The Three Generals and the Legion

The setting sun sank toward the end of the great river, dyeing the red-and-yellow world through and through, drawing River Mouth Fortress into a long silhouette. Rosy twilight fell upon the center of the fortress, where a richly appointed residence stood. Over a hundred Bronze Armor warriors guarded it tightly, while dozens of Guachichil headmen waited at the gate.

The residence was broad front and back, with courtyards in each. In the front courtyard, bonfires had been built, roasting turkey, grilling deer legs, steaming red crabs, and boiling fish soup. Dozens of practiced servants were busy preparing the evening feast in a tense bustle. The scent of spices mingled with the aroma of food and drifted far into the distance, making mouths water.

The fragrance reached the rear courtyard and blended with the rich scent of flowers. There was a garden in the rear courtyard, where the flowers of early spring were in full bloom. The rare American Slipper Orchid had grown pouch-shaped lips and blossomed into exceptionally gorgeous flowers, giving off a pleasant, perfume-like scent. Beautiful Blue-crowned Hummingbirds were drawn over by the fragrance. They rose and dipped lightly among the flowers, hovering before the stamens like dazzling streams of light.

Xolotl wore leather armor and a smile as he watched the hummingbirds in the garden. Several people stood behind him, accompanying him as they admired the flowers. From time to time, the clamor of the front courtyard carried faintly over, making the rear courtyard seem even quieter.

"Hummingbirds are a symbol of the God of War. The priests once studied them with great care. They have sharp pointed beaks, and on those pointed beaks are saw-sword-like teeth. It is said that the earliest Obsidian War Club was made in imitation of a hummingbird's mouth."

Xolotl turned around, his