The Emperor's Men 7: Rising Sun

by Dirk van den Boom

  The King leaned forward and frowned. “They don’t know why they appeared here? Is that your guess, son?”

  Chitam nodded approvingly.

  “That seems to be the case.”

  “How is that possible? If they were sent by the gods, their intentions must be clear.”

  “I thought so too. But … do we know how the gods act and why they do things?”

  Chitam’s father sighed. A legitimate objection. Even the best priests were often embarrassed to give a clear answer to this question, which made life exciting and unpredictable.

  “So what will you do, my son?”

  “I don’t know. But they will become more than just our guests.”

  “I was afraid of that.”

  “Many of our people have already begun to worship them. There are priests who demand to erect a temple in honor of them and their holy vessel. Their brutal power has left a strong impression. It is expected of you that you obtain their favor and use their power for the good of the city.”

  Siyaj looked thoughtful. “What do you think, Chitam?”

  The Prince looked at the full cup of chi, touched it with his right hand, turned the vessel once around without raising it, then answered.

  “The holy messengers can get rid of you, if they wish, Father. If they do it skillfully, there will be no protest. Many will rather develop hope with the prospect of great times. They will think that it is good to be touched and led by this blessing of the gods, and that having new leaders is but a small price to pay. The king is the connection of the earthly to the divine. That is his function, for which he is respected and for which he deserves obedience of everyone. But if those messengers come from heaven, can’t they sustain this connection much better than the old King? I’m not of this opinion, Father. These are the conversations that I accidentally overheard. Not in the open. Not consciously in my presence. Certainly not in yours. There is just the fact that Inugami doesn’t seem to make any attempt to affirm your position on the throne – or remove you.”

  Siyaj sighed. “If you ask me, my son, it’s more because that Inugami doesn’t know how easily he could eliminate me without risking a war. He’s still learning our language. He is careful. The primary source of his knowledge is an old priest who has been my friend for a long time and certainly won’t whisper such thoughts into that man’s ear. It saves me, and it will be a while before Inugami receives hints from a different direction that make him believe he can seize control without any problem.”

  Chitam nodded. “Maybe a while, yes. But not for very long anymore, Father. That’s why I speak a lot with the deputy of Inugami, the man named Aritomo Hara. He seems to be a sensible man and impressed by our achievements, with less arrogance and distance. He laughs and jokes with me, he learns with great eagerness, he talks to my wife with respect and without condescension.”

  Siyaj smiled. “Nobody ever treats Tzutz with condescension.”

  Chitam scratched his head before continuing. “I’ve also considered the fact that these strangers don’t seem to have women with them, and most recently, on the ball court, I tried something. The man Hara winked at the young girl I brought close to him, not just with lust, but with real joy and sympathy. He speaks our words as well as the teacher Sawada, and he asks questions about our buildings, the architecture, the gods, our neighbors. We still can’t speak fluently about all of these things, but the man learns with great obsession, and I’ll keep myself close to him. Father, if we know any of the messengers who may be prepared to keep you in office and refrain from making himself ruler, it is Aritomo Hara.”

  The King thought for a while about the emphatic words of his son. But in his worried face it was clear to see that he was at a loss about how to proceed. He looked at Chitam, seeking help. “What’s your advice, son?”

  Chitam took his time. He had to know that his father was currently weighing his words unusually high, maybe too high. If he made a wrong decision, if his verdict proved erroneous, he might possibly summon the end of this dynasty. It wasn’t that Mutal was alien to this kind of disaster. When the conquerors from Teotihuacán came to take the city, they swept aside the old, venerable family that had ruled the city for hundreds of years and installed Chitam’s grandfather as ruler. Chitam’s family history was young, young enough for them to realize that even the oldest dynasty could be blown away by the wind of events. If anyone knew that too well, then it was the current rulers of Mutal.

  “We have to be very careful, Father,” he said. “I’ll stick to this Aritomo and double my language studies. In addition, I want to try to get in touch with other men of the god boat. I will have food and chi applied, and I will organize ball games. Young girls should be prepared to please the messengers. They are normal men. They are attracted by these charms, and I want to satisfy their needs. I want to find those with whom you can talk. Those who learn to like us, who start to find it pleasing here. Those who are willing to accept things as they are and who can see the good in them. And all this has to happen without Inugami becoming overly suspicious. Father, I don’t like to say it, but in the end it will be our goal to drive a wedge between the messengers and build a bulwark between those who cooperate and those who want to go beyond our wishes.”

  Siyaj made a gesture of despair. “But will the people play along, Chitam?”

  “That depends on the timing of the events.”

  Siyaj nodded mournfully. After a few moments of silent contemplation, he said, “I’ll leave these things to you. They affect you the most. I am old. May they set me down and sacrifice my body to the gods, then this is my destiny. But I’m worried about you and your family, Chitam. You should get all the support I can give you. But if you’re right about everything you’ve just said, my influence wanes with each passing day. The eyes of everyone are hopefully directed to the messengers, as they now expect wealth, fame, blessings, prosperity, and happiness from them.” The King uttered a scornful snort. “What does an old king count?”

  Chitam put his hand on his father’s forearm in a confidential gesture. Siyaj accepted the consolation with a grateful smile. “You continue to be the connection of earth and sky, Father,” Chitam said. “We have to make it clear that you alone managed to summon the messengers. Why did they come to Mutal? We are chosen – and you are the one who made this possible.” He leaned forward, his pitch growing intense, urging. “We have to use this to our advantage, Father. Do not put your hands in your lap. Accept your role! Only through this strategy will we emerge unscathed and perhaps even gain an advantage.”

  Siyaj smiled approvingly, but his melancholy had not completely disappeared from his posture. “I like how you think, son. I have to apologize to you. My confusion was inappropriate and unworthy of a king.”

  “Say no more, Father. We know all these dark hours. We have to …”

  Chitam didn’t get a chance to finish his sentence. The heavy curtains were pushed aside violently, and the two men looked alarmed. This was only allowed when something really important had happened – otherwise the disturber would be put to death for his insolence.

  The majordomo stood in the door, and he looked visibly upset. He wrung his hands. Siyaj nodded to him, allowing him to speak openly.

  “Lord, a messenger has arrived. He insisted on being admitted. You know him well, my King, it is Pax’ik.”

  Siyaj rose from his stool. “Pax’ik? Then let him in. Bring chi.”

  Chitam also got up. “Who is the man?”

  “My best informer in Saclemacal. Absolutely trustworthy. Normally, he would never return here personally but send a message. Something has happened, and it is no trifle.”

  “I’ll leave you alone.”

  “No, you stay. This is certainly important. You have to know.”

  It was not long before a small, slender man was brought in who immediately threw himself on the ground in front of Siyaj. A servant brought a tray of chi and some f
ruits.

  “Arise, Pax’ik. Sit down. Here, have refreshments.”

  Moments later, they sat together. The spy was not intimidated but showed great respect and didn’t take any of the refreshments offered. News were burning on his tongue. “Sir, I bring bad tidings. A large army marches on Mutal!”

  Siyaj’s stance stiffened. “An army? From Saclemacal? Saclemacal doesn’t have enough soldiers to defeat us, even if they arm all of their women and children!”

  “No, sir – not only the soldiers from Saclemacal, though they betrayed you and joined the campaign. Most of the troops come from Yaxchilan and Tayasal! It is an alliance, a united army, led by King Tatb’u personally. I don’t know how many they are. Lots. They tried to hide it from my eyes, but I’m not as stupid as they think.”

  “Tatb’u!” Siyaj uttered the name of the ruler. “He never stops annoying me! How far are the troops?”

  “One day’s march, that’s all. We don’t have time.”

  “We are ill-prepared,” Siyaj agreed. He turned to Chitam. “Get all the clan chiefs together immediately. Let us sound the alarm. Dispatch scouts heading for Saclemacal.”

  His son jumped up. “Yes, Father.”

  “I’m late, my lord,” Pax’ik cried, lowering his face in shame. “I ran like a ghost, but I’m late.”

  “Pax’ik!” Siyaj said sternly. “You did what you had to do, and you did well. Your king is grateful. Take spear and shield from the armory. Thou shalt defend the city by our side and honor it!”

  The man threw himself on the ground, overwhelmed with gratitude. Then he was up and running as fast as his feet carried him.

  Siyaj turned back to his son. “Chitam, this is the moment that changes all our plans.”

  “Yes, Father. You’re right. And it is the time when the messengers must prove their power.” He pushed the curtain aside. “I do everything you command, and more. I’m going to the holy vessel now. I’ll ask Inugami for help. Let’s hope his price won’t be too high.”

  Then the Prince disappeared. Siyaj looked after him and felt again this dark foreboding.

  He sighed.

  There was no doubt, regardless what kind of hopeful plans Chitam was trying to make. He had to face the facts – The gods held his fate and that of his city, there was nothing more to say.

  Then he bent down, took the cup he had just served, and drank Pax’ik’s chi.

  The man was apparently not thirsty.

  17

  Inugami took a while to understand what the Mayan prince wanted him to do, but then he laughed.

  What a wonderful stroke of fate!

  He was filled with great joy.

  He turned to Aritomo, who stood beside the commander on the bridge, where they had received Chitam and had listened to his wordy portrayal. Sawada was with them and had done his best to translate what the Prince had wanted to tell them. First they had all been a bit confused, but the excitement in Chitam’s voice and his urgent undertone had by no means escaped Inugami. Now it was understandable why the man had been so hectic.

  “It looks like it’s now necessary to help our new friends solve a big problem, Lieutenant,” he said in Japanese, so Chitam couldn’t follow their conversation.

  Aritomo nodded. “It’s our problem too, Captain. Our boat has no wheels.”

  Inugami laughed again. “You see danger, I see a great opportunity. We can now finally prove how powerful we are. If we repulse this enemy, our position in this city will be unassailable.” That he cast a calculating look at Chitam said a lot about what he meant by that. Aritomo just nodded. “We will fight this, Hara.”

  “We hardly have any weapons.”

  “We have the cannon, and we have time to come up with a tactical plan that will help us use it as effectively as possible. Get this chief to follow our instructions exactly. Then we should be able to offer a very impressive spectacle.”

  “Captain?”

  Inugami licked his lips, then switched to English. Chitam, too, noticed that the messengers of the gods took his request for help very seriously.

  “Second Lieutenant Hara, you will choose someone to serve as a forward observer. He should go to the top of the highest pyramid. Send someone along who can handle flag signals in his sleep. I want directions and distances for the cannon when the time comes.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “All men who are not involved in the fighting go below deck. The bridge is staffed with our best riflemen – that is the bodyguards and two others. There is no room for more. You take over the command of the gun yourself. Every volley has to have full impact, Hara. We have to be economical with the ammunition.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Inugami turned to Sawada. “The natives should tell us where the enemy is most likely to attack. They should stay away from this area, because there we will direct the fire of the cannon. They should attack only when I order them to. I have an idea of how to lure the enemy into a favorable killing field and would like us to discuss it together.”

  Sawada nodded. “I’ll try to explain that.”

  Inugami turned back to look at Aritomo. “I gave orders, Second Lieutenant.”

  “I see a problem, Captain.”

  Inugami grimaced reluctantly but was smart enough to let his first officer speak. This was a critical situation, he needed to hear the advice of a man who had proven to have a functioning mind.

  Aritomo pointed sideways at the boat down to the pyramid, whose ruin it supported.

  “The recoil of the gun, fired several times, could move the boat. I don’t know how massive the structure is below us and how much strain it can withstand, but if we fire more often and in high cadence, it can happen that the boat will slide. We can’t control this movement. The boat could tip over, roll, or otherwise become unstable.”

  Inugami’s eyes followed Aritomo’s pointing, and a worried look crossed his face as he slowly nodded. Aritomo spoke the truth. It was necessary to investigate this matter before it became a serious problem.

  “That’s a logical concern,” he admitted. “What do you suggest?”

  “We have some time before the attack commences, if I understand correctly.”

  Aritomo still had big problems with the way the Maya measured time. Their elaborate calendar was not straightforward. Still, he thought he had understood that Chitam predicted the enemy’s attack for the next two or three “kin” or days.

  “I want us to bring rocks and wood to support the boat. We can fill in the areas from which the hull protrudes and attach anchorages. That should help at least a little. In addition, not only because of the ammunition we have to shoot sparingly, but also because of the stability issues. I want to have someone on the highest pyramid not only watching the enemy but reporting a possible movement of the boat after each shot. We have to stop before things get too shaky. I don’t want us to slide down or tip over, which could irreparably damage the boat. In all likelihood, there would be injured or dead people. And …”

  He looked at Inugami, hesitated, switched to Japanese.

  “ … it would look very unworthy and weak if we just slid down the boulders screaming and helpless …”

  “Yes,” Inugami said. The argument had great power for him. This risk had to be minimized. “I agree in everything. And we can’t fire the ship’s cannon any more once and if the boat comes to rest on its side,” he added thoughtfully. “That would be fatal. We do it the way you suggested. Give the necessary orders.”

  Aritomo saluted.

  He turned away and started the preparations. Chitam, looking a little lost now, looked at Sawada, who reassured him in turn. Realizing that activity ensued, the Prince had to understand that his warning had had impact. Sawada grabbed his arm and led him away. Before him laid the not so easy task of conveying the wishes of Inugami to the Prince, which would require a lot of paper and pen, and even more hitherto unknown vocab
ulary. Both would surely be busy for a while now.

  Inugami left, leaving his first officer to carry out the instructions. Aritomo barely watched him go, his head already full of action now to be taken.

  “Sarukazaki!” Aritomo shouted, as the chief mechanic approached him. “I need you and ten men. We have a lot of work!”

  It was not long before the crew was informed and an atmosphere of excited anticipation spread among them. The time of senseless exercises in discipline was over, now purposeful activity erupted. This did more for the morale of the men than all of Inugami’s efforts before. Everyone was busy doing what he was told.

  Sarukazaki inspected with Aritomo the position of the boat on the pyramid. Both didn’t do this for the first time. So far, they had always come to the conclusion that the boat was stable. They had thought more about how one day the steel body could be liberated from its predicament and brought back to its element, if that was ever their intention. But now it was about the boat being a gun platform and a fortress, and that required different levels of stability than before. As Lengsley joined them, an intense conversation developed immediately. The Briton had quite some knowledge of statics and gave valuable hints.

  “We’ll have to brace over there,” he said, pointing to the areas where the boat was no longer resting on the stones and began to rise in the air. “We should do it intelligently, with logs in all directions, firmly anchored to the lower levels of the structure. Then additional stones for filling support walls, built close to tight. If we had time, I would smear mud and increase stability again. But it probably will not dry in time, and we’re wasting workforce if we start now.”