CHAPTER XXV.
One night and a day in Tenochtitlan found Euetzin and Cacami ready toproceed to some other point, they having effected the object of theirvisit to the Mexican capital.
The tzin had laid out to spend one night at home; and, as Tezcuco mustnecessarily be visited in his short tour of inquiry, it was decided togo to Zelmonco first, and from there to the city. Their plan was tocross the lake to a small village which was situated about two leaguesand a half south of Tezcuco, and go from there to the villa, whichwould save time, distance, and a walk of one league, as compared withtheir going to Tezcuco by one of the barks which plied regularlybetween the two great cities for the purpose of transporting personsand merchandise.
There is sufficient ground for believing that traffic betweenTenochtitlan and other cities on Lake Tezcuco was carried on at thattime exclusively by canoes, and it is not an unreasonable thing tosuppose that it was done systematically, and with a view to gain.
So, in the afternoon of the day following their arrival atTenochtitlan, Euetzin and his companion secured the services of aboatman to row them across to the little town. It was quite a pull forthe boatman and his one assistant, for the distance was between threeand four leagues. The trip was made, however, in time for our friendsto reach Zelmonco just at dusk of evening. We will not undertake todescribe the meeting which followed their arrival at the villa. It issufficient to say that it was a happy one, and that the evening waspassed by the reunited family and their guest in a most agreeablemanner.
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Cacami was an early riser, and usually up with the sun. The morningfollowing his coming to Zelmonco was not an exception in hiscommendable habit; he was out in the park betime, enjoying theinvigoration which the first hour of the day imparts. The morning'sbreath was most delightful, too, loaded as it was with the exhalationsof a thousand buds and flowers.
The time and conditions were especially favorable for thought;particularly to a man affected as he was. Itlza had not been out of hismind for a moment during his absence, except when important matterswere in, or when he was sleeping, and not always then. When in thepresence of Mitla and her vivacious young sister a pair of laughingeyes continually rose up before him, reminding him of one who seemed toexercise an influence, even in her absence, which made him almostnegligent of the hunter's daughters. Euetzin, knowing nothing of theattachment which his companion had formed for his sister, thought itvery strange that the young fellow should be so indifferent to thecharms of the mountain girls--Mitla especially; and, yet, away down inhis heart the tzin experienced a sense of relief and gratification thatsuch was the case.
Believing that a suitable opportunity would reveal the fact that hishopes, which Itlza's actions at their last meeting had quickened, werewell founded, Cacami heartily wished that one might arise before thehour for his departure should come around.
In pursuing his solitary stroll through the park he came to the oaktree by the fountain, and had paused for a moment to contemplate uponthe pleasant surroundings. He had only been there once before; yet, thespot was endeared to him because of his meeting with Itlza on thatoccasion. Recalling the felicitous event his eyes lingered fondly onthe rustic seat, where she had sat and looked down upon him with herbeautiful, laughing eyes, as he reclined on the ground almost at herfeet. He remembered the pledge of silence she had exacted of him, whichhe felt was no longer binding since the episode of the flower-heart,the trend of which he had rightly interpreted. Feeling thus, heresolved to renew his wooing at the first offered opportunity. While hestood indulging in his retrospective reverie, he was suddenly madeaware of the approach of someone. Turning to see who it was, hediscovered, to his delight, the charming Itlza coming toward him fromthe villa.
It was a supreme moment to the very much enthralled Cacami; theculmination of his most cherished desires were reached when he beheldthe idol of his thoughts advancing toward him. Nothing could havehappened so perfectly in accord with the conditions--his feelings, thehour and its alluring train of exquisite delights--as Itlza'sunexpected but longed for advent upon the scene. He waited her approachwith a pleased sense of expectation, for he saw in her coming theopportunity he had only just been wishing for. He greeted her with adelight to which he gave full expression, both in manner and voice. Hesaid:
"You come, O Laughing-eyes, to add by your presence the crowning joy toa splendid morning stroll, which I have had."
"I shall be pleased if my coming out will add to the pleasure of yourramblings, which are just a little too early to agree with my habits,"she answered, with a sparkling eye and smiling face. He lookedadmiringly at her and said:
"The air at such a time and in such a place is always delightfullyfragrant. To drink of its sweetness is a pleasure no one should fail toenjoy, not excepting the leisured Laughing-eyes."
"Yes, it is a pleasure; but what an effort some of us would have tomake to gain it. Then, oft repeated, it loses much of its charm," shereplied, and, continuing, inquired: "How long have you been out in thepark?"
"For more than an hour I have been strolling among the shrubs andflowers; but, delightful as the beautiful park is, there was one thingwanting to make it perfect: one flower which I did not find--theloveliest that blooms at Zelmonco; it was not there," he said, fixingon her a look which plainly revealed his meaning. She returned the lookwith one expressing comprehension, and answered, jestingly:
"You came out too soon to find the flower you are pleased to think solovely; it does not bloom so early."
"It has bloomed but now; and I am more than happy to find it here," hesaid, taking her hand and leading her to a seat at the foot of the oaktree. With her hand still resting in his he continued: "Do youremember, Laughing-eyes, our tryst on this love-inspiring spot, whichseems to me so very long ago, and like a dream?"
"Yes, I remember; and more," she answered, looking up at him archly,while she continued: "I remember that you gave me a promise, Cacami,which I fear you are about to forget." This rejoinder was utteredinsinuatingly, and accompanied by a coquettish side glance. Cacami,believing that the words were intended to be convertible, put his ownconstruction on them, and said:
"I do not forget, Laughing-eyes, but only remember my promise now as athing of the past, and no longer binding upon me. The flower-heart, andthe voice of the little love-bird singing through your beautiful eyes,which came to me that day, when Teochma's call so cruelly disturbed us,were the signs which made me free. Is it not so, Laughing-eyes?"Cacami's voice and manner were full of pleading, and Itlza, loving asshe did, could not resist their influence, and said:
"Yes, Cacami, I may not longer trifle; you have read my thoughts andactions rightly. The flower-heart, in which was entwined my best love,was wrought for you, and made the messenger of release."
"I thought as much, and yet there was a doubt, which your blessed wordshave removed, and I am free to tell you how dear you are to me. Fromthe moment when I first looked into those laughing eyes I have lovedthem and their adored possessor. You must recall how earnest was mywooing from the very beginning--not a happy wooing either, Itlza, for Ithought it was in vain. But now I know it was not, for the love of theLaughing-eyes is mine. When the battle comes my sword shall make meworthy of it. Then you shall pledge yourself to be my wife--not before.Until that hour love alone shall keep us for each other," he spoke withpassionate emphasis.
"It shall be as you have said--love shall keep us for each other," shereplied, looking beseechingly into his face. "My heart is sad, evenwhile it is happy," she continued. "War is ever terrible, but doubly sowhen those we love are in it--Euetzin, my brother, and you, mynew-found love." Here her disengaged hand was laid lovingly on his arm,and her eyes, moist with the dew of affection, looked pleadingly up tohim. "Both must go. Will both, or even one, return?" She dropped herhead upon his hand and wept.
"Be brave, dear heart; those bright, laughing eyes were never made fortears," said he, consoling her tenderly. "The gods,
you may be sure,will shield your loved ones in the fight for freedom, and bring themsafely back to you." Said encouragingly.
A call to the morning meal interrupted further conversation on thesubject so near to the hearts of the twain; and they went in, happy nowin each other's love, yet sad from the thoughts which had caused theLaughing-eyes to weep.
Two hours later Euetzin and Cacami were on the road to Tezcuco. Thattheir stay at the villa had to be so brief was a source of regret toboth.
The fond associations of a beautiful and attractive home, the dearestof which were found in the presence and love of Teochma and Itlza, werepressing inducements for the tzin to prolong his stay, but there was notime to spare just then for gratifying the tenderer impulses; so,stifling the cry in his heart--the voice of filial love--he went sadlyaway, in answer to duty's call.
Cacami, in the character of an accepted lover--though somewhatregretful at having to go from the scene of his late successful wooingso soon, possessed as he was with the blissful assurance of areciprocated affection--could not be other than felicitous. Still, hishappiness was not cloudless. There was mingled with it a disquietingdoubt as to the acquiescence of the aristocratic mother and brother inhis _affaire_ with Itlza. He was hopeful, however, in view of hisintimacy with the brother. He had no intention of informing them, atthis time, of the state of his feelings, and was confident that Itlzawould be equally reticent. When he had won honor and fame as a warriorhe could approach them with a stronger assurance of approval.
Thus it happened that a knowledge of the existing state of theirfeelings toward each other was kept from Teochma and the tzin by thelovers, which, as it subsequently proved, was an unfortunate course forthem to pursue; and yet, in view of the fact that no betrothal hadtaken place, they were not to be blamed for keeping the matter a secretbetween themselves.
On arriving at Tezcuco Euetzin went about his errand of procuringinformation and the transaction of other business, for which he hadcome to the city. While he was thus occupied, Cacami went to visit fora brief spell with his people, returning in time to accompany him toother points, and finally back to Tlacopan for the appointed audiencewith Macua, the king.
A Prince of Anahuac: A Histori-traditional Story Antedating the Aztec Empire Page 27
