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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.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbyuT1S1lU
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.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWy1PcWK6L
"Do you often leave the temple?" he asked.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpcozFlGQO
"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."411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTHiUDcW0n
Don felt his blood run cold.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWpYHZtbFP
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.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7JQ10ZoAZ
Ollin went to the middle of the courtyard. "Yaotl," he called.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXTYsXKjNm
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.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhF0lNh6jk
"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.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUpo5FLBBD
"He is the servant of Nenetl," Ollin replied.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtuKaTHtiQ
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."411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaN5XfwK5E8
Ollin inclined his head and Yaotl strode to the door which opened onto the large courtyard.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIz0tyyOrV6
"A warrior....one of the best," he commanded.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcRZfswPFC
The Aztec in charge signaled to a warrior, who ran to the door and entered the small courtyard.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu74H7QxMG7
"We will fight with studded clubs and shields," Yaotl announced and led the warrior over to the plain wooden door. They went inside.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2S76qpfEDz
"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."411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtypWZhvZH1
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.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeu6bte4Gag
Ollin raised one hand. "Begin!" he commanded.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBz0jO7fz6
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.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqevQMoNGhQ
"Go and have your wound tended to," he said, and then walked over to Ollin.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OPzs7gQTy
"Thus shall other tribes fear even more the Aztecs," the High Priest said.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9U0TaHb66U
Yaotl inclined his head and turned to Don. "Tell Nenetl that I shall serve well."411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyHHn7fVq6
"I shall carry that salutation for you," Ollin replied. "Nenetl's servant remains here."411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfeVPrsl5kH
Yaotl looked puzzled. "But here dwell only those chosen to command," he said.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbJFNENjaL
"I know it." Ollin looked from one to the other.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93K801pZuH
Yaotl turned to Don and there was fierce pride in his face. "What name did your mother give you?" he asked.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlFtHV1Kew
"Don."411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5NTl4GQ1U
"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."411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6nsuxvknv
Don did not reply, but met Yaotl's arrogant gaze with a look he hoped was steadfast.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGUZ0Y5YKg
"Let him be clothed according to his rank," Ollin said.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2LcNWEQKQ
"It shall be done," Yaotl replied and asked if Don would assist at the Rain God's ceremony.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxys7klD2BY
"He is now as you are, Yoatl, a chosen warrior," the High Priest replied and limped out to the courtyard.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJv9m9asq5
"What am I supposed to do at this ceremony?" Don asked.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4yViByaXm
"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.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXutWfgsvU2
Don stood dumbfounded.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbuZnuEtHB
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.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrOLi8zvRL
"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.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJVOiMIjL3
"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.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eQZ1EPtJ1
He gently patted his stomach. "Delicious and plenteous, dear lady."411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3XQ8otESp
Zuma stood and picked up the tray. Dr. Smith also rose to his feet.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8kDaAwS7I
"Pray excuse me," Zuma said, "then you may talk more freely." She walked away.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjF2yP8q8dV
"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."411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LeiV0ij9H
Dr. Smith put his hand on Don's shoulder. "Just a minute, West," he said. "What exactly must you do?"411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjr6fTqMV1z
"Escort the victim to the altar."411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOj8Ff2cpwh
"Then, by all means, do so." Dr. Smith spoke brusquely.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahKRef73xa
Don was appalled. "You can't expect me to participate in murder."411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlE4VJDzlq9
"Intervene and we'll be dead within the minute."411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MCaY3LMOn
"But...." Don began in desperation.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVmFwNtVIh
"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.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZy8ObM8RO
Don looked down at the ground. "All right, I promise," he murmured.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CyE9c7ODI
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.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoGXaqIqPq
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.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRw1Y4etOxR
"What do you think?" Penny asked as she struck a fashion-photo pose.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7cRRejIDA
"It's just the thing for the Royal Enclosure at Ascot," Ann replied and they both laughed.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRM68QqI3kU
"I enjoy being the handmaiden of a god," Penny said.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMJUug1PIJ
"This end isn't too hard to take, either," Ann admitted.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwN3AR5GBJu
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."411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzyz2Ya3Mo
"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...."411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iFsQ6TrJz
"There's Ollin," Penny interjected. "Strange, isn't it? Such beauty and such horror existing side by side."411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMME6s1WMe
As she replaced the statuette, they heard Dr. Smith's breathless voice outside the antechamber.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvJCi5wa0I
"Let me pass," he was saying, gasping for air, "go on, out of my way, I must talk to Nenetl."411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMryKR6vMT
Ann stood up as Penny went to the door and opened it.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXbKZAuWui
Dr. Smith stumbled in. "Wait outside, Penny," he gasped, "and don't let anyone in."411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02g6i1NyXx
"Yes, Uncle Zachary." Penny left, closing the door behind her.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENT8gBGLic
"Sit down, Dr. Smith, and catch your breath." Ann motioned to a couch.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBd9AmSve6
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.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOQau7aKKe
Ann waited until he had fully recovered. "What is it, Dr. Smith? What's happened?"411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgslnK0fWQ
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.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Ft3b5KMoy
"Oh, no!" Ann was horrified. "No!"411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDbtjfaEcI
"You must not interfere! You must not!"411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BOZ71L3ZS
Ann buried her face in her hand. "I can't just stand by an...."411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKJBEGTM0G
"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."411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtmonZeXrR
Ann's hands flew from her face. "He has to do what?" she exploded.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CY4IndmZm
"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.":411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDptYbazLJS
"Well, I have been made a god," Ann paced out her words, "and I forbid it."411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDSrCaMC5k
"Ann," Dr. Smith began to protest, but Ann cut him off.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzr9K1P58z
"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."411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIsBevdlxx
"Don't be foolish, woman. The High Priests will turn against you and denounce you."411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMcNDZ4GO1
"They won't dare to defy me," Ann replied with great determination. "No, this is the beginning of the end of Huitzilopochtli's reign."411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyFojoamXD
"What on earth are you talking about?" Dr. Smith demanded.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSMDvHSlaL
"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."411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaywxRRslcS
Dr. Smith shook his head in bewilderment. "You can't change history, Ann. Not one page of it."411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkE8NbHQUGn
Ann turned her back on him, went to the side table, picked up her plumed crown and set it on her head.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAwLhPgVB2
"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."411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVFZRyUA2W
She turned to face him and was quite serene. "Not Ann," she said calmly. "Nenetl."411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyKIEgVcRc
