The Shifting Sands of Fate

The sky in the rainy season was always unpredictable. A moment ago the sun had still been shining brightly; in the blink of an eye, dark clouds blanketed everything. The black clouds covered the sun, making the earth turn gloomy and leaving shadows in men's hearts.

At Ozoma's shout, Bertad instantly raised his bronze sword and blocked the way in front of His Highness. Toltec drew his war club and guarded His Highness from behind. Caca's hand pressed against the war club at his waist. He had meant to draw his weapon and protect the Great Chief. But after glancing at the wary Black Wolf General, he lowered his hand again and merely stood in place, motionless.

Confusion showed on Xolotl's face. He turned his head and gave the old priest Taiya a faint look, then looked toward Ano, who had fallen to the ground.

"What is going on?"

Faced with the sudden change, the old priest Taiya was at a complete loss. He dropped to his knees in terror, kowtowing hard as he shouted anxiously.

"Ah! Your Majesty, Ano—he, he has been diligent these past few months, working hard at the spring plowing and devoutly believing in Main God. He, he is not an assassin!"

The change had come so suddenly that Axolotl had been dazed from beginning to end. Forcing down the pain in his abdomen where he had been kicked, he said shakily.

"Your Majesty, I, I'm not."

"He is a true Red-hair Hunter!"

Ozoma spoke with the force of a nail struck through iron. He lifted his arm slightly and pointed his war club at Axolotl's red hair.

"Main God bears witness! Your Majesty, look at the color of his hair. It is genuine wasteland dye! Caca can definitely tell too! He is a Red-hair Hunter