Читать книгу Ahuitzotl - Herb Allenger - Страница 13

IV

In a magnificent profusion of color, nobles from throughout the realm, accompanied by their ministers, ambassadors, counselors, and commanders, stood resplendently arrayed in their finest attire and adorned with rich jewelry that shimmered at every movement as they met in the reception hall of the royal palace. They constituted a wondrous spectacle, and as was the fashion, their dress and adornment represented their social rankings in the cities and provinces from where they came.

On a raised platform at the end of the hall sat Tizoc in his Eagle and Jaguar Throne. He wore a turquoise blue cape distinguishing him as the Revered Speaker, monarch of the nation, and representing the color of Huitzilopochtli. His jewelry included earplugs of gold and jade and an emerald nose insertion worn by all kings as a sign of their direct linkage to the gods. His headdress was made from feathers of the quetzal bird and from his neck hung an emerald medallion. He was an imposing figure, and anyone present would have readily sorted him out as the leading personage in the assembly. He alone was seated.

Below the platform on Tizoc’s right stood Cihuacoatl, wearing a jaguar skin tilmantli and holding a long staff, the symbols of his office. Beside him were the leading officials of Tenochtitlan, including two of its chief priests. To the left was Ahuitzotl, austere in his lack of ornamentation, who represented the city’s army. He was accompanied by Tlohtzin, his battle-hardened vice-commander. Also gathered was the delegation from Texcoco, headed by its famed king, Nezahualpilli, and that of Tlacopan, led by its own ruler, Chimalpopoca. These were the cities which, along with Tenochtitlan, made up the Triple Alliance that dominated the empire. In addition, the remaining major cities of Anahuac—Azcapotzalco, Chalco, Coyoacan, Culhuacan, Ixtapalapa, Otombo, Tecpatepec, Tenayuca, and Tepeyac—had delegates in attendance. In all, the assembly represented the leading administrative and political centers which comprised the realm.

Tizoc motioned his hand to signal Cihuacoatl into commencing with the proceedings. After obtaining silence from the gathering by tapping his staff repeatedly on the floor, the minister called on a priest to recite the usual opening incantations, its purpose aimed at securing the necessary approval of the gods, for no action contemplated by men could proceed without their consent. This completed, the floor was ready to hear Tizoc’s words.

“We are met here to bring to a conclusion certain problems that remain unsolved for us,” he spoke out. “First, and most crucial, is the matter of Toluca. We have Tecolotl, the ambassador of Toluca, with us so that he might know what is decided here today. As you know, the Tolucans have taken it upon themselves to challenge our dominion over them and are refusing to consign further tributes to us. These are actions which we, if we are to retain any kind of credibility as a power, to say nothing of our standing with the gods, cannot ignore. Not only is this an affront to our authority, but it also extends a dangerous precedence to be emulated by our other subjugated states. That the Tolucans must be punished for their insolence is certain. The question is to what degree. Let us consider what responses should be directed against them. Clearly we can move our armies on them—that would be the easiest—but is this the wisest course to pursue?”

Answering first was Ahuitzotl. “There should be no doubt about what we will do. Toluca has presented us with what, by any account, must be seen as a serious threat—an insidious erosive influence which, while not that significant for one city, can rapidly accelerate into a viable large-scale insurrection. We are only as strong as the hold we keep over our individual states. I see this rebellion as nothing less than a well-calculated assault directed at our very foundations, and it is imperative for us to make the message clear that we will not stand idly by and watch subversive maneuvers disintegrate the bonds which hold the realm together. I say the punishment against the Tolucans must be severe.”

The nods and mumblings from the floor indicated that there was a general agreement to this.

“So what is your proposal?” asked Tizoc.

“To destroy them utterly. Devastate their city, destroy its army, and enslave its inhabitants, so that all who see and hear of this will have a permanent imprint of our fury lest they likewise contemplate to rise against us.”

Ahuitzotl, smirking with satisfaction, glanced toward Tecolotl and saw that the red-faced ambassador was visibly shaken.

Next to speak was Nezahualpilli. “Let Lord Ahuitzotl be reminded that one cannot collect tributes from the dead. We do not dispute that Toluca poses a threat to our dominance, but it must be recognized that the payment of tribute also supports our institutions and is equally important to us. Toluca has supplied us abundantly with these in the past. I agree Toluca must be made an example, but even in making examples, we can temper our vengeance with some common sense. Do not forget that the Tolucans have previously served us well as allies and, while their present conduct requires our castigation, this should mitigate against their outright slaughter. So let us do what is necessary, but no more. Let the Tolucans feel our punishment, but let it be inflicted upon them by an alternative that will be difficult, yet tolerable, for them to accept.”

Again murmerings suggested that many supported Nezahualpilli’s position. The Texcocan’s reputation was well demonstrated. Tizoc was favorably impressed; Ahuitzotl questioned his own course of action; Tecolotl breathed a little easier.

“What might that alternative be?” Tizoc inquired.

“We should demand that their ruler, and the nobles who stood behind his cause, surrender themselves into captivity to us, upon the choice of seeing their city taken. For them to submit to this would be a greater demonstration of our power than any army in the field.”

“And if they refuse? Would we then destroy them?”

“We would then have to, for your word must be kept. But let us be clear on the advantage this proposal offers. The Tolucans know full well they have offended us and are expecting our punshment. Whatever misgivings many of their lords may have had about their venture, they now believe it is too late for amends and are united against us. But with our proposition, they would again be confronted with a choice and their unity will falter. What previously involved them all now only pertains to a select few who will find themselves isolated from their subjects. Those who entered the scheme with reservations will find their apprehensions greatly eased. If they now choose to doom their city, we can exercise our punitive measures without constraint.”

“I see,” said Tizoc. “Place the decision leading to our retribution into their own hands. We acquit ourselves of the consequences because they chose their fate.”

“We can blame them for their own folly. It is a favorable situation for us—demonstrating our willingness to avoid any carnage.

Tizoc and Nezahualpilli understood each other. They were men of an intellectual bent who held similar interests on a variety of subjects. Both enjoyed reputations as master builders, although Tizoc’s projects expressed more of a religious proclivity and included such works as the Great Temple, the combat stone, and the giant calendar which would be part of the new temple’s fixtures, while Nezahualpilli’s were primarily civic in nature involving the construction of aquaducts, dams, and palaces. Both men enlarged their royal gardens and boasted of the abundant plantlife contained in them, and the bloom of a newly bred flower would have been a source of pleasure for either of them. Both enjoyed literature, poetry, and the arts, and in their leisure time often surrounded themselves with men and women of erudition which, in great measure, secluded them from the everyday mundane tasks of state administration. Yet there were differences between them, and of these the major one was that Nezahualpilli was the heir of a city-state which, through the efforts of his scholarly father, Nezahualcoyotl, had acquired renown throughout Anahuac for its learning, cultural refinement, and artistic achievement, while Tizoc was the inheritor of a city-state which was built on, and placed its greatest value on, military prowess. Tizoc may have envied Nezahualpilli.

Tizoc next scanned the hall seeking out anyone who wished to add to the subject at hand and, finding none, brought the issue to a conclusion. “Of the proposals offered,” he said, “how many favor Lord Ahuitzotl’s course?”

Approximately a third of the assembly voiced its agreement.

“And Lord Nezahualpilli’s?”

A resounding majority gave its consent. The Texcocan had won the day.

“I concur,” stated Tizoc. Even at this point, he could have rejected the measure, having that authority, but he was convinced it was the most effective approach to the problem. He called out to the ambassador of Toluca, “Tecolotl! Come forward!”

Tecolotl advanced through the ranks of delegates fully conscious of their contemptuous sneers and glares, and when he halted in front of the Revered Speaker, he felt his knees quivering.

“You heard the proceedings,” said Tizoc. “Have you anything to tell us on behalf of your lord that we might consider?”

“Great Lord,” began Tecolotl. “The venture my master Zozoltin has embarked upon is fixed. His intention is that Toluca be an autonomous state free from the obligations, duties, and tributes imposed by the Triple Alliance. Nothing I can say will detract from this course. He is as resolved in his purpose as you are in yours, Lord Tizoc.”

“Does Zozoltin speak for his subjects as well?”

“There is a consensus among our lords that he is pursuing the correct policy.”

His statement provoked an outburst of derision and anger from the floor, and Tizoc had to motion Cihuacoalt into restoring order with his staff.

“Hear me, Tecolotl,” continued Tizoc after attaining silence. “These are the words you will carry to Zozoltin. I direct that he and all the lords and ministers favoring his action denounce their cause and surrender themselves to us by declaring their intention to do so on the first day of the month Ochpaniztli. We give him forty days. You may inform him that we will grant many of them the fate of war captives—an honorable sacrificial death. Our advance parties will move out in a week or so, not to engage in hostilities but to keep watch on Toluca so that Zozoltin does not secure allies for himself. We shall move against him in force if we fail to hear from him. Should it come to this, his city will suffer accordingly, with its women and children enslaved, and its warriors slain. You are dismissed to begin your journey so that you may inform your master of our conditions.”

After rendering a respectful bow, a shaken Tecolotl walked out of the hall amidst shouts of anger, abusive remarks, and gestures of scorn. While a harrowing experience for him, the greater obstacle lay ahead. He had to bring unpleasant news to his master, and no minister could predict the reactions of an angry lord.

“If war is offered,” Tizoc said after Tecolotl had gone, “we must determine the contingents for it. Ahuitzotl, how large an army can the Tolucans field?”

“We estimate their strength at seven, perhaps as high as eight thousand, but no more.”

“Eight thousand! That’s more than I would have thought.”

“This assumes they will arm everyone of military age. We think these estimates are accurate and take into account the latest population figures we have on them.”

“How many shall we sent against them?”

“Our doctrines prescribe an invading force should be twice the strength of a defender’s. I see no reason to deviate from this.”

“Tecolotl spoke of a consensus behind Zozoltin. We may encounter stiff resistance.”

“Yes, but as Nezahualpilli pointed out, our alternative will create divisiveness among them—many will lack the resolve necessary for victory. Also we do not consider them as well trained or disciplined as our own warriors. Sixteen thousand will be enough.”

Tizoc remained skeptical and glanced at Nezahualpilli to see if the Texcocan agreed with the assessment. “That will require five thousand of your Acolhuas, Nezahualpilli,” he said. “Is that sufficient?”

“I believe so,” replied Nezahualpilli, “if our information is correct, although I contest the assertion about their being less trained or disciplined. They are surely expecting our attack, having set upon their foolish course, and must be passing their days in constant preparation for it.”

Ahuitzotl gave Nezahualpilli a scornful look. He did not appreciate being contradicted on military matters in which he regarded himself the expert. “Are you suggesting our surveillance is faulty?” he scowled.

“Not so,” Nezahualpilli answered, recognizing he had annoyed the commander and needed to cool his hot head. “I merely emphasize caution. The situation merits our best evaluation.”

“And you have it! You forget we also have strong motivations to impose our will on them. With this determination, not even an equal number of them can stand against us.”

“I assumed from the start that our forces will prevail.” Nezahualipilli replied.

“And Tlacopan?” Tizoc asked Chimalpopoca. “Do you agree with that allotment?”

“I do, Lord Tizoc,” declared Chimalpopoca with great confidence.

“Very well then. Five thousand from each of you. The remaining cities will be given their designated numbers by Lord Ahuitzotl as soon as he can determine an equitable allocation. As for the advance party, a force of one hundred from each alliance city will be adequate.”

With the general application of policy on Toluca decided, Tizoc next addressed his chief priests in order to acquire assurances that their proposed action met its most crucial test. “What say you priests?” he said. “Does our enterprise engage a consent from the gods?”

“They will be pleased enough, Lord,” affirmed the head priest, “if our oblations invoke their auspices. To make certain, we will offer appropriate sacrifices and conduct ourselves in submissive obedience to them, with the fastings and self-denials, as they command us to do. Our prayers to them will stress the importance of our intentions.”

“Yes, do what you must. While we speak of it, have any omens been received in connection with this undertaking?”

“Not by me, Lord Tizoc, but perhaps by my associate who specializes in such matters. He is skilled in concocting the divine potions which induce these visions.”

A second priest stepped forward, and as he chanced to look into the monarch’s eyes, a sudden shocked expression came over his face that abruptly halted him. Tizoc was startled.

“Is something amiss?” he fretted.

“No! It is nothing, Lord!”

“But I saw…”

“An uncontrolled reflex, Lord!—from the potions we consume. It strikes us momentarily at certain intervals without warning to numb our senses in the manner you have just observed.”

“I would not have deemed it a numbing of senses. It struck me more like a—a revelation.”

“So you may have interpreted it, Lord, but I assure you it was an involuntary reaction.”

The priest’s assertion did little to soothe Tizoc’s troubled composition. What he had just witnessed was not a bodily response to drugs, of which he was familiar enough, but a reaction initiated by the priest looking at him. The priest saw something, and whatever it was, it impacted as a profound shock. Despite his alarm, Tizoc strove to maintain a dignified countenance and avoided further allusion to the incident.

“You are a seer?” he asked the priest.

“I am regarded as such, Lord.”

“Have you had any premonitions involving our plans?”

‘Only one, Lord. A dream came to me in which I perceived the recognizable features of a city I knew to be Toluca. Above it, I saw an eagle in flight at early dawn and it was approaching its prey, a quail hiding in some bushes. As the eagle was about to strike the quail, it suddenly reversed itself and was instead pursued by the quail, which, in doing so, left the safety of the bushes. While the quail was chasing the eagle, a second, more bolder, eagle swooped down upon it, seized it, and flew away carrying it in its talons. But it was now dusk.”

“What does it portent?”

“I believe the quail is Zozoltin, for that is the meaning of his name, and that the eagle represents the Mexica.”

“It’s a sign denoting the tactics we should use to defeat Zozoltin,” Ahuitzotl interjected. “Some of our forces will lure him from his city by feigning a retreat, and when he has exposed himself, our remaining forces will capture him. A familiar battle plan, not even that imaginative.”

“This means,” Tizoc said with some concern, “that Zozoltin will not surrender to us. The issue will be decided by arms after all.”

“So it would seem, Lord Tizoc. At first I thought the same thing, but…” the priest paused.

“But what, priest?”

“The interpretation is too simple, one might say deceptively simple. We must give it serious consideration if we are to know the true message so we are not misled. For instance, I am not convinced that the turn about by the eagle is intentional, as Lord Ahuitzotl deduces. Nor, for that matter, can it be said that the intervention of the second eagle is a planned maneuver. Also why is a full day spent in a flight that should be of short duration?”

“It appears clear enough,” Ahuitzotl pressed on, confident his was the correct explanation. “An entire day will be required to defeat Zozoltin. It is to be a hard fought contest it seems. I would not have expected this of the Tolucans.”

“This is distressing,” Tizoc soberly reflected. “If we offer additional supplications, would this alter the vision?”

“No, Lord. What I have seen will be. It cannot change.”

“Can the priest give us another account of this vision?” Nezahualpilli asked.

“I have related the vision faithfully as I saw it, Lord. What is made of it can apply to anyone. I can explain what the signs symbolize, but I’m not always able to grasp their significance.”

“Then of what use are you as a seer?” retorted Tizoc.

“All I can offer is that perhaps if I take more of the divine potions in the coming days, additional information will be given me by Tezcatlipoca—if he wishes me to have it.”

“Do that, priest,” Tizoc directed, “and if any other revelations come to you, let me know immediately.”

Try as he might, Tizoc was now unable to concentrate on the issues at hand, his mind preoccupied over his encounter with the prophetic priest; the more he dwelled on it, the greater became his consternation and he became physically unsettled. He determined what he needed was to retire to his private quarters where he might find some relief from his discomfort.

“I had planned to also discuss the Tlappan affair, but it can wait until a later council,” he announced. “This meeting is ended. I shall contact you when I wish to take up the subject.”

Ahuitzotl could not hide his disappointment. “Why require another recall when we are already here? Let us act on Tlappan.”

A hushed strain came over the assembly. Tizoc gave Ahuitzotl an angry glance prompting the commander into a hasty retraction. “Your pardon, Lord. I have erred.”

Tizoc did not respond. Instead he motioned for Cihuacoatl to terminate the session and departed with his escorts through the side door leading to his private chamber. This the minister dutifully accomplished and then also left, but several of the lords and officials remained to talk. With this group was Ahuitzotl and Nezahualpilli.

“You go too far, Ahuitzotl,” Nezahualpilli said. “You had no right to question Lord Tizoc’s prerogative.”

“I recognized it and did recant. Spare me your reprimand.”

“Yes, you recanted, but not before we all witnessed your insubordination. You deprecated Lord Tizoc. I can assure you this will not be regarded lightly.”

“What can he do? He would be lost without me to manage his campaigns, as you well know,” answered Ahuitzotl with a smugness that rankled Nezahualpilli. “You cross me often, Nezahualpilli, and one of these days it will be you who has gone too far. You and I may eventually come to a day of reckoning.”

“I do not fear it.”

“Perhaps you should. But let’s not quibble over this now. We have need of each other. Who will you sent to lead your Acolhuas?”

“I shall command them myself.”

“Splendid. I know I can rely on you. It should be a good fight, if we are fortunate enough to have it come to that. Until then, farewell, Nezahualpilli.”

“Farewell, Ahuitzotl. May the gods provide for you.”

“They will,” boasted Ahuitzotl as he walked away in the company of his trusted captain, Tlohtzin.

Nezahualpilli lingered awhile longer to deliberate over his potential adversary. In spite of the threats, he was not particularly upset; he felt that he understood the impetuous Ahuitzotl and could placate his volatile nature if he had to. He was actually quite fond of him and admired his demonstrated abilities in leadership and tactics, and, for whatever his faults, Ahuitzotl respected sound logic and learning. With these tools as weapons, Nezahualpilli had no need to fear him. No, he was not frightened by his words—what alarmed him was the commander’s open flaunting of the gods, his brazen flirting with their patience, the temptations, edging near contempt. He was playing a dangerous game with them, and in such contests, the gods would invariably emerge as the victors.