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.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vfCcn6UCY
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?410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67geAVRATU
"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."410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXxBzYWrhc
"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.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCeal4fFcg
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."410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuwsiwGKZL
"I am pleased, though it is yours by right."410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6u7uOXcEpS
Dr. Smith was puzzled. "Why do you say that?" he asked.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasqjN7y5LZ
"It came from Nenetl's tomb."410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WZovilbeE
Dr. Smith was dumbfounded. "From...where?"410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5iWpIQTkw
"The tomb. See? It has Nenetl's sign on it," she pointed to the snake, "the coiled serpent."410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9Nxu75aKt
"But that is the emblem of the Aztec nation," Dr. Smith said.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0V7CcpZsFf
"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."410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfI89ftPqOB
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.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lDfOYKIKq
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."410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXphBmPmcrG
"Disappeared?"410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8nS6Mhu4t
"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."410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMoG8lsprw
"And I with you, my dear," Dr. Smith said absently, his mind on other matters.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4cazQb3qpy
"Peace and contentment," Zuma reflected.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpLqWdj3wY
"Rapture and joy," Dr. Smith echoed.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhSaL3cEK5
"We shall have a garden of our own," she announced.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRsAfOWxGK
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.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSTe8vB8N0
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.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUXmNDCTm2
"Eureka, West, I have it!" Dr. Smith exclaimed, and then hesitated. "At least, I think I have."410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5x5jSJMjJ
"What?" Don asked, taken aback.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJDKhGZ5LD
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." 410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDCAP31xux
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."410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbt3d7DakdC
"All right, Dr. Smith, I'll be there," Don said.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCjUgtsjFY
"Good fellow," Dr. Smith replied and slapped him on the back.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbS2FSzcZAS
"How did you get hold this?" Don asked, tapping the brooch.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45n697BX8j
Dr. Smith cleared his throat. "My fiancée gave it to me as a present."410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWtJvVB8pq
"I see," Don replied before it registered. "Your what?" he choked.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡga0kta0iOw
"I made some cocoa and became engaged to Zuma."410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0Xg0zfo1n
Don began to chuckle.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR51FFN5Nsy
"Did I say something funny, West?"410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kZ0YNe8DJ
Don tried to keep a straight face.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuxZWkRjTK
"And the sooner we are away from here, the better."410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YhlQkO1Pr
"Yes, Dr. Smith," Don managed to reply, his shoulders shaking. "I'll be there tonight."410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwjU6LDOTY
Dr. Smith turned to leave.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqzSIA3atQ
"Oh, and by the way, Dr. Smith, congratulations," he said and doubled up.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1g9l9N8J6
Dr. Smith stormed off. From his quarters, Yaotl watched him go.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzdZkObDMy
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.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Q4ybrJ0lj
The guard bowed and withdrew.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykJuhorlbb
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.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDs3P4seA7
"Why do you attend me?" Her voice was glacial.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0AhT0Iptf
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.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34h8UnlveF
Ann raised one eyebrow. "You wish the gods to favor the Priest of Knowledge with their good opinions?"410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGB2xxH1YFP
"Their advice," Tlaqui conceded.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMdMcXpGRb
"And yet you sin against them with your test of poison," Ann snapped as Tlaqui studied his posy even more intently.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWj6EA7bDSO
"Let us talk of this other matter," Ollin cajoled.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFt5AguTEy
"Silence." It was like a whiplash across his back, but he gritted his teeth and contained his fury.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1iOmSZKcO
Ann looked back at Tlaqui. "Your offense against the gods is forgiven. Now, what would you discuss?"410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERSzEzPI5d
"The punishment for one who speaks out against our teachings and defies our laws." 410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjMSfgaTX9
Ann realized that this time it was a verbal trap that Ollin was trying to spring.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpCtm1Sihs
"Was this spoken in public?" she asked cautiously.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0d02xZqF1I
"Yes, Great Spirit, and after being duly warned," Tlaqui emphasized.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohqQL8Fhbi
"Were there witnesses to the warning?" Take it one step at a time, she advised herself.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5eWyn7sgbb
"Tetzal and myself."410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3k9S1cPZg
"What was the offense?" Ann was concerned that Tetzal was involved and curious to know why he wasn't with them.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdk2V0Mzz3
"Denying a desire of the Perfect Victim."410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUQPrFOYaX
"Be specific, Tlaqui. What was his wish?" Like the poisoned draught, she guessed this interview was being conducted behind Tetzal's back.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08jadLEuGb
"To be wed."410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbf3CrW8noJ
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.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdz6N8mAfyK
Ollin's eyes glinted with secret pleasure. He had rehearsed Tlaqui well and Ann had fallen into the trap.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLfbb20gx4
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.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDCFOyuKIr
"There could be no greater honor," he concluded.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgupR57mlgN
"And if she wanted to marry again?"410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhKJeWwB0F
Tlaqui shook his head vigorously. "Marriage to a mortal would be unthinkable to the widow of a god."410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRPqtT8r2n
"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.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWl6m16KhN
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."410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2082udXdxi
"Liar," Ann thought and stared at Ollin. "She will not die," her voice was adamant.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsm8B7DfRO
"Then let her be publicly ridiculed," Tlaqui proposed.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96NeKnZM3s
Ann thought that if there must be a punishment, ridicule would be relatively harmless.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zxzoMQNqn
Ollin took a half-step forward. "I say she should be scourged," he hissed. "Her ears and tongue pierced with thorns."410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLErefDLej
"I fobid it," Ann snapped.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡum5QYPOqbK
"Tetzal upholds it." Ollin's voice was a menace.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuV6qZYhV0
"Let him say so, then," Ann replied dryly.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjdpgAAYFF
"He will, he will," Ollin assured her, "when the time comes."410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCyJU04Xwa
"And when will that be?"410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOg9B5HDSy
"On the day of darkness," Tlaqui replied.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwvBsTHrcq
"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."410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfczN4Oxof
"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."410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwo6Rb8XAjj
"It shall be arranged," Ollin said without expression. "Both the men and your handmaiden will be there. That I promise."410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5rJFua4nS
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.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmU3zowlgR
Tetzal's face was grave as he listened to Ann's account of his encounter with Tlaqui and the High Priest of Sacrifice.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFaO4GFvM8i
"Ollin insisted you upheld such bestial treatment. Is that true?" she asked.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyZ7lnT0bX
"Is it still your intention to intervene at the sacrifice of the Perfect Victim?" Tetzal countered.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlqpOlnag3
"Of course, it is," Ann said firmly.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPW6hkD7aR
"Then I shall match your courage, Nenetl," he replied. "Though it grieves my heart, as it must yours."410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEM9DnUzyL5
"I'll shed no tears over an end to human sacrifice." Ann was resolute.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMcJpx3dI5
"I was referring to your handmaiden," Tetzal explained.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ644pCptqOO
"What about Penny?" Ann asked sharply.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBHpRCoz4L
Tetzal was perplexed. "You have just spoken of her offense."410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTB5uyt4CaL
Ann jumped to her feet. "Penny was to be the bride?" she exclaimed.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84HaOxIjJM
"Did not Ollin say so?"410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡul2h9XBbC8
So that had been the trap, Ann thought; a deliberate omission on Ollin's part and a stupid one on hers.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPRufqQGZa
"I shall forbid the punishment."410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8NvWYZIYdJ
"You cannot," Tetzal replied flatly.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrinJRtsnPb
"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."410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7hKQJckwY
Tetzal shook his head. "She is to be punished before the sacrifice to the Sun God."410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMl1M8fTeK
"I won't let him hurt her. I won't!" Ann's voice was final.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAU7NaBxhf
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?"410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmYgWXo7dQ
Ann had no answer.410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnD39K6yOxo
410Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDsNfT5DVR
