do. The sacred texts tell us he is to return in the year One Reed—thirty-four years from now—easily within my lifetime, if the gods are disposed to grant me such fortune.”
“Clearly you are regardful in your piety. There’s no point in my continuing. But be advised, Motecuhzoma. Do not neglect the other gods in your zeal for Quetzalcoatl, for they will know this and punish you for it. Nothing escapes their notice. How well do you know your kinsman, Lord Ahuitzotl?”
This sudden turn of questioning seemed to catch Motecuhzoma unprepared and the priest waited on his answer.
“Hardly at all,” replied the youth. “I was very young when my father sent me here and, even before then, I rarely saw him. I have no recollection of him.”
“Hmmm,” the priest mumbled. It constituted a breach of etiquette for a student to ask questions unless directed, but the step was not necessary as the priest read Motecuhzoma’s impatience. “You are to report to the headquarters of the Order of the Eagles in Tenochtitlan,” he said. “Under the command of Lord Ahuitzotl. He will determine your further disposition and direct you to the duties anticipated for you. You have one month to arrange for your departure before reporting to him. That is all.”
The youngster turned about and exited from the chamber leaving the priest staring blankly at an austere wall. There was an unmistakably troubled look in his face indicating that he was not pleased with where their conversation had led them. Is it possible, he thought, that this student has received his education too seriously?
III
In Tenochtitlan’s royal palace, the ladies of the court sat on cushions chatting over things of common interest and amusement. Amid the elation and laughter arising from hearing about the latest escapades came an appreciation of individual attributes and an admiration for those who best contributed to the gaiety of the occasion. Through these gatherings the wives and mistresses of the monarch created their bonds of friendship. In spite of the many ladies present to serve his sensual needs, there was only one empress, and that was his first or favorite wife who, by commanding most of his attention and affection, attained a position of dominance over her entourage. She was Tlalalca, the beautiful young wife of Tizoc, and she surrounded herself with her courtly favorites to pass the afternoon engaging in the pleasantries of casual conversation.
“How vain our lords are!” she began. “Did you see how they carried themselves at the reception yesterday? Their aloof posturing—and in their most ornate attire. Each one struts prouder and haughtier than the other before Lord Tizoc, as if he was of such singular importance that the Revered Speaker should take special note of him.”
“But that is expected of them,” said one of the ladies.
“Yes, but like everything else, it can be overdone until it begins to have an unfashionable quality to it. I’m sure it seemed absurd to Lord Nezahualpilli who was there to see it all. His court in Texcoco is known for its refinement. He must think we come across as quite artificial.”
“Nezahualpilli is here?” one more lady interjected with excitement. “They say he is quite the lover.”
“It’s said he has over a thousand concubines,” added another, “and forty wives. How does he get to each one?”
“I dare say,” Tlalalca replied, “such a remark is so typical of you, Nenetzin. You do have a way of getting to the point of a subject.”
This sparked an outburst of laughter among the members who appreciated its message. Tlalalca continued, “Perhaps you should ask Nezahualpilli how he manages it. Such straight—forwardness may be pleasing to him over all our affectation. But let’s not dwell on this. I do not care to have my afternoon spoiled with this sort of vulgarity.”
‘As you say, my Lady, but I’m sorry I missed him. Someone will have to point him out to me next time. I should like to see what such a man looks like.”
“Surely you make this Texcocan seem too extraordinary, Nenetzin,” another of the ladies broke in. “We also have lords to compare with him.”
“And which of our lords might that be?” asked Nenetzin.
“Lord Ahuitzotl,” a voice spoke out assertively.
A hush ensued, as if out of an awareness that an apparent error had been precipitated.
“It’s Pelaxilla,” Tlalalca said after a brief delay. “We know she’s taken a fancy to him.”
“It’s true I admire him, my Lady,” replied Pelaxilla, “but even if this were not so, we are improper in placing our own lords below Texcoco’s.”
This mild rebuke offended none, for Pelaxilla was fondly regarded. She was seen as one of those endearing personalities who with seemingly effortless ease exude a winsome presence and manage to attract well-wishes out of all who know her.
“Our little one is correct, of course,” said Tlalalca. “But let us remind her that we are not talking about all the lords of Texcoco—only of one. And in truth Nezahualpilli is an exceptional man if we are to believe what we hear of him. He is by reputation the wisest man in Anahuac—even Lord Tizoc places the greatest value on his counsel.”
“He may be all they say, but I did not even notice him,” answered Pelaxilla.
“Of course not,” Nenetzin quickly added. “The only person you see is Lord Ahuitzotl.”
“With good reason. Is he not the handsomest man in Tenochtitlan?” Pelaxilla retorted.
“Come now, Pelaxilla,” Tlalalca interceded, “you cannot expect everyone to share your enthusiasm for Lord Ahuitzotl. Handsome he may well be, but the real worth of a man lies in more than mere appearances. Even an ugly man can be appreciated, perhaps even loved, when one learns that he possesses noble qualities.”
“I meant no disrespect, my Lady,” said Pelaxilla, her embarrassment much in evidence.
“You are forgiven, my dear. You are young and in love; we understand how that can rob us of our better judgment. Lord Ahuitzotl is indeed fortunate to have so devoted an admirer.”
“Why are all these nobles here?” inquired Nenetzin.
“There are movements about portending another war. The nobles meet in council tomorrow to discuss the matter. Lord Tizoc mentioned something about a revolt in Toluca, I believe.”
“Another war? I hope not. It’s not very exciting around here when our men are gone.”
“For shame, Nenetzin! You risk angering the gods in making light of this.”
“I only said it in jest, my Lady,” Nenetzin retracted.
“Still, it would be better not to tempt them. We should not question the purpose of our men’s action as it involves our relationship with them and has great importance,” counseled Tlalalca who then chanced to see the ashen look in Pelaxilla. “Is something wrong, Pelaxilla? You seem unduly disturbed by the news.”
“I just did not wish for Lord Ahuitzotl to be gone again. It’s been only a few weeks since he returned from the last war.”
“Really, child! You do weary me with your constant preoccupation over him. Accept
