Dusk fell. The warriors lit bonfires and cleaned up the aftermath of the battlefield. Several fleet leaders stood before the small temple pyramid, their expressions different, waiting for the Maya merchant Tikalo's answer.
"A long head, tattooed face, nose ornaments and pierced ears, filed teeth and a tongue stud. Even in death he refused to close his eyes—what a fine, divine head!"
Tikalo smiled and reached out, taking Prince Xiu's glaring severed head. He admired it carefully for a while, deeply moved. Then he held the face of the head toward Priest Tomatl and replied with a smile.
"He is the first heir of the Xiu Clan, the most outstanding son of Chief Xiu Pan, the brave and battle-skilled Prince Xiu Tul! Chief Xiu Pan is advanced in years, and he was counting on this exceptional son to inherit his position as chief. So he is the next-generation leader of the Xiu Clan."
"What! The first heir of the Xiu Clan? The strongest Xiu Clan on the peninsula? The first heir second only to the chief?"
Hearing this, the old Militia's gaze sharpened, and he looked at Tikalo.
"You're sure?!"
"The Main God bears witness! It is absolutely true!"
Tikalo nodded openly and returned the head to Grey Earth Puapu. Beside him, Priest Tomatl's face was as dark as still water, and he sank into thought. No matter what, with this, the kingdom and the southern Xiu Clan had truly forged a death feud.
"Puapu, you idiot! I told you not to start a fight so casually!"
The old Militia's anger surged up. He gripped his spear shaft backward and lashed Puapu hard across the shoulder. Puapu cried out in pain, his eyes going wide as he glared furiously at the old Militia.
"Old Man Qi, what are you doing!