The Sun drooped low, layered clouds burned gold and red, and the forested wilds at the edge of the sky were stained with floating light. Raging flames burned through the city-state, and against the backdrop of the blazing fire and red sun, Linlang Mayakun carried his nephew's head to Black Wolf's side and dropped to one knee.
"Honored Great Chief Black Wolf, I offer you the head of the rebel chief Masar!"
Black Wolf Toltec nodded and reached out to take the dripping head. He studied it for a moment, looked at that expression with its eyes bulging in fury, and shook his head regretfully.
"He didn't beg for mercy before he died, so he counts as a brave warrior. But since he burned the grain, I can't collect you. Your end has to be seen by everyone, as a warning!"
"Go! Mikui, set up a long pole outside the city, tie his head to it, and let the birds peck at it! Then have the army priests hold a rite, scatter sulfur over his body, and burn it with the eerie blue fire of the dead! Finally, throw the burned bones into the nearest Black Oil pit!"
"Remember, have all the surrendered army's leaders go watch! Tell them the Main God's Divine Force is supreme! Even a soul that goes to a false god's realm can be made to fall utterly!"
"Yes, boss!"
Hearing Black Wolf's order, Red-hair Hunter Mikui respectfully accepted. He took several personal guards with him, carrying the head and shouldering the headless corpse, and immediately went to deal with it. Beside him, Linlang Mayakun listened, his whole body trembling faintly, deep terror showing in his sorrowful eyes.
Black Wolf's face was expressionless, and he paid no attention to Linlang's reaction. He looked toward the open