Torches were lit in the great hall, and serpent-head carvings twisted along the walls, casting long, slender snake-shadows. Crocodile King Aayin, with his serpent-haired long head, wore a smile, gripped a snake-patterned Divine Staff, and showed gleaming serpent fangs in his mouth. Amid shadow and firelight, he looked especially amiable and approachable.
The old Militia looked around at the equally amiable Maya warriors, fell silent for a moment, then forced a smile and spoke.
"Honored Chief Crocodile King Aayin, we would be very happy to trade with you. But may I ask how you learned that we are the gemstone fleet?"
"Haaha! Good! This is the Divine Revelation of the Moon Mother Goddess. Devout children of divine descent naturally listen to the gods' words and know of your arrival."
Crocodile King Aayin maintained his divine smile and, following the habits of those of divine descent, gave a vague and mysterious answer.
"Uh?..."
The old Militia scratched his head, glanced at Priest Tomatl, whose expression was displeased, thought for a moment, then asked in another way.
"Honored Chief Aayin, your devotion is truly admirable! May I ask whether the Maya tribes of the northeastern peninsula have all, at this time, received Divine Revelation and learned of our arrival?"
"Mm... that depends on how devout those of divine descent are, and how much they are favored by the Mother Goddess."
Crocodile King Aayin thought for a while, estimated the traveling speed of the envoys from the various tribes, and answered with a smile.
"In the Red River basin blessed by the Mother Goddess, the tribes along the river have all received Divine Revelation: the God of Wealth has sent blessed envoys, and a foreign fleet laden with gemstones is sailing eastward along the coast!... As for the Northeast Lowlands blessed by the