Читать книгу Ahuitzotl - Herb Allenger - Страница 23

XIV

Toluca had been a costly enterprise for the Mexica, with nearly five thousand casualties that included fifteen hundred dead; it was predictable that the reception accorded the returning armies in their respective cities would be subdued, if not at first, when the details of the battle unfolded. Still, custom called for a runner to be sent to Tenochtitlan with his hair neatly braided who would race through its streets waving his maquauhuitl and shield joyously bespeaking of their triumph. Shortly after he set out, the rest of the force began its two day march back with the prisoners and wounded, an uneventful journey.

When the armies of Tenochtitlan and Acolhuacan entered the capital, the populace had been prepared by Cihuacoatl to greet them. Incense burners were lit and shell trumpets sounded, reeds and flowers were spread on the main avenue over which the soldiers trod, and there were roars of appproval when the people saw the number of captives being led by the guards. But amid the fanfare came also the disappointments and shock for many who sought out their sons in the returning squadrons and discovered they were not among them. Although male children were born for battle, and significant honor was attached to their falling in war as this assured one’s place in Tonatiuhichin, the East Paradise of the Sun, there remained the initial horror all parents feel upon learning that they will never again see their sons until this deprivation is reconciled as being for the greater good of all things ordained. They bore their reversal in fixed solemnity, restrained by the knowledge that they would receive no sympathy from a crowd which believed their sons had arrived in a happier place, and intent on contributing to the general spirit of celebration so as not to mar the gaiety of the event.

Zozoltin and his warriors were placed in strong wooden cages, each one holding up to four captives, hastily assembled from various storage areas and located in the central plaza. Certain townspeople were assigned to feed the Tolucans at regular intervals and to replace their waste containers, a task by no means regarded demeaning because, as potential sacrificial victims, the prisoners attained a somewhat sacred status as divine messengers to the gods and deserved good treatment. Nevertheless, a few guards were kept around them in case there should be an attempted escape, however remote that possibility existed.

Before being dismissed, the soldiery gave up its armaments to collecting quartermaster sections which amassed them for storage in arsenals to be duly refurbished and prepared for the next campaign, and soon everything returned to a state of normalcy except that the Acolhuas stayed for the night and would not resume their journey home until the following day. The work of the commanders, however, was not finished. There remained the usual grievances to be heard, the recommendations for awards to those warriors who distinguished themselves, the assessment of the battle plan to determine where it had been effective and where it proved faulty, and there were the special tribunals which had to be ordered to sit in judgment over those who were accused of cowardice before the enemy and other military crimes, such as failure to obey orders, dereliction of duty, insubordination, malingering, or so on. Ahuitzotl directed these affairs from the headquarters complex; after listening to the reports of his chieftains, he told them he would evaluate each one and make a decision on them in the succeeding days and then dismissed them, except for Tlohtzin who remained in consultation with him.

“A strange case we have on Motecuhzoma,” he said to Tlohtzin.

“How so, Lord?”

“Contradictory. Certainly his bravery was exemplary—in that respect his conduct is beyond reproach—yet he broke the battle order, led the assault on the temple priests, and, according to a number of sources, was most averse to stopping his men from ravaging Toluca, even after my orders to do so. What do you say to this?”

“As to the first charge, I would say his actions demonstrated good initiative—something we should place more emphasis on.”

“Not when it entails a disruption of our tactical plan. Discipline is what differentiates us from our opponents—from the top levels to the lowest so that every facet of a battle can be controlled. Our failings in this at Toluca aside, which must be deemed an anomaly, it is the most basic factor leading to our successes.”

“To be sure, but his motivation—coming to aid Lord Tizoc will provide a solid case for him and could lead to embarrassment for anyone charging him with misconduct for this.”

“What of the other charges?”

“Who makes them against him?”

“His division commander, not that this makes a difference.”

“It doesn’t. I just thought for a moment that it might have been you.”

“Would that have offended you?” Ahuitztol asked, curious over Tlohtzin’s response.

“When you consider all that happened that day, yes. You had the occasion to relief our heavily pressed center but delayed in doing so. Indeed, I had suspicions you actually desired that the Revered Speaker would be killed or captured. Whether this is so I don’t know, but if it is, it would be no less a violation of our military codes than those alleged against Motecuhzoma.”

Ahuitzotl blushed over the insinuation but ignored additional references to it. “It’s not my conduct that’s being disputed, but Motecuhzoma’s,” he said. “What is your recommentation on the charges against him?”

“He is new to his duties. Novices are reluctant to force decisions on their men which are seen as unpopular. It takes time for a youthful commander to develop the inner strength and fortitude to lead authoritatively.”

“You were not asked to plead a defense, but for a recommendation. What do you advise?”

“Dismiss them!”

“On what grounds?”

“Mitigating circumstances. His squadron was not the only one to commit wanton outrages, nor was he alone averse to stopping his warriors from their, ah, diversions. Why single him out to bear the brunt for it? Either we share in this burden or we disdain from seeking scapegoats for it.”

“That may not satisfy his division commander.”

“If it doesn’t, it creates a dilemma for him. Can he swear before the court that he issued specific instructions prohibiting attacks on Toluca’s civilians? If he did not, then what is the basis of his charges against Motecuhzoma? And if he did, why are his other squadrons, equally guilty, not accountable for it?”

A smile came to Ahuitzotl; such an order was rarely given as there was no expectation of the abnormal brutality that had occurred in Toluca. “I can see him squirming,” he mused. “We shall have to save him from the indignation he will undergo. I will recommend a dismissal of all charges against Motecuhzoma, but we must find a new assignment for him. It’s counterproductive for anyone having to retain a member of his command against whom he has initiated charges. That creates uncertainty about issuing more orders to him and weakens one’s ability to lead.”

“I agree. Do you have one in mind?”

“He will be assigned to this headquarters—to become my personal aide.”

As Motecuhzoma’s future was being determined at the headquarters, another conversation was underway in the royal palace between Nezahualpilli and Tizoc. Although he never would have thought that unfavorable circumstances could stand between him and a truly good friend, Nezahualpilli found his association with Tizoc strained as a consequence of the events in Toluca and their discourse suffered accordingly. Tizoc was keenly aware of his colleague’s reservations, knowing the cause for it, but refused any allusion to this, realizing he could not negate what the gods had ordained, and repressed it, however difficult. The future of someone else was being decided.

“What will you do with Zozoltin?” asked Nezahualpilli.

“What we agreed to from the start,” replied Tizoc. “He shall be offered to the gods.”

“I thought perhaps, as a king, you might allow him to fight for his freedom upon your new ceremonial stone. It’s an honorable gesture considering his courageous performance against us.”

“We give him ample honor by sending him to the gods.”

“If you say so. When?”

“In twenty days, during our festival to Tlaloc. I trust you will attend the rites.”

“If that is an invitation, of course.”

“You know it is. You’re unduly formal, Nezahualpilli. We’ve always been good friends, and I had believed we understood each other, but tonight you make me feel as if I am imposing on you. Since when have you needed to ask for an invitation?”

“I’m sorry, Tizoc. The Toluca affair has placed a barrier between us and it will take time to remove it. I ask you to abide with me until I’m able to recover from my inhibition.”

“It weighs heavily on me. I shall have problems enough facing our people once they learn of what happened, but to also suffer the scorn of friends, that will make my burden unendurable. I appeal to your sense of justice—afford me a chance to redeem myself. I cannot change what has happened. I can only continue from where I stand now; for this I need the support of friends, not their derision.”

His was an impassioned plea, and Nezahualpilli was not left untouched by it, sympathizing with Tizoc over the tribulations tormented him, and he felt obliged to offer some consolation.

“You face a serious setback, Tizoc; I’m not at all sure the people will permit you to forget it. But as for me, be assured my friendship is true. Whatever misgivings I presently feel will pass. I regret your misfortune, but with perseverence, you will overcome this disparity. Trust me on this.”

“You have satisfied me. With your assurance, I’m certain I can surmount this crisis.”

On this amiable note, the two kings retired for the evening. No restful night was in store for Tizoc, however; he remained extremely discomforted over his recollections of the campaign and his yearning that things had turned out different. He wanted to suppress these, but they kept resurfacing to disrupt his efforts at relaxation. In this half asleep, half awake state, he passed the excruciating long hours in wretched misery and turmoil.

The rejoicing which met the armies after they returned from their venture was tarnished considerably when news of what actually had transpired became known. By word of mouth, primarily from the very warriors who had participated in the operation, people learned of the brutal manner in which Toluca was taken, of the flight of their monarch, and of the breakdown of discipline which had permeated the ranks and led to the city’s destruction. They reacted with mixed emotions, combining feelings of outrage, disappointment, and humiliation, and shortly thereafter one could hear derogatory words expressing contempt for the Revered Speaker—seditious words which would have been unthinkable earlier and still ran punitive risks. Clearly the prestige of Tizoc was dangerously diminished, and there were many lords who openly began to discuss if something should be done about it.

Under the rising of this dark cloud Nezahualpilli and his Acolhuas left Tenochtitlan, and already, even as they were making their departure, they could hear derisive remarks said to them and the cheers they received only yesterday were significantly subdued. To the Texcocan it came as a confirmation of what he had suspected—it would indeed be a severe storm that Tizoc must withstand.

As Tizoc watched the procession leave from the second-level quarters of his palace, a sense of loneliness came over him, for this was a time when he was very much in need of Nezahualpilli’s companionship to console him and help him through his adversity. He could confide things in the Texcocan he dared not tell anyone in Tenochtitlan—his innermost feelings and apprehensions—and know he would receive an understanding ear and not be censured or ridiculed for it. Who could he trust here? Cihuacoatl was a sycophant, loyal but cold and insensitive and forever preoccupied with the dignity and status of the monarch’s office. He was a capable minister, an advisor, but not a friend. As for his brother, Ahuitzotl, there was no kinship between them; he despised the ruler and was envious of him. His counsellors, intellectual friends, and the builders he often distrusted—they served him well in an official capacity, but not a personal one. Indeed there was not a person in Tenochtitlan with whom he could discuss his case, and this greatly added to his frustrations.

At this point, while Tizoc absorbed himself in his reflections, Tlalalca entered the room and gingerly snuggled up to him, as together they saw the last elements of the Acolhuacan column departing through the serpent gate. She was familiar enough with Tizoc’s mannerism to know when he wished quietness and said nothing, but he, warmed by her close presence, longingly glanced at her. Perhaps he was wrong, he thought; he could talk to Tlalalca, yet there were things he dared not tell even her. What would she think of him if she knew?

“I wish Nezahualpilli had stayed awhile longer,” he finally said, his despondency revealed in his voice.

“He has his own city to rule,” replied Tlalalca. “It should not matter.”

Tizoc frowned; hers was the kind of response devoid of the sensitivity he solicited and it left him unsettled. He did not reply.

“I see you are in no mood for my company,” Tlalalca noted. “I shall leave you in peace.”

“I want you to stay, Tlalalca.”

“Shall I speak to myself then?”

“No need to feel indignant,” Tizoc weakly smiled. “I merely meant that after the unusual operation we just completed, I would have preferred talking with someone who took part in it.”

Tlalalca intuitively understood that something had gone badly wrong and her searching eyes beckoned for details.

“I may as well tell you,” muttered Tizoc uneasily, “You will learn of it anyway. You’re going to hear that I, lord of our nation, ran from the enemy in the heat of battle and retired from the field. It’s true—I did!—although the circumstances will undoubtedly be reported falsely to you.”

Tlalalca paled; in spite of wanting to appear sympathetic, she found it difficult to conceal her alarm. Tizoc dismissed her unease and went on.

“The Tolucans surprised us by a concentrated attack on our center after we had thinned our lines over a wide area. I was there with Nezahualpilli and Chimalpopoca—also my ministers—when they came at us. Believing my bodyguard would not be able to withstand them, I withdrew from there, with my ministers and priests, to avoid being captured, which might have given the enemy a chance at winning. To make it worse, Nezahualpilli and Chimalpopoca remained to fight and, as it turned out, reinforcements came in time to repel the attack. So my flight amounted to nothing and could only be construed as the act of a recreant by all who observed it.”

Tlalalca was dumb-struck. She needed no explanation on the severe nature of Tizoc’s action as it was common knowledge that soldiers who exhibited such cowardice were usually tried and sentenced to death so they did not contaminate anyone else with their defilement. But for a Revered Speaker—her husband—to have done this came as a jolt.

“What will you do?” was all she could think of saying.

“What can I do?” he moaned bitterly. “I’ll have to ignore it—pretend that it never happened, I suppose. If I dwell on it, I will surely lose my mind.”

“Will anything happen?” Tlalaca worried.

“I don’t think so. Nobody knows what to do, and this will probably work in my favor. By the time the fact-finding committees and inquiry boards are formulated, if such a move is being contemplated by the interclan council, much of this will have faded or at least seem dated and lose its relevancy. The priests will be my strongest allies, for they hold this office as inviolable. I must do my best to foster their friendship.”

“And who is your strongest enemy? Ahuitzotl?”

“Not this time. He allowed—inadvertently he says—our warriors to commit cruel excesses upon the Tolucans and to desecrate the temple of their patron god, which shocked our priests into revulsion. For the time being, he could not get their cooperation against me.”

“This operation grows more bizarre at every word.”

“It was unusual,” Tizoc reflected with sober introspection. “None of us escaped unscathed from it in some way. No wonder Ahuitzotl pledged his word to make no mention of it.”

“He hates you!” Tlalalca raised her voice in exacerbation. “You can’t go by anything that animal tells you!”

“He is my brother, and of royal lineage. Whatever you may say about him, he is a man of honor and will stand by his word.”

“He is your greatest foe! Many speak of his ambitions, and these events in Toluca—I speak of your conduct!—have certainly granted him an opportunity to press for an advantage. You would be well advised to fear him!”

“Fear him? No! By the Gods, that is one thing I will no longer do! If there’s anything I’ve learned from this affair, it’s that I was a fool to ever have let him intimidate me with his arrogant ways, but no more.”

Again Tlalalca was astonished. At no prior time had she heard Tizoc repudiate Ahuitzotl with such mettle, as if the campaign had transformed his character into a bolder temperament, but inconsistent with his earlier confession. “I stand corrected,” she said, perplexed. “Do not fear him, but rather eye him with suspicion and due caution. Brother or not, he bears you ill-will.”

“You know this? Is this what you discovered from Pelaxilla?”

“No, I’ve learned nothing from her—yet. It’s what I feel.”

“I should prefer something more solid, but I will heed your advice and keep watch on him. At present, I don’t think it crucial. He has disgraced himself, as I have, and will also need some time before attaining the respect of our influential lords.”

Tizoc felt his confidence returning as he spoke with Tlalalca, a quality she seemed to invoke through her presence, which he appreciated. He grew more assured he could regain the respect and trust of his ministers and people. It would be mostly a matter of ignoring the temporary denigration, generating a dynamism by expanding his construction projects and asserting his leadership, and pleasing the large caste of priests and their multiple cults by planning an impressive ceremony for the upcoming feast of Tlaloc—this he could accomplish with the sacrifice of Zozoltin and his Tolucans.