Ann sat on the throne in the temple and looked down at the worried High Priest of Knowledge who stood in front of her.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCcd8aL1yV
"Ollin was humiliated. He will not forget, nor will he forgive," he warned her.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNl4OAJjOR
Ann shrugged. "I did as he commanded."353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygzjhdt6R4
"But not as he expected."353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfHJejrvIL
"What did he want? A miracle?" She smiled at Tetzal.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGp2kU5i0wk
"We all awaited one," he confessed.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkz0Lr0jbs
Ann stood and stepped down to the temple floor. "Why should I use divine powers when human ability will do?" she asked sweetly.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeUSYmpXOg
Tetzal could not resist a twitch of a grin. "Nenetl has spoken." He tried to keep his tone of voice solemn.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXiZwd6xMw
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?"353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQco9ssrr3f
"I have thought of little else. And it is true that if we defy the will of the gods we shall be destroyed."353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwggPQCy3Oz
"When Quetzalcoatl reigned supreme as the Sun God was there human sacrifice?"353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2m9VSsehC
"No, only after his banishment was blood demanded."353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zj4BvPIlx
"By Huitzilipochtli, the dark God of the Sun." Ann put her hand around the bracelet on her wrist. "What sacrifice did Quetzalcoatl demand?"353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHwmg9T114
"A bird, a fish, a serpent, none other?"353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLoFykFIE3
"Why should that have been?"353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66JP7t67sg
"He so dearly loved his people he wished no harm to anyone," Tetzal explained.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREeWMozGMj
"Is not a return of Quetzacoatl possible?"353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDeM7F6r70y
"Only a god can banish a god. We mortals can do nothing."353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvfynpAFuq
"And were Quetzalcoatl to send you a messenger?" Ann took her hand off the bracelet.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDqrLCCZKv
Tetzal glanced at it and looked away. "I serve Huitzilopochtli," he said quietly. "This is his temple."353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWU4rT8LVW
"Then where must Queztalcoatl seek his servants?"353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7TlO8DMLA
Tetzal remained silent and Ann shifted tack. "When is to be the next sacrifice?" she asked.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFazVEePV7M
"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."353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuHIAj9cpM
"So there's to be an eclipse and Ollin will offer a human heart."353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MuyGMnBIg
"The Perfect Victim's."353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkrsAFkzSl
"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."353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZRKOOArbX
"Unless Huitzilopochtli, the Sun God, the Surpreme God, withdraws his favor from us." Tetzal was adamant.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfxA3wZbBX
"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."353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfaElI5Iax
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."353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRAu7DzTE8
Ann's appearance remained serene, but her heart ached and she was in mental turmoil.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHxaodLRjw
Ollin sidled up to Dr. Smith, who was sitting disconsolately in the garden.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOG9ucv8qGA
"What manner of servant are you?" the High Priest asked.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xiLiTxKsd
"Oh, go away," Dr. Smith snapped, but Ollin sat down beside him.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nNFp5I3H8
"I am curious about you," he said. "First you try to secure a victory for Yaotl."353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVPOvySAMF
"He cheated me," Dr. Smith replied hotly.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKAHG8U9lS
Ollin looked sideways at the Doctor.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRfxAS2zc1
"I am faithful to my friends," Dr. Smith insisted.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDE22ylHLB
"Yet you deceive Nenetl."353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfy3yvFYKf
"Not at all." Dr. Smith became indignant.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxB4vZMBz0K
"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?"353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCOgIjaQ7D
"What is it you want from me?" Dr. Smith countered.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bEhDqe9QS
"I want but one thing." Ollin held up the knife. "Proof that she is a false God."353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoOHFN2Lu8
"Then open the tomb."353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDpilbsyDi
"That cannot be achieved."353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOEJFkbIq5
"Can't it?" Dr. Smith raised an eyebrow. "Talk to your so-called 'Chosen Warrior.' He has a drawing."353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1g7FbRl8wh
Ollin stared with glinting black eyes at Dr. Smith. "In whose service are you?" he asked.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJRtbhHuB4
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."353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hwsH7ehOm
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.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTVlePVhvU
"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."353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ728kWBPba6
"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.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaSoaUpQ6l
"Did you not say 'use stealth, surprise your enemy?" Yaotl was enjoying himself.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWGdBTnJM3
"I did," Don admitted.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimFMb3ug3f
"And did I not do those things?" Yaotl laughed again.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxbUNr27jP
Don agreed that he had.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVDXlg8dLT
"A thorn, the sap of a plant and Nenetl's aged servant," Yaotl added.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2s6jldAzjV
Don looked up sharply. "Dr. Smith helped you?!"353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iPbLGr2ly
Yaotl nodded and remarked that Don's friends make strange allies.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOozjm7LggX
Don stood up gingerly. "Did Dr. Smith know you were to fight me?" he asked.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyBcQB0TIT
Yaotl shook his head and admitted that he didn't.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7IG8G5IrW
Don felt dizzy. "I need some fresh air." He staggered towards the living area and the door of his quarters.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUoIRpHv4G
"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.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8JC6nQt9Z
"Oh, I'm going to die, am I?" Don's voice expressed no shock.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwgmAoZMLB
"Yes, Don." Yaotl sounded enthusiastic at the prospect. "Next time we fight, I shall not fail to kill you."353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJj17n5HZM
"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.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJRT6qrK3A
"I see your strength has been restored to you," Ollin sneered.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1trtQKkRWS
"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.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGQLs9EJtT
"I have no need of the drawing," he said.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidixFHbMIZ
"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."353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9UqVDNSli
"But your father's father must have set it down," Ollin sounded anxious.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgF854G7n8f
Don listened to the conversation with great interest.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflqEztrLmj
"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.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgo4iLRYduc
"I remember his disappearance." Ollin was brusque.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGcLBOjr3l
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.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRI4zMS4qK4
Ignoring Don, the High Priest of Sacrifice and Tlaqui took their leave of Yaotl and limped and waddled towards the gateway to the courtyard.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNFcbkrmwB
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."353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoJ4Lb1BrB
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."353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIWKiy6nBy
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.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAIPDvXSAu
"Your knowledge of poisons."353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXqbd6eZV9
Tlaqui was horrified.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23uKXskj1r
"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."353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCWhfbAy5v
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?"353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVRkYBAuqw
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."353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBQnoygWmD
"Tetzal? I think not!" Ollin snapped.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUtpb5jezL
"Why not?"353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkhd3QOcTY
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. 353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WpMfs6MyK
"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.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhP8QVhikc
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.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nTtnzWNmI
"Such happiness, Zuma, outshines the sun," he remarked.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡko3d8feb4c
"And with good fortune may outlast it," Zuma replied softly.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUWJZgc2tG
"What brings you such joy?"353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctHlGNAPr1
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.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1J8Ux1cG3y
"I am grateful to Nenetl's aged servant," he said, and noticing the bag, asked if Zuma was carrying cocoa beans to barter with.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7UWJgfX16
She shook her head. "I have already been to the market and brought food," she replied.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKq2LSZI8ID
Tetzal touched the bag. "Then these are to prepare a drink."353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjbe4gORFA
Zuma lowered her eyes. "Only the gods may know," she replied coyly.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFVNBPCMJr
"Ah," Tetzal murmured, and observed that all mortals lived in hope.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpHCm12I0E
"He is a gentle companion aand most dear to me," Zuma admitted.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHME6muyHOA
"Are these then for a love potion?" Tetzal asked in mock surprise.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgMuJ7EIXM
"That would be too bold," Zuma blushed. "Rather should he show his love for me."353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAW1Enzp0K
"You wish him to prepare it."353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKK66rzqM14
"I do."353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIM1c4Emi7k
Tetzal looked from her to Dr. Smith and back to Zuma again. "May the gods favor your desires," he said gently and walked away.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIFmFNM2L8
Zuma went over to Dr. Smith and greeted him.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0XwCqDDn0
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."353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufdkXks245
She glanced at the wall. "When one's interest is held, loneliness does not exist."353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zEGfgOFTQ
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.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMpdjI7UOv
"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.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xmsvJ0uUV
Dr. Smith began picking them up. "Cocoa beans," he exclaimed.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IQtzwIDVA
"We use them for barter for our daily needs," Zuma replied.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdS6ZQFZuJK
"What an excellent idea! A current you can drink!" Dr. Smith proclaimed. "Delicious!"353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5E6U786nh1
"Do you know our customs?" Zuma asked timidly as Dr. Smith dropped the beans one by one back into her bag.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8y8T81JVxV
"Why, yes, my dear, of course I do," Dr. Smith replied, looking about hi to make sure he hadn't overlooked a bean.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wC6dERNt4
"The drinking of cocoa has its own very special meaning," Zuma ventured and Dr. Smith wholeheartedly agreed with her.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQAd0G9FHj
"It's a rare delight and we shall take a cup together."353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWmGr7bWQw
"Are you sure?"353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYh4b04jYaZ
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."353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrimH2Sgr3d
"Do you insist?" Zuma was hesitant.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pq2SFFB7E
"I do. I insist as a token of my esteem."353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQgR8uo7vZ
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."353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbciq8MF31
"Now, don't go away, my dear," Dr. Smith cautioned her. "I'll be back."353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX51W1PNj48
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.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡho2pp1qO6L
Proudly, he returned to the bench where Zuma sat and handed her a goblet before sitting down beside her.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EqiFXSpII
"Happy days, my dear." He chinked his goblet against hers in a toast.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsX5GaEAjXK
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."353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPn8w2jicbd
"Very prettily put, my dear," Dr. Smith murmured approvingly.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfYZkBZZTq
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."353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ306nPqbWaw
Dr.Smith found the next sip of cocoa infinitely more difficult to swallow.353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZ2sLYzvBh
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMK4UUQSRv3
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