April's warm wind carried a hint of heat, and the warriors' camp was especially clamorous. Yet amid the heat and clamor, there was a patch of cool shade, quietly cast between the remote camp enclosures. The Main God's emblem stood high, and the Temple warriors, wearing wooden helmets and masks, guarded the lodgings of the priests accompanying the army. Following the faint scent of herbs to the deepest part of the camp, one found dark, heavy curtains and a statue of the Goddess with an eerie smile.
"Honored Your Majesty, Akuits, priestess of the Goddess of Spring, offers you her greetings!"
The aged priestess Akuits wore a kindly smile, an Obsidian dagger at her waist, and bowed respectfully to the king.
Hearing the address "Your Majesty," Xolotl's brow lifted, and he smiled mildly.
"Akuits means 'the serpent of the Goddess of Spring' in Purepecha myth. You are a Goddess Priestess of Purepecha birth?"
"Praise the Main God! Honored Your Majesty, I was born in the Patzcuaro Lake Region, and was among the first Purepecha priests to pledge loyalty to the Kingdom. I have served the supreme Main God in the Royal Capital of Tzintzuntzan for more than eight years.
Priestess Akuits's expression was steady, her smile like that of a kindly old woman. But the sharp blade at her waist, the scent of herbs on her body, and the title of "Serpent of the Goddess" all foretold the killing intent she kept hidden.
"Your Majesty, before this Eastern Expedition, the intelligence officer Nashu sent people to the Temple and conscripted several elder priestesses skilled in medicines. I was fortunate to receive the opportunity to serve the great royal army, and have accompanied the troops for two or three years now! And when the Royal Banner went to the lands by