Ann sat on the throne in the temple and looked down at the worried High Priest of Knowledge who stood in front of her.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYocDKvqqfo
"Ollin was humiliated. He will not forget, nor will he forgive," he warned her.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuXxvWiVcS
Ann shrugged. "I did as he commanded."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AYIxwzamg
"But not as he expected."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUoLDWtDQ2
"What did he want? A miracle?" She smiled at Tetzal.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIvXt7LzBo
"We all awaited one," he confessed.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQnSrStXye
Ann stood and stepped down to the temple floor. "Why should I use divine powers when human ability will do?" she asked sweetly.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡho9ir6nhJi
Tetzal could not resist a twitch of a grin. "Nenetl has spoken." He tried to keep his tone of voice solemn.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprSQ48Tx8b
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?"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOKBkltmaP
"I have thought of little else. And it is true that if we defy the will of the gods we shall be destroyed."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafY4igDRC9
"When Quetzalcoatl reigned supreme as the Sun God was there human sacrifice?"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlUcZvOfxb
"No, only after his banishment was blood demanded."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7CHZaAEkR
"By Huitzilipochtli, the dark God of the Sun." Ann put her hand around the bracelet on her wrist. "What sacrifice did Quetzalcoatl demand?"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8FX6074PT
"A bird, a fish, a serpent, none other?"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSGvwXsxzz
"Why should that have been?"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoenfJghhF
"He so dearly loved his people he wished no harm to anyone," Tetzal explained.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLWYXpdZxH
"Is not a return of Quetzacoatl possible?"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMj1q0fvDBk
"Only a god can banish a god. We mortals can do nothing."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8ZR7ScnbV
"And were Quetzalcoatl to send you a messenger?" Ann took her hand off the bracelet.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3t8LokBgKO
Tetzal glanced at it and looked away. "I serve Huitzilopochtli," he said quietly. "This is his temple."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡle9xnTUcLM
"Then where must Queztalcoatl seek his servants?"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDoGw0woLG
Tetzal remained silent and Ann shifted tack. "When is to be the next sacrifice?" she asked.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bSxGWcqU1
"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."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3T2y7Rhw9s
"So there's to be an eclipse and Ollin will offer a human heart."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBzs4rvXlp
"The Perfect Victim's."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeNbyApuzV
"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."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoFbjl6n6i
"Unless Huitzilopochtli, the Sun God, the Surpreme God, withdraws his favor from us." Tetzal was adamant.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSR2As6yQB
"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."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLntdaqWQY
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."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUzip5GAQJ
Ann's appearance remained serene, but her heart ached and she was in mental turmoil.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Qsh3jQQgV
Ollin sidled up to Dr. Smith, who was sitting disconsolately in the garden.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5NPg42qeT
"What manner of servant are you?" the High Priest asked.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQglP6y07O
"Oh, go away," Dr. Smith snapped, but Ollin sat down beside him.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRQbgncKV3
"I am curious about you," he said. "First you try to secure a victory for Yaotl."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkbtruiPyM
"He cheated me," Dr. Smith replied hotly.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBxCH4iqTa
Ollin looked sideways at the Doctor.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHDM7xjLAr
"I am faithful to my friends," Dr. Smith insisted.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUhbjCrwKH
"Yet you deceive Nenetl."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwUxLuq1rJ
"Not at all." Dr. Smith became indignant.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zngL7Tu56
"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?"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37ixocMrVQ
"What is it you want from me?" Dr. Smith countered.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIItNDaV5Y
"I want but one thing." Ollin held up the knife. "Proof that she is a false God."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGnM2y64Hr
"Then open the tomb."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2PRZnK0f1
"That cannot be achieved."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OsUkqTWoi
"Can't it?" Dr. Smith raised an eyebrow. "Talk to your so-called 'Chosen Warrior.' He has a drawing."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWYluD3zOK
Ollin stared with glinting black eyes at Dr. Smith. "In whose service are you?" he asked.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNlwTEjCp4
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."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCojHjNXka
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.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBx3OadexF
"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."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7O3b4X3Ntb
"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.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtmxfdR6pV
"Did you not say 'use stealth, surprise your enemy?" Yaotl was enjoying himself.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaV5qWVNZsx
"I did," Don admitted.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sM3G3CMXF
"And did I not do those things?" Yaotl laughed again.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSCpkymqqI
Don agreed that he had.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnjQ7yfYKe
"A thorn, the sap of a plant and Nenetl's aged servant," Yaotl added.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrkTNsSFEZ
Don looked up sharply. "Dr. Smith helped you?!"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNft8vxqRSM
Yaotl nodded and remarked that Don's friends make strange allies.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GTjX6f7gO
Don stood up gingerly. "Did Dr. Smith know you were to fight me?" he asked.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCthpLVkNJb
Yaotl shook his head and admitted that he didn't.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4Zy0l72HF
Don felt dizzy. "I need some fresh air." He staggered towards the living area and the door of his quarters.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8Ulob3E4q
"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.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANM9PGx0x4
"Oh, I'm going to die, am I?" Don's voice expressed no shock.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWKyyzqsz0
"Yes, Don." Yaotl sounded enthusiastic at the prospect. "Next time we fight, I shall not fail to kill you."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0emautYo1N
"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.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFUiZ2y4Y5
"I see your strength has been restored to you," Ollin sneered.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkX0QAmRRiX
"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.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5zxyFScy1
"I have no need of the drawing," he said.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ma8QgWpka
"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."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGk1N9YBVHp
"But your father's father must have set it down," Ollin sounded anxious.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyNJ3r0v37
Don listened to the conversation with great interest.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkzTrdli4y
"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.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTc2zQZxh4d
"I remember his disappearance." Ollin was brusque.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0aufR9qBc
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.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCDBSgQS6c
Ignoring Don, the High Priest of Sacrifice and Tlaqui took their leave of Yaotl and limped and waddled towards the gateway to the courtyard.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJaNptQTqP9
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."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFsOtuTlnl
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."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡom5yweNNvD
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.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rMduOjvRu
"Your knowledge of poisons."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEpz6Z5Zcj
Tlaqui was horrified.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8ZRZ1zP0M
"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."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRRynY7O64
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?"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBy6PyeJl5U
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."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE82N3jQVrh
"Tetzal? I think not!" Ollin snapped.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43UlCPmPd8
"Why not?"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCYnOy9dus
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. 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDeXHXjQbs
"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.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrtl0w9TjW
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.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqrooLzlEy
"Such happiness, Zuma, outshines the sun," he remarked.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEsDxHir0y
"And with good fortune may outlast it," Zuma replied softly.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTKTvhPwCi
"What brings you such joy?"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByOySlnZkw
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.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDdqVsPDl6
"I am grateful to Nenetl's aged servant," he said, and noticing the bag, asked if Zuma was carrying cocoa beans to barter with.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegH6p0gC8O
She shook her head. "I have already been to the market and brought food," she replied.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAx27ofxVI
Tetzal touched the bag. "Then these are to prepare a drink."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO96Dflju0J
Zuma lowered her eyes. "Only the gods may know," she replied coyly.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLJRGaw9ca
"Ah," Tetzal murmured, and observed that all mortals lived in hope.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3OailjPLE
"He is a gentle companion aand most dear to me," Zuma admitted.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbBXa4qFBy
"Are these then for a love potion?" Tetzal asked in mock surprise.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3d3Ll4QqK
"That would be too bold," Zuma blushed. "Rather should he show his love for me."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLP9513ZnB
"You wish him to prepare it."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtS0ksnAsG
"I do."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMvAa5FBH2
Tetzal looked from her to Dr. Smith and back to Zuma again. "May the gods favor your desires," he said gently and walked away.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGXJ3MkQxi
Zuma went over to Dr. Smith and greeted him.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxLkcOGVHI
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."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDQsyo3l7r
She glanced at the wall. "When one's interest is held, loneliness does not exist."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmtIEs7Emx
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.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcDYkf4ho9
"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.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tK2sJ2VEa
Dr. Smith began picking them up. "Cocoa beans," he exclaimed.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqWYiQnVqR
"We use them for barter for our daily needs," Zuma replied.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3ZfcSMC3J
"What an excellent idea! A current you can drink!" Dr. Smith proclaimed. "Delicious!"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8KnJO3N0k
"Do you know our customs?" Zuma asked timidly as Dr. Smith dropped the beans one by one back into her bag.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGSdGuDrzq
"Why, yes, my dear, of course I do," Dr. Smith replied, looking about hi to make sure he hadn't overlooked a bean.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgscDA2tN4
"The drinking of cocoa has its own very special meaning," Zuma ventured and Dr. Smith wholeheartedly agreed with her.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdafFpLFfB
"It's a rare delight and we shall take a cup together."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQeSsVtEY2V
"Are you sure?"361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg54maocK8S
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."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXD8ifCCLDt
"Do you insist?" Zuma was hesitant.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXIDVq7Fgj
"I do. I insist as a token of my esteem."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgcF2WDTAc
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."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnimm5Tz8x
"Now, don't go away, my dear," Dr. Smith cautioned her. "I'll be back."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNDy714OmD
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.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoOUr2eAEu
Proudly, he returned to the bench where Zuma sat and handed her a goblet before sitting down beside her.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yMxY9v6S7
"Happy days, my dear." He chinked his goblet against hers in a toast.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyvEm6ShFi
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."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99zIwQ9VYF
"Very prettily put, my dear," Dr. Smith murmured approvingly.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNauqmC2DCP
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."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAtI8EJ2Zr
Dr.Smith found the next sip of cocoa infinitely more difficult to swallow.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRYJ0JKyqB
361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNNTcMEtFr
