I smiled. “I am not replacing the standard salute. I can’t. That would-be insubordination and I would be disciplined. We will, however, keep it within our platoon. We are a different type of Warrior. We need to develop our own traditions. Whenever we salute an officer outside of our platoon, we hit our chests.”
Zyanya thought for a moment. “Yes! That’s good. It identifies us as a special force.”
“I think our q’eq skins already mark us?” Yochi grinned then burst out laughing.
“But, Chiac, we will not get rid of all the traditions as it will weaken the Way of the Warrior,” said Zyanya. “Anyway, Fuck, until you decided who you will drink to, let’s just drink to Mayahuel and Tlacuache,” said Zyanya.
I didn’t know who Mayahuel and Tlacuache were, but the iztāc-octli was a fokin good idea. I grinned, not knowing what else to do. “Let’s get the iztāc-octli and drink to Mayahuel and Tlacuache,” I agreed, and we walked back towards the wo’qibal. I do need to fuck. My sperms must be swimming in my lungs.
Patli was always nearby, and always seem to anticipate what I wanted. As we sat on a tree trunk used as a bench, he brought us three mugs of iztāc-octli, which he constantly refilled. We watched Xico and his Warriors leave the compound, taking all the color with them, leaving my black unadorned Warriors. The Nimal Nacons had my Warriors divided into their sections, some of the Warriors standing, some squatting, but all alert and ready, probably a little restless, wanting to follow Xico. As I did not plan to follow Xico until a k’ab after they left, Yochi, Zyanya and I continued having Patli refill our mugs.
As soon as Kinich was two hands above the mountains, I ordered Yochi and Zyanya to have our Warriors fall in. We were moving out. There was no ceremony, just as I had ordered. 1 did look towards the Nim-q’ij Palace, beyond the yaxché, and there were people standing on the narrow terrace of the Nim-q’ij Residence. I felt sure that it was K’an II and the Nim-q’ij Family, wishing us well.
We took the main sacbeob to the northwest, running on it as it cut through the jungle and over the mountains. After one k’ab, I ordered the Warriors into the jungle, Yochi on the right, Zyanya on the left, as planned. I instructed them to march as quickly as they could, with as little noise as possible, and to see if they agreed with me about the to’bal-ribs and its uselessness in the jungle. I remained on the sacbeob, listening to them as they moved across the jungle floor. I expected to hear them, for they were moving as quickly as they could. Yet, I was pleasantly surprised that the sounds were not as much as I had anticipated. Even when a to’bal-rib hit against a tree, the sound was soft for the to’bal-rib were made of pelt. Yet, it was a thud, loud enough for any enemy scout or Warrior to hear. I was not concerned, however, as they would improve. Also, when we infiltrated the enemy, we would be moving slowly and silently. If we did have to run, we had to run. The noise we made wouldn’t be important then.
I kept the Warriors in the jungle for about three k’abs. As it had grown dark they slowed down, but even in the dark all I heard, most of the times, was the chirp-chirp of the xirs and the cries of the early night birds. I listened often, but there were only sporadic sounds of movement. I was very satisfied with our progress, but didn’t want any accidents so I called them on to the sacbeob and we kept running towards Xico’s camp, which he would have set up ahead of us.
We crossed a creek and about a mile later reached Xico’s camp. He had chosen the north bank of a river that we had to cross in order to continue on the sacbeob. The river was swift and about two hundred yards wide. Torches were lit and the smell of smoking meat reached us. La’j-tuns and ch’aw-baqs were playing, and it was hard for me to believe that Xico’s Warriors were on their way to battle. But that was the Way of the Warrior on U Wach Ulew. Xico was displaying K’an II’s might and lack of fear.
I decided to remain on the south side, keeping my Warriors in the dark, so the bulk of the Warriors just sat or lay down on the sacbeob, a few of them disappearing into the nearby jungle to be on guard. I sent Patli to inform Xico that we had arrived, although I was sure he knew already. Patli took off his lej-xajäbs then walked across the river, waist deep at times, over to Xico’s camp and quickly returning with three mugs of iztāc-octli. Yochi and Zyanya had joined me, after ensuring that the Warriors, although tired, were in their assigned sections, still vigilant, a guard duty roster in place, and a fire built.
“Nabe Kaloonte”s Warriors are drinking and eating now. As soon as they are finished, the slaves will bring food and drink for us,” said Patli. I nodded, quietly sipping my iztāc-octli as I sat by the fire.
“Should we talk now?” asked Yochi.
I sighed, not out of tiredness or frustration, just with the realization that I had to make the best decision possible. “Patli.”
“Yes, Nabe Nacon.”
“Go over and bring me Teyacapan. Also, inform Choj and Bo I need them.” He hit his chest, then raised his fist.
“Will you ask Xico and Ehecatl as well?” asked Zyanya. “Should we get our Nacons?”
“No. We will make our plans then I will inform Xico and Ehecatl, get their opinions and coordinate with them. I will summon our Nacons later.” Patli left and soon returned with Teyacapan. “And how are our priests,” I asked.
“Too tired even for incantations tonight,” Teyacapan grinned. “What do you need, Nabe Nacon?”
“We are making our plan to attack and kill Mahanamtz and to rescue Xch’úup Xma’ K’aaba’. I want to know what role Ah-k’inob Coatl and his priests will play.”
Teyacapan grinned again. “Well, I hope Mahanamtz doesn’t attack tonight. Coatl and his priest won’t even be able to hold up their incense burners.” He sighed then held his Raax Ch’ayom Puag, looking at it.”
“Coatl is alarmed. He does not believe that the Raax Ch’ayom Puag has any power, but he fears that as more Warriors and citizens hear the stories of the Ix Na Li Kawa, they may be swayed from our gods and our gods, in anger, will lessen the power in the priests’ incantations.”
“Perhaps, the gods themselves fear that their powers will be lessened. The more citizens that turn away from them, the more they may fade away,” I said.
Teyacapan stared at me. “You don’t believe in the gods, do you?”
“Sometimes, I don’t know what I believe in.”
“I may not have seen, but I have heard terrible stories of our gods’ anger. I have also heard stories of the benevolence of their blessings. You, Nabe Nacon, have told us the story of the image in the Ch’ajch’oj Chiyul and how you were saved from Mahanamtz. Surely, that is the power of Ix Na Li Kawa.”
I shrugged my shoulders. “I suppose it is. Anyhow, we have a fokin plan to make. Let’s not get side tracked.”
“Nabe Nacon,” shouted Choj and Bo who had just arrived. They raised their right fists. It seemed that the word had already spread.
I nodded. “Let’s begin with you Teyacapan.”
“In any battle that the priests accompany us, they make prayer offerings and promises of sacrifices to Ek Chuah and other gods. They choose gods depending on the time of battle, the k’iin, the uinal, many things. They do their incantations and burn the essence of the Sacred Pom. If the gods accept, we are assured of victory.”
“Isn’t the enemy praying and offering, as well?” I countered.
Teyacapan sighed, appearing reluctant to answer. “Yes! We never know which side will receive the greater blessing until the battle is over. The battle is often won by the side whose priests promise the most sacrifices.”
“But how will the priests know how many prisoners we will capture? Suppose we don’t capture enough?”
“Then Warriors and slaves are supplied by the kingdom that has lost the battle. The priests have been doing this for many k’atuns. They know the strengths and strategies of the armies and infer what the outcome of the battle will be. Many times, we capture more Warriors than they have offered for sacrifice.” Teyacapan raised his eyebro
ws. “They sacrifice the rest, anyhow.”
“Why?”
Teyacapan stared at me, frowning. “Warfare is a driving force of cultural change among us. One of the main goals in warfare is to acquire sacrificial victims. Sacrifice not only legitimizes the ruler by intimidating his rivals and awing his citizens, but it is also associated with concepts of sacred fluids and the passage of time.”
“That is one of the many things Ajawinel K’an II wants to change,” interjected Bo.
“Those beliefs have existed since Itzamná founded our culture. It will be difficult to change them,” responded Teyacapan.
“Hopefully, we will not be fighting enemy Warriors. We will be fighting Mahanamtz, his Kechelaj Komon, and his Kechelaj Jupuq,” said Zyanya.
Teyacapan looked towards him. “We have had no battles like that before.”
“I think we will be fighting both,” suggested Choj. “The enemy kingdoms will take advantage of our battle with Mahanamtz. Their spies already know that the fiercest Nim-q’ij Guards of Ox Witz Ha are on this sacbeob and that they total one hundred, no more. They also know that our total strength is two hundred, including, servants, slaves, and priests. We are not the usual five hundred to a thousand Warriors.”
“Then you think the Nim-q’ij Envoys will fail,” I queried. Choj shrugged his shoulders, looking uncertain. “Bo. Can you carry on?”
Bo nodded. “Maxam always wanted revenge for their defeats and dominance by Ox Witz Ha.” He chuckled. “It also doesn’t help that K’an II has openly stated that with the death of Aj Wosal Chan K’inich, Maxam has taken a disastrous course under K’uxaj. Even though K’an II has his diplomats and some of Ox Witz Ha’s Warriors in Maxam, it would not be difficult for K’uxaj to seize the envoys and Warriors and sacrifice them on the stone altars to Ah Puch or any god he wishes. K’uxaj still has many Warriors and they are loyal to him.”
“That is correct,” endorsed Zyanya.
“You know of these things?” I asked Zyanya.
“As Ukab Kaloonte’ to Ahau Naj Tunich, I received reports from all our spies.” I nodded. “K’uxaj’s Runners will let him know where we are every step we march on this sacbeob.”
“But isn’t the Kingdom of Maxam still involved in wars with Yax Mutul,” injected Yochi. “K’uxaj continues the conflict even though Ox Witz Ha oversees Maxam. Do you think they would still engage us?”
“As Bo said,” Zyanya answered. “K’uxaj wants revenge so that he can build a stela to tell the story of a great victory against Ox Witz Ha. He does not want to die in obscurity.” Everyone was quiet, as if thinking. There was only the chirp-chirp of the xirs and the soft sound of the flowing river enhancing rather than diminishing the silent beauty of the jungle at night.
“So,” I concluded, “We may face the Warriors of Maxam.” I looked at Yochi. “Do you have anything to add, Yochi?”
“Not at this time, Chiac.” He smiled. “Zyanya’s role in Naj Tunich was different from mine in Yax Mutul. I was just a Warrior. I know little of politics. Also, I have been in Xibalba for one tun. I will only speak of what I know best.”
“So, who else may attack us?” I asked. Zyanya indicated to Choj and Bo.
“We have Yaxha and Topoxte. Yaxha is a large commercial center on the northeast of Ha’ Yaxha, Topoxte just across the ha’ to the southwest, not even a k’ab away by canoe. They are not allies of Maxam as Maxam has also fought against them, but never able to dominate them. If Maxam attacks us, I would not be surprised if Yaxha takes the opportunity to attack an already weakened Maxam. They have no interest in a war with Ox Witz Ha. At least, not at this time,” said Bo.
“What about Topoxte?” asked Choj. “It is subordinate to Yaxha, but I won’t be surprised if Ahau Topoxte goes against Yaxha’s wishes.”
“Topoxte has a growing relationship with Yax Mutul, and K’inich Muwaan Jol II421 would definitely like to defeat Ox Witz Ha,” said Bo. “K’inich Muwaan Jol II will never lay aside the fact that Ox Witz Ha allied with Ox Te’ Tuun to defeat Yax Mutul. Even though K’inich Muwaan Jol II is considered one of our people, we must not forget that his lineage came from Puh422 in the west, in the lands of Zac-Cimi. Puh defeated Yax Mutul, established their own rulers there and still holds dominance over the policies of Yax Mutul who remains a key ally and trading party. With Puh’s support, Yax Mutul has absorbed Siaan K’aan and all the smaller cities of the region into their kingdom. They would not fear attacking our forces, as they try to expand their dominance to the south and west. Already, cities to the south and west like Ixlu423 and Motul424 near Ha’ Ta Itza425 are mere vassals to Yax Mutul. It is interesting to note, however, that, according to our spies, Mutul is seeking to change its allegiance to Ox Te’ Tuun.”
“And Nakúm and Pa’ Chan?” asked Zyanya.
“Nakúm is also subordinate to Yax Mutul and Yax Mutul will demand total allegiance. Yax Mutul does not allow Nakúm any sovereignty because of the strategic position of the Holmul Nim-ja’426 just north of the city. The Holmul Nim-ja’ is an important trade and communications route.”
“So Nakúm may attack us.” I concluded.
“Yes,” answered Bo. “Now, in the case of Pa’ Chan, the city was founded by enemies of Yax Mutul and began to prosper. They were, however, attacked by the Puh-linked general, Siyaj K’ak’427 when there was a major intervention by Puh over two tuns ago. Even though Puh has since been attacked and burnt, the influences they left here still survive.”
“So, Pa’ Chan may attack us as well.”
Bo smiled. “Oh no, Chiac! There’s nothing better that Pa’ Chan would like than to see Yax Mutul fall. They covertly sought an alliance with Ox Te’ Tuun, Yax Mutul greatest enemy, to gain local advantage of the region they call Chiik Naab’. We know this because, and it is only our Nim-q’ij Advisors and top Military Nacons who know, K’an II has performed a ritual of alliance with Yuknoom Head428 of Ox Te’ Tuun and the two kingdoms share intelligence. Runner Envoys are already on their way to Ox Te’ Tuun to advise them of our march to the north and the possibility that we will be attacked.”
“Let’s summarize,” I said. “Choj?” I wanted to see if Choj had anything to contribute. Choj indicated to Bo, but I persisted. “It’s always good to get information from different people, Choj. You are also a scholar. Have you nothing to contribute that may help?”
“As I’ve said, Bo is the expert at politics and military history. I know more about the history of military strategies, current military tactics, and weaponry. K’an II requested that we emphasize different issues so that we could advise differently.”
“So, you are Nim-q’ij Advisors?” I asked, jokingly.
They both laughed. “No, Chiac,” said Choj. “We are just loyal al-ch’utin-nans, so loyal that we even agreed to put our lives at risk by playing pitz with someone on our team who knew absolutely t’ot about the ballgame.”
It was my turn to laugh. “But we won.”
“Yes, we did,” agreed Choj, and now songs are sung about you. Not about Bo and me, only about you.” He shook his head. “A foked up life, Fuck,” he grinned.
“Well, let me recap,” interrupted Bo. “Should our Nim-q’ij Envoys fail, the kingdoms that may attack are Maxam, Yax Mutul, Topoxte, and Nakúm. Pa Chan will side with us. Ox Te’ Tuun will definitely fight with us, but they are far away and may arrive too late. We are not sure about Yaxha. They may not want to upset their trade, at this time; yet, they may use the opportunity to clamp down on Topoxte and its growing relations with Yax Mutul. If we do go as far as Siaan K’aan, they will not support us. They take orders from Yax Mutul. Of course, if the kingdoms accept that we are only interested in killing Mahanamtz, they may just leave us alone. I don’t think they will believe us, however.”
“Our strategical concern is that we do not have a large number of Warriors,” I emphasized. “As K’an II said, however, sending a large force, more than one hundred Nim-q’ij Guards, would be interpreted as a
declaration of war. Hopefully, the kingdoms will, should, note that if we were intent on war, we would have at least five hundred Warriors, maybe a thousand. If it were a major campaign, maybe even more.”
“That is so,” said Choj. “Yet, Chiac, the force we have is adequate to attack any city in this region. Armies are expensive and cannot be maintained for a long period …”
“But Ox Witz Ha has a large army,” I interrupted.
“Yes, Chiac, but Ox Witz Ha is … different. Yet, there have been many times when our army was reduced.”
“Ox Witz Ha is prosperous,” explained Bo. “The nobles and elite of our kingdom are wealthy and the general citizens also share in this wealth. It is also because of that general affluence that the priests fear the rule of K’an II. They fear that the ordinary citizens are becoming too powerful and that will lead to the overthrow of the current social structure. They fear they will lose their power over the citizens. They also fear that the Nim-q’ij Dynasties will eventually be overthrown. They are angered by K’an II’s apparent indifference to their fears. The priests spread those fears and that is why the regional kingdoms form alliances against Ox Witz Ha. They fear that the ideas of K’an II will spread to their kingdoms. And now there is the ‘heresy’ of the Raax Ch’ayom Puag and Ix Na Li Kawa.” Bo opened his arms, as if in exasperation. “The only things K’an II has on his side are the support of the young tijoxels and scholars. and the loyalty and power of his Army.”
“Each kingdom would like to have a great army, Chiac,” said Choj, “but as I said before, it is difficult to, or simply cannot, be maintained. When there is the need, militia are formed and they are sustained through temporary appropriations of food and other materials from very unhappy villagers. Also, many cities are located in very well defensive positions, so maintaining a very large army is not needed. The number of elite Warriors we have with us can take on a city and probably win. Most of our wars consist of a series of brief and deadly encounters culminating in the decisive capture of principal leaders, their imprisonment and eventual sacrifice. Another form of victory consists of the capture and destruction of strategically located border towns with the consequent loss of control over larger frontier regions. Our force can do that. That is why our move north will cause the kingdoms to be very wary and alarmed. Keep in mind too, Chiac, each city may only maintain a small army, but together in alliance they become a very large army. It is for military, political, and religious reasons, and K’an II’s own beliefs why he must keep a large and strong army. Few kingdoms are able to do that. It is only because of his focus on trade, the new ideas about farming and the replacing of the kool with terraced farms, the wealth of the middle class, that Ox Witz Ha can do that. Yet, the kingdoms do not see the good in those new ideas. As K’an II says, They fear changes and that fear will lead to our destruction.”
Sisimito III--Topoxte Page 43