“What about the slaves?” asked Iztali. “I don’t think we can trust them.”
“Then we must kill them,” recommended Yochi.
I stared at Yochi, someone who I was beginning to think of as a friend. His statement tore me apart for it made me face the reality that although I wanted to believe that I belonged in that world with my people, I was very different. “Kill them all?” I asked. “Kill unarmed slaves. Is that a battle for Warriors?”
Kish looked at me sternly. “You must think like the Warrior, Chiac. We are outnumbered. We cannot have the slaves turn against us when the battle begins. As I’ve told you before, if you don’t think like the Warrior, you will fail in your mission to kill Mahanamatz and free Xch’úup Xma’ K’aaba’.” His face softened. “Have you forgotten her touch beneath you, Chiac, as you chakuj tutuchci? If you have forgotten and the importance of your Mission has grown less, go, take as many of the women slaves as you wish to their mats to chakuj tutuchci and, perhaps, they will help you remember what it was like with Xch’úup Xma’ K’aaba’. Then you may recall your real mission and be able to convince yourself that you must do whatever is necessary to accomplish that mission. We will continue our battle plans while you are gone.”
I looked at Kish and realized that he was serious. I felt Tóolok move, as if giving me the go ahead. I was brazen and coarse, at times, but there was no way that I was going to chakuj tutuchci with several women in a shed in front of every passerby. Bas and I had together taken women into one room, but that was Bas and I. That was another time . . . another life. Then there was Molly and I knew what my mission was. Furthermore, I was not ready to let go of my ‘hope’ as yet. “Later,” I told Kish. “Let’s decide what we’ll do. I must ask, however, why would slaves fight for their masters?”
“They do not see us as liberators, Chiac, only another set of masters. They know their present masters. Perhaps, it hasn’t been a very bad life. They don’t know what we are like,” counseled Yochi. “Sometimes, it’s not worth it to take a chance.”
Kish raised his hand then continued. “We stay and fight. If we go, many Warriors of Tulam Tzu will follow us and we will have to fight them somewhere on the route we decide to take. It may not be a good place to defend ourselves. This is a good place for us to fight and we have two k’abs, enough time to set up our defences.” He acknowledged Yaotl with a nod.
“Kaloonte’!” we all shouted, hitting our chests two times.
“Coatl, Nabe Kaloonte’ of the Ajaw of Tulam Tzu, is a great Warrior. I know of him. There’re stories of him even in Xibalba. His Nacons will be well trained. They will not advance easily into a trap.” Kish put a hand over his mouth, briefly. “We will secure ourselves on South Hill, at the entrance of Chay Abaj. We will have two sections, one under Yochi and one under my command. My section will be on top of South Hill and face the sacbeob coming from the south. Your section, Yochi, will go up to the summit of South Hill, where I’ll be, then continue downwards as if marching back to Tulam Tzu. When you’re just below us you’ll split into two fireteams and go into the jungle, one on either side of the sacbeob. The fireteams will have first contact with the enemy. Iztali will be Nacon of your second fireteam. When the Warriors of Tulam Tzu have advanced to the point that I can see their eyes, you will hear a signal, and both fireteams will attack. I will then engage. That way, they will be fighting on three fronts.”
“The summit is almost bare, Kaloonte’,” advised Yaotl. “Most trees have been cut. It is likely that we will be discovered. They may also have scouts preceding them.”
“The section will have at least a k’ab to get into position. That is enough time to make Warriors disappear. So, their scouts will see nothing strategically worthwhile to report.” Yaotl nodded.
“Kaloonte’!”
“Yes, Chiac.”
“The plan is very basic. Won’t Coatl expect such an ambush?”
“Coatl will not come. This is not a battle to bring greatness to the Nabe Kaloonte’. He will send his Ukab Kaloonte’. But, yes. Whoever he sends will expect an ambush at the top of South Hill. It is good strategy for, being on the summit, we have the advantage. We just have to make our ambush a little different.”
“We have not discussed the slaves any further,” said Iztali, querying that matter.
“I will talk with them as soon as we are finished. Yochi! Take Yaotl and some of the Warriors. Gather all weapons, especially sk’ops and to’bal-ribs. Include those from the dead Warriors.” Yochi frowned. I said nothing. “We will return them later. Put them all in the shed used for the male slaves. Pick out the best to’bal-ribs and weapons. Ensure that each Warrior is armed then put some weapons in one of the pits near the top of the hill. I want them available to us at the combat zone, near to us, but not where the enemy can have access to them. Leave the rest in the shed, guarded. 1 will talk to the slaves now. Let’s go, Chiac.”
Kish and I made our way over to where the male slaves sat huddled together. Teul, Choco, and the other Warriors were still keeping guard on the slaves. “Teul!” grunted Kish.
“Kaloonte’!” he responded, coming over to us, still having a slight limp.
“Go over to the women’s hut and bring them all here. Tell them not to be afraid.”
Kish and I waited, saying nothing. Teul was soon back, the female slaves following him, Eme leading them. When they reached us, Teul came over and the women formed a group near the men. They did not sit, but remained standing.
“I am Nabe Kaloonte’.” He pointed to Yochi. “This is Ukab Kaloonte’. Who’s Nimal122 among the men?” asked Kish. No one stirred. “Okay! Who do you want to be your Nimal?” Again, no one stirred. “I’ll ask one more time and if no one answers, I’ll appoint someone; and it may be a woman. Who wants to be Nimal?”
One of the men stood up and I was astonished. He stared directly into Kish’s eyes, no blinking, standing as straight as a soldier at attention, his shoulders squared, his arms firmly to his side. Even completely undressed, he stood confident among the slaves. He was young, about fifteen, scarcely had hair around his u-ye’el-toons.123 Why would such a young man be a slave? His apparent age did not seem to make Kish hesitate.
“Your name?”
“I am Alaxel Bajlaj Chan K’awiil, son of Ajawinel K’inich Muwaan Jol II of Yax Mutul, and achalal124 to Alaxel Nuun Ujol Chaak.”
All of us were dumbfounded, except Kish who simply continued. “And why is an alaxel of Yax Mutul a slave in Chay Abaj?
“I am not a slave, Kaloonte’,” shouted the young alaxel. “To be a slave I must think like a slave. I think like the Warrior and the alaxel that I am.” The young alaxel stood arrogantly as he continued staring at Kish.”
Kish smiled. “Then may I ask, what is Alaxel Bajlaj Chan K’awiil of Yax Mutul doing in Chay Abaj, naked and dirty like a slave?”
The alaxel glared at Kish, biting down on his teeth. “My mother, Lady Pakal and Chichu’ Ajawinel125 of Yax Mutul, and I had travelled to the polity of Hiix Witz, west of Yax Mutul. Lady Pacal had decided that I should marry an alixel from Hiix Witz since many of their noble women have risen to prominence in foreign courts. Ajawinel Yaxun Bahlam III of Pa’ Chan126 attacked the city and Lady Pacal and I were taken prisoners and escorted to Pa’ Chan after all our escorts were killed. Ajawinel Yaxun Bahlam III took Lady Pakal as his wife and they had a son, Alaxel Itzamnaaj B’alam II. I was treated well, but once the alaxel was born, I knew I had no chance of accession. I wanted to go back to Yax Mutul where I could become Ajawinel one day. Ajawinel Yaxun Bahlam III denied me that request. I was sent on a hunting trip from which I escaped, only to be caught by a band of Warriors and traders from the north, on their way to Tulam Tzu. I was sold there in the slave market.” He looked at Kish, whose face had softened but remained firm. “If you take me to Yax Mutul, my taat, Ajawinel K’inich Muwaan Jol II, will reward you with q’aq’-puaq, ya’ax-chich, slaves, and women.”
“I have a
woman,” Kish informed the young alaxel. “She is right beside you.” Kish pointed to the woman with whom he had chakuj tutuchci.”
The alaxel stared at the woman. “You mean, Eme?”127
“Yes! Now look at me.” He turned to Kish. “I believe your story, but I am still puzzled. If you are the son of Ajawinel K’inich Muwaan Jol II of Yax Mutul, a kingdom that Tulam Tzu obviously has an alliance with, why are you a slave in Chay Abaj? Could it be that Alaxel Nuun Ujol Chaak does not want you around, that he wants to be Ajawinel? Being in line for the throne of a weakening dynasty can prove dangerous.”
The alaxel appeared stunned by Kish’s remark. “I do not know, but I do not lie. I am an Alaxel of Yax Mutul.”
Kish nodded. “Being an Alaxel of Yax Mutul, you must know that Yax Mutul and Ox Witz Ha are not … friends.”
“Ox, OxWitz Ha?” stammered the alaxel, tensing.
“Yes! But you have nothing to fear.” The alaxel relaxed. “You will journey with us. You will be Nabe Nimal Nacon of these men. They will form your platoon. Your first duty is to find out how many want to become Warriors and march with us to Ox Witz Ha. You will let me know. Those that choose to remain will be left unharmed, but will be bound until after the upcoming battle with the Warriors of Tulam Tzu is done. Those who choose to march with us will be your Warriors for they will no longer be slaves. I am sure many of those men were Warriors before. Let them know that they have the chance to be great Warriors, once again, and we will continue their training. I am now your Nabe Kaloonte’, Nabe Nimal Nacon. While you are with us, you are not Alaxel Bajlaj Chan K’awiil of Yax Mutul.” Kish stared at the alaxel. “You have fire in you. I will call you Huehuetlotl.”128
He shook his head, glaring at Kish. “I am Alaxel Bajlaj Chan K’awiil”
“As I said, as long as you are with us, you are no longer Alaxel Bajlaj Chan K’awiil of Yax Mutul. If you were a great Warrior, you would understand. There is no place for an alaxel or a slave among us, at this time. We are all Warriors. Do you agree with my decision?”
He stared at Kish, his face expressionless. “I don’t like long names,” he said. “Just call me Huehue.” Kish nodded. “Will you return me to Yax Mutul, Kaloonte’?”
“Do you want to return to Yax Mutul? Even in Xibalba it is known that the Dynasty of Ajawinel K’inich Muwaan Jol II is going through dark years.”
“Xibalba?”
“Yes, Huehue. You are looking at Warriors who escaped Xibalba through the Nim-ja’ Ti’ Síina’ans. If you truly want to be a great alaxel and Warrior, then you have no better company. One night, as we sit around the fire, I will tell you the greatest story you will ever hear.”
The alaxel was quiet, expressionless. He hit his chest. “I am your Nabe Nimal Nacon and the Nabe Nimal Nacon of my Warriors, Kaloonte’, but I am an alaxel of Yax Mutul. I will return there when the time is right … for me.”
Kish looked at the young alaxel and smiled. “I will return you to Yax Mutul, Huehue, but at a time I decide. I will teach you to be a great Warrior for only then can you be a great ajawinel. We will train you and you will train your Warriors. You will fight along with us and your Warriors will fight along with you. You will earn your way back to Yax Mutul. Is that acceptable?”
Huehue looked strongly at Kish. “Kaloonte’,” he shouted, and hit his chest three times.”
Kish nodded then turned to Eme. “Eme! You are Nabe Nimal Nacon of the women.” She nodded. “They make up your platoon.”
“Kaloonte’!”
“Yes, Huehue?”
“Women are not Warriors.”
“Are you instructing me, Huehue?”
Huehue’s forehead furrowed deeply. “No, Kaloonte’.” He lowered his head and began to kneel.
“Stop,” ordered Kish, and Huehue looked up. “We are from Ox Witz Ha, not Yax Mutul. Our ways are different as Ajawinel K’an II brings a new life to his kingdom and his citizens. In Ox Witz Ha we neither kneel nor bow deeply to any man, not even our ajawinel. The women of Ox Witz Ha not only cook and weave; they not only bear the seed planted by their Warrior, but they also fight beside him, if and when necessary. Eme is Nabe Nimal Nacon … just like you.”
Huehue stared at Kish as if puzzled then he hit his chest. “Kaloonte’!”
Kish turned back to Eme. “You will gather the women who join us. Arm them. From today they are no longer slaves, but before we leave Chay Abaj, you will give duties to them. Tell them, however, that whenever the duties are done, they will train as Warriors. Select your Ukab Nimal”
“Kaloonte’!” responded Eme.
“Huehue!”
“Kaloonte’!”
“Select your Ukab, then you will come with me.”
Huehue looked at his men. “Tlachinolli!”129
A young man stood up and bowed low to Huehue. “My Alaxel.”
“Tlachinolli!”
“My Alaxel.”
“Lift your head and look at me. You are my Ukab Nimal Nacon, and a Warrior. I am your Nabe Nimal Nacon. I am not Alaxel Bajlaj Chan K’awiil on this journey. As Nabe Kaloonte’ said, no one kneels or bow low to any man … or woman, I suppose.” Tlachinolli lifted his head slowly and hesitantly looked into Huehue’s eyes. “I am going with the Kaloonte’. Until I return, you are Nabe Nimal.” Huehue looked at his men. “Who will be Warriors?” The men all jumped up. They hit their chest in unison and shouted “Nabe Nimal!
Tlachinolli stiffened his body and looked proudly at Huehue. He hit his chest and shouted, “Nabe Nimal!” then he smiled. “I too do not like a long name. It will prove difficult in battle. Call me ‘Chino’.”
Huehue nodded and turned back to Kish.
“Chiac.” said Kish.
“Yes, Kaloonte’?”
“You will be Nabe Nacon over Eme and Huehue’s platoons. Finalize the numbers now. If any hesitate or decide not to join us, they must be bound together and kept tied to the center post of the central shed. You will also have Hulse, Clarke, and Anderson. Go to the shed used for the male slaves. As I said, store all extra weapons there. Set up a perimeter defence around the shed. I will meet the enemy at the hilltop, and slowly move downward into the camp if we are not able to hold them and defeat them there. Should we begin a fighting withdrawal, you will then come up to reinforce us. Prepare all your Warriors to fight the battle of their lives, Chiac. He turned to Huehue. “You will be at the hilltop where the initial contact with the enemy will occur. Find a ch’aw-baq …”130
“A, Ach’aw-baq?”
“Yes, Huehue.” Kish looked at Huehue. “You do blow the ch’aw-baq, don’t you?”
“I am Alaxel Bajlaj Chan K’awiil …”
“So, you do blow the ch’aw-baq. Don’t all the elite know how to blow the ch’aw-baq?”
Huehue hesitated. “Yes, Kaloonte.”
“Find a ch’aw-baq. These camps always have ch’aw-baqs and la’j-tuns.131 You will find a pit on the hill and remain hidden. As soon as Coatl’s Warriors charge, blow the ch’aw-baq. The fireteams will be hidden and may be unable to see the Warrior’s approach. The sound of the ch’aw-baq will be the signal for Iztali and Yochi to attack from the sides. Once you see that it is that time in the battle for the fighting withdrawal, blow the ch’aw-baq again. Do not fail your comrades. My squad will include Teul, Choco, and two Warriors. Iztali, you will have Yaotl and three Warriors. Yochi, you will have Iccauhtli and three Warriors.”
“Kaloonte’!”
“Yes, Huehue? What is it now?”
“Am I to have only a ch’aw-baq?”
Kish smirked. “Choose a weapon, Huehue. Do you think that all you will be doing is providing music for our battle?”
“Kaloonte’!” Huehue shouted, hitting his chest.
“Perhaps you should get a loincloth.”
Huehue looked down at his body then back at Kish. “If I am to die today,” he said, “I will leave this world just as I came into it. I will do battle the wa
y my Warriors do battle. They have no loincloths. I will have no loincloth.”
Kish nodded. “You will wear lej-xajäbs, as it will be necessary.” Huehue hit his chest. Kish then looked at us, his eyes glancing over his entire platoon. “Prepare for battle,” he shouted.
“Kaloonte’!” we responded, hitting our chests three times, all of us including the women.
Eme and Huehue went among the slaves turned Warriors and quickly returned advising me that all the men and women were joining us. There were forty-eight men and twenty-one women. I called a quick briefing with Huehue, Chino, Eme, Hulse, Clarke, and Anderson. “We will leave the captured Tulam Tzu guard in the central shed, tied firmly to one of the central poles. It is either that or we kill him as we cannot spare a Warrior to guard him. I will not kill him.”
“From the slaves, we have an additional forty-eight men and twenty-one women. Many of the men are trained Warriors, but will be out of practice. Initially, we will all take defensive positions. However, when Coatl’s Warriors begin to overwhelm Kish’s defense and Kish begins his withdrawal, you will rush towards the enemy and attack.” I looked at my fireteam. “I’ll deviate a little from Kish’s strategy. I will form a section with twelve of the best Warriors from the former slaves, as I will not be remaining here waiting in a defensive position. As soon as I hear the first blowing of the ch’aw-baq, my Warriors and I’ll speed up to assist Kish. Hopefully, Coatl’s Nacons will think that we are all that’s left. You will remain where you are; covert. We will fight, but begin a steady fighting withdrawal and the enemy will follow. As the enemy comes adjacent to each of you, you will attack. I’ll divide us into sections.” I started calculating, trying to put the men in groups of seven or multiples of seven … for luck. When I was finished, I reviewed the distribution with them. “Chino! You will take twelve men and go to the male shed and set up your defence there. Anderson! You will take eleven men and go to the two first houses on the left. Divide your team into two fireteams. Clarke! How’s the arm?”
Sisimito III--Topoxte Page 8