The Temple, the Warrior Maiden, and His Highness

The mountain wind blew past, and Death God's temple seemed to come alive, humming low as it spoke of ancient memories. The cold wind passed through rows of skulls, making a flute-like "woo." The hanging skeletons swayed in the wind, and whenever they knocked against each other, they gave off drum-like bangs.

Xolotl pressed his lips together and observed carefully. He also heard the crisp chiming of wind bells—but they were tooth-bells hanging from the lower jaws of skulls, like the whispers of the dead. All sorts of strange bone sounds wove together into a unique ensemble, masking the noises within the temple.

"Guards, half of you protect His Highness, half surround the temple! Outside the temple, form two ranks: first rank raise shields, second rank lift bows. Surround it from all sides, like a pack of wolves on the hunt. Don't let a single person escape!"

Bertad lowered his voice and gave a few orders to several guard captains. The two hundred guards immediately split into two groups. One raised their shields high and guarded Xolotl tightly at his side. The other spread out in all directions, surrounding the small temple of Death God.

In just a few moments, the two hundred elite Mexica Warriors were fully prepared and could launch their attack at any time.

"Your Highness, please wait patiently here for a moment."

Bertad narrowed his eyes, gripped his bronze long sword in one hand, and took up a large shield. Then he glanced at Nashu, who was wearing leather armor, gave Xolotl another bow, and led several dozen guards pouncing toward the temple's mottled main gate.

The movement of the group had long since alarmed the people inside the temple. The Captain of Warriors had just stepped through the main gate when over a dozen Bone