Night lay deep, the moon high in the heavens. Cold, lofty moonlight fell through the open roof of the Totonac thatched hut, landing squarely on the faces of the two men inside. In that pale, ghostly light, both their expressions looked somewhat heavy, and showed a trace of darkness besides.
"Gods! The Aztecs have a fleet, and it's come back from the east?"
Hearing the Feathered Serpent priest's words, Chief Chuchut froze, his face blank with confusion. He had some vague impression of that Mexica fleet that had passed along the coast more than a year ago. It was just that the Snake Lake Tribe had always been poor, and things like trading gems had nothing much to do with a poor chief like him. The only thing he remembered was standing on the shore and watching from afar, seeing those long, sail-bearing ships—even bigger than the paddle-sail boats of the Maya caravans!
"Priest Pap, when did this happen? The tribe hasn't heard any news."
"Of course you haven't heard any news. There isn't even any news in Hidden Snake City. This news is something I only just guessed not long ago!"
Priest Pap stroked his chin. A sharp gleam flickered in his eyes, and a sly smile appeared on his face.
"This time, when I came to the Coyote City front line, several Hidden Snake City priests came along. They came from the various districts of Hidden Snake City, and when they chatted about the situation near the city-state, they mentioned cheap, exquisite gems, and a newly appeared group of Maya merchants. This group of merchants has been around for over a month, staying in the market outside the city the whole time, quietly selling gems, and it seems they also bought quite a lot of grain..."
"After that,