unfolded them. A mantle of netted material, turquoise blue—the color of Huitzilopochtli, Lord of the Southern Sky—and studded with jewels delicately interwoven into the fabric, was draped over Ahuitzotl. An emerald diaden, embossed with precious stones, was hung around his neck to cover the front of his chest. Throughout the donning of the robe and official insignia, priests chanted out hymns lending a solemn dignity to the event.
After this formal dressing, the monarch was led to his blue feather and jaguar skin throne and when he was seated, the princes, lords, ministers, and ambassadors stepped forward in sequence and presented themselves before him rendering him words and gestures of respect and avowing their allegiance. Cihuacoatl stood adjacent to the throne and introduced each of these dignitaries to Ahuitzotl who became annoyed when one of the lords coming forward broke into a faint, but noticeable smile as he bowed.
“Who is he?” Ahuitzotl asked, “And why does he smirk like that?”
“He is Huactli, Lord of the Pochteca,” Cihuacoatl replied. “He smiles, I believe, because he is grateful there is a new ruler. The pochteca have not fared well under Tizoc.”
“I find it disrespectful—appearing as if I owe him something. See to it he is informed of my displeasure.”
Cihuacoatl was tempted to reveal Huactli’s complicity in the plot against Tizoc but held back, thinking it best that Ahuitzotl be kept ignorant of who the conspirators were lest he should one day, out of anger, seek revenge on them. He was incensed over Huactli’s audaciousness and would later admonish him for it, but at present he needed to placate his master.
“We must excuse his insolence, Lord. The pochteca are crude and earthly in their habits. It is understandable that they should behave awkwardly here and hold themselves in undue regard.”
“ I suppose you’re right—I am indebted to their services. They provide useful intelligence on our enemies. Disregard my last statement, but advise Huactli of our courtly etiquette so that he does not err again.”
The honors heaped upon the new monarch lasted throughout the afternoon and became quite tedious for Ahuitzotl, and while he maintained his lordly bearing and demonstrated an attentiveness, he greatly appreciated seeing the last of the dignitaries finish. He then motioned for Cihuacoatl to close this affair therewith ending the initiation rites. The actual coronation was still months away, as all monarchs had to be crowned on the day, One Dog. Custom dictated that new rulers use this interim period for conquests in order to exert their influence and obtain captives for sacrifice at this formal event. Ahuitzotl already had his victims selected.
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