I wasn't called to the meeting. I was just there by "convenience" when the messenger ran in with the news. The wall was being assaulted from the Southwest. My scouts are quicker. The messenger was unable to convey his message without stuttering until he was shaken out of his shock by General How. It was only then that he was able to relay the numbers of the attacking force. My men are more intelligible and calmer under pressure. Eventually, however, the news was relayed. And it wasn't particularly good to here.
"The wall is under attack!" announced General How to the rest of the Council of Five. So. They wouldn't kick me out. I was only here by "convenience" after all, discussing proper allocation of police in the inner district. Generally, even in my position, I wouldn't be present in a meeting of the Council of Five, but here I was, and nobody was asking me to leave.
"We must retaliate immediately!" called out General Sung, an incompetent General who rose to his rank by allocating responsibility to others who actually knew what they were doing, but here he was. Unfortunately.
"Agreed" stated How, now referring to the map of Ba Sing Se. Where there normally was a map of the world, there was a far more detailed map of the city, complete with hidden passageways, defensive checkpoints, current troop garrisons, etc. The war room was rather empty today, occupied only by Generals Sung, How, and Kozad. Generals Hondu and Sodhru were manning the walls. How was actually a competent commander, one I trusted would keep this city alive for at least a few more months. I couldn't say the same for Sodhru. There was a reason he and Sung were here and not atop the walls.
How motioned to the Southwest portion of the wall, moving the pieces indicating Fire Nation troops right to the walls. There was only a company stationed at this point of the wall. If there was one thing our city was lacking most of, it was manpower. All the same, 1 man atop a wall can be worth 100 below if used properly. All the same, pitted against the Dragon's entire Host, there was little that could be done. "More men are needed" stated Sung, somehow proud of himself for his 'genius' observation, ignoring what it meant for the city as a whole.
"That much is obvious." Answered How, obviously annoyed with Sung's incompetence."
This time, it was Sodhru who spoke. "We can take the troops from the Northeast portion of the wall to reinforce the Southwest."
"Agreed. Send a messenger to-"
Another messenger entered the room. This time, however, he was one of mine. The generals noticed this too, particularly How who was known not to be fond of my use of secret police.
"What is the meaning of this?"
My agent, just as they had been trained, retained composure, breath, and stature, and spoke straight to me, and me only. I heard the message and sent him off. So my agents are more reliable too.
"Long Feng. You are not permitted to even be a part of this meeting. If you wish to stay, you will discuss what was just told to you." No harm in saying we were in deeper trouble than we already presumed.
"Belay that order." I spoke to How, referring to his order to divert men from the Northeast. "The Northeast portion of the wall was just assaulted."
"Oh spirits" said Sung from where he was standing by the city map. We're doomed." The fool. He didn't see how lucky we just were. How did however. I could see the sweat on his brow that resonated that which was shed by somebody who nearly made a fatal mistake.
"We're lucky." He said. "A minute later and we would have sent all our troops away from there."
It was my turn to speak now. "They're attacks are ill-timed. We can use that to our advantage."
"That we can." He turned to my messenger and spoke. "Have the Southwest portions sprung the trap yet?" My messenger turned to me, wondering whether he would speak it only to me or gain permission to speak his answer aloud. I nodded, giving him leave to speak. My men are more loyal too.
"The attack has been sprung, sir."
"And?"
"Fire Nation casualties at 5 tanks. The traps were absorbed with ease. They were sprung to early, only catching the vanguard and the front of the line."
"Has the Fire Nation begun scaling the Northeast of the Wall then?"
"No. Not yet."
"Good. Send a hawk to then telling them to spring the trap only when the center of the main force is in front of them. And prepare a tram for me."
"Sir?" spoke Sung. "What are you doing?"
"I'm going to the wall to oversee the defense. Long Feng, I'll need the surveillance of your scouts. Can you reroute them to me?"
"I can indeed, General."
"Will you be so kind?"
"I will. They will be under your command for the remainder of the assault." Those I give to you, that is. If it means getting you off my back and in my pocket.
"Good. Sung, give the order for our troops garrisoning the inner walls to move by tram to the outer walls and prepare a defense at the top. And Sodhru, send a raven to our troops within the walls to surface. Now that the attack is underway, the artillery would have stopped."
"Yes sir!"
"Yes sir!"
How left for the outer wall, leaving me alone in the War room as the two other generals moved off to their respected tasks. Maybe loyalty did thrive here as well. Although, loyalty based on personal gain never lasted. Only loyalty instilled in people as their core foundation created a truly loyal servant.
The first batch of soldiers came out of Lake Laogai yesterday. Although, they weren't soldiers anymore, no. They were Dai Li. And they were mine.