Divine Smoke curled upward, soft jade and warm fragrance all around. Gold, silver, and jewels glittered; feathered crowns and long robes fluttered. In the sanctuary pavilion, many priestly elders were wandering beyond the world, meeting with the gods, so relaxed they knew not where to return. This indulgent pleasure was the most intoxicating of all, wearing away spirit and will alike.
The High Priest sat upright with a solemn air. His sharp shouted question was like a great stone hurled into a lake, startling up rings of ripples. The priestly elders woke with a start, pushed away the girls at their sides, straightened up one after another, and looked toward the priestly leader.
At those words, Petel, the priestly leader, darkened slightly, a shadow flashing across his face and vanishing. Then he put on a smile and asked gently, "High Priest, why would you say that?"
The High Priest looked around him and pointed at the tense-looking priestly elders. Certain in his heart, he answered with a smile.
"Haaha! Petel, you are an old fox, able to fool people. But the other elders don't have your ability! Speak. What did you and the king agree on? Did you use me as a bargaining chip?"
".Damn it!"
Petel looked toward the elders. Those nervous, worried, fearful, and uneasy faces were the clearest answer of all. He cursed inwardly, and a smile immediately appeared on his face.
"Honored High Priest, I did indeed go to the northern road and reach an agreement with King Avet. The Holy City of Cholula is willing to join the Mexica Alliance, obey the king's will, and serve the Alliance's great undertaking of unifying all under heaven! And the king, representing the Alliance, will accept the city of Cholula, grant us authority over the Tlaxcalan religious affairs,