Our casualties sat or lay on the ground nearby. During the night, Teyacapan, Taat, Sacnite, and Xochitl had worked on them, using anything they could find to patch their injuries and ease their pain. The broken bones had been stabilized, dislocated shoulders reduced, and wounds sewed. Yaotl was still unconscious, and Choj in and out of consciousness, barely lucid.
Xipil had left us for a moment, but was soon back and we began our march to the east, stepping over the dead. The building just east of the Ahau’s Palace was badly damaged, and the platform of the courtyard had large cracks that we had to jump over. We continued down to a lower platform which had a large building at its northern end. It was broken into four parts and partly sunken where the platform had given way. There were no bodies in that area. We walked in between several buildings and small temples, built close together, going down to the beach level. Those buildings had withstood the kabraqan well. Except for minor cracks, they seemed intact. There were no citizens around, but there were also no dead. We came to the area with the shrubs, bushes and trees where we had pulled up the canoes as high as we could have gotten them. Many of those bushes and shrubs had been uprooted by the battering waves, the trees flattened and also burnt by the u-hatz’il-cháaks. Fortunately, almost unbelievingly, though damaged and tossed about, only one of the canoes was so badly wrecked that it couldn’t be used. As I surveyed the area, I realized that what had helped was that we had beached in a small cove with a platform and three buildings to our north. That had lessened the wind and wave action on the cove and its beaches. Papan sat on a very small canoe, as bloodied and dirty as we were.
“Nabe Nacon,” he said, as we approached. He made to stand and I put up my hand. He sat back down, wearily.
“And Ox Witz Ha?” I asked.
“Ahau Naj Tunich and his Warriors should be tightening the siege on Ox Witz Ha by now.”
“And Ox Te’ Tuun?”
Papan shook his head. “Kaloonte’ Coaxoch521 and his Warriors arrive in two k’iins.”
“Then we need to get there. Ko’one’ex, Warriors.” I nodded to Xipil and hit my chest. He returned the acknowledgement.
We quickly pulled the canoes to the waterside, Papan picking his up with one hand. There would not have been any delay, but when Molly saw the water, she began screaming again.
“She has Mahanamtz’ fear of water,” advised Coatl. He had somehow gotten hemp rope and with Teyacapan’s and the priests’ help, amidst continuous chanting, he was able to subdue her. I just stood and watched, feeling nothing. Because of the death and blood, and what was happening to Molly, I had buried all my emotions. 1 had to do that if I were to survive and lead my platoon; and there was another battle we had to fight.
It was when I was getting into my canoe that I noted that Amoxtli, Nopaltzin, and Teyacapan were helping Ilhicamina and Tezcacoatl into one of the canoes. Ilhicamina was obviously in pain as he leaned forward. His right shoulder was very swollen and was broken or had been violently dislocated. Tezcacoatl was no better off, barely able to move his very swollen and discolored right leg. As Nopaltzin tried to help them, he often gasped and put his hand over his right ribs. They were not supposed to be with us, but I was too tired to care. I decided I would deal with them once we disembarked. We paddled swiftly, avoiding the occasional dead and mutilated bodies that floated, and were soon on the southern bank of Ha’ Yaxha near the mouth of a river.
We pulled up the canoes and I immediately called Amoxtli. He was bruised and swollen all over. “What are you doing here?”
He looked at me. “We want to go with you. We want to be with the Q’eq Warriors of the Raax Ch’ayom Puag.”
I frowned. I had heard my platoon referred to by that name before, but had been so distraught or preoccupied that I had not given it only a glancing thought. Ahau Topoxte had used the name, earlier, but I had no idea it was already attached to my Warriors. I decided to ignore the matter. “But you’re Warriors of Topoxte. You are also Nim-q’ij.”
“Topoxte has become a satellite city of Yax Mutul. We will have no power. Also, should we return, we will no longer be Warriors of Topoxte. We will be Warriors of Yax Mutul. We do not want to be Warriors of Yax Mutul. We want to be Q’eq Warriors of the Raax Ch’ayom Puag, Nabe Kaloonte’.”
“I am not Nabe Kaloonte’. I am Nabe Nacon.”
“You will soon be Nabe Kaloonte’.”
I looked at the young Amoxtli, wondering what to do. Why does my fokin life have to have so many complications? I nodded and he hit his chest then moved away to join his comrades. Xipil came up to me and I indicated to Amoxtli. He, Ilhicamina. Nopaltzin, and Tezcacoatl are going with me. Will you report them?
Xipil raised his eyebrows. “No, Nabe Nacon. They will simply be among the missing.”
“And their families?”
He shook his head. “The Warriors will know how to contact them, if they wish.” He shrugged his shoulders. “They are young. They can start new families.” I nodded, trying to accept Xipil’s acceptance of the past and new beginnings. “There is one other matter, Nabe Nacon.” I nodded. “The Warriors that brought us across the ha’, and I, we would like the Raax Ch’ayom Puag.
I was shocked and immediately Bo’s words came to me, “I am not referring to the battle, Chiac. I am referring to the Fall of an Empire.” Then there were Xbalanque’s words … the Raax Ch’ayom Puag will cause the Fall of an Empire, the fall of our gods, the fall of Xbalanque and Hunahpu, the fall of U Wach Ulew, perhaps the fall of Yaxché itself. I did not know if I believed that would happen. I certainly didn’t want to be responsible for that, but I found it very difficult to refuse Xipil’s request. He was a Warrior.
“I don’t think that Ahau Topoxte … I remembered he had held my Green Scapular … I don’t think that Yax Mutul will allow you to wear the Raax Ch’ayom Puag,” I said.
He smiled. “Let that be our worry, Nabe Nacon.”
“Patli!” He was always near. “Go to the Warriors and ask ten of them for their Raax Ch’ayom Puag. We will replace them in Ox Witz Ha.” He hesitated, looking at me with incredulity, then went and quickly returned.
“The Warriors said No, Nabe Nacon.”
“No?”
“Yes, Nabe Nacon. No! They said that it was their Raax Ch’ayom Puag that they wore during battle that protected them from the Kechelaj Jupuq. They stress that their Raax Ch’ayom Puag carries their blood and the blood of the enemies they sent to Xibalba. They want no other.”
Again, I thought of Bo’s words. But the Warriors were right. I reprimanded myself for even having though to ask them. I concluded that I was very tired indeed. “I will send them for you, Xipil. I will give them to Papan. He will find you.” Xipil hit his chest and they were soon on the water, paddling back to Topoxte and what awaited them there.
Katy-Katy-yu-baby-di cry.
Jut-Jut.
Katy-Katy-yu-baby-di cry.
Jut-Jut.
“They’re back,” I shouted, and my eyes moistened. “They’re back.”
Nabe Nacon?” queried Patli.
“Katy and Jut-Jut are back. That is a good omen.”
“A good omen?” Then Patli smiled, not knowing what the fok I was talking about.
Marching with the casualties slowed us down more than I wanted and all with severe injuries had to be shouldered. Bo insisted that he carried Choj who had regained consciousness, but was still unsteady and barely lucid, at times. The severe injuries were mainly due to being hit with a q’osibal causing concussions, lacerations, and broken bones; however, there were also deep wounds from the sharp tusks of the Hach-k’ek’ens and Kitams, and bites from the Batz. Those with less severe injuries walked, but many times they had to be helped. Those injuries were cracked ribs, dislocated joints especially shoulders, and multiple swellings, bruises, abrasions and minor lacerations. All of us were battered and in pain; those of us who could, simply ignored it. Yet, thankfully, none of the injured Warriors showed symp
toms of enchantments and the priests checked them often. I could not help thinking that was because of the Raax Ch’ayom Puag, but I said nothing.
We had to rest often, so did not arrive at the krus-be until about two k’abs after moimatik, dusk. Luckily, water was not a problem as many small creeks fed the two ha’s from the surrounding hills. On reaching the krus-be, we all just let ourselves fall to the ground.
Ix Chel shed no light as we were in the New Moon, but the stars were shining brightly in the clear sky, a night very different from the one before when Maria stormed and fought. Occasionally, a peeniwali … a ch’um-q’aq’ … flew by and there were sounds of the night: the chirp-chirp of the xirs, the tooth grinding noises of haalebs, and even the distant whistling of an ek baläm. They made the night seem almost normal, but amongst those sounds were the deep breathing of my exhausted Warriors, Molly’s continuous whimpering, the whispering chants of one of the priests, the soft rhythm of the la’j-tun, and the floating melody of the ch’aw-baq. Coatl had made a small fire, using embers from burners he had gotten from the Ahau Can Mai of Topoxte. He had the priests taking turns, so the chanting was continuous, always there, sinking into my consciousness, depriving me of any calm I tried to hold onto, constantly reminding me why the strange descant was being sung. The Warriors completely ignored it, but I couldn’t and I cussed Mahanamtz over and over as I sat near the circle of priests, Molly sitting in the center. Extic, Loni, and Huitl kept guard as they sat together, talking quietly to each other.
My thoughts were interrupted as Yochi came over to me. I looked up at him. “Yes, Yochi.”
“The Warriors are tired. I am tired. Teyacapan and Taat say that the injured need rest and medicine. Taat has gone into the jungle to see what he can find. I asked him how he would see.” Yochi chuckled. “He told me that he can touch and smell. He does not need to see.” In the dim light, I saw Yochi bend his shoulders then grimace. He was in pain.
Even with my cramps, my pains, and my exhaustion, I smiled at what Taat had said. “We will spend the night, Yochi. Just post guards on short shifts and relieve Molly’s guards. They have been guarding her since last night.”
“I will put minimum guards. I don’t think there’s anything to fear tonight and Taat has confirmed that. No blood will be shed here tonight. Since we’re not going any further, 1 will have Teyacapan make a larger fire using the coals from the priests’ burners.”
I reflected on what he said about Taat and the trust he placed in him; for some baffling reason, it worried me.” You’re in charge. I too hope to sleep tonight, that’s if I can.” We both looked at Molly.
“Coatl will give her something to sleep, or at least to keep her quiet. The herbs he burns are good for that. He informed me that he was able to get a good supply from the priests before we left. Taat and Teyacapan were also able to get most of what they needed for the injuries.”
“I probably need some of that herb. Do you know what it is?”
The priests are very secretive.”
“Patli.”
“Yes, Nabe Nacon.”
“Go to Teyacapan and ask him if Coatl has any k’uutz. Also, tell him that we spend the night here so start a larger fire. Tell the Warriors as well.” While we waited, we stared at Molly, saying nothing. I knew I needed to distract myself and if Teyacapan had some k’uutz, that would help a lot. Yochi got up, walked a few steps, pulled at his loincloth and pissed. As he sat beside me again, I remembered I wanted to ask him about the loincloth. “Yochi.”
“Yes, Chiac.”
“How do you feel wearing the loincloth of a dead Warrior? I see that Teul has one, as well. Is it the Way of the Warrior to take a dead Warrior’s loincloth?” I was not sure why I wanted to ask him, if it were in jest or if I wanted to find out if Yochi was wavering a little from his strict Way of the Warrior Code.”
He frowned then smiled. “I know what you’re doing, Chiac. If a Warrior needs something and a dead Warrior has it, he can take it. The only thing he must not take is the dead Warrior’s weapon, and personal things, of course. The dead Warrior needs his weapon when he enters the Underworld on his journey to Xibalba. His loincloth, he does not need.”
“So, you did nothing wrong, Yochi.”
“No, Chiac. I didn’t” He raised his eyebrows. “Even with the new Way of the Warrior Code, Achalal, I will still be Yochi.”
I chuckled, knowing that Yochi would not have done anything to break his Way of the Warrior Code. I just wanted to know. “Do you ever do anything wrong, Yochi?”
He laughed, stopped, then he laughed even more loudly. “I don’t think I was given the chance. As a young man, I was brought up in strict tradition by my Nah’ and Taat. Then I became a Warrior. Once again, it was strict tradition.”
Before I could respond, Patli handed me a small pouch. I opened it and brought it to my nose. “Well, fok!” I exclaimed. “Teyacapan! I love you.”
“He says, ‘No more’, as he’s soon going to give what he has left to the injured Warriors. It will help them rest.”
“That’s fine with me,’ I answered. “Will you join me, Yochi?”
“I will, my friend. Nothing will happen tonight. If I thought otherwise I wouldn’t. Nor would you. A Nabe Nacon needs a clear head.”
I smiled. How could I not love these men … this land? “Patli. Get some leaves so we can roll and bring one of the priests’ burners.”
A short while later, Yochi and I were leaning against a tree, smoking the k’uutz, and I began to relax for the first time in a long time.
“What the madafok?” shouted Teul, just beside me, actually making me jump. “I smelled that thing and thought I was hallucinating or something. How could you be smoking k’uutz and not call me.”
I indicated to the pouch and leaves. “Roll your own.” I looked at his body and screwed up my face. Several of the lacerations had been sewn, obviously hurriedly, without any cosmetic considerations. He had not even cried out for I had not heard him.
“Katy and Jut-Jut are back. Did you hear them.?” he asked. I nodded. “That is good.” He got the k’uutz and a leaf and sat just across from me, rolling his joint. “I can’t believe this,” said Teul. “After this I’ll have to take Sacnite … or Xochitl into the jungle. I’ll need to juk after this.”
“You’ll leave them alone, Teul,” I said. “They’re helping with the injured. They have no time to fuck. Just leave them alone.”
He looked at me grinning. “I’m injured too, Chiac. I am beaten all over. The only reason why you can’t see my extensive black and blue is because my skin is painted black. I may even have some cracked ribs.” He poked his chest. “Ouch!” He took another deep draw. “Maybe when they’re finished, one of them … or the two of them can slip into the jungle with me and examine my injuries.” He was still grinning.
“And what about Xipilli?” I asked, having decided to go on with his small talk for a little while.
“I’ll give Xipilli some of this k’uutz.” He looked at the joint, took another deep draw and blew out smoke. “This madafok is good, man. Yeah. This will put Xipilli to sleep.” He chuckled. “He’ll be a madafok in the morning when I tell him about all the juking I did tonight.” He chuckled again.
I looked at Teul. I supposed he deserved a good fuck if he could get it. I was too tired to banter any more so I responded by simply saying, “Not until they’re finished with the injured.” Teul took another deep draw and leaned back against the tree, smiling, in deep thought, but concern marked his youthful face, from time to time.
“Perhaps, you could sing.”
He grinned, sadly, at me. “Not tonight, Chiac. Not tonight. I would have to sing a funeral song and I wont do that.” It seemed he wanted to say something else. Instead, he just shook his head.
I looked towards Molly and the priests. I didn’t see her, and I didn’t hear her. I concluded that she was lying down, hopefully sleeping. I drew on my k’uutz and heard a slight s
nore. I looked towards Teul. He was still sitting upright, but fast asleep, the lit joint still in his hand. I reached over and took it. Well, that takes care of his juking for the night. Yochi and I continued smoking until we finished our joints, then Teul’s, talking now and again.
“Everything is in place for the night,” advised Yochi. “I’ll go to sleep.” He leaned over, stretched out beside me and was promptly asleep.
I finished another joint, trying not to think, trying only to enjoy the smell and the sense of relaxation the k’uutz brought me. I was about to lie down when a thought came to me and I called Patli and handed him the pouch. “Roll as many joints as you can and take them to the Warriors. Have them pass it among themselves, you and the ah’-cuabs included.” With that said I was lying on my side, my hands under my head, falling asleep to the night sounds of my jungle … the normal night sounds of my jungle.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
THE WARRIORS
HEADS
K’iin 35 - The Uinal of Mol
Sunday, June 3, 1973
Kinich Ahau was already one hand above the horizon when I awoke. Yochi still slept beside me, but Teul was gone. I looked towards Molly. Only one priest was upright, muttering his incantations. The incense burner was smoking and the slight wind was bringing the smell towards me. It was not k’uutz, but the Holy Pom.”
I got up and turned to the jungle to piss. Teul approached me from a little deeper in the jungle. “That was a good shit,” he said. “I was surprised I wanted to shit. Haven’t been eating. Any more of that madafok?”
Sisimito III--Topoxte Page 63