by Zoe Saadia
“Coatlinchan. Definitely Coatlinchan.” Kuini’s voice was still empty, lacking its usual mischievous ring. “I’ve been there briefly, so can try to get away with a general description if challenged.”
“All right. Coatlinchan it is. And of course, the Tepanec version that worked the previous time would do. Mother or father?”
“What?”
“We’ll say you are half a Tepanec. It won’t be held against you. Half of our force has this or that amount of Tepanec blood. So which half? Who was the Tepanec? You mother or your father?”
“My mother,” said Kuini, a little too hurriedly.
“All right. Then let us go and dive into these particular waters. Keep close to me, at least in the beginning. I don’t want you to get into any trouble this time.” He smiled cheerfully, peering at his friend. “Come on. Stop looking so gloomy. We are about to fight together, at long last. Oh, it’s going to be a great battle, and we will win. You’ll see.” He glanced at the darkening sky. “We will beat these Tepanecs. You just wait and see.”
“I believe you. And you know what?” Kuini’s smile was wide, even if not as carelessly cheerful as of old. “On second thought, I’ll cross this lake with you, old friend. It will be much fun, and I have to see this Azcapotzalco or whatever this Tepanec Capital is called. This altepetl made me curious.”
Coyotl clasped his friend’s arm. “Oh, now you are talking!”
He pitted his face against the strengthening wind that blew as if trying to stop him. His skin prickled. The Tepanec's were the Masters of the Great Lake for many, many summers. But it was about to change. Or was it?
Afterword
In 1415 Texcoco, indeed, repulsed the Tepanec invasion. Encouraged by his initial success, the Acolhua Emperor led his forces across the Great Lake, capturing and sacking a few towns on his way. After more successful battles, he then besieged Azcapotzalco itself, but the siege was fruitless and lasted for only several months.
Eventually, the Acolhua warriors went back to their side of the Great Lake, to prepare for another invasion. Tepanecs may have lost a few battles, but they were not used to losing wars.
More in the second book of The Rise of the Aztecs Series, “Between the Worlds”.
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“The Highlander” is the first book in “The Rise of the Aztecs” Series
The Highlander
Crossing Worlds
The Emperor’s Second Wife
Fateful decisions
More on the earlier history of the region, and on certain characters appearing in this book, can be read in the “Pre-Aztec” Series:
At Road’s End
The Young Jaguar
The Jaguar Warrior
The Warrior’s Way
.