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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡboaS7Y04S6
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?335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnAAux6W0u
"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."335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyCd0rWkbJ
"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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFoEIKycCZ
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."335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUfdECIbxg
"I am pleased, though it is yours by right."335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsQiu4cfYK
Dr. Smith was puzzled. "Why do you say that?" he asked.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnC3YP9bqiT
"It came from Nenetl's tomb."335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKpv29bHpB
Dr. Smith was dumbfounded. "From...where?"335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsw1YXJ6ye6
"The tomb. See? It has Nenetl's sign on it," she pointed to the snake, "the coiled serpent."335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLg95ZCgy93
"But that is the emblem of the Aztec nation," Dr. Smith said.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWgTGsyNQW
"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."335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcO9fShp2G
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJhqtyqMUP
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."335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTx9Hvlbx6
"Disappeared?"335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5tN11rAwn
"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."335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHFoGAexWm
"And I with you, my dear," Dr. Smith said absently, his mind on other matters.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAUcVdLPmo
"Peace and contentment," Zuma reflected.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88fDnwW3AX
"Rapture and joy," Dr. Smith echoed.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxmPRA5vk8
"We shall have a garden of our own," she announced.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IPXvWX9hx
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDLKbKonFh
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeuHXr4ihX
"Eureka, West, I have it!" Dr. Smith exclaimed, and then hesitated. "At least, I think I have."335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljSjurOG9S
"What?" Don asked, taken aback.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKFEY1JvJo
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." 335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0oQ9bLCQs
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."335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENir0GUVvJ
"All right, Dr. Smith, I'll be there," Don said.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdF7JjEBJS
"Good fellow," Dr. Smith replied and slapped him on the back.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEYBQH97lE
"How did you get hold this?" Don asked, tapping the brooch.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRqIyyeXB6
Dr. Smith cleared his throat. "My fiancée gave it to me as a present."335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHuzP8vKMe
"I see," Don replied before it registered. "Your what?" he choked.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjOEWNkNG2
"I made some cocoa and became engaged to Zuma."335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfR3MTKxK0e
Don began to chuckle.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QKt6rWolA
"Did I say something funny, West?"335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlz7e7LwKl
Don tried to keep a straight face.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxePs8P6ADC
"And the sooner we are away from here, the better."335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBt2xQFdbnV
"Yes, Dr. Smith," Don managed to reply, his shoulders shaking. "I'll be there tonight."335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTGzjJWIlD
Dr. Smith turned to leave.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOA3EFqP7tB
"Oh, and by the way, Dr. Smith, congratulations," he said and doubled up.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XHIsRvbNf
Dr. Smith stormed off. From his quarters, Yaotl watched him go.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNRuwe6AHy
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt33sgWTbqu
The guard bowed and withdrew.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTodR87P4wd
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFDbIhjJC2
"Why do you attend me?" Her voice was glacial.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQMOEvLLHh
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpAJTpU7t8
Ann raised one eyebrow. "You wish the gods to favor the Priest of Knowledge with their good opinions?"335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgAyU6FCIQ
"Their advice," Tlaqui conceded.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllwCdwcIWb
"And yet you sin against them with your test of poison," Ann snapped as Tlaqui studied his posy even more intently.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cwNS2bcsi
"Let us talk of this other matter," Ollin cajoled.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfKeeeXrwh
"Silence." It was like a whiplash across his back, but he gritted his teeth and contained his fury.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9L1q5slEMg
Ann looked back at Tlaqui. "Your offense against the gods is forgiven. Now, what would you discuss?"335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdRErtjlcY
"The punishment for one who speaks out against our teachings and defies our laws." 335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oVSgghiiP
Ann realized that this time it was a verbal trap that Ollin was trying to spring.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJvvsmIeGs
"Was this spoken in public?" she asked cautiously.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDD21bSgxBj
"Yes, Great Spirit, and after being duly warned," Tlaqui emphasized.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TQHbBN1Fr
"Were there witnesses to the warning?" Take it one step at a time, she advised herself.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gMzz6cYId
"Tetzal and myself."335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdimLgfjNZq
"What was the offense?" Ann was concerned that Tetzal was involved and curious to know why he wasn't with them.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oztnYl6wM
"Denying a desire of the Perfect Victim."335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiluYmtEQwS
"Be specific, Tlaqui. What was his wish?" Like the poisoned draught, she guessed this interview was being conducted behind Tetzal's back.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCd5SBx9JCr
"To be wed."335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGetehNLaz
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0Zj08tm6z
Ollin's eyes glinted with secret pleasure. He had rehearsed Tlaqui well and Ann had fallen into the trap.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwqCILVOLW
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Y2EUrRiz8
"There could be no greater honor," he concluded.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRfeeJCJ3Y
"And if she wanted to marry again?"335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4Up14G1ZO
Tlaqui shook his head vigorously. "Marriage to a mortal would be unthinkable to the widow of a god."335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8awvCrfyc
"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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7RxCmq39p
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."335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aEOV2VwEI
"Liar," Ann thought and stared at Ollin. "She will not die," her voice was adamant.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5GMvXVNFg
"Then let her be publicly ridiculed," Tlaqui proposed.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4nPefaZDd
Ann thought that if there must be a punishment, ridicule would be relatively harmless.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bQUEQ63TQ
Ollin took a half-step forward. "I say she should be scourged," he hissed. "Her ears and tongue pierced with thorns."335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFA0bqwiiwo
"I fobid it," Ann snapped.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YavYhlCm5
"Tetzal upholds it." Ollin's voice was a menace.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlWmuTQrmd
"Let him say so, then," Ann replied dryly.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszsBaroAqp
"He will, he will," Ollin assured her, "when the time comes."335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6uHGjMQ8p
"And when will that be?"335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZOfmpDKNB
"On the day of darkness," Tlaqui replied.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEOUWYEqAv
"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."335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kANi3eh66
"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."335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLfPZZ7uGZ
"It shall be arranged," Ollin said without expression. "Both the men and your handmaiden will be there. That I promise."335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh26wKvOyV2
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaShlUO4sLK
Tetzal's face was grave as he listened to Ann's account of his encounter with Tlaqui and the High Priest of Sacrifice.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1ABqv4lSI
"Ollin insisted you upheld such bestial treatment. Is that true?" she asked.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQfZmlRsdw
"Is it still your intention to intervene at the sacrifice of the Perfect Victim?" Tetzal countered.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtApuC1CnFW
"Of course, it is," Ann said firmly.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9SdOhfvER
"Then I shall match your courage, Nenetl," he replied. "Though it grieves my heart, as it must yours."335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QKR0V379g
"I'll shed no tears over an end to human sacrifice." Ann was resolute.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4ZvlY6X1b
"I was referring to your handmaiden," Tetzal explained.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6EgaDmcAN
"What about Penny?" Ann asked sharply.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOnLTZWJ7a
Tetzal was perplexed. "You have just spoken of her offense."335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2ctLNb8YV
Ann jumped to her feet. "Penny was to be the bride?" she exclaimed.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDUnXIW3kP
"Did not Ollin say so?"335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzE1n4XAD1
So that had been the trap, Ann thought; a deliberate omission on Ollin's part and a stupid one on hers.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQO2Qz9mqxx
"I shall forbid the punishment."335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHHIfXqw9O
"You cannot," Tetzal replied flatly.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMB6ubYv4g
"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."335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QPhLL3Iku
Tetzal shook his head. "She is to be punished before the sacrifice to the Sun God."335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kTMjxlVuJ
"I won't let him hurt her. I won't!" Ann's voice was final.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvLmju96EM
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?"335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPQQe20cC1
Ann had no answer.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SXHArhKB9
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKPDHdlMND
