Skit 3 -- Cessesion and Arrival in 378 AD
The word "arrival" refers to ”the arrival of people from the west at Tikal on January 16, 378 AD, and killed Tikal's king." In 1996, Maya typologist David Stuart published "The Arrival of Strangers," an excellent paper that remains a reference to this day. He presented a humble yet surprising interpretation based on his translation of Tikal stela 31.
Regarding this arrival, there is a Hollywood-style version of the story that "a large Teotihuacan army took over Tikal overnight." But there is no way that a 1,000 km march would not have gone unnoticed by the Tikal government. Given the nature of Maya culture, Tikal, a great power at the time, would not have surrendered so quickly. However, no large-scale battles are inscribed on any of the stone monuments, and there are no signs of buildings being destroyed or burned. Therefore, it is believed that a completely different situation occurred.
"The arrival" was a glorious event for "Spearthrower Owl" and ”Shiyaj K'ahk'." On the other hand, "the Cessesion" of Ciudadela was a bitter experience for those left behind in Teotihuacan.
So, skit 3 begins at 61 years before the year of 378.
317 AD
Queen Unen, at the age of 15, ascended to the throne of Tikal at the strong will of her father, K'awil I. Behind the scenes, the male Jor was resentful that he had not been chosen, and that a woman had ascended to the throne. Chacma, the reader of Group 6C-16 in South Tikal, was watching Jor from behind, thinking that he looked like he was about to do something.
Chacma was the uncle of K'awil I's wife and had known Queen Unen since she was born. She also grew fond of Chacma and would often visit her at 6C-16, located just 300 meters from her residence in Group 6D-05. She was intelligent and always had a bright expression. K'awil I had not been able to have a son, so he publicly declared that his daughter would be the next king. Many men were secretly uneasy about a young woman serving as a military commander. Even though wars were rare, many elites were uncomfortable with women taking the lead in religious ceremonies.
320 AD
After the celebration of Katun in the Lost World ended, while Queen Unen was asleep in 6D-05, Chacma climbed onto a hill and gazed out into the darkness in the direction of Group, where Jol lived. He had long suspected that Jol might be up to some kind of conspiracy, based on his chuckles and the meaningful gestures he made with his entourage. Chacma was also concerned by the recent increase in the number of his entourage.
On the other hand, many groups in South Tikal had been in existence for generations, living under a tacit understanding of mutual non-violence in the common situation of small, elevated villages with fertile farmland that collapsed during the rainy season. They were like local elites in the Lost World, and had never considered usurping the throne. Most of the lords did not consider Jor a desirable person.
A distant torches were visible in the darkness. The direction to go was——, 6D-05. Chacma sent a messenger to 6D-05.
Chacma descended the hill. Ten young men were waiting in one of the temples, along with three women. Queen Unen rushed over and was helped to change into commoner clothes. Including the middle-aged woman accompanying her, the disguised trading party numbered a total of 15 people.
Chacma looked at her eye and whispered, "may we meet one day."
Queen Unen stared straight ahead him with clear pupils. "Thank you, Uncle Chacma."
15 persons, with soft footsteps, vanished into the night to the south. They were carrying a large amount of jade, quetzal feathers, and cocoa seeds. The reader of 6D-03 had also helped prepare the valuables.
Chacma imagined Jor would send the main force of the search party west. Therefore, we would head south, following the coast at Kaminarifuyu. We would pass through Oaxaca and enter Teotihuacan in about two or three months. We had sent a messenger to the Plaza of the Columns last month, so we were sure they would offer them shelter. And even if any readers were aware of our escape, Chacma was confident they wouldn't tell on them.
The next day, the destruction of the houses of 6D-05 where Queen Unen lived began. Jor will ascend to the throne after the customary period of several years. Chacma was powerless to prevent it.
Estimated timeline of Queen Unen
302 AD...age 0...born.
317 AD...age 15...Ascended to the throne with a loyal regent
319 AD...age 17...a loyal regent died
320 AD...age 18...After being dethroned, he became a guest at the Plaza of the Colomns in Teotihuacan, where he was sympathetic to the young chief of the Plaza of the Columns, who commissioned him to create murals and pottery.
340 AD...age 38...No one was afraid to try anything of hers, but she married a warrior of the Plaza of the Colomns.
343 AD...age 41...Only daughter Ixhul is born.
345 AD...age 43..Ixhul is 2 years old. Her husband was killed in battle during the conquest of the northern part of the Cholula ruins. She has not remarried since.
366 AD...age 54...Ixhul and "Spearthower Owl" at 23.
366 AD
At a banquet in the plaza of Columns, Unen noticed Ishul transforming into "Spearthower Owl."
"My daughter, do you wish to marry the Chief of the Ciudadela?"
Ixhul replied, "Yes."
Unen told her that they would come together the next day.
Ixhul and [Spearthower Owl] were led to Building 44 in the Plaza of Columns. The entire interior wall was covered in Mayan-style murals. There was also a lot of pottery that looked like it. [Spearthower Owl] had heard that several people had been scouted from a Mayan place other than Tikal, and that they were living there and responsible for production.
Unen asked [Spearthower Owl], "do you wish a marriage?"
"Yes, I wish to marry your daughter," he replied.
Unen paused for a long time.
"Are you prepared to be associated with the bloodline of Queen of Tikal?"
He was at a loss for words. Beside him, Ixhul answered.
"I was born and raised in Teotihuacan, and I seek to welcome the people of this land. I am more than happy to be the wife of the chief of Ciudadela. Returning to the land as queen is just a dream within my heart. Either way, I intend to abide by his wishes."
[Spearthower Owl] said, "I can't make any promises about my dreams, but the fact that I married your daughter will always be in my heart."
Unen looked him straight in the eye and nodded.
367 AD
The two went to the Plaza of Colomns to show off the baby.
[Spearthower Owl] said briefly, "I had a dream last night."
Unen was silent for a while, then asked, "did you have a dream with Ixhul?"
Ixhul nodded.
The Queen continued.
"Dreams include nightmares. Ixhul is a woman, and in her land she could end up like me. The baby(Ayiin I) is a boy, but he is too young to be helped even by a regent. When he turns 10, the number of nightmares may decrease."
372 AD
Unen passed away quietly at the age of 60. A high-ranking Maya from the Plaza of the Columns visited Ciudadela and explained the details. He said that Group 6C-16 from South Tikal had spared the queen, and that the grandson of the former ruler had succeeded the group.
376 AD
[Kimaruk], the leader of Group 6C-16, looked north toward the Lost World. Several years had passed since Jor's son, [Ich'aak I], increased the grain tribute by fifty percent. His fellow readers in the other groups were also troubled. Many wanted Kimaluk to negotiate on the king, but it seemed unlikely that their petition would be successful.
In front of the summit temple of the Pyramid of the Feathered Serpent, [Spearthower Owl] gazed north. From here, he had a good view. To his right was the Pyramid of the Sun, directly in front was the Pyramid of the Moon, and beyond that stretched Cerro Gordo. Water from there would reach the farthest reaches of the city.
Along the river, many powerful communities had their own reservoirs. However, the reservoirs were expanding so rapidly that the edges of the river basin were drying up. This was a sign that the entire area would soon dry up.
I looked down at the central plaza. My eight-year-old son was rolling a ball, trying to hit a stick in the ground. My wife was playing along. Ever since my first meeting with Queen Unen in that room filled with Mayan scents, our boat had been destined to glide silently across the river and drift away over the years.
[Spearthower Owl] made up his mind and ordered his warrior chief [Shiyaj K'ahk'] to map out the dream story in detail. [Shiyaj K'ahk'] sent his most trusted warrior, Solte, to make contact.
The envoy traveled 1,000 km in a little over a month. He quietly entered C6-16 in South Tikal. Posing as a lone trader from Teotihuacan, he offered to present a long piece of green obsidian to the lord.
The leader, [Kimaruk], was young. He thanked Solte politely, praising him for his long journey.
The lone trader hinted, "This stone holds within it a long-held dream."
"I wonder what that dream is."
Next to the stone Solte had placed earlier, he placed a slightly shorter, green obsidian. Next to that, he placed an even shorter, black, thinner stone.
[Kimaruk] thought this arrangement was unusual, and was confused. To [Kimaruk]'s mind, it happened to remenber that his father had told him that it was his grandfather who had once sent Queen of Tikal off to the city to the west. Apparently, obsidian was sent as a gift every year. The person who brought it never said anything. About three years ago, a gift wrapped in straw arrived. [Kimaruk]'s father saw it and clenched his jaw, thinking that the queen had gone into hiding. No obsidian had arrived since.
What are these three obsidian stones?
Could they represent the queen, her daughter, and her grandson?
Even if that's the case, why did this trader tell me that?
[Kimaruk] pieced together the vague hints in his head. The envoy didn't intend to speak specifically, not yet.
Anything can happen in the vast Peten region, with its many dictators. However, Teotihuacan was said to have a council system.
"I've heard rumors that even in the west, a country has begun to operate under an absolute leader. I wonder if that's true,"
The trader answered after thinking about it.
"It's probably a trading brigade that travels across wide areas. In the west, it's still so rare for an entire country to be sent out to represent them. I've heard that a part of the western country called [Cuidadela] is planning to send out a small, carefully selected trading party."
What does this mean?
Are they planning a bold move by a small group?
If I knew in advance, did they want me to play some kind of role?
I didn't ask that question just yet; I should investigate further.
"The future is uncertain, but I would like you, Mr. Solte, to visit us again soon."
There was a bedridden "old man" who had served my grandfather since he was a child. Reader Kimark went to see him.
"I know. It's a secret of the past. I vaguely remember my father being in a hurry that night. The arrival of the queen's daughter and grandson means that they are about to cause something decisive, and that you, master, will be involved, right?"
[Kimaruk] nodded.
"You will have to accept or reject that offer at the next meeting."
"What do you think, old man?"
He was silent for a while.
"Did the messenger say 'Cuidadela'?"
[Kimaruk] nodded.
"I heard that she was being protected in the Plaza of the Columns. Perhaps you could ask about it the next time."
"If I say yes, I might put everyone in danger because of the bloodline of a woman I've never met. But my bloodline has also been passed down here for a long time. Decades ago, the two bloodlines briefly became entangled, then unraveled. Should I refuse this reunion?"
The old man thought for a while.
"If reader [Kimaruk] refuses, they might approach 6D-03, who once maintained close ties with Ciudadela. 6D-03 and Ciudadela don't travel much these days, but the reader of 6D-03 will have to choose between refusing or accepting. The outcome will be either success or failure. If 6C-16 refuses—and your grandfather was involved in the queen's escape—you will likely feel like you ran away for a long time to come. That will last for the rest of your life."
[Kimaruk] continued with a deep sigh.
"You are not alone. If you succeed, the other Group readers will join your side. To succeed, you will need to be thoroughly involved in this case."
Returning to Ciudadela, Solte told [Spearthower Owl] and [Shiyaj K'ahk'] that the next time Solte visited, he would explain the entire plan. The two instructed Solte to tell [Kimaruk] everything, with the caveat that the plans may change slightly.
"Please mention our names as well."
A month later, in 6C-16, a second meeting took place. The messenger Solte explained his plan. [Kimaruk] handed over a small, bright jadeite bead the size of a fingertip, saying, "this is the manifestation of my will now."
Three months later, Solte made his third visit. [Kimaruk] said, "I'm ready and willing to cooperate with you to the best of my ability." This time, he presented a huge jadeite stone the size of his palm.
Sorte returned to Ciudadela. After hearing the report and seeing the jade, they understood the most important part was complete. The plan was divided into three parts: what to do with the Council, how to travel the 1,000 kilometers, and a few possible assaults on Tikal. Plan A envisaged the use of javelins and arrows. But [Shiyaj K'ahk'] were not sure if it was possible in Peten jungle. Plan C called for obsidian knives that could be hidden under loincloths.
After thinking about it for a few days, the two came to a decision.
1. It is impossible to return the Council to the past.
2. With the military strength of Ciudadela, it may be possible to take over Teotihuacan. On the other hand, it is thanks to this country that Ciudadela developed. If a civil war breaks out, both sides will suffer.
3. I do not wish to leave quietly, and it would be better to have someone speak at the Council. I should explain this to those two important persons. The following early morning, we will leave.
Early Novenber, 377 AD
[Jaguar Chief] met up with [Xalla Chief] at the entrance to the Plaza of the Moon at night. Both had received an informal invitation from [Spearthower Owl]. At the Sun Pyarmid they turned to the left and kept on walking south in full moon light.
"Something," the elderly [Xalla Chief] muttered. "I sense something unsettling."
[Spearthower Owl] was in his mid-30s, and while he rarely spoke in the council, [Jaguar Chief] could sense that he was watching his surroundings closely.
"Let's hear what he has to say."
[Jaguar Chief] looked at the temples lined up on both sides. They had been renovated into taller, more impressive buildings. About half of the exterior walls were painted red, but soon the entire building would be painted that color. Few council members were willing to contribute labor and materials to the renovation of the fifth fase of the Pyramid of the Moon, which they oversaw. The scale of the expansion had to be scaled small. As for the Pyramid of the Sun, which Xalla oversaw, no one had called for repairs since the thickened exterior walls crumbled 130 years ago.
At the Sun Pyramid they turned east and went into the East Side Lane down to the south. Just in front of Rio San Juan, two were to walk to west. Crossing the San Juan bridge, they went south.
A man with a well-built physique was waiting at the foot of the central staircase on the west side of Ciudadela's platform.
"Welcome. I'm [Shiyaj K'ahk'], the warrior chief," he introduced himself. "Please come this way."
It was the second time [Jaguar Chief] had seen the man here. [Jaguar Chief]'d visited the Ciudadela for some reason and seen him training his warriors in the Great Plaza. Their movements were so intense they were clearly from actual combat. It was said that the Ciudadela warriors were the most disciplined among the government forces.
They walked through the Great Plaza, surrounded by the huge platform. In the distance, four torches flickered faintly on the Pyramid of the Feathered Serpent. [Shiyaj K'ahk'] made their way to the back of the pyramid. Lights were on in the depths of 1D and 1E buildings on both side. There was a hint of human working. The warrior chief led to the center of the three small temples on the eastern platform. Four warriors were standing in a short distance from the temple. Small torches were lit in four corners of the temple, and at the back center of a bench that ran along the inner wall, the chief of Ciudadela, [Spearthower Owl], was waiting alone.
"It's an honor to have you all come. Please take seats, [Chief of the Xalla], [Chief of the Jaguars]," he said, offering the northern bench. [Shiyaj K'ahk'] sat on the southern side.
"I've asked you to come all the way here to hear your opinions on what I'm about to say," he added after a pause. "We are in a period of prosperity, and Ciudadela has also benefited from it. However, to continue to prosper, we need further investment. Without this, I believe Teotihuacan could become increasingly impoverished. The actions of distant rural settlements are essential. I'll leave the details to the Warrior Chief, who is on the ground."
[Shiyaj K'ahk'] started.
"Over the past few years, in several places, I have felt dissatisfied with the way external rural readers have looked at me. If we reduce the amount of donations, submission will continue, but the amount of food brought to Teotihuacan will decrease. This until now, a group of 20 warriors patrolled the area, but now that they've grown dissatisfied, a group of 40 or 50 will be needed to keep them in check. However, both the central temple/residence and the neighborhood apartment complexes are no longer contributing the same number of people to the government army. Gradually, instead of going through the Great Compound, each district is working hard to trade extensively, renovating their buildings, painting them red, and making beautiful murals inside. However, I've heard that taxes paid to the government as a whole and the labor supply for government activities are declining."
[Spearthower Owl] continued.
"Strangely enough, I would say that this is the same as the movements of a distant agricultural settlement. Correcting this will solve both problems."
There was a long silence.
"[Spearthower Owl]," [Jaguar Chief] said. "Specifically, you would like to strengthen the government forces?"
[Shiyaj K'ahk'] spoke up.
"We would like the wealth accumulated in each district of the council members to be directed toward the government. For the sake of the nation of Teotihuacan."
[Jaguar Chief] asked himself. [Jaguar Temple] is also keeping its wealth. Almost all districts do this. Can we really give up some of the wealth once we have in our hands?
[Xalla Chief] spoke up.
"Are you saying that what we've been doing so far isn't good enough? That's presumptuous. It's absurd."
Two men of Ciudadela remained motionless. [Jaguar Chief] saw this and realized that they had anticipated [Xalla Chief]'s reaction. And of course, my reaction too.
[Jaguar Chief] asked.
"If we increase the number of government troops, it could lead to a military government. In other words, does that mean we should become a military state?"
[Spearthower Owl] repeated.
"A military buildup should alleviate the food shortage."
"If you continue this discussion, it sounds like someone will become commander-in-chief and a military dictatorship will be established. That would destroy the system of government that we have worked so hard to build..."
"The years from 120 AD to the present are a source of pride. However..."
"But is it Ciudadela's opinion that things should change from tomorrow?"
He pointed out his own opinion, and one that was likely shared by the majority of the council. "Teotihuacan is being held together the way it is now. If it were to become a military state, the residents of the nearby apartment complexes would return home for fear of being drafted. If production in the workshops were to decrease, trade would decline, and Teotihuacan would collapse in other ways. What will you do about that?"
Neither of them replied, just staring straight at [Jaguar Chief]. [Jaguar Chief] felt there was something they hadn't revealed yet. He frantically searched for it. An idea occurred to him that made him think, "No way."
[Spearthower Owl]'s wife was the woman who lived in the Plaza of Colomns. She was the daughter of the queen of that Mayan city. If that were the case, then [Spearthower Owl]'s son, barely ten years old, was the grandson of the former queen of Tikal. Could it be that they were planning to turn Teotihuacan into a second kingdom of Tikal?
"Is this related to your son, [Spearthower Owl]?"
[Spearthower Owl]'s lips seemed to curve into a smile.
"Your eyes, [Jaguar Chief], seem to see a lot."
No, thought [Jaguar Chief]. If they were planning a coup, they wouldn't have told us. So, could it be that they're planning to go there with that family? Do they think that bringing the blood of the former royal family will justify their actions? Do they still have connections there and access to information about it? It was absurd, but with these two persons, it was clear to see that the possibility wasn't zero. A cold sweat ran down [Jaguar Chief]'s spine.
[Xalla Chief] spoke in a deep, deep voice. "Everyone is doing well now. You all owe your prosperity to the country. What are you up to?"
But could we deny what Cuidadel said today? Aren't we in exactly the situation [Shiyaj K'ahk'] pointed out? But even so, perhaps, just maybe, the council system had been successful for too long to become a dictatorship.
When [Spearthower Owl] stood up, [Shiyaj K'ahk'] also stood up.
[Jaguar Chief] felt that the conversation was over and that his opinions were no longer needed.
"Thank you for coming tonight. Thank you for everything. We spoke because we wanted you two to hear what we have to say, even if just once."
Without any choice, [Xalla Chief] also stood up and left the small temple. As [Jaguar Chief] was late in leaving, [Shiyaj K'ahk'] whispered to him.
"We'll leave early tomorrow morning."
When they are gone, Ciudadela would no longer be Ciudadela it had been. It would become a facility without a caretaker.
On the way home, [Xalla Chief] was indignant.
"They just said what they wanted and told us to go home. What do they really want?"
[Jaguar Chief] realized that there was no stopping the two of them.
"We can't stop them. What's important is what we do."
Before dawny, [Jaguar Chief] waited alone at the east gate. A procession of people carrying lit torches emerged from Ciudadela. About 30 people disguised as a large trading party left to the east. This was really happening.
[Spearthower Owl] approached to him.
"Thank you for seeing us off. We will not be returning. Thank you for all your help so far," it said.
They had been preparing to give up on Teotihuacan for a long time. [Jaguar Chief] twisted his lip.
A few days later
An emergency council meeting was held.
[Jaguar Chief] said, "As you can see, [Ciudadela Chief] is not here, and he won't be here in the future. That's because they've left Teotihuacan."
Next to him, [Xalla Chief] looked sour. By [Jaguar Chief] he had been told not to mention Tikal. However, if word were to leak out and affect the Cuidadela party, that would be a problem for them to deal with. What was important for the council was to know the facts and deal with them.
Everyone's eyes were on [Jaguar Chief].
"The other day, [Xalla Chief] and I were called in, and we heard their final words. They're gone, forever."
"Gone? Where?"
[Xalla Chief] took a step forward.
"They're heading east, and they're going to claim a new city-state. What a terrible bunch of people."
[Jaguar Chief] entered.
"Whatever the circumstances, the people of Ciudadela readers are gone. No matter what the reason, they're not coming back. Now the Council must decide what to do with Teotihuacan."
There was a flurry of angry shouts, but [Spearthower Owl] to be blamed was no longer there. In fact, many council members had felt uneasy about the group of Feathered Serpents. Ciudadela is only visible from the San Juan River. Its high, long platform rises as a solid outer wall. The fact that it's impossible to know what's going on inside from the outside also conveys Ciudadela' absolute rejection.
In the chaotic council room, only one person, the chief of the Plaza of the Columns, was stunned, as if he had realized something.
The following were decided:
1. The Feathered Serpent Pyramid would be erased.
2. The most important western face would be covered with adosada.
3. Council member of Ciudadela would be sent from another district.
Furthermore, the Chief of the Western Plaza declared that he would bury the Feathered Serpent in the courtyard. The Chief of Tetitla also stated that he would destroy and bury the small murals and pottery.
[Jaguar Chief] realized that we could not change.
The next day, the Leader of the Plaza of Columns visited [Jaguar Chief].
He looked exhausted. With an anxious look in his eyes and a slightly trembling voice, he asked.
"Is Ixhul, [Spearthower Owl]'s wife involved in their cesession?"
[Jaguar Chief] nodded quietly.
The Leader of the Plaza of Columns was silent for a long time.
"[Jaguar Chief], it seems I have accepted people who have caused irreparable harm. I have heard that construction has begun on the sixth level of the Pyramid of the Moon—"
"It is a small extension, but yes."
"Could I build a burial chamber above the fifth level? I would like to bury the three people with dignity."
[Jaguar Chief] imagined they were the high-ranking Mayan persons.
"The remaining 35 will be buried west of Plaza 50 in the Plaza of the Columns. We will also remove their murals from Building 44 and bury them there."
The servants who defected had died about 20 years earlier. The second-generation servants were arrested and taken to Burial 5 in the Pyramid of the Moon, but they didn't say a word.
December, 377 AD
[Spearthower Owl] chose the dry season, but 1,000km was no easy journey.
We hurried along the coast, then slowed down as we entered the jungle. We passed through several large settlements along the way, including Palenque and Pomona. On the way to El Peru-Huaca we rented boats. In El Zotz, we presented the lords with commemorative pieces of green obsidian from Pachuca, shared food with them, and rented empty huts. We kept lieing that we were in a trading expedition and still had far to go.
We entered Tikal from the south. There were hills everywhere across the vast green plain, and countless mansions of various readers stood on them. Guided by Sorte, who had visited the site several times, we smoothly entered 6C-16.
The queen's daughter, Ixhul, stepped forward first before leader [Kimaruk]. He did not look at Queen Unen. However, the moment he looked into Ixhul's eyes, he felt as if he understood many things.
A boy was beside her. On either side of him stood two men. A short distance behind them was the messenger, Solte.
Ixhul introduced himself and the boy. Next, [Spearthower Owl] and [Shiyaj K'ahk'] introduced themselves.
[Kimaruk] reassured himself, but also felt excited.
"It must have been a long and difficult journey," he said, sympathizing. "rooms have been prepared for all of you, and there is food to eat. Please rest yourselves first."
While the 27 people were resting, the two men, accompanied by Sorte, were conferring with [Kimaruk] in another room.
"It appears your information has not leaked out," the leader said.
The two nodded. As they approached, there was no sign of Tikal's army. The spies [Shiyaj K'ahk'] had sent out earlier had also reported that no changes had occurred in the Lost World.
[Spearthower Owl] asked if it would be possible for them to pay their respects to the king. [Kimaruk] replied that an audience would be possible.
"Plan C," [Shiyaj K'ahk'] advised [Spearthower Owl].
The leader asked, "For reference, could you please tell me options A and B? They might be better."
[Shiyaj K'ahk'] replied, "Option A is a night raid on the residences of the main figures. Option B is to assassinate them one by one."
[Kimaruk] thought for a moment, "Option C would be best." And he drew a diagram of the Lost World on the ground.
"The temple chamber is not normally used for trade brigades. A wooden cabin stands between 5D-86 and 88. The western outer wall is none, so it can be seen from the plaza. There is a small exit at the back, through which offerings are taken to the storeroom inside the temple. Everyone knows that offerings are then distributed among the three persons.
"The king will sit here, quite an old man. On either side of him will be a middle-aged man with a scar on his forehead and a young, aquiline-nosed man hoping to become next in line for the throne. This is because they will be concerned about the distribution of donations from visitors. There will be several guards with spears at the audience cabin. In case one of the three doesn't sit next to them, I will send four of my warriors to each residence.
January 16, 378 AD
The next day, an audience was granted.
The group slowly made their way to the courtesy visit hut. [Kimaruk] said to [Ich'aak I]: "They have come from the west and are heading east, and they wish to pay their respects to the king."
Taking the cloth bundle from Sorte, [Spearthower Owl] placed it in both hands and presented it to the king. There were a dozen of knives made of bright green obsidian lined up. The moment three men were captivated, [Kimaruk], who had been standing nearby, whistled sharply. [Spearthower Owl] quickly wrapped one knife in the cloth and grasped it. [Spearthower Owl]] leaped out, swatting away ***[Ichak I]***'s hastily outstretched arm, and slit his throat straight across. At almost the same time, [Shiyaj K'ahk'] attacked the man with the scar on his forehead, and Sorte attacked the man with the aquiline nose. Ciudadela warriors and [Kimaruk]'s bodyguards began slashing at the nearby guards. There was chaos. A little distance away, Ixhul and his son were surrounded and protected by several Ciudadela warriors.
The Lost World was silent. The courtesy visit hut was a sea of blood. Most of Ciudadela warriors had blood splattered on their faces and arms. They were clutching their knives and breathing heavily. The people in the square were stunned and stood at a distance, refusing to move.
[Kimaruk] walked over to the lying body of [Ich'aak I] and called out to the surrounding residents.
"The king is dead. A new king will ascend to the throne."
Mother and son approached the law platform with their guards. They stepped up and faced the plaza.
"Do you remember, elders? Long time ago, there was a queen named Unen."
All eyes were on her.
"I am Ixhul. I am the daughter of Queen Unen, who was driven from Tikal decades ago. She was hidden in a country called Teotihuacan of the west, and her thoughts were lingering on this farway land until her death a few years ago. My son will be the new king. He is Queen Unen's grandson(Ayiin I)."
Amid the commotion, someone shouted and raised their right arm, clenched into a fist. [Kimaruk] realized that he was the leader of 6D-03. The arm slowly began to rise, and the voice grew louder. It was a sign of approval. [Kimaruk] felt that this would welcome an end to the tyranny of the former king who now lay dormant. If the bloodshed could be limited to three people, that would be a very good thing.
[Spearthower Owl], who was standing nearby and watching Tikal people in the plaza, suddenly felt a sharp pain in his left leg. One of the guards who should have survived had swatted the spear sideways while still lying on the ground. Cuidadela warrior threw himself over the guard, completely slicing his throat. [Spearthower Owl]'s wound was deep.
April, 378 AD
[Jaguar Chief]'s subordinates have returned from Tikal, reporting that "They have arrived in Tikal and are reigning supreme. Construction of Group 6D-05 is underway in the ruins of South Tikal."
[Spearthower Owl] survived, but could barely move his left leg. He called [Shiyaj K'ahk'] to the small temple in the Lost World that he lived in.
"Warrior Chief, we have accomplished our goal, and this is what I have become. As I cannot ascend the temple on my own, and cannot participate in battle, then I must understand my position. I ask that you be my son's regent. You will lead domestic and foreign affairs, and the military."
[Shiyaj K'ahk'] remained silent.
"Unlike the Western Council, you can run the great city-state of Tikal as its de facto ruler without any complicated procedures. In fact, that's what you want, Warrior Chief."
"I'll always be your lieutenant."
"Eventually, things will not go as planned. In my case, it happened a little sooner than expected. Warrior Chief, unexpected events will befall you sooner or later."
"What position will you hold?"
"I am the father of the new king, the husband of the princess's daughter, and a man who traveled 1,000 kilometers with a man named [Shiyaj K'ahk'] in pursuit of his dream. I don't have any other aspirations. The Regent can roam the Lost World. I will settle down and live a peaceful life with my wife in 6D-05 is built."
The system they established lasted for 184 years, until Tikal was attacked by the city-states of Caracol and Calakmul in 562.
