Ann sat on the throne in the temple and looked down at the worried High Priest of Knowledge who stood in front of her.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbAOOZ6K49
"Ollin was humiliated. He will not forget, nor will he forgive," he warned her.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5SbXhNYL1
Ann shrugged. "I did as he commanded."381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzQ693UWHV
"But not as he expected."381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAM7laiE0lp
"What did he want? A miracle?" She smiled at Tetzal.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfRHEbXBKz
"We all awaited one," he confessed.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqY38QX7wA
Ann stood and stepped down to the temple floor. "Why should I use divine powers when human ability will do?" she asked sweetly.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcmzjvZDSA
Tetzal could not resist a twitch of a grin. "Nenetl has spoken." He tried to keep his tone of voice solemn.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqWNmxwIfr
Ann walked towards the terrace and the sacrificial altar. A few paces short of it, she stopped and turned back to face the High Priest. "Have you thought about my prophecy?"381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1SSbhJaJK
"I have thought of little else. And it is true that if we defy the will of the gods we shall be destroyed."381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXVUCcWDJf
"When Quetzalcoatl reigned supreme as the Sun God was there human sacrifice?"381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWqAryOQRK
"No, only after his banishment was blood demanded."381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiVZaL2Dgx
"By Huitzilipochtli, the dark God of the Sun." Ann put her hand around the bracelet on her wrist. "What sacrifice did Quetzalcoatl demand?"381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFCmI2YpDz
"A bird, a fish, a serpent, none other?"381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY560FeDWPC
"Why should that have been?"381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsRH6AvN3F
"He so dearly loved his people he wished no harm to anyone," Tetzal explained.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGLy6Z8NTy
"Is not a return of Quetzacoatl possible?"381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAFylQZB5Y
"Only a god can banish a god. We mortals can do nothing."381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5T9kmYzxJR
"And were Quetzalcoatl to send you a messenger?" Ann took her hand off the bracelet.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe72RQcx2uE
Tetzal glanced at it and looked away. "I serve Huitzilopochtli," he said quietly. "This is his temple."381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7r2dwLsft
"Then where must Queztalcoatl seek his servants?"381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhYSofTUQV
Tetzal remained silent and Ann shifted tack. "When is to be the next sacrifice?" she asked.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9pe5rtiY8
"Three days from this day," Tetzal replied. "The moon will pass before the sun when it is at its zenith and all will be in darkness."381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVjUhgui5g
"So there's to be an eclipse and Ollin will offer a human heart."381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstxcFSM0Mw
"The Perfect Victim's."381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1jGOwSSau
"And the sun will shine again!" Ann stamped her sandaled foot angrily. "As the High Priest of Knowledge, surely you must know that the moon willl pass across the sun and continue on its celestial voyage."381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjkavnKd4w
"Unless Huitzilopochtli, the Sun God, the Surpreme God, withdraws his favor from us." Tetzal was adamant.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7q8VBoZH1
"Am I not a god?" Ann heard herself say with a shock. There was no turning back for her now. "Support me, Tetzal," she pleaded. "The High Priest of Sacrifice won't dare defy us both."381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftZM0fNDwt
Tetzal bent his head and touched his lips with the posy he held. A full minute passed in silence, then he raised his head and looked at Ann. "If you come as Quetzalcoatl's messenger and I take your course, there is no way back for me. So in all humility I entreat you not to deceive me nor prove false to me."381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqZrWxRAR2
Ann's appearance remained serene, but her heart ached and she was in mental turmoil.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjP3FOk4AM
Ollin sidled up to Dr. Smith, who was sitting disconsolately in the garden.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2o7EJcRftW
"What manner of servant are you?" the High Priest asked.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYxeWXzKsI
"Oh, go away," Dr. Smith snapped, but Ollin sat down beside him.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ728GMGhcOL
"I am curious about you," he said. "First you try to secure a victory for Yaotl."381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8mGaRwT4a
"He cheated me," Dr. Smith replied hotly.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzkjBL3Wnj
Ollin looked sideways at the Doctor.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjw5G69cjpf
"I am faithful to my friends," Dr. Smith insisted.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7x1vVI9PKb
"Yet you deceive Nenetl."381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIYz2MTKKP
"Not at all." Dr. Smith became indignant.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvgm7PTUw8
"You are trying to enter the tomb without Nenetl's knowledge," the High Priest studied the edge of his obsidian knife. "What is it you want from there?"381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOavPCpUk7R
"What is it you want from me?" Dr. Smith countered.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLHAICZBhQ
"I want but one thing." Ollin held up the knife. "Proof that she is a false God."381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZP5F6c5Yy
"Then open the tomb."381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXe9jATEmh
"That cannot be achieved."381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52DrLzhT92
"Can't it?" Dr. Smith raised an eyebrow. "Talk to your so-called 'Chosen Warrior.' He has a drawing."381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktFy8O8Fcx
Ollin stared with glinting black eyes at Dr. Smith. "In whose service are you?" he asked.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdea9kexy8
Dr. Smith took the knife from Ollin and touched both edges with his thumb, then handed the weapon back to him. "Truth, dear boy," Dr. Smith replied, a touch pompously. "I am the service fo truth. And if you help me you'll also find it."381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTZ6eswZTY
When Don awoke he was lying on the straw mattresses in the bedroom of his quarters, but he was not alone. Standing over him was a smiling Yaotl with a short sword in his hand. Don struggled to sit up so that he could, at least, try to protect himself.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5iMXGTrhf
"Do not be afraid of me, Don," Yaotl laughed. "Now that I can defeat you openly, I have no need to destroy you in secret."381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oo2NCDnL9
"Whatever it was you scratched me with, beat me," Don mumbled and rubbed his temples with his fingers trying to clear the cobwebs from his brain.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4gDtTyZ9s
"Did you not say 'use stealth, surprise your enemy?" Yaotl was enjoying himself.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIcaAJzVVI
"I did," Don admitted.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46KQbSShNZ
"And did I not do those things?" Yaotl laughed again.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7W53A1AEM
Don agreed that he had.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdm0PxX0x57
"A thorn, the sap of a plant and Nenetl's aged servant," Yaotl added.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFIPwE7xWp
Don looked up sharply. "Dr. Smith helped you?!"381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq40py7xAxy
Yaotl nodded and remarked that Don's friends make strange allies.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGllYdB7Pm
Don stood up gingerly. "Did Dr. Smith know you were to fight me?" he asked.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzstIzgygu0
Yaotl shook his head and admitted that he didn't.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYnQsKRE80
Don felt dizzy. "I need some fresh air." He staggered towards the living area and the door of his quarters.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZvLHV8QcV
"Let me help you," Yaotl took his arm. "Now that I have proved I will be the victor, we can be friends. For the little time that is left to you to live," he added almost as an afterthought.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4dXBLeNaC
"Oh, I'm going to die, am I?" Don's voice expressed no shock.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wUR3c5xBY
"Yes, Don." Yaotl sounded enthusiastic at the prospect. "Next time we fight, I shall not fail to kill you."381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLUdzcbjSc
"It's always worth knowing in advance," Don remarked as he went into the courtyard and leaned against the wlal beside the open door. He shut his eyes and breathed deeply several times. When he opened them, Ollin and Tlaqui were crossing the courtyard.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYkx6MytsI
"I see your strength has been restored to you," Ollin sneered.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTm2c3fTmh
"Don't tell me you've become my friend as well," Don joked, and saw the flash of hatred in the High Priest's eyes before Ollin turned abruptly to Yaotl.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1uTnbYv1w
"I have no need of the drawing," he said.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6Z2k22UGD
"The one that I promised to the aged servant?" Yaotl roared with laughter when Ollin nodded. "It doesn't exist. The secret of the tomb died with my father."381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLT1NJsHNj
"But your father's father must have set it down," Ollin sounded anxious.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksTh3nUIuZ
Don listened to the conversation with great interest.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcxBdR7vbi
"No. He told it to my father, who thought to do so. But one evening he went for a walk in the garden and was never seen again.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMDt0bXxfs
"I remember his disappearance." Ollin was brusque.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq88LfXBfst
So that's why Dr. Smith helped you, Don thought, he hoped to have a design plan of the tomb. Then another thought occurred to Don: neither Yoatl nor Ollin had used the word "died" when they talked about his father. They had used the word "disappeared," and Don had referred to the garden. This set Don speculating.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrsB7CYZNK
Ignoring Don, the High Priest of Sacrifice and Tlaqui took their leave of Yaotl and limped and waddled towards the gateway to the courtyard.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZGSVIqjuk
Ollin began to speak . "You are well versed in these matters, Tlaqui," Don overheard him say, "so you shall help me defeat the false...." Then they were out of earshot, but Don was convinced the sentence had ended "god Nenetl."381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8I1toiSVJt
He was right and Ollin was Tlaqui was outraged at Ollin's suggestion. "No, I cannot do your bidding, I will not." He gesticulated wildly. "Destroy a god and we destroy ourselves."381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkKhU1srrh
Ollin pointed out that true gods were immortal, and that mere flesh and blood, as they both were, could not destroy them. Tlaqui looked at him warily land asked in what way Ollin required his services.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2Mt47JMlT
"Your knowledge of poisons."381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqN61YQnuq
Tlaqui was horrified.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTNX00UxUI
"Such a test, a poisoned draught, would prove her divinity. If she dies, she is false; if she lives, then she is indeed the spirit of Nenetl returned."381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6h8BJ4q2f
Tlaqui's throat dried as Ollin looked at him slyly. "Would you deny yourself the honor---more, the glory----of witnessing a god proven before your eyes?"381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpN2HeJz5N
Tlaqui ran his tongue around his mouth seeking saliva to ease his throat. He swallowed. "I shall prepare a mixture," he said. "Then you and I and Tetzal shall test Nenetl."381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDN0Hsy47L
"Tetzal? I think not!" Ollin snapped.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUwNZHHTV7
"Why not?"381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5utyiGfO6
Ollin despised Tlaqui's naivety, but his voice was quiet and reasonable as he argued that Tetzal's mind was set that Nenetl was a true god and he would forbid the test. 381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tX3XZ96U1
"No, you and I shall do this thing and for once the High Priest of Knowledge shall be in ignorance." He glanced at Tlaqui and almost managed a thin smile.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEN9Sfuuab
At the same time, the High Priest of Knowledge was basking in Zuma's radiant smile as they walked along a path in the garden.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gyPG7owf5
"Such happiness, Zuma, outshines the sun," he remarked.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStkjLCaUfy
"And with good fortune may outlast it," Zuma replied softly.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3kddEvOiL
"What brings you such joy?"381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzysMuN1PFl
Zuma looked around the garden and saw Dr. Smith studying a carved coiled snake on one of the stones of the back wall of the garden. Zuma raised her hand and pointed to him. A small leather bag hung from a cord around her wrist. Tetzal smiled.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRaWyblu85
"I am grateful to Nenetl's aged servant," he said, and noticing the bag, asked if Zuma was carrying cocoa beans to barter with.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdzdMmolpr
She shook her head. "I have already been to the market and brought food," she replied.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSmiL19T8r
Tetzal touched the bag. "Then these are to prepare a drink."381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGGd2ShqL5
Zuma lowered her eyes. "Only the gods may know," she replied coyly.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rnmfXmCoB
"Ah," Tetzal murmured, and observed that all mortals lived in hope.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhymilCHO4
"He is a gentle companion aand most dear to me," Zuma admitted.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtxaHzLNs7
"Are these then for a love potion?" Tetzal asked in mock surprise.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zBcVRt214
"That would be too bold," Zuma blushed. "Rather should he show his love for me."381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahYjM1QCC8
"You wish him to prepare it."381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKLGsRncox
"I do."381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIO0axLIhz
Tetzal looked from her to Dr. Smith and back to Zuma again. "May the gods favor your desires," he said gently and walked away.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtmw78JMzq
Zuma went over to Dr. Smith and greeted him.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNruSddtEWC
Dr. Smith half-replaced the bougainvillea over the carved stone and turned to face her. "My dear Zuma, how nice it is to see you again." He took her hand. "The garden is such a lonely place without you."381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVN4enhP7R
She glanced at the wall. "When one's interest is held, loneliness does not exist."381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Q8kJgeaVl
Dr. Smith followed her eyeline to the carving that was partly hidden behind the flowered trellis. "I was looking at it---I hadn't noticed it before," he explained.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRB3nH4NS7
"It is the coiled serpent of Nenetl. In almost every building homage is paid to the High Priest with that symbol." Zuma drew aside the bougainvillea and snagged her bag on the trellis. As she pulled it free some of the cocoa beans fell on the ground.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWolrsdkev
Dr. Smith began picking them up. "Cocoa beans," he exclaimed.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXME4lEFrCk
"We use them for barter for our daily needs," Zuma replied.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TrwVbbyK6
"What an excellent idea! A current you can drink!" Dr. Smith proclaimed. "Delicious!"381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIf60nHofG
"Do you know our customs?" Zuma asked timidly as Dr. Smith dropped the beans one by one back into her bag.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lrXXMgAx8
"Why, yes, my dear, of course I do," Dr. Smith replied, looking about hi to make sure he hadn't overlooked a bean.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iPaBPNnp1
"The drinking of cocoa has its own very special meaning," Zuma ventured and Dr. Smith wholeheartedly agreed with her.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplImObAZBa
"It's a rare delight and we shall take a cup together."381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNSTvhuefz
"Are you sure?"381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAN4uFWbyj
Dr. Smith missed her shyness. "Yes, yes, quite,' he replied. "Now, give me the beans and I'll go into the kitchen and brew some up."381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchYbj17aKX
"Do you insist?" Zuma was hesitant.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPeWThkFN6
"I do. I insist as a token of my esteem."381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHONzt7Zc1o
Zuma's face lit up as she gave Dr. Smith the bag of beans. "The gods are smiling favor through your eyes. May it always be so," she said. "My dear Zachary Smith, I accept with all my heart."381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7t2GBasVk
"Now, don't go away, my dear," Dr. Smith cautioned her. "I'll be back."381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7N0xf9HQab
Clutching the bag of cocoa beans, he marched off to the small kitchen in one corner of the garden where the old people could take a drink of cool fresh water, or prepare a corn pancake with honey, or a goblet of hot cocoa, over the wood fire. Dr. Smith found the mortar and pestle, and ground sufficient beans for two goblets. He sang quietly to himself. It had been a long time since he had drunk cocoa and he was looking forward to it. He put the powder equally into the two goblets, added hot water, and sweetened them both with honey.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxfwDS4yNi
Proudly, he returned to the bench where Zuma sat and handed her a goblet before sitting down beside her.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYnqn0FA6Q
"Happy days, my dear." He chinked his goblet against hers in a toast.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lBtH9F8Ux
Zuma's eyes were dewy. "The happiest of my life, dear heart," she replied and they sipped their cocoas. "Was ever such a potion brewed? In bliss is quenched my thirsty heart."381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡim7Mvz3Fpq
"Very prettily put, my dear," Dr. Smith murmured approvingly.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ329ZFunMDf
Zuma turned to him and kissed him on both cheeks. "O' sweet and favored man, you have declared your love for me," she said. "And I acknowledge and accept your gentle proposal."381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrNSp0dJwI
Dr.Smith found the next sip of cocoa infinitely more difficult to swallow.381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFQGHQCHJG
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcypyzSu6aV
