The bonfire reflected against the night sky, and the stars shone upon the Earth Mother. Ancient myths were as deep as the night sky, while newborn faith was passed on like sparks from flame to flame. That night, Xolotl wrote furiously, tossing and turning without sleep. He thought of much, of things far away, and remembered a time long past.
He thought of the temple calculations in the legion camp before the decisive battle with Tizoc. That night, the galaxy had blazed with stars, and he and Avet had laughed aloud together, imagining the empire's future.
He thought of the date with Alisa atop the pyramid of the Feathered Serpent. That night, beneath the witness of all the stars, he had shown his heart and spoken for the first time of a drifting soul.
He also thought of the night he first met Nashu, when he discussed matters with his grandfather in the High Priest's Mansion. That night, the starlight had been dim. His grandfather had entrusted him with much, and he had watched with his own eyes as the guttering candle went out in the wind.
"Ten years now!... How much have I changed? How much have they changed? And all under heaven—how much has that changed?"
Xolotl gazed silently at the starry sky, watching the Morning Star rise and escort the sun's arrival. And when the morning sun descended, and the sparks vanished into the daylight, he became as steady as a king, laying out still more arrangements.
"Ekat, arrange reliable personal guards to carry two letters for me to the Lake Capital."
The morning sunlight fell on the young king's face, as though shining over a deep sea. His expression was calm and steady, his movements forceful, and his words were filled with confident strength.
"The first