Grandfather and Grandson's Secret Talk

Night lay deep, darkness seeping in from beyond the window, pressing down until it was hard to breathe. Candlelight flickered, driving the black night for the moment beyond the side hall and bringing with it a little brightness.

Grandfather and grandson wore plain clothes and sat close together. On one aged face was a faint smile; on one young face was deep sorrow. They stayed silent for a long while, until both their expressions gradually drew in, hiding the emotions that churned beneath.

"Xolotl, my child. To see you grow up with my own eyes, to see you become so valiant and decisive, fills my heart with pride and comfort."

High Priest Xutl's expression was calm, the corners of his mouth carrying a smile.

"Before long, I will even see you wed, see you continue the family line. It truly gladdens me. I have no regrets left at all!"

Xolotl pressed his lips together, bowed low to the ground, and saluted his grandfather.

"Grandfather, The Elder is already gravely ill. You cannot fall too. The religious reform cannot do without you, and the great cause of the Alliance still needs you to hold it together!"

"Haha!"

High Priest Xutl burst out laughing, laughing until a few tears even came to his eyes. Then he reached out and gently stroked his eldest grandson's head.

"Xolotl, my child, the great cause of the Alliance will have to depend on you all."

Then the high priest's expression turned solemn, and he straightened. He spoke slowly, his words calm and deep, enough to make one shudder.

"The list of rebels in Prince Totoki's hands, the names of the nobles in Tlacopan who are to be dealt with—those were all drafted by me personally."

"Ah! What?! Behind all this... it was you?"

At those words,