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Don walked along the broad avenue with Ollin limping at his side. The avenue was lined with windowless, one story, box-like houses. Their entrances were elaborate wrought-iron gates, through which Don could see the short passageway that led to the central, open-air courtyard with its lawn, flower-bed and tumbling bougainvillea. Around the courtyard were the rooms of the house. Don thought that if ever he were to reach home again he would like to build a house like that. But then he remembered the considerable difference between the Mexican climate and the weather in England.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXkHn8bPA9
The Aztecs they passed on the way to the barracks bowed respectfully to Ollin, but Don sensed they were, in actuality, afraid of the High Priest.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbvMgnb4jg
"Do you often leave the temple?" he asked.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGN2GAnDoS
"Tetzel seeks wisdom in the garden from time to time," Ollin replied. "I visit the barracks to select a victim when the Gods demand blood."495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeugZJ5qBFu
Don felt his blood run cold.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxKwyXs2nX
The barracks was similar to the houses in design, but infinitely larger, and the central courtyard was an area of hard-baked clay where the warriors trained in the martial arts. When Don and Ollin entered the courtyard some two hundred warriors were at drill. They wore leather loin-cloths, sandals and plumed head-dresses. They carried shields and lunged with short-swords, parrying attacks from imaginary enemies. When the Aztec in charge saw Ollin, he ordered the warriors to stop and they stood respectfully as the High Priest of Sacrifice limped across the courtyard followed by Don, who quickly became aware that the word had been passed by the warriors in the temple and everyone knew who he was. Suddenly Ollin stopped, glanced along the ranks and pointed to a young warrior. Then he limped on to the far side of the courtyard. As they approached it, a warrior broke from the ranks and ran to open the door for them. There was a short passageway which opened onto another clay courtyard, patterned with the eagle and coiled snake in colorful dyes. Don noticed that the courtyard was about the same size as the ones he'd seen in the houses. There was a door in each of the other three wall. The two doors which faced one another were ornate, and decorated, once again, with the snake and eagle motif. The third door was made of pain wood.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9VD8QjGlp
Ollin went to the middle of the courtyard. "Yaotl," he called.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKNvAvTaE7
One of the decorated doors opened and a well-built, handsome man, a few years younger than Don, came into the courtyard. He was wearing a leather loin-cloth with rectangular shapes embroidered on it in gold and silver thread. He wore sandals and his hair was drawn back in a short pony-tail. He bowed deeply to Ollin.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLt2cf5qk9q
"I greet you, O' High Priest of Sacrifice," he said, then eyed Don up and down. "What manner of warrior is this?" His tone was disdainful.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJCD1T1qwN
"He is the servant of Nenetl," Ollin replied.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQqjSkBwVr
Yaotl bowed. "I have heard that Nenetl again guides us in wisdom and strength. Does the High Priest wish me to demonstrate my skill to Nentl's servant."495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1wZ1EAVAA
Ollin inclined his head and Yaotl strode to the door which opened onto the large courtyard.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOD9xGqzxmA
"A warrior....one of the best," he commanded.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGDT7i85S3
The Aztec in charge signaled to a warrior, who ran to the door and entered the small courtyard.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfRGNS0K6n
"We will fight with studded clubs and shields," Yaotl announced and led the warrior over to the plain wooden door. They went inside.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpfMYTQ0DD
"To command one must prove courage, skill and intelligence," Ollin's voice was insinuating. Yaotl had killed and taken many prisoners on the battlefield, he told Don, "He has no fear of death."495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjG1pdDFCpO
Yaotl and the warrior reappeared. Each carried a shield and a wooden cudgel which had a circular head studded with pieces of obsidian stone. They approached Ollin, bowed to him, then went to the middle of the courtyard and stood facing each other, about ten feet apart. Just out of reach, Don thought.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXnM55Zazw
Ollin raised one hand. "Begin!" he commanded.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjBkuMlHYM
The two men circled each other warily. Then Yaotl suddenly lunged and aimed a blow at the warrior's left-hand side. But as the warrior brought his shield across his body to fend off the cudgel, Yaotl reversed his attack and hit out at the warrior's unguarded right. The warrior was swift and leapt back. Yaotl swung at empty air, almost throwing himself off balance. Instinctively, he raised his shield to protect his head as the warrior's cudgel crashed down. As it struck the shield, Yaotl gave a backhand chop just below the warrior's rib-cage. Blood spurted from the wound. The contestants backed away and circled each other again. Don had anticipated a friendly encounter, but now he wasn't so sure. His mouth went dry and he gave a sideways glance at Ollin beside him. The High Priest's face was expressionless. I shouldn't be surprised, Don thought. He's used to the sight of blood. Then Yaotl launched a ferocious attack, forcing the warrior to give ground as he tried to ward off the repeated blows. The warrior tried to counterattack, but Yaotl's shield was all around his body, protecting it until the last blow, which Yaotl parried with his cudgel and with such force that the warrior's weapon flew from his hand and he was driven back trying to defend himself. Eventually he fell to his knees in a corner of the courtyard, with the shield held above his head. Yaotl smashed his cudgel down on the warrior's shield and stepped back.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyjXKGweBI
"Go and have your wound tended to," he said, and then walked over to Ollin.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Bl5pXHfZh
"Thus shall other tribes fear even more the Aztecs," the High Priest said.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BGeVwWsb1
Yaotl inclined his head and turned to Don. "Tell Nenetl that I shall serve well."495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDyaPAz9IQ
"I shall carry that salutation for you," Ollin replied. "Nenetl's servant remains here."495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCbnJufX38
Yaotl looked puzzled. "But here dwell only those chosen to command," he said.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuG0pfeWapk
"I know it." Ollin looked from one to the other.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNBMF5IDSG
Yaotl turned to Don and there was fierce pride in his face. "What name did your mother give you?" he asked.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9yESM1ZNo
"Don."495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GAXjaDduv
"Then I tell you, Don, that six other warriors have dwelt in there," he pointed to the other decorated door, "but I alone remain. Yet I welcome you. There is no fear of you in me. And one day all men will fear Yaotl, the Aztec commander who defeated the chosen servant of Nenetl."495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWd1L59OUHH
Don did not reply, but met Yaotl's arrogant gaze with a look he hoped was steadfast.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDAbXukBMt
"Let him be clothed according to his rank," Ollin said.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdi0TvYEcl6
"It shall be done," Yaotl replied and asked if Don would assist at the Rain God's ceremony.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRL89N5KnJ
"He is now as you are, Yoatl, a chosen warrior," the High Priest replied and limped out to the courtyard.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0JzOJ9YPw
"What am I supposed to do at this ceremony?" Don asked.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiSUt4xmES
"All honor rests with us," Yaotl's voice rang with pride, "we deliver the human sacrifice to the High Priest Ollin," and then in a matter-of-fact voice added that it was time to obtain Don's uniform.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGgRLNeZwa
Don stood dumbfounded.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVygGferFqc
Zuma had gone home, leaving a contemplative Dr. Smith in the garden. She returned later with a tray, on which were the cornflower pancakes, a jar of honey, a knife, two goblets and a jug of water. Zuma put the tray on the bench where Dr. Smith was sitting, and then sat down herself. Dr. Smith had eaten two pancakes with honey and drunk a goblet of water when he saw a cloaked, plumed Aztec warrior with an embroidered loin-cloth and sandals striding purposefully towards him. It took Dr. Smith a full fifteen seconds to recognize Don.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoT5ayVWu65
"Ah, West," he called, his eyes sparkling wiht amusement at Don's clothes. "Do have a pancake and honey." Don declined and Dr. Smith introduced him to Zuma whom, he added, had promised to arrange a meeting between himself and the grandson of the man who built the temple.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCR7HLNahb
"That is most kind of you, madam." Don smiled at Zuma, who returned his smile through her eyes looked momentarily troubled. She glanced down at the tray and then at Dr. Smith.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUAzdlliIJ
He gently patted his stomach. "Delicious and plenteous, dear lady."495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0NHF31b8q
Zuma stood and picked up the tray. Dr. Smith also rose to his feet.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlTHWMOuHC
"Pray excuse me," Zuma said, "then you may talk more freely." She walked away.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03L0aWuvNT
"Dr. Smith,' Don's voice rang with urgency, "today there's to be a human sacrifice at the Rain God ceremony and I'm supposed to assist. I can't possibly do it."495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhu1LfmlmPI
Dr. Smith put his hand on Don's shoulder. "Just a minute, West," he said. "What exactly must you do?"495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXi3cCKJqj
"Escort the victim to the altar."495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5t3jvDb9PK
"Then, by all means, do so." Dr. Smith spoke brusquely.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxmIzFHxzG
Don was appalled. "You can't expect me to participate in murder."495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkK5MHbc3aq
"Intervene and we'll be dead within the minute."495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2nRif6zr2
"But...." Don began in desperation.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktnvA7q6Mw
"Ahhhh, no buts, West," Dr. Smith cut in. "If human sacrifice is their tradition, then let them get on with it." He removed his arm from Don's shoulder and pointed a forefinger at Don's chest. "For your own sake, for Ann's, for Penny's and for mine, do not interfere." These last words were spoken in a measured tone. "Promise me, Don," Dr. Smith insisted.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYFIzkQ52Z
Don looked down at the ground. "All right, I promise," he murmured.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktjuQHU3hD
Dr. Smith patted him on the arm. "I'll go and tell Ann," he said, and hurried away. It was only when he entered the pyramid that he remembered all tlhe stairs he had to climb.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt57Bo5WnG0
Penny and Ann were in the antechamber below the temple. Ann had taken off her sandals and lay on a couch wriggling her toes while munching a banana. "Hardly godlike behavior," she remarked between bites to Penny who was trying on Ann's plumed crown.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWZlr2QGUg
"What do you think?" Penny asked as she struck a fashion-photo pose.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDq3acxcJX
"It's just the thing for the Royal Enclosure at Ascot," Ann replied and they both laughed.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZrRSOJO6w
"I enjoy being the handmaiden of a god," Penny said.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHVQkatGYz
"This end isn't too hard to take, either," Ann admitted.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuRxyOVLia
Penny took off the head-dress and put it down a legless side-table beside a highly polished jade statuette of an Aztec god. Penny picked it up. "Hey, look at this," she said. "It's priceless."495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4arbDIwBi
"That's the thing which hooked me on the Aztec civilization in the first place," Ann replied, placing the banana skin on the plate at her side. "On the one hand, that's Tetzel who is charming, intelligent and cultured. But, on the other hand...."495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZdweU1nMJ
"There's Ollin," Penny interjected. "Strange, isn't it? Such beauty and such horror existing side by side."495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvIT9MiWAE
As she replaced the statuette, they heard Dr. Smith's breathless voice outside the antechamber.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXaYkAlN1O2
"Let me pass," he was saying, gasping for air, "go on, out of my way, I must talk to Nenetl."495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjumcMBNRE
Ann stood up as Penny went to the door and opened it.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVegO9j3e7z
Dr. Smith stumbled in. "Wait outside, Penny," he gasped, "and don't let anyone in."495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgbNc1LPGS
"Yes, Uncle Zachary." Penny left, closing the door behind her.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYLK7rK78Z
"Sit down, Dr. Smith, and catch your breath." Ann motioned to a couch.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyKO4AbV7F
Dr. Smith collapsed onto it. "All those stairs, all those stairs." He took a deep breath and Ann poured him a goblet of water which he gulped down.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWiOJETJcw
Ann waited until he had fully recovered. "What is it, Dr. Smith? What's happened?"495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VUlafmB64
Dr. Smith stood up. "There's to be a human sacrifice during the Rain God ceremony at sunset." He kept all emotion out of his voice.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡui1AgK8Q5b
"Oh, no!" Ann was horrified. "No!"495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0oaaqWLJg
"You must not interfere! You must not!"495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0oRUbcQUQ
Ann buried her face in her hand. "I can't just stand by an...."495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuP2xtEvRB
"You must," Dr. Smith barked out the two words, then his voice softened. "Don agrees with me," he paused before continuing, "and he is required to escort the victim to the altar."495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhe6HtaiNAs
Ann's hands flew from her face. "He has to do what?" she exploded.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFFgPskPDD
"He's been designated a 'Chosen Warrior'---Dr. Smith shrugged ----"and for all our sakes, he has agreed, given me his word, to do nothing to prevent the sacrifice.":495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJ4PkzwDTX
"Well, I have been made a god," Ann paced out her words, "and I forbid it."495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DoCjAFcvV
"Ann," Dr. Smith began to protest, but Ann cut him off.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXDEAlLfbN
"No, Dr. Smith. There will be no sacrifice at sunset, nor ever again. The reincarnation of Nenetl will prove to the Aztec people that you don't need to cut out a pulsating human heart to make the rain come."495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIeOMX1UJC
"Don't be foolish, woman. The High Priests will turn against you and denounce you."495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy27ZrP8OMb
"They won't dare to defy me," Ann replied with great determination. "No, this is the beginning of the end of Huitzilopochtli's reign."495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sugxY3xhj
"What on earth are you talking about?" Dr. Smith demanded.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLwiJc1EI7
"Rewriting history," Ann said calmly. "If I can start the destruction of all that is evil here, then all that is good will survive when Cortez lands."495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSGpGGGQnP
Dr. Smith shook his head in bewilderment. "You can't change history, Ann. Not one page of it."495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZq6yXTHuiH
Ann turned her back on him, went to the side table, picked up her plumed crown and set it on her head.495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYim93SMpBk
"I appeal to you, Ann. Be reasonable. What you're trying to do is impossible," Dr. Smith implored. "Believe me, I know, really I do, I know."495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AX217Drq6
She turned to face him and was quite serene. "Not Ann," she said calmly. "Nenetl."495Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrm3XS7dla
