"Praise the Main God! The Kingdom soars like a Divine Eagle, and all of you are the long feathers of the Divine Eagle's wings, riding the great wind of sea and sky upward! ... Come! This is pineapple wine newly brewed by the Coastal Alliance. It tastes excellent. Drink a cup with me! Thanks to the Main God's blessing, the far-voyaging Longships have returned! ..."
"Praise the Main God! Praise His Majesty! The Main God blesses the Kingdom! ..."
Late autumn by the sea was as warm as spring, and even the stone palace did not feel cold. In the center of the palace stood a large ebony table, carved with patterns, and atop it sat an exquisite oil lamp with a pottery base and wooden shade. Of these two pieces of furniture, one was simple and grand, the other delicate and beautiful; they were practically the highest craftsmanship of the Totonac artisans. As for the lamp oil, it had been pressed from sunflower seeds and peanuts. When it burned, it even carried a bit of fragrance, and could actually be eaten.
Beside the oil lamp lay a simple nautical chart spread open, covered densely with written notes and pictorial markings, as well as one red circle drawn in emphasis. On the other side of the table were four drained pottery cups, and a whole pottery jar of pineapple wine, its fruity fragrance overflowing.
The large ebony table was square and proper, and someone sat before the pottery cup on each side. Xolotl wore a relaxed short robe and sat cross-legged on the bamboo mat at the head. On his left was the guarding captain of the guards, Ekat, who was now lifting the wine jar to pour wine for everyone at the table.
On Xolotl's right was the Divine