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Don walked along the broad avenue with Ollin limping at his side. The avenue was lined with windowless, one story, box-like houses. Their entrances were elaborate wrought-iron gates, through which Don could see the short passageway that led to the central, open-air courtyard with its lawn, flower-bed and tumbling bougainvillea. Around the courtyard were the rooms of the house. Don thought that if ever he were to reach home again he would like to build a house like that. But then he remembered the considerable difference between the Mexican climate and the weather in England.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lqNTohgAf
The Aztecs they passed on the way to the barracks bowed respectfully to Ollin, but Don sensed they were, in actuality, afraid of the High Priest.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7NuZhZCpc
"Do you often leave the temple?" he asked.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojz3iSbbNC
"Tetzel seeks wisdom in the garden from time to time," Ollin replied. "I visit the barracks to select a victim when the Gods demand blood."414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZQI7X7IFm
Don felt his blood run cold.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkD0mqwO2nO
The barracks was similar to the houses in design, but infinitely larger, and the central courtyard was an area of hard-baked clay where the warriors trained in the martial arts. When Don and Ollin entered the courtyard some two hundred warriors were at drill. They wore leather loin-cloths, sandals and plumed head-dresses. They carried shields and lunged with short-swords, parrying attacks from imaginary enemies. When the Aztec in charge saw Ollin, he ordered the warriors to stop and they stood respectfully as the High Priest of Sacrifice limped across the courtyard followed by Don, who quickly became aware that the word had been passed by the warriors in the temple and everyone knew who he was. Suddenly Ollin stopped, glanced along the ranks and pointed to a young warrior. Then he limped on to the far side of the courtyard. As they approached it, a warrior broke from the ranks and ran to open the door for them. There was a short passageway which opened onto another clay courtyard, patterned with the eagle and coiled snake in colorful dyes. Don noticed that the courtyard was about the same size as the ones he'd seen in the houses. There was a door in each of the other three wall. The two doors which faced one another were ornate, and decorated, once again, with the snake and eagle motif. The third door was made of pain wood.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOzXdEPIuX
Ollin went to the middle of the courtyard. "Yaotl," he called.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutg9DcDKfU
One of the decorated doors opened and a well-built, handsome man, a few years younger than Don, came into the courtyard. He was wearing a leather loin-cloth with rectangular shapes embroidered on it in gold and silver thread. He wore sandals and his hair was drawn back in a short pony-tail. He bowed deeply to Ollin.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFVxD8u9yz
"I greet you, O' High Priest of Sacrifice," he said, then eyed Don up and down. "What manner of warrior is this?" His tone was disdainful.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0H7nPJdqms
"He is the servant of Nenetl," Ollin replied.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFECjxcE4oC
Yaotl bowed. "I have heard that Nenetl again guides us in wisdom and strength. Does the High Priest wish me to demonstrate my skill to Nentl's servant."414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuVFWYEyYK
Ollin inclined his head and Yaotl strode to the door which opened onto the large courtyard.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuFD8NJyVh
"A warrior....one of the best," he commanded.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsZYkRtXKw
The Aztec in charge signaled to a warrior, who ran to the door and entered the small courtyard.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVOkKgh3hJ
"We will fight with studded clubs and shields," Yaotl announced and led the warrior over to the plain wooden door. They went inside.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhqQqOBjSq
"To command one must prove courage, skill and intelligence," Ollin's voice was insinuating. Yaotl had killed and taken many prisoners on the battlefield, he told Don, "He has no fear of death."414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodBEaI7lYy
Yaotl and the warrior reappeared. Each carried a shield and a wooden cudgel which had a circular head studded with pieces of obsidian stone. They approached Ollin, bowed to him, then went to the middle of the courtyard and stood facing each other, about ten feet apart. Just out of reach, Don thought.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmqpWeYyQP
Ollin raised one hand. "Begin!" he commanded.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuixHmCu4E
The two men circled each other warily. Then Yaotl suddenly lunged and aimed a blow at the warrior's left-hand side. But as the warrior brought his shield across his body to fend off the cudgel, Yaotl reversed his attack and hit out at the warrior's unguarded right. The warrior was swift and leapt back. Yaotl swung at empty air, almost throwing himself off balance. Instinctively, he raised his shield to protect his head as the warrior's cudgel crashed down. As it struck the shield, Yaotl gave a backhand chop just below the warrior's rib-cage. Blood spurted from the wound. The contestants backed away and circled each other again. Don had anticipated a friendly encounter, but now he wasn't so sure. His mouth went dry and he gave a sideways glance at Ollin beside him. The High Priest's face was expressionless. I shouldn't be surprised, Don thought. He's used to the sight of blood. Then Yaotl launched a ferocious attack, forcing the warrior to give ground as he tried to ward off the repeated blows. The warrior tried to counterattack, but Yaotl's shield was all around his body, protecting it until the last blow, which Yaotl parried with his cudgel and with such force that the warrior's weapon flew from his hand and he was driven back trying to defend himself. Eventually he fell to his knees in a corner of the courtyard, with the shield held above his head. Yaotl smashed his cudgel down on the warrior's shield and stepped back.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdbbjb4XNs
"Go and have your wound tended to," he said, and then walked over to Ollin.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftnt5oBvAc
"Thus shall other tribes fear even more the Aztecs," the High Priest said.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJ5W2rNm1S
Yaotl inclined his head and turned to Don. "Tell Nenetl that I shall serve well."414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOymPmJMcSS
"I shall carry that salutation for you," Ollin replied. "Nenetl's servant remains here."414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxN8uzkhZm
Yaotl looked puzzled. "But here dwell only those chosen to command," he said.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZO1Onjr0aB
"I know it." Ollin looked from one to the other.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIxrb2Wl56
Yaotl turned to Don and there was fierce pride in his face. "What name did your mother give you?" he asked.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdeu7adzg3
"Don."414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKiS372kBW
"Then I tell you, Don, that six other warriors have dwelt in there," he pointed to the other decorated door, "but I alone remain. Yet I welcome you. There is no fear of you in me. And one day all men will fear Yaotl, the Aztec commander who defeated the chosen servant of Nenetl."414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2dKf64O04
Don did not reply, but met Yaotl's arrogant gaze with a look he hoped was steadfast.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthpcU5xqgh
"Let him be clothed according to his rank," Ollin said.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrIAcl6Ywi
"It shall be done," Yaotl replied and asked if Don would assist at the Rain God's ceremony.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFHwW5X9xj
"He is now as you are, Yoatl, a chosen warrior," the High Priest replied and limped out to the courtyard.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRodHSrpS8
"What am I supposed to do at this ceremony?" Don asked.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAc6bdooO4
"All honor rests with us," Yaotl's voice rang with pride, "we deliver the human sacrifice to the High Priest Ollin," and then in a matter-of-fact voice added that it was time to obtain Don's uniform.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9PlEpJTnq
Don stood dumbfounded.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWEPWrGjMe
Zuma had gone home, leaving a contemplative Dr. Smith in the garden. She returned later with a tray, on which were the cornflower pancakes, a jar of honey, a knife, two goblets and a jug of water. Zuma put the tray on the bench where Dr. Smith was sitting, and then sat down herself. Dr. Smith had eaten two pancakes with honey and drunk a goblet of water when he saw a cloaked, plumed Aztec warrior with an embroidered loin-cloth and sandals striding purposefully towards him. It took Dr. Smith a full fifteen seconds to recognize Don.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpR5sl8Yjey
"Ah, West," he called, his eyes sparkling wiht amusement at Don's clothes. "Do have a pancake and honey." Don declined and Dr. Smith introduced him to Zuma whom, he added, had promised to arrange a meeting between himself and the grandson of the man who built the temple.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtO2O9aIXr
"That is most kind of you, madam." Don smiled at Zuma, who returned his smile through her eyes looked momentarily troubled. She glanced down at the tray and then at Dr. Smith.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hMldC2pCw
He gently patted his stomach. "Delicious and plenteous, dear lady."414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPobYGXOsaq
Zuma stood and picked up the tray. Dr. Smith also rose to his feet.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhdYpqAGM0
"Pray excuse me," Zuma said, "then you may talk more freely." She walked away.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPqkyW78Uf
"Dr. Smith,' Don's voice rang with urgency, "today there's to be a human sacrifice at the Rain God ceremony and I'm supposed to assist. I can't possibly do it."414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHPXTcSKMJ
Dr. Smith put his hand on Don's shoulder. "Just a minute, West," he said. "What exactly must you do?"414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBF1KfkF4RS
"Escort the victim to the altar."414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBdaAXNNHY
"Then, by all means, do so." Dr. Smith spoke brusquely.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKFxuA7PGY
Don was appalled. "You can't expect me to participate in murder."414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWT37mOrKk
"Intervene and we'll be dead within the minute."414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlRnTDG14m
"But...." Don began in desperation.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR00rmZX9rN
"Ahhhh, no buts, West," Dr. Smith cut in. "If human sacrifice is their tradition, then let them get on with it." He removed his arm from Don's shoulder and pointed a forefinger at Don's chest. "For your own sake, for Ann's, for Penny's and for mine, do not interfere." These last words were spoken in a measured tone. "Promise me, Don," Dr. Smith insisted.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxknq3iejhm
Don looked down at the ground. "All right, I promise," he murmured.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTXNhYZaSr
Dr. Smith patted him on the arm. "I'll go and tell Ann," he said, and hurried away. It was only when he entered the pyramid that he remembered all tlhe stairs he had to climb.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziPbeVj3pp
Penny and Ann were in the antechamber below the temple. Ann had taken off her sandals and lay on a couch wriggling her toes while munching a banana. "Hardly godlike behavior," she remarked between bites to Penny who was trying on Ann's plumed crown.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVp4lxkPDP
"What do you think?" Penny asked as she struck a fashion-photo pose.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60mEiZsdQT
"It's just the thing for the Royal Enclosure at Ascot," Ann replied and they both laughed.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2q33K7Sst7
"I enjoy being the handmaiden of a god," Penny said.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOUOLCk8jh
"This end isn't too hard to take, either," Ann admitted.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohar6YcTOG
Penny took off the head-dress and put it down a legless side-table beside a highly polished jade statuette of an Aztec god. Penny picked it up. "Hey, look at this," she said. "It's priceless."414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6m3I7DW2S
"That's the thing which hooked me on the Aztec civilization in the first place," Ann replied, placing the banana skin on the plate at her side. "On the one hand, that's Tetzel who is charming, intelligent and cultured. But, on the other hand...."414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYodZI55b1
"There's Ollin," Penny interjected. "Strange, isn't it? Such beauty and such horror existing side by side."414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQNQWyiRDC
As she replaced the statuette, they heard Dr. Smith's breathless voice outside the antechamber.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TBZhcMc7w
"Let me pass," he was saying, gasping for air, "go on, out of my way, I must talk to Nenetl."414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexs2em2iDS
Ann stood up as Penny went to the door and opened it.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mkJ7G8ik7
Dr. Smith stumbled in. "Wait outside, Penny," he gasped, "and don't let anyone in."414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2eU2vRxxG
"Yes, Uncle Zachary." Penny left, closing the door behind her.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUOXksCRg1
"Sit down, Dr. Smith, and catch your breath." Ann motioned to a couch.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6KlrFNm2k
Dr. Smith collapsed onto it. "All those stairs, all those stairs." He took a deep breath and Ann poured him a goblet of water which he gulped down.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXK8AXrWzVP
Ann waited until he had fully recovered. "What is it, Dr. Smith? What's happened?"414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwZwwg5Q72
Dr. Smith stood up. "There's to be a human sacrifice during the Rain God ceremony at sunset." He kept all emotion out of his voice.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefXLyJFeBG
"Oh, no!" Ann was horrified. "No!"414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoMIWNvzoY
"You must not interfere! You must not!"414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIiRVvCXzL
Ann buried her face in her hand. "I can't just stand by an...."414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOU2O6MpaO
"You must," Dr. Smith barked out the two words, then his voice softened. "Don agrees with me," he paused before continuing, "and he is required to escort the victim to the altar."414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNinp5bFQu
Ann's hands flew from her face. "He has to do what?" she exploded.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZq6tWeNwd
"He's been designated a 'Chosen Warrior'---Dr. Smith shrugged ----"and for all our sakes, he has agreed, given me his word, to do nothing to prevent the sacrifice.":414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAEq9Amyst
"Well, I have been made a god," Ann paced out her words, "and I forbid it."414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJYhNjW49c
"Ann," Dr. Smith began to protest, but Ann cut him off.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXSqquAxYY
"No, Dr. Smith. There will be no sacrifice at sunset, nor ever again. The reincarnation of Nenetl will prove to the Aztec people that you don't need to cut out a pulsating human heart to make the rain come."414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GdNpRMaVx
"Don't be foolish, woman. The High Priests will turn against you and denounce you."414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1WZx6pp5S
"They won't dare to defy me," Ann replied with great determination. "No, this is the beginning of the end of Huitzilopochtli's reign."414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BsYGqfL8K
"What on earth are you talking about?" Dr. Smith demanded.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4waYaWprQb
"Rewriting history," Ann said calmly. "If I can start the destruction of all that is evil here, then all that is good will survive when Cortez lands."414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzoaAep3Iz
Dr. Smith shook his head in bewilderment. "You can't change history, Ann. Not one page of it."414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4T55WdhZJp
Ann turned her back on him, went to the side table, picked up her plumed crown and set it on her head.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pFPczHNHC
"I appeal to you, Ann. Be reasonable. What you're trying to do is impossible," Dr. Smith implored. "Believe me, I know, really I do, I know."414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheygctJhnv
She turned to face him and was quite serene. "Not Ann," she said calmly. "Nenetl."414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHZNSQUuHs
