Vines grew in tangled masses, and wild grass flourished. Migratory birds set out north, while red sparrows sang joyfully for mates. This was the sight of spring, and life filled the Tlaxcalan Plateau everywhere. Birds and beasts rejoiced in the sparsely inhabited basins, soaring westward along their path and singing in delight. Only when they ran into the endless camps, encountered patrolling Mexica scouts, and the hunters' Bone Arrows came striking with deadly precision did they let out dying cries and become the warriors' fragrant meat for the evening.
"Good! The meat is crisp and tender, neither greasy nor dry and gamey. Delicate, pure, uniquely delicious, with a lasting freshness. One bite leaves a lingering aftertaste. This is truly top-grade wild game!"
Cooking smoke rose from the great camp at Tree Snake City; it was just time for supper. Xolotl sat cross-legged in the great tent, tasting the wild goose the cooks had prepared with care. He reached out with his chopsticks, took a piece of goose meat, placed it in his mouth, and chewed slowly, satisfaction showing on his face.
The goose meat was very tender, much like spring chicken, but with a little more chew and fresh savor. The prey had been hunted by scouts at noon, then in the afternoon spices had been used to remove the gaminess, sea salt added to marinate it through, before it was simmered over a low fire in a copper pot and then fried fragrant with chili. Only then was it delivered to the king's table in the evening, preserving enough of its freshness and tenderness.
"Smell the fragrance of goose meat, and even an immortal would long till his guts snapped."
A rich aroma spread through the great tent, mingled with the fragrance of liquor and fruit. Xolotl ate the