June was the rainy season on the coast. High winds whipped dark clouds along with a fine, pattering drizzle, surging in from the northern sea. And outside the Water Fort of Sunrise Village, a vast Water Fleet had made every preparation to set out on this long, rainy day.
"O sea wind, blow, blow! Those are the departing wings of the God of Wind, seeking the far shore where souls fade away...
"O raindrops, fall, fall! Those are the tears shed by the falling Feathered Serpent, making even the Earth Mother weep...
"O sun, vanished from sight! That is the Sun God's unwilling gaze, unable to watch the warriors of the gods rush toward the battlefield of cold death!~"
On the village shore, old and young alike, several thousand Totonac tribesmen had gathered. They watched the men of the fleet head bravely westward in a death-bound raid, their eyes filled with fierce reluctance and sorrow. And the Hidden Snake priests at their head streamed with old tears, singing a dirge to send off the warriors in voices as desolate and ancient as the earth itself!
"O Snake Mother of the Earth Mother, mother goddess of the Totonac! Hear my song of mourning, and hear my sincere prayer... Our land has been seized by the evil Mexica People; the descendants of the sun and giant serpent have been ravaged by the descendants of the cruel God of War... And today is the final hour. Let us stand one last time and fight against evil!..."
A tall divine altar had been erected on the flagship Longship. As the leader and priest of the fleet, Priest Pap wore a splendid feathered priestly robe and was raising high the Divine Staff bestowed by the Coastal High Priest, offering his prayer before the campaign. At