The moon was hidden, the stars were sparse, and the warriors returned south. Fifty Mexica Warriors traveled through the night, escorting the High Priest's sacred body as they hurried south.
Eva carried the High Priest on his back, racing all the way without stopping. The High Priest's sacred body was extremely gaunt, like a light fallen leaf borne on the back of his personal guard, not hindering his running in the slightest. He passed through the outer city packed with houses, fought his way out of the patrolled outskirts, bounded across the dim, level plain, climbed over the rolling hills, and at last, beneath the light of dawn, arrived at the main camp of the Southern Legion.
The patrolling warrior squad verified their identities and hurriedly let them through. In less than a quarter of an hour, Eva had passed through the camp and reached the commander's great tent.
The sky had only just begun to brighten. Xolotl was sitting cross-legged in the great tent, drinking a bowl of hot black bean soup. He had tossed and turned the whole previous night, always feeling an inexplicable palpitation, and had not managed to sleep at all. So Nashu had boiled a pot of black beans and added some herbs, to help His Highness calm his mind.
"The southern army is pressing down on them, and all of Cholula City is in panic, sending envoys to ask for peace. Mm, Grandfather went to Cholula City for talks. Nothing will happen! May the Main God bless him. May Grandfather return soon!"
Xolotl muttered to himself in a low voice, repeating it over and over, and even prayed for a moment.
"In two days at most, I'll be able to see Grandfather again. I have to persuade him properly. He's old now; he can't