I am Xipilli, Nabeal K’ojol and envoy of Nimalaj Achi Zipactonal of Nito. I bring an urgent message to Ajaw But’z Chan.”286 I journey to Ox Witz Ha.
“I am T’oit’ik-jolom to Ajawinel K’an II of Ox Witz Ha. I return to Ox Witz Ha.”
Teul and Xipilli hit their chests and the two Warriors returned the salute. They moved their bate’s, allowing them to pass.
Teul and Xipilli walked up the Chúumuk Sacbeob287 leading to a temple of modest height. There was no residence on top of the temple, but large residences were to the right. On the left were a small ballcourt, a nearly empty market place, and what appeared to be another temple under construction. Stelae were plentiful. Many smaller residences spread into the hilly areas surrounding the central courtyard. Neat sacbeobs were numerous throughout the city, all leading to the Chúumuk Sacbeob. The smell of kua hung over Pusilhá and smoke rose from most of the houses. There were not many men about, most probably away at the kools, but some women and many children walked about the sacbeobs. There were several guards standing easy on the first step of the temple, but as Teul and Xipilli approached they stood at attention about five feet apart, holding their long bate’s to their right. One of them stepped forward and Teul and Xipilli repeated themselves.
I am Xipilli, Nabeal K’ojol and envoy of Nimalaj Achi Zipactonal of Nito. I bring an urgent message to Ajaw But’z Chan. I journey to Ox Witz Ha.”
“I am T’oit’ik-jolom to Ajawinel K’an II of Ox Witz Ha. I march to Ox Witz Ha.
Teul and Xipilli hit their chests and the guards returned the salute after which one left, but soon came back with a Nacon.
“I am Ilhuitl,288 Kaloonte’ to Ajaw But’z Chan. Welcome. I will inform him you are here.” Teul and Xipilli nodded and the Kaloonte’ walked towards the large residences on his left. A short while later he returned, Ajaw But’z Chan walking beside him, a slave holding a piece of cloth in front of the Ajaw’s face. The Ajaw was dressed in a high headdress of red and blue feathers, with many red, black, and silver crystals; his loincloth and wrap were embellished with many different small colored feathers. He wore no cloak or shirt and no lej-xajäbs. He was further adorned with earlobe rings, nose rings, and medallions of ya’ax-chich, armbands, wrist, and ankle bracelets decorated with sea shells. Most of his exposed body was covered with colorful tattoos.
“Ajaw,” acknowledged Teul and Xipilli, bowing their heads.
“Our visitors are Xipilli, Nabeal K’ojol and envoy of Nimalaj Achi Zipactonal of Nito. He brings a message to you, Ajaw, and he journeys to Ox Witz Ha. The other is T’oit’ik-jolom to Ajawinel K’an II of Ox Witz Ha,” announced Ilhuitl. “He returns to Ox Witz Ha.” The Ajaw stepped forward and the slave moved aside, moving the cloth from in front of the Ajaw’s face.
“Ajaw. I bring you an urgent message from Nimalaj Achi Zipactonal,” stated Xipilli. “Nito has been destroyed by a K’o-chuq’ab Kiäqiq’-jab which brought the waters of the Nohoch Atz’am Ja’ over the land. Many of our people are dead and all our kools destroyed. He asks for your assistance. He needs food and men to help rebuild Nito. The surrounding villages have also been destroyed and their people are flocking to Nito.” He looked to Teul and nodded.
“Ajaw! I was washed up on the shores of Nito after the K’o-chuq’ab Kiäqiq’-jab, having floated down the Ja’-nima’ during the Qas Nim Wo-ja’ and the K’o-chuq’ab Kabraqan. I was part of a trade mission from Ox Witz Ha to Baúl. I travel back to Ox Witz Ha to inform the Ajawinel of the loss of the trade mission. I accompany Xipilli and together we will inform Ajawinel K’an II of the widespread destruction that has befallen the kingdoms here. Xipilli will solicit help for Nito and the entire Ja’-nima’ Beya’ that has been affected.”
“We too have suffered from the K’o-chuq’ab Kiäqiq’-jab. Though the winds were not high, the rains came down so heavily they washed away our crops. I will send men and whatever food we have to my friend Nimalaj Achi Zipactonal.” He smiled and raised his arms and Xipilli moved forward
and they embraced. “It is good to see you again, Xipilli. Do you still want to be a Warrior?”
Xipilli moved out of the embrace, smiling. “Yes, Ajaw. I still want to be a Warrior.”
“Then perhaps, the T’oit’ik-jolom will teach you on your journey. Let’s go to the Nim-q’ij Residence and have some food and drink. You must be tired and hungry after your long journey. Come Kaloonte’. Come T’oit’ik-jolom to Ajawinel K’an II. Any friend of Xipilli is welcome.” Teul nodded and they walked over to the first residence, entered, and sat around a circular table. Soon, women appeared bringing fruit, smoked meat, kua, and iztāc-octli.
“Now, Xipilli, you must tell me what happened.”
Xipilli shook his head as he began.
“It was thirteen k’iins ago that we awoke to a very hot morning. I did not think it unusual as it was the time of the Yaxk’in’289 and even the slight wind from the mountains we get during the Yaxk’in’ was always hot. Some of the village men and I were getting the canoes ready to go fishing when Zipactonal came to me. He told me to look up into Kaán. I did. He told me it was unusual to have so many high clouds and they could be the first signs of a kiaqiq’-jab. I argued that the kiaqiq’-jab comes from the time of the Mol to the time of the K’ayab. He told me that the kiaqiq’-jab can come early and late. It was the will of U K’ux Kaj.
“As the k’iin progressed, Kaán darkened and the clouds looked as if they would touch the ground as they rushed overhead. The winds and rains began to increase from the northwest, the lands of Can-Tzicnal and Zac-Cimi, until the roofs began leaving the huts. The Nohoch Atz’am Ja’ rose, sending waves into Nito. Zipactonal ordered us all into the large central shed, but that was moving under the growing force of the wind and the rising water. As the roof went off the shed and the walls began to move apart, Zipactonal ordered us into the surrounding trees. We tried to help the elderly and the young, but they were often torn from our hands and soon we were only able to help ourselves. I climbed up a tall toni’co’oc, holding on for my life. I took off my loincloth and tied myself to the tree. I saw other citizens on other trees and I tried to shout encouragement to them, but the K’o-chuq’ab Kiäqiq’-jab pulled the words from my mouth. I watched as the trees fell. I watched as the wind pulled my friends from the branches and hurled them into the arms of the waves reaching up for them.” Tears began falling from Xipilli’s eyes and But’z Chan took the cloth from the slave and gave it to Xipilli. He wiped his eyes and continued. “After many k’abs, the wind and the waves lessened, but not completely, and Yaluk and his assistant god, Cakulha, opened Kaán to fire while Ah Peku and Coyopa answered with exploding thunder.290 Then the K’o-chuq’ab Kiäqiq’-jab returned from the southeast, the lands of Hozanek and Hobnil, stronger than it was before, screaming with all the voices of those that had died and those that were going to die. Nohoch Atz’am Ja’ climbed, reaching for me, until she swirled around my waist, waves breaking over my head. I prepared myself for my journey to the Underworld, for the toni’co’oc I was on was sweeping the top of the waves. I hugged the toni’co’oc with my arms and legs and I cried, not for myself, but for my people. I prayed to Ah Puch to turn his eyes away from us, and I prayed to Bahlam to protect what was left of us. I closed my eyes and knew no more until I heard Zipactonal’s voice shouting in the darkness. I couldn’t answer him and I couldn’t move. My arms and legs were cramped tightly around the toni’co’oc that was leaning, but still standing. As my consciousness returned, I tried to release my hold on the toni’co’oc. The cramps in my arms and legs responded with pain so terrible that I screamed and screamed. Then, once again, I knew no more. When I became aware that I was alive, Kinich Ahau was rising dimly over the Nohoch Atz’am Ja’. Grey clouds still raced overhead and light rain was falling. Then Zipactonal spoke to me, saying only, “Paal! Paal! And 1 reached up to him as he knelt beside me, hugged him, and I cried and I cried as I am doing now, as a baby would cry when his soch291 is taken from
him.”
Teul put his arms around Xipilli. “Chaq’,” was all he said.
Xipilli dried his eyes and continued. “I was surprised that any of us survived. The count was forty-nine. All the elderly, the children, the women, including Nah’ and my two iits’ins292 were gone. One hundred and thirty-one missing or dead. Zipactonal immediately got us organized into four groups. One group was to find the dead and prepare them for their journey to the Underworld. Another group was to clean up the village site and collect anything that remained of Nito. The third group was to find food. The fourth group was to search for our canoes. With canoes, we could fish.
“We did not find many of the dead, only sixty-three. We searched for many k’iins. When Zipactonal said to search no more, we all worked on trying to rebuild and find food. By then, citizens from other villages started coming to Nito for help, a help we could not give. Yet, Zipactonal took them. It was yesterday when some men and I were going fishing in the night that we found the T’oit’ik-jolom in a deep sleep. At first, we thought that he was washed ashore, but he was not swollen and did not smell like the long dead. We saw that he still breathed and so we took him to the village where he continued to sleep until after Kinich Ahau had returned. He told us who he was and that he needed to return to Ox Witz Ha and would seek help for us from Ajawinel K’an II. Zipactonal decided to send me as an envoy to the Ajawinel and to meet with Ajaws along the journey to ask for aid. That is my story.”
“And you, T’oit’ik-jolom to Ajawinel K’an II. How did you get to Nito?” asked the Ajaw.
“We were returning to Ox Witz Ha from Tulam Tzu and Chay Abaj. We planned to go to the Ja’-nima’ and canoe down to Quiriguá then take the trail to Ox Witz Ha. When we got to the Ja’-nima’, we found the Qas Nim Wo-ja’. Luckily, we were able to secure canoes and began paddling to Quiriguá. My canoe capsized and I could not be rescued. I almost drowned, but I was able to climb onto a fallen tree where I remained mostly senseless. The Ja’-nima’ carried me the rest of the k’iin and through the night until she deposited me where she meets the Nohoch Atz’am Ja’. When I awoke, I traveled along the coast until I reached Nito and Xipilli found me. That’s my story, Ajaw.”
“And Quiriguá? You passed it in the night?”
“Yes. I would have, Ajaw.”
“Do you think it has been destroyed?”
“I am sure there was damage as the whole jungle was blown to pieces and the Ja’-nima’ had risen to great heights. There was also a K’o-chuq’ab Kabraqan.”
“Yes, we did feel the wrath of Cabrakan, but it was not very strong here.” He furrowed his forehead. “This is bad. Quiriguá sends a lot of its ya’ax-chich, req’apunik-chun,293 kakaw, and other wares through Pusilhá.” He shook his head then shrugged his shoulders. “I will have to delay the completion of my Nim-q’ij Tomb. But that may not be a bad thing. If it is not ready, I cannot journey to the Underworld.” He laughed loudly and Ilhuitl, Xipilli, and Teul, joined in. The slave remained quiet. “I will continue with the stelae, however, as they tell our history. You see, Xipilli, Pusilhá is getting bigger, more powerful and it’s all because of trade, not wars.”
“I do, But’z Chan. I do see. But, perhaps, as you grow bigger and more powerful you will need more Warriors. Perhaps, I will be one of those Warriors.”
“Xipilli! Xipilli! But what you say is true.”
“There are always more demands as a Nim-q’ij Dynasty gets bigger. Kaloonte’ keeps telling me to strengthen my army. I tell him that our people moved here to avoid wars. Our ancestors wanted a different life so they came and formed this city.”
“When you’re small, you’re not a target. When you grow rich and strong, you become one,” contended Ilhuitl. “You must be able to defend yourself. My greatest fear is of the great Kingdom of Ajawinel K’ahk’ Uti’ Witz’ K’awill294 who rules from Oxwitik in the south in the lands of Hozanek.
“But they are far away and it is better for them to trade than go to war,” pointed out But’z Chan. “I even carry the name of Oxwitik’s Ruler Eleven.”
“One never knows what a powerful dynasty will decide to do,” countered Ilhuitl.
But’z Chan frowned, thinking, then said, “Kaloonte’. When we’re finished here, get our Batab to prepare an envoy to send to Oxwitik telling them of the great destruction and the interruption of trade. He will leave with the return of Kinich Ahau. Let’s see if they will send help. I think they will as they will want trade to be reestablished, as soon as possible.” Ilhuitl nodded.
“Ajaw!”
“Yes, T’oit’ik-jolom. I see you are not as forward as Xipilli who dares address me by my first name.” He reached over and rubbed Xipilli’s head, who flushed in embarrassment.
Teul smiled. “Yes. He is a little upstart.” Teul and But’z Chan laughed loudly. Xipilli just grinned.
“Your question?”
“Did a Kaloonte’ named Chiac and his Warriors pass through Pusilhá? We were the guards of the trade mission. We were separated during the Qas Nim Wo-ja’.”
“No one but you have arrived over the last few k’iins. If they survived and arrived at Quiriguá, they will take the trails leading here as they journey to Ox Witz Ha. Do you think they are still on U Wach Ulew?”
Teul face saddened momentarily. “I believe they … at least some of them survived. They are great Warriors.”
“Then wait for them here, at least for two k’iins. If they arrive, then you travel together.” But’z Chan smiled. “After all your difficulties, you should rest. Let Pusilhá entertain you tonight.”
“There’s no harm in waiting another k’iin,” agreed Xipilli, anticipation on his face.
“We need to get to Ox Witz Ha as soon as possible,” stated Teul as he looked pleadingly at Xipilli. I know what’s on your mind. No time for that now … I can’t believe I’m thinking this.” Our people need help to recover from the K’o-chuq’ab Kiäqiq’-jab.”
“There would be an advantage to journey together with the Kaloonte’ and his Warriors, that is if they survived. You would have a stronger troop as you pass through the kingdoms with your request for aid. Remember, Xipilli and Teul, some kingdoms are not very happy with Ox Witz Ha and the rumors coming out of it. There is Naj Tunich. It would be worth the wait.”
Teul sighed, thinking, I know madafok nothing about Naj Tunich. I have never been to Ox Witz Ha. I have never met Ajawinel K’an II. I don’t know how I will be received. I really know nothing about this madafok world I am in. I know nothing of rumors. I should just wait for Chiac to arrive. But suppose he doesn’t … he can’t.
“Kinich Ahau is already preparing for his journey to the Underworld, T’oit’ik-jolom. You are tired. Start fresh when the god returns. You will journey faster.”
“I will accept your hospitality and your advice, Ajaw But’z Chan, but I will resume my journey once Kinich Ahau returns to U Wach Ulew, whether my Kaloonte’ arrives or not.” Teul looked at Xipilli who nodded, a little smirk on his face.
The Ajaw clapped his hands. “We will prepare a feast. I cannot have it said that the Nabeal K’ojol and Envoy of Nimalaj Achi Zipactonal of Nito, and a T’oit’ik-jolom to Ajawinel K’an II were not properly feasted in Pusilhá.” He looked to Ilhuitl. “Take our quests to a hut for resting. Give my message to Batab to ready the envoy and send him on his way to Oxwitik; also instruct him to begin preparations for the feast. We begin as Kinich Ahau enters the Underworld.” Ilhuitl rose and Teul and Xipilli followed. They hit their chests and left the Nim-q’ij Residence.
Ilhuitl took them to a nearby residence that was large and accommodating. It was made of stone walls and a thatched roof. The windows were open, but the door had a brightly dyed hand-woven tapestry over it. Other tapestries also hung from the walls and the floor had several patterned rugs. The usual jar with a piece of broken pottery as a cover was in one corner.
Teul sat on one of the rugs, removed his lej-xajäbs and stretched out. Xipill
i did the same. “Better get some sleep,” said Teul. “I don’t know when we will go to bed tonight and we are leaving tomorrow.”
Xipilli smiled. “Well, if it is like last night, I really don’t care when we get to sleep.” He laughed.
“Go to sleep, Chaq’. You will run tomorrow even if I have to drag you behind me.” Xipilli laughed again.
Teul was just dosing off when a group of women entered the hut bringing food, drink, and two clean loincloths. They chatted between themselves, but did not address the two men. Once they left, Teul and Xipilli ravaged the food and drink then Teul stretched out, promptly falling asleep. Xipilli stood looked down at the sleeping Teul. He grinned and left the shed.
It was already dark when Ilhuitl woke them, telling them that the feast was ready and it was being held on the ballcourt. Teul heard the sounds of ch’aw-baqs, la’j-tuns, and sochs as he and Xipilli walked barefooted down to the nim-ja’. On reaching the bank they removed their dirty loincloths, threw them over nearby bushes, pissed, and then jumped in. They took several long swims before returning to the bank where they dried off and put on their clean loincloths.
“Well, we look clean enough. Ko’one’ex, Chaq’. Let’s see what’s in store for us tonight.” Teul reached over for his dirty loincloth.
“What are you doing, Achalal?”
“I’m getting my dirty loincloth. It can be washed and cleaned.”
“Don’t touch that. It smells worse than the par. We can’t go to the feast with our hand smelling like loincloth. Well send a servant for them.”
Teul wrinkled his nose. “I agree, Chaq’.”
“Good!” They left the bank, walked up the Chúumuk Sacbeob past the marketplace on their left and to the ballcourt, also on their left.
Sisimito III--Topoxte Page 23