Sisimito III--Topoxte

by Henry W. Anderson

  “Xut!” cussed Xiuhcoatl, as he looked around and marveled at Ox Witz’ Ha’s army. “They knew we were advancing. We were monitored and we didn’t even know.”

  “I knew,” countered Yochi. “So did Zyanya.”

  “Follow me,” ordered Xico, and they began racing up the sacbeob, led and followed by Warriors of Ox Witz Ha. Each Warrior lining the sacbeob hit his chest and banged his shield as Chiac passed.

  “What is all that about,” asked Teul, who ran beside Yochi.

  “That, Teul, is honor and glory being given to the great T’oit’ik-jolom of Ox Witz Ha called Fuck … our own Chiac. It was his strategy that saved Ox Witz Ha from defeat by K’uxaj, Ajawinel of Maxam.”

  “Madafok!” cried out Teul, in disbelief. “Madafok!” he murmured as the sacbeob widened and the city of Ox Witz Ha came into his view. “I don’t madafok believe this. I don’t madafok believe what I’m seeing.”

  Illustration 13: Ox Witz Ha Core Site (Artist not identified).

  Illustration 14: Today’s Caana (Sky Place) and an artist’s reconstruction.

  The sacbeob led them to one of the inner sacbeobs and they approached Ox Witz Ha from the northeast. They first passed several low buildings arranged in a rectangle. Further to their left was a large cho378 filled with water, looking silvery in the approaching dusk. The buildings were made up of different size rooms and the roofs were thatched.

  “What are those buildings?” asked Teul.

  “I am not sure, but they could be the Tijoxel Ja379 where the young men of the elite class are taught, study, and sleep,” answered Yochi. “I have heard of it. It is the place where new ideas are born.”

  Teul’s attention was drawn to the citizens that were suddenly everywhere, lining the sacbeob. As they walked, no longer running, there were whistles and cries and shouts of Ke’kchi! Ke’kchi! Ke’kchi! Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! The news of Chiac’s arrival and condition had already reached the citizens of Ox Witz Ha. Even when Chiac passed, being carried by Ichtaca, Cipactli, and Chino, the noise did not stop and the citizens threw branches of cot-acam, pay-che, sink-in, and pom on the sacbeob, hoping that as Chiac was carried over them, they would help to ward off the evil that had overtaken Chiac.

  “I don’t madafok believe this,” repeated Teul.

  Members of the Nim-q’ij Guard joined them walking on either side. They carried long bate’s and held these in their hand near the crowds. Whenever the bystanders seemed to be coming in too close, they merely extended their arm with the bate’ and the citizens drew back.

  They approached the central area of the city where there were three large complexes of buildings to their left, two to the southwest and a third further south. There was also an elaborate monument that looked like a stairway.

  They continued, nearing one of the tallest temples in Ox Witz Ha. To the right was a long flat building with thatched roof. It was residential or offices of some sort. But although they glanced at those other buildings, their eyes quickly returned to look at the building they were drawing close to. It stood one hundred and forty feet high and was the tallest building in the city.380 The base of the building was quadrangular, rising like a pyramid. Narrow central steps led up to three different levels that appeared equidistant apart. The first tier was about fifty feet from the base and a continuous series of rooms that abutted each other ran the entire west to east length of the platform, doorways facing the south. The central rooms also had doorways, those facing north. From that floor, a second stair led up to the next tier where there were another set of rooms, the central doorways leading into a courtyard. A temple sat on both the western and eastern edges of the courtyard, and a larger one on the northern edge. On the summit of those temples were rooms, the Nim-q’ij Residencies, their doors facing the courtyard.

  The troop entered a large open courtyard at the base of the Caana, the Nim-q’ij Palace, a ballcourt to its left. Many citizens had gathered there, all looking towards the oncoming march of Warriors. The Nim-q’ij s and elite were easily recognizable by their rich attire, their elaborate headdresses, cloaks, jeweled earrings, nose rings, and lip rings made from ya’ax-chich, q’aq’-puaq, and sea shells, their servants and slaves always close by. All Nim-q’ijs displayed an article of clothing or jewelry that portrayed some aspect of the ek baläm which was associated with the family of Ajawinel K’an II, and their bodies were painted and tattooed. Most of the citizens gathered were barefooted.

  Within the gathering was also a large group of middle-class citizens that wore decorated clothes, and jewelry. Many of the men wore plain white loincloths while others wore ones embellished with feathers and jewelry. Some of the women wore a simple straight flowing sleeveless white tunic along with jewelry and headdress. Other women wore matching turban, úúk, and shawl. They were obviously wealthy and moved freely among the Nim-q’ijs and elite. There were farmers, burned by the sun and dressed in stained white loincloths with no adornments. They also moved about freely with their wives and children showing that although the citizens were divided into specific social classes, and there was probably a Caste System in place, the citizens of Ox Witz Ha were free to move among each other. It was very evident that there was a large difference in wealth between the nobles and the farmers, but it was also apparent that there was a large and powerful middle class in Ox Witz Ha. It was only slavery that constituted a sharply bounded social class. Slaves wore almost no clothes, or none at all. Of those that wore clothes, the men had a piece of cloth wrapped around their waist, and the women a slightly larger piece wrapped around their body.

  Ajawinel K’an II and his family awaited them at the top of the first set of stairs, on the first tier, ringed by Nim-q’ij Guards. Ajawinel K’an II wore only a loincloth, painted like the pelt of the ek baläm, and no lej-xajäbs. He wore a necklace with the Raax Ch’ayom Puag of ya’ax-chich hanging on his chest, and a scabbarded machete at his side. His wife, the attractive and elegant Chichu’ Ajawinel, stood beside him. She was dressed in a short red tunic and úúk that reached down to her ankles, just above her lej-xajäbs. She wore large earplugs, a long-beaded necklace, and bracelets on both arms, all made from ya’ax-chich. A red headdress with two folds from which hung a single quetzal feather covered her head. Her black hair was long, straight, oiled, stunning as it reflected brilliant but soft beams from Kinich Ahau as he prepared to leave U Wach Ulew. She had it tied back with white ribbons. The children, four in all, ages ranging four to eight, were standing beside their nah’ and taat. All were girls, wearing plain white úúk and póót, and sea shell necklaces. Beside Ajawinel K’an II stood the stately Lady Batz’ Ek’, Nim-q’ij Nah’ of Ajawinel K’an II.

  They climbed the stairs and Xico raised his hand and they stopped. He bowed and hit his chest. “Ajawinel! The troop is here.”

  “Bring forward the T’oit’ik-jolom Fuck.”

  Xico turned and indicated to four Nim-q’ij Guards. They took Chiac from Chino, Ichtaca, and Cipactli and lay him at the feet of the Ajawinel. He knelt beside Chiac and a murmur rose from the crowd that had gathered below.

  “He was on his way to Ox Witz Ha when he and his troop were attacked by Hach-k’ek’en Ajchaq’e and his hach-k’ek’ens. He was pierced by the tusk of a hach-k’ek’en that carried the k’aas and enchantment of Mahanamatz.” A louder murmur arose from the crowd. “Their healers have removed some of the ch’u’j-k’aas, but the enchantment remains strong,” briefed Xico.

  Ajawinel K’an II brushed Chiac’s forehead. He looked up at Lady Batz’ Ek’ who was standing next to him.

  “Take him to my quarters. Now!” she ordered. “Take his Chief Healer as well.”

  “Your quarters?” asked Xico.

  “Yes! Do not dally.” She turned to Xico. “Send Runners accompanied by Warriors. Bring the Ahau Can Mai, his best healers, the best physicians. Bring them by their necks like kuts if you have to.”

  “My Lady,” bowed Xico, and he ran down the stairway, followed by several
Warriors.

  “Now, get him to my quarters.” The four Nim-q’ij Guards immediately picked up Chiac.

  “Gently,” ordered the Lady Batz’ Ek’. “But hurry.”

  Ajawinel K’an II beckoned to a Nim-q’ij Guard who stood apart from the rest. “Nim-q’ij Ukab Kaloonte’!”

  “Ajawinel,” answered Ehecatl,381 giving his head a slight bow.

  “See that the Warriors are given shelter, food, and anything else they may need or want. Take care of their injuries. Have servants take the children, and those who look after them, to the Nim-q’ij Apartments near the Nim-q’ij Bath. Have them fed, bathed, and dressed. Brief me later on all that has happened.”

  Ehecatl hit his chest. He left, taking a dozen Nim-q’ij Guards with him. Two of them he ordered to get servants to help with the children. The others he took with him after instructing Zyanya to have his Warriors follow.

  The two Nim-q’ij Guards assigned to the children, led them to the right of the Nim-q’ij Palace and passed a temple with two layers. That building had five very broad stone treads leading to the first level which was just a platform. A second series of steps, eleven of them, got progressively narrower as they ascended to the top level where there were rooms covered with slabs of stone for the roofs. Behind that structure was a large patio, in the middle of which was a long table surrounded by blocks for use as stools, all made from rock. Small rooms with thatched roofs surrounded the patio. Those structures faced the back of the palace beside which was a cho, smaller than the one they had seen when entering the city. The boys were taken into one room with Teyacapan and the girls in an adjoining room with Sacnite and Xochitl, both rooms facing the large patio. The servants began looking after the children and one Nim-q’ij Guard stood in front of each door.

  The rooms were small, about eight feet by ten feet. There were no windows and no furniture. There was a large rug made from straw, covered with cloth, and the children sat on it. Another large piece of fabric was rolled up and placed on the rug. There was a lamp in one corner. The soft sound of slowly pouring water was evident and calming, and there was the faint smell of smoke, of burning wood.

  At the Caana, the Nim-q’ij Guards carrying Chiac walked through the doorway, across a narrow court and up the second set of stairs. They went hurriedly through the entrance and into the central courtyard of the second tier, then towards the eastern temple on top of which was Lady Batz’ Ek’s residence.

  The Ajawinel and his small procession, including Chalchiuitl and Yochi, climbed to the summit and waited while Lady Batz’ Ek’ continued into her room. The Nim-q’ij Guards carrying Chiac hesitated as they did not normally enter the room unless ordered to do so. Lady Batz’ Ek’ turned and faced them. “Enter,” she commanded.

  It was one large room. A mural depicting Kan-U-Uayeyab, the god who guarded cities, was on the eastern wall, and colorful tapestries with geometric and floral designs draped the other walls. There was a table and four stools, a pot for personal use, jars with water, shelves with cloths and headdresses, jewelry, and two multicolored rugs for sleeping.

  “Place him on one of the rugs,” she ordered. The Nim-q’ij Guards placed Chiac on the rug, gently. They looked towards the Lady. She nodded. They hit their chests and left.

  “Where are those priests and physicians?”

  My Nim-q’ij Kaloonte’ is one of my most trusted. He will do what is necessary. He is also a friend of Fuck,” assured the Ajawinel, looking at Lady Batz’ Ek’ with a very puzzled look.

  “I will look to see if they approach,” offered Yochi.

  “That will not help,” protested Lady Batz’ Ek’, sounding agonized, walking up and down. “But you may, if you wish.”

  Yochi hit his chest and left the room, soon to return. “They are already climbing the steps, My Lady.”

  “Good,” she answered, stopping her pacing.

  Xico entered the room with six priests, all breathing heavily except Xico, carrying little bundles and incense burners with live cinders. Xico looked at Lady Batz’ Ek’ and nodded. She nodded back. He then looked at Chiac, anxiety in his black eyes. He drew back to the wall beside Yochi.

  “Where is the Ahau Can Mai?” asked Lady Batz’ Ek’, angrily.

  “He is in Naj Tunich … attending a ceremony at Naj Tunich.”

  Lady Batz’ Ek’ frowned indignantly. “Attending that, thatceremony.” She glared at the priest.

  “I am Ah-k’inob382 Coatl,383 second to the Ahau Can Mai.”

  I know who you are. Speak no more of the Ahau Can Mai. Just do what is necessary to save the T’oit’ik-jolom. If he dies you will join him in Xibalba. Did you bring what is necessary?” asked the Lady Batz’ Ek’.

  Coatl bowed, promptly. “The Kaloonte’ told us what had happened and we gathered as many things we could, quickly, knowing the matter was urgent.” Lady Batz’ Ek’ nodded.

  “And the physicians, Kaloonte’?”

  “My Nacons are seeking them out at this time, My Lady,” Xico informed her.

  “Good.”

  “My Lady?”

  “Yes, Ah-k’inob.”

  “If it is only the enchantment that remains, the physicians will not be needed. Their presence may interfere with our spiritual undertaking.”

  “Look at him, Ah-k’inob. Definitely, all the ch’u’j-k’aas have not been removed and k’aas is different from enchantment. The physicians will not interfere with your rituals. They will examine him to find out everything that is physically wrong. Once they have done their part, they will then leave. That is my command.”

  “I am Chalchiuitl, wife of Zyanya, Ukab Kaloonte’ of Ahau Naj Tunich,” said Chalchiuitl, making a sharp bow. “I have been healing the T’oit’ik-jolom.”

  “From Naj Tunich?”

  “Yes, My Lady.”

  “I am suspicious of anything out of Naj Tunich.”

  “My husband, my children, and I have escaped from Naj Tunich, My Lady.”

  Lady Batz’ Ek’ stared at Chalchiuitl then turned to the Ah-kinob. “You have my instructions. The Healer from Naj Tunich has been attempting to help the T’oit’ik-jolom. Use her.”

  “My Lady,” responded Ah-k’inob Coatl.

  “Now get along with your rituals. See that he is bathed and has a loincloth. A T’oit’ik-jolom that does not wear a loincloth? Unbelievable! Unacceptable!” fumed Lady Batz’ Ek’. “And as the physicians arrive, have them begin their work, immediately, I fear that the remaining poisons may be stronger than the enchantments.”

  “My Lady!”

  They kneeled beside Chiac, four immediately began chants, swinging their incense burners. The other two, including the Ah-k’inob, placed down their burners and began examining Chiac. The Ah-k’inob stared at the Green Scapular, threw some powder on it, then, hesitatingly, reached for it. The scapular immediately began to glow emerald green. Coatl pulled his hand away and the other priests raised their incantations.

  “Leave that,” Lady Batz’ Ek’ ordered, her face awed.

  Ajawinel K’an II held his Raax Ch’ayom Puag, his face serious and puzzled as he looked at Lady Batz’ Ek’. “Are you well?” he asked. She nodded, but sweat was breaking from her forehead.

  “But I have to remove all influences I do not know,” complained Coatl, especially this one.” He pointed to the Green Scapular. “If the Ahau Can Mai were here, he would have insisted.”

  “The Ahau Can Mai is not here. You stated that he is in Naj Tunich. Leave the ch’ayom puaq of cloth and proceed. And don’t forget. Do not mention the Ahau Can Mai again. I will deal with him on his return.”

  Yochi’s face remained impassive at the mention of the Ahau Can Mai while Coatl’s face showed definite fear. “As you command, My Lady,” Coatl responded.

  Ajawinel K’an II stared at his Nim-q’ij Nah’, wondering why she had taken so much interest in Fuck. When Fuck had first come to Ox Witz Ha, she had completely ignored him, even after he was victoriou
s at the ballgame, even after his military strategy saved Ox Witz Ha from the attack by K’uxaj, Ajawinel of Maxam.

  Ah-k’inob Coatl rubbed the area over Chiac’s heart with a sweet-smelling salve. Two of the other priests chanted while massaging Chiac’s arms and forearms, rubbing the muscles as if pushing something forward towards his chest. Each of the other two held a leg and was kneading it, also as if pushing something towards Chiac’s chest. The sixth priest chanted loudly as he swung his incense burner, the other five burners having been placed around Chiac.

  The smoke and smell from the burners began to fill the room, making breathing a bit difficult and Lady Batz’ Ek’ soon become irritated. “He is not moving, Ah-k’inob. Why is it taking so long?” she asked. “And where are those physicians?”

  “Mahanamtz enchantments are very strong and they have had time to seep deeply into the T’oit’ik-jolom’s body. But there has been some progress. We are lifting the enchantments from his limbs and bringing them up to his heart which I am strengthening. Once the enchantments reach there, the T’oit’ik-jolom’s will use his heart to expel them. That is if he is strong enough, My Lady.” Ah-k’inob Coatl looked up at Lady Batz’ Ek’. “It may take us many k’abs, My Lady. But the T’oit’ik-jolom’s is strong. I feel his strength in my hands and he is fighting to live.”