain Kaiya, is there any assistance we can provide?" Rina asked, her voice steady yet respectful.
Kaiya looked at them thoughtfully. "For the past few weeks, you two have shown me every nook and cranny of this town. The finest fireflakes vendor, the old man who tells the most amusing tales, the perfect spot to watch the sunset. Everything appears peaceful and idyllic."
She paused, her fingers tapping lightly on the edge of the bath, her gaze sharp and unwavering. "But I am not naive. I know that no town is perfect, especially in times of war. So, I wish to know the truth. What is the pressing issue of the town? What are your concerns?"
Kaiya lifted her head slightly as a servant gently washed her neck, her eyes remaining fixed on Rina and Lina, awaiting their response. The warmth of the water and the delicate touch of the servant provided a moment of calm amidst the building tension in the room.
The twins exchanged a nervous glance, their eyes reflecting a mix of apprehension and resolve. After a brief moment, they gave each other a knowing nod.
One of them finally spoke, a single word: "Earthbenders,"
Kaiya's brow furrowed in puzzlement. "There shouldn't be any earthbenders in the town. It's Fire Nation policy to liquidate all earthbenders immediately,"
"On paper, sure. But enforcing it is another matter," Rina explained, her voice steady but cautious. "Many mayors and officers choose to overlook the policy to barter for peace. That's what occurred in this town," Lina concluded.
Kaiya absorbed this information, a cold knot of dread forming in her stomach as her mind raced with the implications.
Kaiya asked, "How are you certain there are earthbenders in the town?"
One of the twins replied, her voice filled with a mix of unease and conviction, "We don't have any concrete proof, but it's just the way some Earth Kingdom citizens look at us. It's like they know they can kill us the second we turn our backs. This, along with the fact that there has been no effort made by previous commanders to root out earthbenders living in plain sight,"
Kaiya contemplated this information, the weight of the revelation sinking in. With a sudden determination, she stood up, sending water splashing over the edge of the bath. The ripples spread across the surface as droplets cascaded down her porcelain skin. Her hands rested firmly on her waist, exuding an air of determination and authority.
"We will continue this conversation in private," Kaiya declared, giving the servants a pointed side-eye.
The servants, grasping her unspoken command, helped Kaiya out of the bath. They began drying her, while the twins stood by, awaiting her orders.
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