It was evening and the air in the garden was heavily scented as Dr. Smith, lost in his thoughts, walked along a path, his hands clutched behind his back. There had to be another way into the tomb, he reasoned, for how else could the counterbalanced wall have been set in place? It would have required builders both in the tomb and outside in the temple. He presumed that the temple, and consequently the tomb, had been built before Nenetl's death as the pyramid must have taken a decade to construct and that, Dr. Smith considered, was a long time to keep a corpse hanging around waiting to be laid to rest. So, when Nenetl died someone, Yaotl's grandfather, perhaps, had to open up the wall from inside the tomb. Therefore there had to be a secret entrance to steps leading up to a trapdoor, most likely, and now possibly sealed, in the floor of the tomb.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡla1Dedlu7L
Dr. Smith sighed and sniffed the perfumed air without appreciating int. How would the trapdoor be sealed? he asked himself. Closed, it would be seated on a flange which, once Nenetl's body was placed in the tomb, could have been lined with terracotta, a mixture of sand and clay, that would harden like a brick when heated. Yes, that must be the answer, Dr. Smith decided and then wondered how much force would be needed to break the seal. A hammer, a chisel and West's biceps would suffice, he concluded. All that now remained was to locate the secret entrance to the steps and that, he realized dejectedly, could be almost anywhere. But where would be the likeliest place?336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnl60z1g3HG
"Zachary." Zuma's voice broke his train of thought. Irritated, he saw her coming along the path towards him. "My dear, I am glad to find you alone as I have a gift for you."336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KXEF3mNwh
"How very kind," Dr. Smith mumbled, wondering if it were more cocoa beans. Instead, she gave him a beautiful jade brooch with an eagle and, separately, a coiled snake carved on it.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISFc3m6H33
He was taken aback. "Dear lady, I cannot possibly accept such a..." he began but stopped when Zuma said the gift signified her love for him. Dr. Smith swallowed. "I shall treasure it always."336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MoFAJ16lv
"I am pleased, though it is yours by right."336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthPYLF3oGe
Dr. Smith was puzzled. "Why do you say that?" he asked.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9LMBnEVwN
"It came from Nenetl's tomb."336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaNVQGyeoo
Dr. Smith was dumbfounded. "From...where?"336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNx0QGlLfkp
"The tomb. See? It has Nenetl's sign on it," she pointed to the snake, "the coiled serpent."336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmA22KkNwY
"But that is the emblem of the Aztec nation," Dr. Smith said.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdB9iJeXEQ
"That is so," Zuman replied. "Only the serpent is held either in the eagle's beak or its claws. Nenetl's sign of the coiled serpent is separate from the eagle."336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97cGhl07MR
Dr. Smith turned the brooch over in his hands. "It's quite magnificent." He smiled at her and asked casually how she had come by it.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3nvdgRfra
Zuma blushed. "Though married, Yaotl's father fell in love with me. I did what I could to discourage his advances. But he insisted that I accept the brooch, which he gave to me seven days before he disappeared."336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAQkTiopdN
"Disappeared?"336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruSIJxjkKq
"Yes, here in the garden," Zuma replied. "He was never seen again." She dismissed the topic with a gesture of her hand. "But it was a long time ago and now I look forward to a life of bliss with you."336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8rJ0z0lXJ
"And I with you, my dear," Dr. Smith said absently, his mind on other matters.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvyPe09t8c
"Peace and contentment," Zuma reflected.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyi2g3aUL3P
"Rapture and joy," Dr. Smith echoed.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGEJ13R6hj
"We shall have a garden of our own," she announced.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMm46boCh1D
The Doctor eyes lit up. "Yes, of course," he agreed. "A garden of our own." And his eyes traveled to the wall and the stone with the coiled snake carved on it.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYF7besccQw
As soon as he decently could Dr. Smith took his leave of Zuma and hurried to the barracks. When Dr. Smith burst into his quarters, Don was desperately trying to think of something constructive he could do to put them safely back on board the TARDIS and get them safely on their way.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡws4cpyYEky
"Eureka, West, I have it!" Dr. Smith exclaimed, and then hesitated. "At least, I think I have."336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzpZXZqUCi
"What?" Don asked, taken aback.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGEgsbaQhY
Dr. Smith held the brooch in the palm of his right hand and poked it with his left forefinger. "This came from Nenetl's tomb. And who took it?" he demanded without waiting for an answer. "His father!" He pointed dramatically at Yaotl's quarters on the other side of the courtyard and then poked the brooch again. "So there's the proof that a secret way into the tomb exists and Yaotl's father knew about it." 336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH59Z4iNc95
Dr. Smith looked about him conspiratorially and moved closer to Don. "But what is much more important, West, my dear boy, is that I believe I know where it is." His voice was little more than an urgent whisper. "Underneath the garden is an irrigation tunnel used for watering the flowers, and in the back wall is a stone with a coiled snake.....Nenetl's sign...carved upon it. I'm certain that the stone can be removed to reveal a way into the tunnel. I'm convinced that under the temple wall there will be a flight of stairs leading up to the tomb." Dr. Smith's eyes darted here and there in search of a possible eavesdropper before he continued. "Tonight, West, tonight, once Yaotl is asleep, come to the garden where I shall be waiting for you."336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHxb5SE3QX
"All right, Dr. Smith, I'll be there," Don said.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZh8vS3HAzy
"Good fellow," Dr. Smith replied and slapped him on the back.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9grxZlD4fC
"How did you get hold this?" Don asked, tapping the brooch.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzv9xNYTAVc
Dr. Smith cleared his throat. "My fiancée gave it to me as a present."336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsPp6avGE1
"I see," Don replied before it registered. "Your what?" he choked.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtxMxcb678
"I made some cocoa and became engaged to Zuma."336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNi6oaSJlY
Don began to chuckle.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuMQxOUd6D
"Did I say something funny, West?"336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFfoVoX1IR
Don tried to keep a straight face.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzepPjy7sX
"And the sooner we are away from here, the better."336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNvny9arvf
"Yes, Dr. Smith," Don managed to reply, his shoulders shaking. "I'll be there tonight."336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9xGiyaxsI
Dr. Smith turned to leave.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpk7kAe9q67
"Oh, and by the way, Dr. Smith, congratulations," he said and doubled up.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmjQGyMzOC
Dr. Smith stormed off. From his quarters, Yaotl watched him go.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXEoBBGEXC
Ann was in the antechamber when a guard announced that the High Priest of Sacrifice and the Priest of Knowledge awaited her in the temple. Her defences came up instinctively. "Say that I shall recieve them presently," she said.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BXBFVE2oR
The guard bowed and withdrew.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamK0nsXX5o
Ann considered her strategy. Should she listen to them first and then riposte as best she could, or should she go directly on the attack? She placed the plumed crown on her head and decided upon the latter course of action. When she reached the temple, she ignored them until she sat upon the throne.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoZv6Ixctw
"Why do you attend me?" Her voice was glacial.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmkuK9mGvQ
Ollin kept his eyes fixed onher while Tlaqui looked down at his posy and shuffled his feet. "There is a matter we would place before you, Great Spirit," he burbled.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZIPipXBei
Ann raised one eyebrow. "You wish the gods to favor the Priest of Knowledge with their good opinions?"336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3ACSb0zuI
"Their advice," Tlaqui conceded.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdiMJiDxNx
"And yet you sin against them with your test of poison," Ann snapped as Tlaqui studied his posy even more intently.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBVcPYHJqE
"Let us talk of this other matter," Ollin cajoled.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1XYAXG7AB
"Silence." It was like a whiplash across his back, but he gritted his teeth and contained his fury.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjIdmpMGIG
Ann looked back at Tlaqui. "Your offense against the gods is forgiven. Now, what would you discuss?"336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnaaaUIpL4P
"The punishment for one who speaks out against our teachings and defies our laws." 336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPUJr3a5is
Ann realized that this time it was a verbal trap that Ollin was trying to spring.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZDfloRVa9
"Was this spoken in public?" she asked cautiously.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrniwa8tnek
"Yes, Great Spirit, and after being duly warned," Tlaqui emphasized.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyateGsOSNr
"Were there witnesses to the warning?" Take it one step at a time, she advised herself.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxL26vtatR
"Tetzal and myself."336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrCzoMZ5sY
"What was the offense?" Ann was concerned that Tetzal was involved and curious to know why he wasn't with them.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHEIegxLfX
"Denying a desire of the Perfect Victim."336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsqkDs8LNC
"Be specific, Tlaqui. What was his wish?" Like the poisoned draught, she guessed this interview was being conducted behind Tetzal's back.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHElSWDxAHU
"To be wed."336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEf7QWD0goK
Ann thought that taking a bride two days before one died willingly was absurd. "To be wed and widowed in two days? What kind of marriage is that for an Aztec maiden?" she asked.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbANrmjiLG3
Ollin's eyes glinted with secret pleasure. He had rehearsed Tlaqui well and Ann had fallen into the trap.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxdlN9Hc5m
Tlaqui argued that Aztec warriors frequently wed before going off to war and some did not return, but they were not proclaimed gods as the Perfect Victim would be.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbAeg1NfTH
"There could be no greater honor," he concluded.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwtSrkT39A
"And if she wanted to marry again?"336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8qXU8d16G
Tlaqui shook his head vigorously. "Marriage to a mortal would be unthinkable to the widow of a god."336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5707j2oIR3
"So this maiden has defied your teachings and your law by spurning his proposal of marriage," Ann said, and when Tlaqui nodded, she thought "Good for you, girl." "And what does the law prescribe for such an offense?" she asked.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98tMet0aCP
Tlaqui waved his posy. "We know of none. Such a rejection has never occurred before," he replied. "That is why we have sought your advice."336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2UDHnuM5Z
"Liar," Ann thought and stared at Ollin. "She will not die," her voice was adamant.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySHgVZaDyo
"Then let her be publicly ridiculed," Tlaqui proposed.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcd1aq5gSLA
Ann thought that if there must be a punishment, ridicule would be relatively harmless.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3OKaBcTaa
Ollin took a half-step forward. "I say she should be scourged," he hissed. "Her ears and tongue pierced with thorns."336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWfq2xoEuR
"I fobid it," Ann snapped.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZdcd50etN
"Tetzal upholds it." Ollin's voice was a menace.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OzUv7b4Y3
"Let him say so, then," Ann replied dryly.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdHIRGEY3a
"He will, he will," Ollin assured her, "when the time comes."336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LE1ETxsJu
"And when will that be?"336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTH2aeNHBAq
"On the day of darkness," Tlaqui replied.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWSJKkijX6
"Before all the people," Ollin made a sweeping gesture with his arm before pointing at Ann, "and you must be there so that the gravity of the offence is known."336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3mzssoM3e
"I shall witness the punishment from the temple," Ann said, a plan forumlating in her brain. "But I wish my servants to be present with me. Don, my aged servant, and my handmaiden."336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EB9FguJZy
"It shall be arranged," Ollin said without expression. "Both the men and your handmaiden will be there. That I promise."336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfTAFTm8hB
As the High Priest of Sacrifice limps from the temple with Tlaqui at his side, Ann sensed she had made a mistake somewhere. She went over their conversation several times in her mind and then summoned the High Priest of Knowledge to the temple.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vFpFcmNJX
Tetzal's face was grave as he listened to Ann's account of his encounter with Tlaqui and the High Priest of Sacrifice.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3txrH1l5hy
"Ollin insisted you upheld such bestial treatment. Is that true?" she asked.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRUgxZFO5L
"Is it still your intention to intervene at the sacrifice of the Perfect Victim?" Tetzal countered.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdjZuMJUsv
"Of course, it is," Ann said firmly.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToa9epNezw
"Then I shall match your courage, Nenetl," he replied. "Though it grieves my heart, as it must yours."336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeGOA6mhU0
"I'll shed no tears over an end to human sacrifice." Ann was resolute.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYnua688mf
"I was referring to your handmaiden," Tetzal explained.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVth7U24rC6
"What about Penny?" Ann asked sharply.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8Rs9F25t7
Tetzal was perplexed. "You have just spoken of her offense."336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOo60xbylGW
Ann jumped to her feet. "Penny was to be the bride?" she exclaimed.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fCtad6xQC
"Did not Ollin say so?"336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8lCYiNOk5
So that had been the trap, Ann thought; a deliberate omission on Ollin's part and a stupid one on hers.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDJo1B4uGI
"I shall forbid the punishment."336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzN9rWrBJY
"You cannot," Tetzal replied flatly.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrrWPMHR8P
"Oh yes, I can!" she said fiercely. "Penny is to be punished at the eclipse so when you and I stop the human sacrifice then I will order Ollin to release her as well."336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6Gw9orDNA
Tetzal shook his head. "She is to be punished before the sacrifice to the Sun God."336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEo7QiMp12
"I won't let him hurt her. I won't!" Ann's voice was final.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9T9bUIYhAG
The High Priest looked at her. "Wil you, then, sacrifice all that you believe in, all that you have given me to believe in, to save your handmaiden pain?"336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2or1jR4zJj
Ann had no answer.336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwXmAy04Tq
336Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFngKHqHmXG
