The Temple was deep and dark, the bonfires leaping and flickering. On the heavy stone walls, ancient Feathered Serpent reliefs wound and slithered like snakes. High upon the divine platform, the majestic idol of the god flashed with Turquoise eyes. And beneath the god's calm gaze, dozens of great chiefs and personal guards from the eastern tribes lay sprawled in disorder across the great hall. At this moment, in the entire Temple, only six people stood, while two sat leaning against each other.
"Hee hee! My dear elder brother..."
Snake Priestess Miawa knelt in Stone Hall, embracing the seated Great Sun Chief Chichini from behind. Her movements were gentle as she stroked Chichini's cheek, a smiling warmth on her face, like an intimate lover.
Chichini's eyes bulged wide with rage, filled with shock and fury, as well as fear he could not hide. He gritted his teeth and looked toward Qiyan, the Captain of Warriors who had served him for many years, once loyal, even his voice trembling.
"You? You all?!..."
"Master of the house. I..."
Captain of Warriors Qiyan lowered his head, tears streaming down his face, not daring to look at Chichini's furious eyes.
"Mmhmm! Qiyan is a strong warrior too! He feared your wrath and knew you would never spare him. So he could only seize this chance and strike first, offering you up to the gods!..."
"Ancestors witness! Gods witness!... Qiyan! I—I forgive all your wrongs! As long as you save my life!"
At the brink of life and death, after a brief spell of shock and panic, Chichini once again displayed the true nature of a ruthless hero. He raised his palm, then turned his head to look at Miawa, swearing to the gods and ancestors.
"Miawa, I swear and vow to the ancestors and