The mountain city towered on high, ringed by Bronze Armor. The mountain wind stirred the hair on the kings' brows, and the blazing sun shone on their faces, bringing the searing heat and killing chill of late summer and early autumn.
Xolotl's eyes were clear as he met Ahuitzotl's gaze. He said nothing, feeling the flame-like will and resolve in the king's eyes. Only after a long while did he give a heavy nod, kneel on one knee, and answer in a low voice.
"Honored king, I obey your royal command! I will take White Snake Hill City, besiege Cloud Snake Mountain City, until the divine descendants of our old foe Cloud Snake are cut off beneath the heavens! No matter how long it takes."
"Good! Very good!"
Seeing Xolotl's obedient posture, Ahuitzotl nodded in satisfaction. He reached out, gripped Xolotl's hair, then gently rubbed his forehead.
"Xolotl, my son-in-law. The main royal force on the northern route has already withdrawn by half. Within half a month, I will take the last two Royal Legions back to the Lake Capital. Then I will summon the new High Priest Council and hold the great ceremony for the victory of the Eastern Expedition! As for the remaining mountain remnants in the lands of the Four States of Tlaxcala, I will leave them all to you to pacify!"
At the mention of the High Priest Council, the king paused slightly and used the word "summon." Xolotl had no time to think more on it. His expression only turned solemn as he repeated in his heart.
"The great ceremony for the victory of the Eastern Expedition?!"
Boundless mountains of corpses and seas of blood seemed to roll toward him, until Xolotl could smell blood at the tip of his nose. He pressed his lips