Alliance Secrets, Books and Documents (Part 1)

The priests' great hall shone with golden light, the volcanic-rock ceiling reflecting a blood-red glow. The statue of the main god, Sun Hummingbird, stood towering high, looking down upon all living beings as if merciful, and yet as if utterly heartless.

The High Priest's low words fell softly into Xolotl's ears, making his whole body jolt. Xolotl raised his head and cried out in surprise.

"Grandfather, you—"

"We'll speak when we return!"

The High Priest waved a hand, his expression unchanged. Then he patted Xolotl's shoulder kindly.

"My child, calm your heart and settle your breath. First accompany me while I finish handling today's affairs."

Seeing this, Xolotl nodded silently, stood in attendance at his side, and waited patiently. He had far too many doubts about everything that had happened today, far too much he could not understand, and he hoped to receive answers.

The priests' great hall returned to solemnity and gravity. Before long, the senior priests came back into the hall and busied themselves with daily affairs. At the High Priest's command, scroll after scroll of newly compiled books and document after document of reports were carried into the great hall for the High Priest and Xolotl to inspect at will.

"Xolotl, sit here and carefully read through the High Priest Council's books and documents."

The High Priest's face showed a smile as he instructed him gently.

"In the books, the first two scrolls compare Pictographic Script with square characters, the middle scrolls are the organized myths and legends of the world, and the final scrolls are the main god's doctrines up to the present. In the documents, the first few are the Mexica Alliance's village and town tribute from last year, the middle few are the state of faith within the Alliance, and the last are missionary