The ancient great hall had been built from volcanic rock, its colors dark, its air solemn with archaic dignity. The walls on all four sides were carefully decorated, painted with vast, vivid mural legends that told the story of the oldest Tree Snake God Descendants founding Tree Snake City. This was the epic passed down by the Tlaxcalan, remembered in the hearts of generation after generation of Tree Snake God Descendants.
And yet, if one looked closely, those still-gorgeous carvings now bore the marks of hacking blades. The gold, silver, and gemstones that had once adorned them had vanished without a trace. Only rows of torches remained on the walls, blazing fiercely, illuminating the scene within the great hall.
The Mexica generals wore solemn expressions and splendid war garments as they sat in a circle. More than a dozen warriors who had rendered great service lay prostrate, barehanded and unarmed, kneeling in the center of the hall. Before them, the supreme king held the Divine Staff, smiled faintly, and proclaimed in a ringing voice.
"The Eastern Expedition has won a great victory, and the Main God blesses the Alliance! Chichimicqui of the Dead Dog, hereditary noble of the lake district and commander of the Royal Legion, was the first to storm into South City, occupy the Temple within the city, and capture the leader of Tree Snake City. For this battle, he takes first merit!"
At this point, Avet paused, his eyes bright as he swept his gaze over the commanders of the City-State Legions. Everyone lowered their heads in unison, expressing heartfelt respect for the brave and battle-hardened king's trusted man.
Seeing this, Avet smiled in satisfaction. The first merit in the siege naturally had to go to the Royal Legion directly under his command. He raised the Divine