Rain and wind had washed the land clean, and the grasses and trees were lush and green. The great iron mountain lay crouched like a giant beast, while the little river at its foot wound like a long snake. In the lowlands by the bay, clear waves rippled in the distance, and all things brimmed with life.
"The Main God's blessing! Just northeast of this mining area, there happens to be a river connecting the flat bay to the north with the rolling ore mountains to the south. The Kingdom's first stronghold in Cuba might as well be set right here at the foot of the mountain!"
Priest Tomatl stood on high ground, looking out over the four fields, his face full of smiles. The fleet's council had finished its discussion and produced a plan for gaining a foothold. The preliminary survey of the Mayari Great Iron Mine was also more or less complete. Only then did he, in high spirits, drag old Militia Chiwako around with him to settle the site of their first stronghold.
"This place is forty li from the Mayari Tribe to the west, and less than ten li from the bay to the north. Coastal travel is convenient, the land along the river is flat, there's a broad expanse of fields that can be opened up, and the stronghold will have enough room to expand. Mm, and there's clay along the river too, which can be used to fire bricks."
Warblers flew, parrots cried, and the riverside was very lively. Priest Tomatl watched for a long while and grew more and more satisfied. He rubbed his chin, then smiled and said to Chiwako, "The Kingdom's first stronghold must smelt the snake-fang iron ore and build a great temple to the Main God! As the place