Snippet #2578152

The battalion was well on its way towards the river pass when the explosions sounded. Sotaro paused in a momentary combination of frozen surprise and anger. He turned sharply towards Yu Dao at his back. A few moments passed, and as the distinct thick smoke clouds rose on the horizon, a second much lower rumble emanated from the direction the troops were headed.

"Damn the spirits," Sotaro muttered.

The most direct way to Omashu was across the river, and this far out into the country there was one known crossing within a hundred miles that could support artillery . . . artillary that could not pass through water more than a few hands deep.
"HALT," Sotaro commanded roughly.

The battalion ground to a stop as Sotaro dropped from his position atop the tank and strode towards one of the smaller units at the flank.

"Scouts," he ordered, and the four soldiers riding eel hounds stepped forward.

Two men and two women, one for each cardinal direction. Or one for each nation, depending on how philosophical one's inclinations.

"Lee," Sotaro commanded one of the men. "Go back to Yu Dao. Investigate those explosions. We've got saboteurs. Rong, go ahead on our scheduled route. When you reach Omashu, send a hawk. Get the forces to hold for a day if you can."

There had been rumors for months of secret saboteurs, ghosts, who would raid Fire convoys and establishments. He was determined not to allow some phantoms to interfere with his troops reaching Omashu on time. In any case, he could not turn back now, and would need to leave the garrison forces to manage the attackers within Yu Dao. At least for the time being.
"And Shimazu," said Sotaro, addressing one of the remaining women. He paused, considering. He then removed a topographical map with the known Earth Kingdom cities and towns marked on it. As commander, he was the only one supposed to carry it, but he had one of his more talented soldiers draw up copies for his scouts. Technically illegal, but it was a minor offense that was worth the risk for better scouting.

"Get to a coastal town or village at the mouth of this basin," he continued as he indicated the location where the river they were meant to cross met the sea. "Prepare whatever barges and ferries are available to get us across to Omashu. We're changing course. The bridge ahead is probably out."

With that, the three scouts took off on their eel hounds. The last stayed with the troops.

The only other way was to go around the river, which would take days at best. Commandeering the water transport at one of the coastal towns was Sotaro's best bet for keeping on track. He inwardly cursed the raiders who had plagued the supplies of the Fire Nation (if one believed the rumors) and tried to beat down the morale of his own men (if one believed what he actually saw).
"We're changing course," Sotaro called. "Southeast, towards the coast."

With that, the army moved forward once more. Nothing would stand in Sotaro's way.