Pacifying the Valley

The sun slanted west, clouds dyed in red twilight, and the mountains also glowed crimson. The Red Fox Tribe had fled on its own, the Cactus Tribe's great army was pressing down on the border, and Red Fox Valley had been completely sealed off. The Dog-kin tribes' hearts were in turmoil; every face showed panic as chaotic shouts rang out everywhere.

When people's hearts longed for change, the chaotic situation gradually came to a boil. In the rear camp at Southeast Valley Pass, fierce clamor and slaughter suddenly erupted. Then, two quarters of an hour later, the camp gates were flung wide open!

Under the gaze of several thousand Mexica Warriors, Red Frog Chief Caca walked out of the camp gates, personally dragging the tightly bound Red Cat Chief Miztli to wait below the slope of the mountain path. Behind him, over a hundred Red-hair Warriors escorted the headmen of the Red Cat Tribe, who also stood with lowered heads along the road.

Before long, Black Wolf's Royal Banner came along the valley road to the camp gates. Xolotl waved the command flag, and two thousand warriors, armored and gripping clubs, entered the camp and seized control of the vital ground at the valley mouth. Then the king gave a low order, and several hundred personal guards advanced with weapons in hand, took custody of the prisoners, and brought the two chiefs beneath the Royal Banner.

"Honored Great Chief Death God! Caca offers you his greetings, and willingly enters your service as a lesser chief under your command!"

Caca dragged the captive along, and while he was still several steps away from the Royal Banner, he dropped to his knees, saluting and shouting.

"I offer you the highest-ranking captive in the valley!"

Xolotl nodded slightly. He beckoned, signaling for Caca