The Militia's wails circled beneath the pyramid like a flock of dying crows. The warriors' cries of slaughter came from the city walls, mingled with the Mexica People's ever more frenzied cheers, announcing the fall of the city-state. The Sky Family was low-hanging clouds; the Earth Mother was a blood-colored city. And between the sky and the earth stood the towering pyramid temple, the God of the Hunt's most sacred dwelling.
"Hmm? Chichipati."
Hearing Telavito's shout, Okot's gaze finally moved away from the gem-carved golden statue of the god. His expression dim, he looked at the valiant Cloud Snake Hunter for a while, then sighed faintly.
"Forget it! I had been planning to take them on the road with me..."
"Family head?"
Itz's eyes stirred, and he raised his head. He looked at the standing Okot, ready at any moment to die in battle for his family head.
"Itz, Telavito, you are both warriors blessed by the cloud snake. Perhaps you really can fight your way out of the encirclement."
The last trace of hope appeared in Okot's eyes. He gave two orders to his guards, and someone brought out two young men and one young woman, three weeping young scions of divine blood, from the temple's prayer room.
"My eldest son, Omoqi, my second son, Tuohnuo, and my youngest daughter, Chichipati—I entrust them all to you. The remaining Tree Snake Guards are entrusted to you as well. Go, quickly! Take them and do everything you can to escape the city!"
At those words, tears flowed from Itz's eyes once more. He knelt on the ground, facing Okot, whose heart had already resolved on death, and heavily knocked his head to the floor twice, crying out in grief.
"Family head!"
"Wuu, wuu... Father..."
Telavito glanced at the weeping young divine-blooded