The Lost City [72]
and once more peered forth upon the scene, weird and impressive enough, even from a Christian point of view.
Headed by Tlacopa, a ceremony of some description was taking place, lesser priests and other acolytes performing their various parts, the incantations rising now loudly, now sinking to a hollow monotone, the whole affair being none the less absorbing when Bruno remembered that, perhaps, it might have some connection with the vile plots against the Sun Children, if not endangering life itself.
Gillespie likewise took note of various other graven images; among them one of the not less hideous war-goddess, Teoyaomiqui, or "divine war death," fitting consort for the mighty "humming-bird" himself.
Meanwhile, Ixtli, who appeared to look upon the whole affair as a more or less jolly good jest at the expense of his superstitious people, took occasion to give his white brother a few pointers, letting him see how easy it was for false oracles to be manufactured to order; how certain the lightest wishes of the head priest were to find speedy fulfilment at all times.
While thus divulging part of the mysteries of the temple, that ceremony reached a finale, and the little crowd slowly melted away, leaving but Tlacopa and a select few of his trusted henchman. And Ixtli certainly caught enough of their talk to alter his manner most materially.
"Come, quick!" he fiercely whispered in Bruno's ear, gripping an arm, and fairly forcing the young man to accompany his retreat.
Not another word was spoken before the lower level was reached, and then Gillespie broke the ice, asking what was the matter.
Dark though it was all around them, Bruno could tell by sense of touch that his guide was powerfully agitated, and, though Ixtli clearly hesitated before imparting the asked-for information, persistence won the point; and then--
Imperfectly though that discovery was set forth, Gillespie contrived to gather this much: Tlacopa decreed that the Sun Children should be brought to trial, if not to actual execution, when the morning sun arose!
"Never!" fiercely vowed Bruno, all on fire, as he recalled that more than fair face. "Never,--while I live and draw breath!"
CHAPTER XXVIII. BROUGHT BEFORE THE GODS.
Once again Aztotl, the Red Heron, was bowing humbly before the Children of the Sun God, but now there was stern grief impressed upon his visage, rather than pure devotion, such as one might feel at the feet of a divinity.
And the face of Victo was unusually pale, her lips tightly compressed to keep them from trembling too visibly, while her arm clasped Gladys with almost fierce love in its warm strength.
Aztotl glanced upwards for a moment, then slowly spoke:
"Such are the commands laid upon thy captain of guards, Daughter of Quetzal', the Fair God. He hath been commanded to fetch Victo and Glady to the teocalli, there to be--no!" with an outbreak of fierce rebellion, drawing his superb figure erect, and gripping javelin until the springy ash quivered, as though suddenly winning life for itself. "The gods lie! They are speaking falsely, or--or the paba lies, when trying to thus interpret the oracle!"
Gladys shrunk away, but her mother stood firm, seeming to gain in coolness and nerve what this ardent servant was losing.
"It must be thus, my good friend," she spoke, in low, even tones. "The word hath come to a soldier, and obedience is his first duty."
"Not when obedience means leading to sacrifice--"
"That may never come, good Aztotl. We have committed no sin, in deed or in thought. The Mother of Gods will not lay claim to an innocent victim. Or, even then, the right shall triumph! Tlacopa is powerful, but hath Victo no influence? Lord Hua may throw HIS influence to the wrong side, but hath truth no answer?"
"If not truth, then death!" sternly vowed the captain of the body-guard. "If Tonatiuh fails to punish the enemies of his daughter, then this right arm shall hurl the false prince down to Mictlanteuctli, grim lord of the under-world!"
"What is it all about, mother?" murmured
Headed by Tlacopa, a ceremony of some description was taking place, lesser priests and other acolytes performing their various parts, the incantations rising now loudly, now sinking to a hollow monotone, the whole affair being none the less absorbing when Bruno remembered that, perhaps, it might have some connection with the vile plots against the Sun Children, if not endangering life itself.
Gillespie likewise took note of various other graven images; among them one of the not less hideous war-goddess, Teoyaomiqui, or "divine war death," fitting consort for the mighty "humming-bird" himself.
Meanwhile, Ixtli, who appeared to look upon the whole affair as a more or less jolly good jest at the expense of his superstitious people, took occasion to give his white brother a few pointers, letting him see how easy it was for false oracles to be manufactured to order; how certain the lightest wishes of the head priest were to find speedy fulfilment at all times.
While thus divulging part of the mysteries of the temple, that ceremony reached a finale, and the little crowd slowly melted away, leaving but Tlacopa and a select few of his trusted henchman. And Ixtli certainly caught enough of their talk to alter his manner most materially.
"Come, quick!" he fiercely whispered in Bruno's ear, gripping an arm, and fairly forcing the young man to accompany his retreat.
Not another word was spoken before the lower level was reached, and then Gillespie broke the ice, asking what was the matter.
Dark though it was all around them, Bruno could tell by sense of touch that his guide was powerfully agitated, and, though Ixtli clearly hesitated before imparting the asked-for information, persistence won the point; and then--
Imperfectly though that discovery was set forth, Gillespie contrived to gather this much: Tlacopa decreed that the Sun Children should be brought to trial, if not to actual execution, when the morning sun arose!
"Never!" fiercely vowed Bruno, all on fire, as he recalled that more than fair face. "Never,--while I live and draw breath!"
CHAPTER XXVIII. BROUGHT BEFORE THE GODS.
Once again Aztotl, the Red Heron, was bowing humbly before the Children of the Sun God, but now there was stern grief impressed upon his visage, rather than pure devotion, such as one might feel at the feet of a divinity.
And the face of Victo was unusually pale, her lips tightly compressed to keep them from trembling too visibly, while her arm clasped Gladys with almost fierce love in its warm strength.
Aztotl glanced upwards for a moment, then slowly spoke:
"Such are the commands laid upon thy captain of guards, Daughter of Quetzal', the Fair God. He hath been commanded to fetch Victo and Glady to the teocalli, there to be--no!" with an outbreak of fierce rebellion, drawing his superb figure erect, and gripping javelin until the springy ash quivered, as though suddenly winning life for itself. "The gods lie! They are speaking falsely, or--or the paba lies, when trying to thus interpret the oracle!"
Gladys shrunk away, but her mother stood firm, seeming to gain in coolness and nerve what this ardent servant was losing.
"It must be thus, my good friend," she spoke, in low, even tones. "The word hath come to a soldier, and obedience is his first duty."
"Not when obedience means leading to sacrifice--"
"That may never come, good Aztotl. We have committed no sin, in deed or in thought. The Mother of Gods will not lay claim to an innocent victim. Or, even then, the right shall triumph! Tlacopa is powerful, but hath Victo no influence? Lord Hua may throw HIS influence to the wrong side, but hath truth no answer?"
"If not truth, then death!" sternly vowed the captain of the body-guard. "If Tonatiuh fails to punish the enemies of his daughter, then this right arm shall hurl the false prince down to Mictlanteuctli, grim lord of the under-world!"
"What is it all about, mother?" murmured