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.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFoey35zdK
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?364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdmFsvZWgY
"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."364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknEoFCjGkj
"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.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Z8bXSCiY7
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."364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Y2IdynStm
"I am pleased, though it is yours by right."364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSJ12D2BGv
Dr. Smith was puzzled. "Why do you say that?" he asked.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5OpKSoXET
"It came from Nenetl's tomb."364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKF3NxrIlTR
Dr. Smith was dumbfounded. "From...where?"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtV1Jbg5UOP
"The tomb. See? It has Nenetl's sign on it," she pointed to the snake, "the coiled serpent."364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYVVdaxTw4
"But that is the emblem of the Aztec nation," Dr. Smith said.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4Dbvs678p
"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."364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgMO79TfbC
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.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP744kOMHHM
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."364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8UH8e8ScQ
"Disappeared?"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwVvd7nqDZ
"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."364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9n3kx1MMs2
"And I with you, my dear," Dr. Smith said absently, his mind on other matters.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUuHOM4WNC
"Peace and contentment," Zuma reflected.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9B2VJv1zJz
"Rapture and joy," Dr. Smith echoed.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGyBAi2NFe
"We shall have a garden of our own," she announced.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgs5JSd0SbU
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.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuKtGjCWKf
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.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmc0KybTzA3
"Eureka, West, I have it!" Dr. Smith exclaimed, and then hesitated. "At least, I think I have."364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzPgXVB4it
"What?" Don asked, taken aback.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrVYpcDJbO
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." 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivWWY4SGTA
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."364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Dn2j4i1nM
"All right, Dr. Smith, I'll be there," Don said.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdk6aKM6UX
"Good fellow," Dr. Smith replied and slapped him on the back.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuY7GgkMZbq
"How did you get hold this?" Don asked, tapping the brooch.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZ7Q8j33du
Dr. Smith cleared his throat. "My fiancée gave it to me as a present."364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqRI64XQ8R
"I see," Don replied before it registered. "Your what?" he choked.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrA9H7uQj4G
"I made some cocoa and became engaged to Zuma."364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnSVUBf2W0
Don began to chuckle.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7bPF2XGXU
"Did I say something funny, West?"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNAJLZxdki
Don tried to keep a straight face.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAqFxhlig5
"And the sooner we are away from here, the better."364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCFhzIsEFA
"Yes, Dr. Smith," Don managed to reply, his shoulders shaking. "I'll be there tonight."364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Yl6GQ9f4F
Dr. Smith turned to leave.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTic3TcMzHS
"Oh, and by the way, Dr. Smith, congratulations," he said and doubled up.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHy8fANFCA
Dr. Smith stormed off. From his quarters, Yaotl watched him go.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbNrxWNf4F
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.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA04goYcfNS
The guard bowed and withdrew.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeG5Fcnnr5c
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.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUBvONU8Sj
"Why do you attend me?" Her voice was glacial.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTimTjinPx0
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.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bJfgg7u9F
Ann raised one eyebrow. "You wish the gods to favor the Priest of Knowledge with their good opinions?"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznq0nhfdor
"Their advice," Tlaqui conceded.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGHbnEmM0P
"And yet you sin against them with your test of poison," Ann snapped as Tlaqui studied his posy even more intently.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsGTcpAkL5
"Let us talk of this other matter," Ollin cajoled.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwwOxydqiu
"Silence." It was like a whiplash across his back, but he gritted his teeth and contained his fury.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXJKPrBEzZ
Ann looked back at Tlaqui. "Your offense against the gods is forgiven. Now, what would you discuss?"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tcVHr6cd3
"The punishment for one who speaks out against our teachings and defies our laws." 364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3Y0u1Qcl8
Ann realized that this time it was a verbal trap that Ollin was trying to spring.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKp0CChHE16
"Was this spoken in public?" she asked cautiously.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCZnnVQpa3
"Yes, Great Spirit, and after being duly warned," Tlaqui emphasized.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0waX1Zxea
"Were there witnesses to the warning?" Take it one step at a time, she advised herself.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDxGAfMR3u
"Tetzal and myself."364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyD2f9s23WB
"What was the offense?" Ann was concerned that Tetzal was involved and curious to know why he wasn't with them.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEicSc58hFO
"Denying a desire of the Perfect Victim."364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAsFowfqyQ
"Be specific, Tlaqui. What was his wish?" Like the poisoned draught, she guessed this interview was being conducted behind Tetzal's back.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxND130APrA
"To be wed."364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMz69OGIssp
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.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBl3cjoYKB
Ollin's eyes glinted with secret pleasure. He had rehearsed Tlaqui well and Ann had fallen into the trap.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaQ4W7MvMJ
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.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZiK3ibiKi
"There could be no greater honor," he concluded.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83wbkovsdI
"And if she wanted to marry again?"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Zn5XeLExT
Tlaqui shook his head vigorously. "Marriage to a mortal would be unthinkable to the widow of a god."364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDE39pr4Bs8
"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.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NfIKTc6nk
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."364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHObuBD29tn
"Liar," Ann thought and stared at Ollin. "She will not die," her voice was adamant.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBURac2KeZ2
"Then let her be publicly ridiculed," Tlaqui proposed.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJIEsx8eRY
Ann thought that if there must be a punishment, ridicule would be relatively harmless.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8qZqE3Era
Ollin took a half-step forward. "I say she should be scourged," he hissed. "Her ears and tongue pierced with thorns."364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cZEwoscy9
"I fobid it," Ann snapped.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36QouDRle8
"Tetzal upholds it." Ollin's voice was a menace.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpenlWtqXVm
"Let him say so, then," Ann replied dryly.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDCJh0z3sz
"He will, he will," Ollin assured her, "when the time comes."364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMOMsHjEcm
"And when will that be?"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi81jjXiWwW
"On the day of darkness," Tlaqui replied.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4ygJhVkyb
"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."364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZj5Jr6bWJP
"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."364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQpfNKQ065
"It shall be arranged," Ollin said without expression. "Both the men and your handmaiden will be there. That I promise."364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEFOHzPlrg
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.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHBPOhoXsM
Tetzal's face was grave as he listened to Ann's account of his encounter with Tlaqui and the High Priest of Sacrifice.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLSQaR06E6
"Ollin insisted you upheld such bestial treatment. Is that true?" she asked.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnZu2TIsYi
"Is it still your intention to intervene at the sacrifice of the Perfect Victim?" Tetzal countered.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLTvYMGTY4
"Of course, it is," Ann said firmly.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQqFdZW2jG
"Then I shall match your courage, Nenetl," he replied. "Though it grieves my heart, as it must yours."364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVd2B9Zqeq
"I'll shed no tears over an end to human sacrifice." Ann was resolute.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQi2Or7K1g
"I was referring to your handmaiden," Tetzal explained.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ujx3rcZFp
"What about Penny?" Ann asked sharply.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQKqsanq0g
Tetzal was perplexed. "You have just spoken of her offense."364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllBzizXkuN
Ann jumped to her feet. "Penny was to be the bride?" she exclaimed.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKId352qYoO
"Did not Ollin say so?"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1awfrAQM5W
So that had been the trap, Ann thought; a deliberate omission on Ollin's part and a stupid one on hers.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc70l9je8z1
"I shall forbid the punishment."364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfyLfmff6b
"You cannot," Tetzal replied flatly.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73YeQM33N4
"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."364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqHd3xI5Q2
Tetzal shook his head. "She is to be punished before the sacrifice to the Sun God."364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKu6AQINn5
"I won't let him hurt her. I won't!" Ann's voice was final.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2Cfs1Ewjz
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?"364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGJBovEhHP
Ann had no answer.364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNhcMI1Jbl
364Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVj9VEnbq9
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