NOVPUBThe April breeze embarked from the ocean, traveling a thousand miles to arrive at the land of the lakes in Michoacán. Under the warm sunshine, a faint mist rose by the shores of Lake Patzcuaro, the air carrying a moist breath. Pines and cypresses by the water danced lightly in the wind, morning dew gathered on the tips of leaves, cascading down their elongated branches. The serene moments of early spring were silently soaked in the morning sun.
Xiulote stood quietly by the lakeside, gazing into the deep blue sky. The fresh wind blew by, carrying the scent of unnamed flowers and unraveling the clouds. Sunshine fell upon his face and all around him, leaving behind radiant tranquility.
Yet, peace and calm were merely temporary illusions; war and bloodshed were the true realities of this world. The breeze from the southwest carried with it the scent of gunpowder, and even the faint smell of blood could be detected.
With a soft sigh, Xiulote abruptly turned around, his pupils reflecting flickering flames.
"The long rainy season is coming, and the consumption of food will double. The horn for spring plowing will sound at the end of the month, and the mobilization of manpower is becoming tense. The war must be swift!"
Some hundred paces away, hundreds of trusted aides in armor stood in silence with bows, solemnly behind their lord, like statues, waiting for the Commander-in-Chief’s orders.
And in the far south, massive fires rose in Ivachi. Flames leaped, joining the sunrise in the sky, painting the thriving town red. The wind carried distant sounds, letting the shouts of slaughter echo to the heavens. The Temple of Priests, the Manor of Nobility, the houses of great merchants – wherever there was resistance, it was met with the ruthless killing of the Mexica legion, even the fires of destruction, until all was silent.
After a quarter of an hour, the sounds of battle gradually ceased. Toltec, bathed in sunlight, approached from the burning town. His War Clothes were stained with blood, his eyes flushed with red, his face full of icy intent to kill. It wasn’t until he was near his lord that he knelt down on one knee, respectfully reporting.
"Your Highness, our army launched a surprise attack at dawn, and now Ivachi has been conquered by the legion! The resistant Temple has been burned down, and all the Priests of the false gods have been sent to the Abyss. Most of the Tarasco Nobility died in battle, the rest have become captives. The town’s merchants put up a brief resistance before they surrendered. They have sent their representatives to negotiate with you, saying that as long as their Wealth is preserved, they will defect to you and further discuss some kind of fee for the troops. How ludicrous!"
As he finished, Toltec grasped his War Club and let out a cold sneer. In the Samurai’s eyes, victors claimed everything. Those conquered merchants were now Sacrifices for the Alliance’s captives, with no right to negotiate.
Xiulote’s face remained calm. He lifted his gaze toward the southern sky. The Royal Legion of Su’angua was hidden somewhere within a hundred miles to the south, a great battle could erupt at any moment. So, he shook his head and decided the fate of the captives.
"Toltec, I don’t have much time to waste here. I need miners to extract copper, Craftsmen to produce copperware, food to supply the legion, military supplies for the battlefield, and the latest military intelligence from the south! As for the entire town’s Wealth, award it all to the legion’s Samurai! You have half a day to resolve everything, and then advance to scout!"
"By your will, my gratitude for your generosity!"
Upon hearing this, Toltec’s face brightened, and he prostrated in thanks. He then stood up and returned, walking briskly like a Black Wolf chasing its prey, pouncing on the spoils promised by their leader.
Soon, cheers erupted among the town’s Samurai, praising their lord’s generosity. They then busied themselves - sorting captives, scavenging supplies, and, by camp, equally dividing looted Feathers, Gold and Silver, gemstones, and slaves. After a while, a ghastly series of screams arose, quickly followed by silence. The accompanying priests chanted hymns to the Sun God, returning with their bloody Obsidian Daggers, all the Nobility captives offered as Sacrifices.
Xiulote remained expressionless, continuing his contemplation. After a moment, Ezpan approached with a rotund captive before him.
"Your Highness, I have interrogated the recently arrived merchant. This wealthy businessman comes from Tlapanec, reporting an urgent piece of military intelligence. He saw a large legion movement in the south!"
Ezpan made his respectful report, then kicked the captive hard, who cried out in panic, tumbling forward onto the grass, pleading loudly for mercy.
On hearing of the military situation, Xiulote was slightly moved. He gestured for the captive to be quiet. Ezpan kneeled on one knee, pressing the merchant’s head into the grass to silence him.
"You’ve discovered traces of a large enemy force? When, where, under what banners, and how many men?" 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓅𝓊𝓫.𝒸ℴ𝓶
The prince inquired. Ezpan repeated the question in the southern dialect of the Kingdom. On hearing this, the merchant stopped his cries. His eyes flickered and he put on a practiced smile.
"Respected Mexica Highness. I am a merchant from the Tlapanec tribe. We Tlapanecs have always been submissive to the mighty Mexica Alliance, paying tributes on time. In the war between the Alliance and the Kingdom, we also steadfastly support the Alliance, believers of the Sun and Rain Divines... I am willing to exchange the latest intelligence for your protection of my Wealth, as well as a modest reward."
Xiulote’s eyes narrowed slightly, speaking in a low voice.
"Military intelligence is urgent and must be accurate."
Ezpan nodded, his expression turning cold. Then, he suddenly brought up his knee, knocking the merchant down completely. He pressed the man’s left hand to the ground and drew a sharp Dagger. Under the captive’s terrified gaze, he did not hesitate to cut down with the blade.
