It was evening and the air in the garden was heavily scented as Dr. Smith, lost in his thoughts, walked along a path, his hands clutched behind his back. There had to be another way into the tomb, he reasoned, for how else could the counterbalanced wall have been set in place? It would have required builders both in the tomb and outside in the temple. He presumed that the temple, and consequently the tomb, had been built before Nenetl's death as the pyramid must have taken a decade to construct and that, Dr. Smith considered, was a long time to keep a corpse hanging around waiting to be laid to rest. So, when Nenetl died someone, Yaotl's grandfather, perhaps, had to open up the wall from inside the tomb. Therefore there had to be a secret entrance to steps leading up to a trapdoor, most likely, and now possibly sealed, in the floor of the tomb.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhct3tBvsE
Dr. Smith sighed and sniffed the perfumed air without appreciating int. How would the trapdoor be sealed? he asked himself. Closed, it would be seated on a flange which, once Nenetl's body was placed in the tomb, could have been lined with terracotta, a mixture of sand and clay, that would harden like a brick when heated. Yes, that must be the answer, Dr. Smith decided and then wondered how much force would be needed to break the seal. A hammer, a chisel and West's biceps would suffice, he concluded. All that now remained was to locate the secret entrance to the steps and that, he realized dejectedly, could be almost anywhere. But where would be the likeliest place?412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1N3J944q0
"Zachary." Zuma's voice broke his train of thought. Irritated, he saw her coming along the path towards him. "My dear, I am glad to find you alone as I have a gift for you."412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGqNmQGcoa
"How very kind," Dr. Smith mumbled, wondering if it were more cocoa beans. Instead, she gave him a beautiful jade brooch with an eagle and, separately, a coiled snake carved on it.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEAdUGtdbx
He was taken aback. "Dear lady, I cannot possibly accept such a..." he began but stopped when Zuma said the gift signified her love for him. Dr. Smith swallowed. "I shall treasure it always."412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQSdIEZGAP
"I am pleased, though it is yours by right."412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHtHXohPgT
Dr. Smith was puzzled. "Why do you say that?" he asked.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZzJUm6ogz
"It came from Nenetl's tomb."412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXykW3fnZ8U
Dr. Smith was dumbfounded. "From...where?"412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEz6iZtXq4n
"The tomb. See? It has Nenetl's sign on it," she pointed to the snake, "the coiled serpent."412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSRV7HxFaD
"But that is the emblem of the Aztec nation," Dr. Smith said.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnP1UDFECIZ
"That is so," Zuman replied. "Only the serpent is held either in the eagle's beak or its claws. Nenetl's sign of the coiled serpent is separate from the eagle."412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnjY5m9Ay2
Dr. Smith turned the brooch over in his hands. "It's quite magnificent." He smiled at her and asked casually how she had come by it.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzeXpHCOBL
Zuma blushed. "Though married, Yaotl's father fell in love with me. I did what I could to discourage his advances. But he insisted that I accept the brooch, which he gave to me seven days before he disappeared."412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4rdfetZCD
"Disappeared?"412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4QAFSTlKn
"Yes, here in the garden," Zuma replied. "He was never seen again." She dismissed the topic with a gesture of her hand. "But it was a long time ago and now I look forward to a life of bliss with you."412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeErPD53Or
"And I with you, my dear," Dr. Smith said absently, his mind on other matters.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbqBVbXXPs
"Peace and contentment," Zuma reflected.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxqglUJfQ3
"Rapture and joy," Dr. Smith echoed.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Nb7rlozjm
"We shall have a garden of our own," she announced.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtF2Kr23oG
The Doctor eyes lit up. "Yes, of course," he agreed. "A garden of our own." And his eyes traveled to the wall and the stone with the coiled snake carved on it.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrWirN3ux6
As soon as he decently could Dr. Smith took his leave of Zuma and hurried to the barracks. When Dr. Smith burst into his quarters, Don was desperately trying to think of something constructive he could do to put them safely back on board the TARDIS and get them safely on their way.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Pilz2TNkf
"Eureka, West, I have it!" Dr. Smith exclaimed, and then hesitated. "At least, I think I have."412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNE3DrJNjkw
"What?" Don asked, taken aback.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33vEKCVY0I
Dr. Smith held the brooch in the palm of his right hand and poked it with his left forefinger. "This came from Nenetl's tomb. And who took it?" he demanded without waiting for an answer. "His father!" He pointed dramatically at Yaotl's quarters on the other side of the courtyard and then poked the brooch again. "So there's the proof that a secret way into the tomb exists and Yaotl's father knew about it." 412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUWPP4EqnF
Dr. Smith looked about him conspiratorially and moved closer to Don. "But what is much more important, West, my dear boy, is that I believe I know where it is." His voice was little more than an urgent whisper. "Underneath the garden is an irrigation tunnel used for watering the flowers, and in the back wall is a stone with a coiled snake.....Nenetl's sign...carved upon it. I'm certain that the stone can be removed to reveal a way into the tunnel. I'm convinced that under the temple wall there will be a flight of stairs leading up to the tomb." Dr. Smith's eyes darted here and there in search of a possible eavesdropper before he continued. "Tonight, West, tonight, once Yaotl is asleep, come to the garden where I shall be waiting for you."412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡax7sVZDYFg
"All right, Dr. Smith, I'll be there," Don said.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfmhIRRmzB
"Good fellow," Dr. Smith replied and slapped him on the back.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCftIFB1uw
"How did you get hold this?" Don asked, tapping the brooch.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhckL9FunXO
Dr. Smith cleared his throat. "My fiancée gave it to me as a present."412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqt6lQrb444
"I see," Don replied before it registered. "Your what?" he choked.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtozirbrqK
"I made some cocoa and became engaged to Zuma."412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwZcUN3LLs
Don began to chuckle.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpOG1oXpDq
"Did I say something funny, West?"412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8avcVTWSkc
Don tried to keep a straight face.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jVMKWfjX8
"And the sooner we are away from here, the better."412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCpCK3Hb7v
"Yes, Dr. Smith," Don managed to reply, his shoulders shaking. "I'll be there tonight."412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMHkOc88tf
Dr. Smith turned to leave.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVRsCu39om
"Oh, and by the way, Dr. Smith, congratulations," he said and doubled up.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNMoOSSKVU
Dr. Smith stormed off. From his quarters, Yaotl watched him go.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgGCCvtb5h
Ann was in the antechamber when a guard announced that the High Priest of Sacrifice and the Priest of Knowledge awaited her in the temple. Her defences came up instinctively. "Say that I shall recieve them presently," she said.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQizOniBIMt
The guard bowed and withdrew.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDEDBx6qLp
Ann considered her strategy. Should she listen to them first and then riposte as best she could, or should she go directly on the attack? She placed the plumed crown on her head and decided upon the latter course of action. When she reached the temple, she ignored them until she sat upon the throne.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmV9lqe6BTR
"Why do you attend me?" Her voice was glacial.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTRoxSq8Fv
Ollin kept his eyes fixed onher while Tlaqui looked down at his posy and shuffled his feet. "There is a matter we would place before you, Great Spirit," he burbled.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUDMbUlSky
Ann raised one eyebrow. "You wish the gods to favor the Priest of Knowledge with their good opinions?"412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkl4ALojdyP
"Their advice," Tlaqui conceded.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sADjmv6rN
"And yet you sin against them with your test of poison," Ann snapped as Tlaqui studied his posy even more intently.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOYDw072Fi
"Let us talk of this other matter," Ollin cajoled.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIiOixwn6Z
"Silence." It was like a whiplash across his back, but he gritted his teeth and contained his fury.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEyySEwPQN
Ann looked back at Tlaqui. "Your offense against the gods is forgiven. Now, what would you discuss?"412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhudftQQUTb
"The punishment for one who speaks out against our teachings and defies our laws." 412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyKSlqYh5u
Ann realized that this time it was a verbal trap that Ollin was trying to spring.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3KEZwJ250
"Was this spoken in public?" she asked cautiously.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmjLYv9ofc
"Yes, Great Spirit, and after being duly warned," Tlaqui emphasized.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVR9Hulc4LB
"Were there witnesses to the warning?" Take it one step at a time, she advised herself.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Q2M9QvD6g
"Tetzal and myself."412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxu0Fp9OUV4
"What was the offense?" Ann was concerned that Tetzal was involved and curious to know why he wasn't with them.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn99d0m0Nv3
"Denying a desire of the Perfect Victim."412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRu6UZzZhsw
"Be specific, Tlaqui. What was his wish?" Like the poisoned draught, she guessed this interview was being conducted behind Tetzal's back.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWODiwOwjQ
"To be wed."412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfetqULTXY
Ann thought that taking a bride two days before one died willingly was absurd. "To be wed and widowed in two days? What kind of marriage is that for an Aztec maiden?" she asked.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtb0yXNLvsU
Ollin's eyes glinted with secret pleasure. He had rehearsed Tlaqui well and Ann had fallen into the trap.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXHdgechLF
Tlaqui argued that Aztec warriors frequently wed before going off to war and some did not return, but they were not proclaimed gods as the Perfect Victim would be.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx23f7DSOlJ
"There could be no greater honor," he concluded.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU00dCyfKh3
"And if she wanted to marry again?"412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwoiZEo28b
Tlaqui shook his head vigorously. "Marriage to a mortal would be unthinkable to the widow of a god."412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT68rxoESBp
"So this maiden has defied your teachings and your law by spurning his proposal of marriage," Ann said, and when Tlaqui nodded, she thought "Good for you, girl." "And what does the law prescribe for such an offense?" she asked.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAJk1xf1ZO
Tlaqui waved his posy. "We know of none. Such a rejection has never occurred before," he replied. "That is why we have sought your advice."412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdWWmYsHJ2
"Liar," Ann thought and stared at Ollin. "She will not die," her voice was adamant.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3JQ6NYoIF
"Then let her be publicly ridiculed," Tlaqui proposed.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykMnANB1nJ
Ann thought that if there must be a punishment, ridicule would be relatively harmless.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxc8HmU2Au
Ollin took a half-step forward. "I say she should be scourged," he hissed. "Her ears and tongue pierced with thorns."412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVtOG93uEM
"I fobid it," Ann snapped.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wGrBIxHBI
"Tetzal upholds it." Ollin's voice was a menace.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MsXsSAYeZ
"Let him say so, then," Ann replied dryly.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFasoN2QYsI
"He will, he will," Ollin assured her, "when the time comes."412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wURhmqMKk
"And when will that be?"412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHYExJ6Ezt
"On the day of darkness," Tlaqui replied.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs03ST7md9U
"Before all the people," Ollin made a sweeping gesture with his arm before pointing at Ann, "and you must be there so that the gravity of the offence is known."412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgBM00jFl2
"I shall witness the punishment from the temple," Ann said, a plan forumlating in her brain. "But I wish my servants to be present with me. Don, my aged servant, and my handmaiden."412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpJta7YobN
"It shall be arranged," Ollin said without expression. "Both the men and your handmaiden will be there. That I promise."412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ743RrmjG7g
As the High Priest of Sacrifice limps from the temple with Tlaqui at his side, Ann sensed she had made a mistake somewhere. She went over their conversation several times in her mind and then summoned the High Priest of Knowledge to the temple.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMyoRZw0ZXP
Tetzal's face was grave as he listened to Ann's account of his encounter with Tlaqui and the High Priest of Sacrifice.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJdJyFmuLX
"Ollin insisted you upheld such bestial treatment. Is that true?" she asked.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdkASgBeYU
"Is it still your intention to intervene at the sacrifice of the Perfect Victim?" Tetzal countered.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxT7QevLcE
"Of course, it is," Ann said firmly.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WEauQTNzN
"Then I shall match your courage, Nenetl," he replied. "Though it grieves my heart, as it must yours."412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyCj0MQkVb
"I'll shed no tears over an end to human sacrifice." Ann was resolute.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMBxg4ngCW
"I was referring to your handmaiden," Tetzal explained.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5TnxIDErO
"What about Penny?" Ann asked sharply.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVo3gCjCD3X
Tetzal was perplexed. "You have just spoken of her offense."412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gqtCDh8eb
Ann jumped to her feet. "Penny was to be the bride?" she exclaimed.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyZJU4DS9X
"Did not Ollin say so?"412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0yrrQUtT1
So that had been the trap, Ann thought; a deliberate omission on Ollin's part and a stupid one on hers.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7KRDfUylN
"I shall forbid the punishment."412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bBQJesJqp
"You cannot," Tetzal replied flatly.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobutmOuX2P
"Oh yes, I can!" she said fiercely. "Penny is to be punished at the eclipse so when you and I stop the human sacrifice then I will order Ollin to release her as well."412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrzeMsc0Ti
Tetzal shook his head. "She is to be punished before the sacrifice to the Sun God."412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8tiJfW7qP
"I won't let him hurt her. I won't!" Ann's voice was final.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFayQkfWlhK
The High Priest looked at her. "Wil you, then, sacrifice all that you believe in, all that you have given me to believe in, to save your handmaiden pain?"412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0rD0tm8Gb
Ann had no answer.412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyOUP8PBuG
412Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZjZoM8swK
