Execution and Rectification

The temple hall was filled with killing chill, carrying the silence after thunder had exploded. The king's words were like rolling peals of thunder, echoing in the two men's ears and shaking their hearts.

Sky Oltar was terrified beyond measure. A sheen of cold sweat burst from the back of his neck with a swish. He fell flat in the hall with a thud, kowtowing heavily.

"Your Majesty. Your Majesty! I... I was wronged, I was deceived, I had no thought of rebellion! Your Majesty!"

Xolotl watched coldly, then looked toward Grey Earth Puapu.

Thud! Thud! Thud!

Grey Earth Puapu knocked his head hard three times, nearly splitting his forehead open. His thoughts spun at breakneck speed, and he spoke with difficulty.

"Your Majesty! The Purple Grass Clan Leader deceived us and made us drink hallucinogenic wine. These... these were all drunken mad ravings after wine! I had long wanted to report everything to Your Majesty and turn myself in, only my heart was afraid, with the Main God as witness! I have absolutely no second thoughts! If I have even the slightest notion of betraying Your Majesty, may my body and head be parted, and may my soul fall forever into the abyss!"

"Yes, yes! We lost our senses after drinking and were forced to write it. Your Majesty! We traveled south through the night to punish the Purple Grass Family and suppress the nearby nobles. We never had any disloyalty at all! Purple Grass Manor has been completely reduced to ashes, and the surrounding nobles have also been pacified. We are your loyal hounds, tearing at every rebel!"

"With the Main God as witness! Your Majesty, our hearts are filled with loyalty! You are our only sun!... Thud! Thud!"

The two of them kept kowtowing, their explanations growing