Sisimito III--Topoxte

by Henry W. Anderson

  “Ko’one’ex! Paddle!” ordered Eztli, and we soon caught up with the other canoes that had slowed down to await us. A Warrior still stood in each canoe, searching.

  As we continued downstream, the destruction of the jungle became more apparent. Large trees had fallen and broken limbs were scattered throughout the jungle floor. The trees that remained standing began having less and less leaves, and mud from the high water showed that the Ja’-nima’ had risen to an unprecedented level.

  I glanced, from time to time, and watched Eztli’s face. Although he was mainly expressionless, there were moments I saw deep furrows of concentration and concern on his forehead. He was extremely perturbed.

  When Kinich had reached his zenith, we came upon Quiriguá.231 Of the lower end of the city, which had been built on the platform of the valley next to the riverbank, all we saw was mud and water, and there was the stink of decay. There were no buildings there except for several stone foundations and chunks of broken masonry that rose above the water level, no people, no commerce. The river-port of Quiriguá was gone. To the north was a hilltop complex of buildings, mostly intact except for some large cracks in the masonry. The still smoking remains of a fire was beside the narrow sacbeob leading up to the summit where people were standing. It appeared that what was on the summit was all that remained of Quiriguá.

  Our canoe entered the city and Eztli picked up the töt and blew, calling all the other canoes. He stepped off the side of the canoe into the mud and water, which came up to his waist, then jumped back into the canoe and stood up. Again, the canoe barely rocked.

  “U K’ux Kaj and Cabrakan are very angry. The ballcourt is gone. The Great Courtyard is gone. I was here for the Tzak Huli.232 K’ahk’ Uti’ Witz K’awiil233 was also here. There were great dance performances in the Great Courtyard.” He looked to the east. “The palaces. All gone. The entire southern part of the city. Gone. The great stelae. Gone. So are the great altar and all the other monuments. They are no longer here. We used to be able to see the stelae as we approached from the Ja’-nima’. Every trip I made to Quiriguá, I visited the monuments. They were outstanding. An important part of our history is gone.” He looked distraught then he turned his head to one side and looked at me as if suddenly remembering something. “Did you know, Chiac, that there is … was … an altar here that had some connection with Ox Witz Ha?”234 I shook my head. “I hope it’s found.” He lifted his hand and bate’ into the air. “How will we trade?” he looked around. “Achaq! The kakaw is gone. The q’än-jal is gone.” He paused and chuckled. “At least no tribute will be going to Oxwitik in the lands of Hozanek for a while. Achaq! There will be no help for my village from Quiriguá.”

  The mud and water was fluid enough for us to continue paddling and we maneuvered towards the hill where the citizens and buildings stood. As we approached, Eztli smiled saying, “I wonder how K’awiil Yopaat likes living in the lesser residences of the hilltop.”

  I wondered at Eztli’s words. There was anger in his comments. There was also a depth of thinking that I had not believed he had. Perhaps, I should not have been surprised. I had seen the same characteristics before in Huehue.

  As we approached the hill, a small gathering of about two dozen citizens waited at the edge of the muddied water. In front were three nobles and a slave or servant, with Warriors on either side and behind them. Beyond, the remainder appeared to be regular citizens. One of the nobles was of high office for a slave stood beside him and held a piece of cloth in front of his face, not hiding his face from view, however. The noble wore earrings, nose rings, lip rings, and necklaces made of q’aq’-puaq, saq-puaq,235 turtle shell, and gemstones, a tall headdress decorated with feathers, and a white loincloth with a red wrap-around cloth. He wore no lej-xajäbs. His body was filled with tattoos depicting various glyphs. The other nobles, or officials, were less elaborately dressed and the Warriors were fully armored, carrying long bate’s.

  “The one with the cloth in front of his face is Ajawal K’awiil Yopaat,” murmured Yochi. “I’m surprised he’s here. He must want news, firsthand.” We beached the canoes and stepped onto the dry land.

  “Chiac. Only you and I will approach. Only I will have a weapon,” instructed Eztli as he walked towards the group. I followed just behind, in my new and secondary role to Eztli.

  Eztli bowed deeply. “I am Eztli, Nimalaj Achi of my village that existed along the Ja’-nima’. My taat was Xichipepe, but he is now on his way to the Underworld and the great city of Xibalba. I come for help as my village has been destroyed … but it seems that you yourself are in need of help,” he added in a condescending way. He used his free hand to indicate the destruction. I saw the noble’s face tighten and wondered at what Eztli was playing.

  One of the men beside the Ajawal, stepped forward. “I am Yayauhqui,236 Batab to Ajawal K’awiil Yopaat. Welcome to Quiriguá, Nimalaj Achi. I regret to hear of Xichipepe’s new journey. He served Ajawal K’awiil Yopaat with distinction. Yes! Quiriguá needs to be rebuilt and Ajawal K’awiil Yopaat has decreed that Quiriguá be rebuilt, immediately. All able men, boys, and slaves of the Ja’-nima’ Beya’ must come to Quiriguá immediately. Do not bring the women and children.”

  “How will you feed us, Batab? All the stores are lost. The jungle is stripped bare, the animals will have moved out. And how will you rebuild immediately? It will take many k’iins for this water and mud to dry and then to be removed.”

  “That is not your concern, Nimalaj Achi. You will return to your village now. You will stop at all villages along the Ja’-nima’ Beya’ and inform them of Ajawal K’awiil Yopaat’s decree. They are to come immediately.”

  “That’s impossible,” responded Eztli.

  The Batab stepped forward, anger showing on his face, and the Warriors raised their bate’s as a warning. “If you were not Nimalaj Achi, I would have our Ahau Can Mai order his Ah-nakom to cut out your heart in sacrifice to U K’ux Kaj this day.” The noble beside the Batab stepped out. Eztli looked towards his right at the submerged and destroyed city. The Batab’s eyes followed his gaze. “Even without an altar,” the Batab added, caustically.

  Eztli smiled and bowed. “I did not mean any offence, Batab. It is just that there are no more villages along the Ja’-nima’ Beya’. My village is no more. We live on a hilltop …” Eztli looked towards the adjacent hill … “just like you.” I saw anger grow in the Batab’s face, once again.

  “What the fok are you doing, Eztli? You’ll get us all sacrificed,” I whispered, alarmed and angry.

  Eztli continued. “But then we do not need to worry about food. Perhaps the great Ajawinel of Oxwitik in the lands of Hozanek, K’ahk’ Uti’ Witz K’awiil, will send us food. I hope you have sent out couriers to him.”

  I could see the Batab ordering his Warriors to send bate’s into Eztli and me so I quickly intervened.

  “Batab,” I said loudly, just not loud enough to be offensive. He turned away from Eztli and looked at me. “I am Chiac, Nabe Kaloonte’ to K’an II, Ajawinel of Ox Witz Ha. I journey with my Warriors back to Ox Witz Ha. If you could have your Ahau Can Mai prepare a tablet stating what you need, I will present it to my Ajawinel and help will be sent to Quiriguá, immediately on my arrival at Ox Witz Ha.” He seemed to develop an instantaneous interest in me.” “I will also request that Ajawinel K’an II have couriers sent to all the neighboring kingdoms, informing them of what has happened in the Ja’-nima’ Beya’, requesting aid for Quiriguá and its satellite villages.”

  “And what would you be demanding for your assistance?”

  “I do not know if my Ajawinel will wish for any repayment. I simply request that we are allowed to rest before we continue our journey. I also desire two women for my mat, and loincloths. It would also be good if I could take a personal message from Ajawal K’awiil Yopaat to Ajawinel K’an II.”

  The Batab stared at Bas’ Green Scapular on my chest then he looked up back at me. “I will discuss this matter w
ith Ajawal K’awiil Yopaat, should he wish to do so. You and your men may rest here. Do not leave this area unless given permission to do so.” He stormed at Eztli. “That includes you, Nimalaj Achi, Nabe K’ojol of Xichipepe.”

  Ajawal K’awiil Yopaat turned and started walking towards the hill through the mud and water that still covered the ground, followed by his entourage. The citizens remained. I wasn’t certain, but I thought I heard a soft chuckle from the Ajawal as he turned.

  I swung furiously at Eztli. “What the fok were you thinking? You could have gotten us all killed, you arrogant piece of fok.”

  “I am not Fuck! You are Fuck. That’s your other name, isn’t it?

  “I’ll ignore that. What the fok were you doing? What did you hope to achieve other than getting us killed?” I fumed. “Answer me.”

  His face grew stern. “One day, we will have to do battle and be free of K’ahk’ Uti’ Witz K’awiil and the tributes we pay.237 K’awiil Yopaat does not have the u-ye’el-toons to do it. I will not live under K’ahk’ Uti’ Witz K’awiil and that is why I will make my own kingdom. Until then, the Ja’-nima’ Beya’ will never rise to the heights and glory it can be.” I stared at him. He looked back at me then grinned, reminding me so much of Teul that my heart cramped. “I was also practicing for when I am Ajawinel of my kingdom.” He chuckled, leaving me dumbfounded, as he turned to the Warriors. “Get the canoes high up on the land and then we rest. We are not going anywhere, at this time.” He started to piss and turned to me. “Isn’t that so, Chiac?” He continued grinning. “And you must tell me the meaning of your name, Fuck! It is not a name I know.” I remained flabbergasted.

  We pulled up the canoes high on the bankside and sat down. It was then that fatigue set in hurriedly and, except for Iccauhtle, Choco, Manauia, and Cuauhtemoc who were posted as guards, we all laid on the ground and fell asleep.

  It must have been about four-o-clock as Kinich Ahau was just a hand above the mountains in the west, when the Batab returned. One of his Warriors poked me with his bate’ handle and I awoke. I stood up and gave a short bow of acknowledgement.

  “Batab!” I said. He nodded.

  “Ajawal K’awiil Yopaat will see you now. Follow me.” He gazed at me briefly then added. “You travel as you were born and dress like a slave except for lej-xajäbs and your Raax Ch’ayom Puag made from cloth.”

  “We have had a difficult journey. Many of my Warriors have had no loincloths for many k’iins and carry nothing except their weapons. I choose to share this circumstance with them.”

  He frowned a little. “It’s strange you think that way, but strange things are coming out of Ox Witz Ha.” He turned before I could reply. I wanted to ask him what strange things. Perhaps, that wasn’t a good idea.

  I looked around quickly. Everyone, including Eztli were asleep except for the new set of Warriors doing guard duty. I followed the Batab up the hill to the buildings. There was one main complex of buildings spreading about a thousand feet. Although there were some cracks in the walls of some of the masonry, the buildings were in good condition. There were other smaller buildings to the northwest and east. Those buildings must have been for lesser nobles as they were relatively plain, not having many decorations, definitely not as imposing as I had seen in Ox Witz Ha. On a wide shallow stairway, leading up to the most impressive of the buildings, stood Ajawal K’awiil Yopaat, without his slave, his face uncovered. Fully armored Warriors with to’bal-ribs and long bate’s stood close by.

  “Ajawal,” I said, bowing a little askance. He nodded.

  “So, you are Nabe Kaloonte’ to Ajawinel K’an II of Ox Witz Ha.”

  “I am, Ajawal.”

  “I speak with you directly and with my face visible to you, against the wishes of my Batab.” I nodded. He had a puzzled look on his face with the hint of a smile, his forehead furrowed. “Do all of Ajawinel K’an II’s Nabe Kaloonte’ dress like slaves?”

  “We have …”

  He lifted his hand to stop me. He smiled. “I have been informed. It is not what a Warrior wears above his skin that is important. It’s what lies beneath his skin and the weapon he carries that decides the Warrior he will be.”

  I bowed, again.

  “So, you can get us help from Ajawinel K’an II.”

  “Yes, Ajawal. It is important for all our kingdoms that your city be rebuilt, quickly and to an even greater glory. The Ja’-nima’ flows down from the highlands were Kinich Ahau begins his journey to the Underworld, and Quiriguá is positioned to control the trade of uncut ya’ax-chich, most of which is found in the middle reaches of the Ja’-nima’ Beya’, and chay-abaj at the upper reaches. Quiriguá also controls the flow of merchandise up and down the Ja’-nima’ Beya’, produce like kakaw and q’än-jal. Quiriguá is at the krus-be238 between the trading route from the highlands to the coast of the Nohoch Atz’am Ja’, to the great kingdoms of the lands of Hozanek and Can-Tzicnal. All the kingdoms of our people depend on Quiriguá. Ajawinel K’an II will help and will elicit all our people to help, Ajawal.” I bowed again.

  “And what will he want in return?”

  “I cannot say, Ajawal. I can say, however, that my Ajawinel is a just Ajawinel and will not take advantage of Quiriguá at this desperate moment.”

  Ajawal K’awiil Yopaat chuckled. “You seem to know a lot about your Ajawinel, Nabe Kaloonte, and also about Quiriguá.”

  “I am one of his most trusted Kaloonte’s, Ajawal. It is also wise to know about our most magnificent and important cities. I listen to the stories and songs and read what the scribes write.” I did not add that I had also gathered much information from Yochi, and Eztli’s outbursts.

  “We hear stories that your Ajawinel has a weapon made of the strongest chay abaj. It can cut through anything and does not break.”

  Fok! I had given K’an II my machete when I was last in Ox Witz Ha, before Molly and I had returned home.

  “You hesitate to answer.”

  I bowed. “I must not speak of the weapon of which you ask, Ajawal.” He was quiet for a while and I remained with my head bowed.

  “Nabe Kaloonte’.”

  “Yes, Ajawal,” I responded, raising my head.

  “I am told you want two of my women slaves for your mat.”

  “Yes, Ajawal.”

  “I find your request strange. You have women among you, I am told. Do you not call them to you at night?”

  “The women that travel with me are Warriors,” Ajawal.

  “Again, something different from Oz Witz Ha.” He laughed loudly. “Then perhaps, one of them will call you to her mat.”

  I bowed, smiling. “I am asking for two special slaves, that is, if they are still within your household. Perhaps they did not survive the anger of Cabrakan and U K’ux Kaj.” I have to make up some story quickly. “Those slaves, Cihuaton and Itotia, are of special significance to Ajawinel K’an II.” Ajawal K’awiil Yopaat lifted his eyebrows as if recognizing the names. “The story is worthy of poets and scribes,” I continued. “Those two slaves were given to you by the Ajaw of Tulam Tzu.” He stared at me. “They are the sisters of …”

  He raised a hand to stop me. “They will be given to you as you leave, as thanks for the help your Ajawinel will give. As far as I am concerned, they died in the Qas Nim Wo-ja’. I cannot develop any enmity between the Ajaw of Tulam Tzu and me over two slaves, especially at this time, so, yes, they died in the Qas Nim Wo-ja’ … and Quiriguá does need assistance from Ox Witz Ha at this time of great disaster.” The Ajawal sighed. “Unfortunately, we have a shortage of loincloths.” He gesticulated to his surroundings. “When do you leave?”

  “I will rise with the haunting whistle of the kolol and leave as Kinich Ahau returns to U Wach Ulew.”

  “And the little upstart, the Nimalaj Achi? It’s only because his father served me with great honor that I haven’t …” He shook his head and chuckled. “Perhaps, he will serve me too.”

  I nodded, not be
traying my scepticism. “He and his villagers will leave at that time also, to take the message of your decree up the Ja’-nima’ Beya’ and then to return with many villagers to begin rebuilding Quiriguá.”

  “Tell him to watch his tongue, lest he lose it.” I nodded. “Then our business is done.”

  “Yes, Ajawal.”

  “Is there anything else you require on behalf of Ajawinel K’an II of Ox Witz Ha?”

  “If your store of ya’ax-chich survived, I would at least want to return to Ox Witz Ha with some for my Ajawinel’s artisans. I would carry enough to make three hundred ch’ayom-puaq. Of course, you will be fully paid for the ya’ax-chich.”

  “I will supply the ya’ax-chich. Luckily, our stores are in chultuns239 on the surrounding hills.” He reached out and held Bas’s Green Scapular in his hand, studying both sides. “Perhaps you will carve the symbols you carry here on our ya’ax-chich.” He shook his head. “That may not be a good thing. There is talk of a story that comes from Ox Witz Ha that tells of an Ix Na Li Kawa. Have you heard of it?” I hesitated to answer, knowing that I would have to answer carefully. He smiled. “That story is a dangerous story. Itzamná has no mother. Perhaps your Ajawinel needs to be reminded that he is of a noble dynasty and we are the upholders of the beliefs of the Gods of Yaxché. If we no longer behave like the nobles we are, if we no longer hold the beliefs that our priests teach, our society will fall and us Nim-q’ijs will be erased from U Wach Ulew, every one of us, our wives, our children, our family to our most distant relatives until our lineage is totally exterminated. All our lands, farms, beehives, jewels, slaves will be lost. We’ll have no tombs, no burials, no gifts to take to the Underworld. We will not even be properly sacrificed. We will be left for the vultures to tear apart. It will be the beginning of the Fall of an Empire. I remembered the warning Chekaj K’inich, K’an II’s uncle, had given K’an II when he refused to sacrifice Molly and me. It was essentially the same warning.