Sisimito I--Ox Witz Ha

by Henry W. Anderson

  A metropolis was before me and I was amazed. I was further astonished to see that a second and more intensive type of farming had been introduced. It still appeared to be patchy, as if not accepted by all the farmers, but it was a revolutionary type of farming I did not know the Maya had used. On some slopes, I saw the method known as terracing. My contemplations got no further, however, as they were interrupted.

  “We’re dressed. Let’s go,” ordered the Halach Uinic. “Hurry! Many things await us at Ox Witz Ha,265 all of which may not be good.”

  The Place of Three Hills, I thought. I looked towards the Halach Uinic. “How many people live in Ox Witz Ha, Halach Uinic?” I realized I had again made a mistake as I saw a Nim-q’ij Guard step towards me. The Halach Uinic raised his hand and the Nim-q’ij Guard stopped.

  “Ke’kchi! You must learn our ways quickly or once I may lift my hand too slowly and your blood will stain the jungle floor. Do not address me unless I have indicated that you may.”

  “I am sorry, Halach Uinic. It is just that I am overwhelmed by what I have seen.”

  “What overwhelms you, Ke’kchi?”

  “Your city, Halach Uinic. Its vastness. And your farming. I see terraces on the slopes of the hills. My taat is a milpe … koolnáal. Even though he works hilly lands, he does not use terraces. He sticks to tradition … the kool.”

  “Tradition is often hard to break. Look, Ke’kchi,” he gesticulated. “I have developed and broadened our surrounding settlements, expanded our network of sacbeobs, distributed our wealth. Over 120,000 of my citizens live here. We cover thirty square miles and have over thirty-five thousand buildings including five plazas and an area just for astronomical observation. Kool farming cannot sustain us for very long. I have had the brightest of our young priests and young scholars … those that have not come under the complete control of their older colleagues and my priests … those who can still think without thanking and blaming our gods for everything that happens in my Nim-q’ij Kingdom … I have had them study our farming methods and how best to utilize the soil. Next, I have to convince the koolnáals who believe that it is only by praying at the corners of their kool or by having the priests make them an Alux266 that they will have plentiful crops.” He shook his head. “When they want rain, they drown their children in their wells as sacrifice to Chac. At agricultural festivities, I have seen slaves flayed alive as they hung by their hands from a tree, screaming for death. They were being offered to Kinich Ahau. I saw that ritual as I journeyed north as a young man. I have banned those practices from ever being done in Ox Witz Ha.” He spat upon the ground. “But I talk to you as an equal, Ke’kchi. Perhaps, it is because you listen.” He lifted his hand. “Let’s go. And no more questions, Ke’kchi, unless I tell you to ask them.”

  We started the descent to the plateau. It wasn’t difficult for there was a clean and smooth path. I kept looking at the distant city until the canopy of the jungle rose before me and I saw it no more. We were travelling southwest, as quickly as we could, and along a rolling but well-kept dirt causeway or sacbeob. I had estimated the city to be four miles away from the table-mountain and, therefore, we should reach it at sunset.

  As we hurried along the sacbeob to Ox Witz Ha, we passed many kools and housing complexes. Occasionally, we passed terraced hills. They were all deserted. I saw no one in them. No men. No women. No children. No animals. We also did not meet anyone on the sacbeob, and that I regarded as very strange. Koolnáals, many times, would not leave the kools until sunset approached, so we should have been meeting some of them on the causeway into the city.

  After about three miles, a halt was called and, as my guards did not stop me, simply followed, I immediately sought out Molly who appeared extremely exhausted.

  “Well fok, Molly. You’re quite an athlete,” I chuckled, trying to make light of the situation.

  She was startled as she was unaware of my approach, then smiled tiredly, as best as she could. “I was the best runner in primary school and high school. Good at marathon and good at sprints. I still keep fit, but since I’ve left college I’m not running as much. I did a lot of athletics there, but now the teaching is too demanding; I’m surely making up for it now.” She was bending over, her hands resting on her knees, panting a little.

  “Why not let’s sit?” I suggested.

  We did and she continued, “I’m also a good swimmer. I think I could take you.”

  “No fok!” I responded, laughing. “I grew up in rivers and streams. I swim like a fokin fish. Not even Bas could beat me at that. Everything else, but not that.” Then, there was the pain.

  She saw the pain. “We’ll see. Sometime, when this is all over … if it even will be.”

  “Don’t do that to yourself, Molly. It doesn’t help.” I decided to go to a different conversation. “There were times I couldn’t see you and I was worried. I honestly don’t know how you kept up the running all the time. Even me,” I shook my head, “I was very tired, at times. I am a soldier, well-trained, fit, but, I tell you without shame, it was my ‘macho’ and that kept me going. My common sense also told me that it was best not to show any kind of weakness to these people. We have to appear strong, at all times.”

  “These people?” She sighed. “I have decided not to think about who they are and where we are. If I don’t, I’ll go crazy. As for the running, I wasn’t strong all the time, that’s for sure. There were a few times I collapsed. I just couldn’t go any further.” She closed her eyes and sighed again.

  “What happened?”

  “My guard picked me up and carried me on his shoulders. It seemed he did it without missing his stride. At times, I slept on his broad muscular shoulders.” There was a short twinkle in her eyes.

  I suppose I should have been grateful that she was helped. Instead, my initial response was a quick jab of jealousy. I looked at her. I saw that she saw it. She laughed. I had never heard her laugh. The sound was fokin sweet, as was her face to my eyes, lit up in merriment at my expense. I simply nodded at her and smiled. I had never been in love enough to be jealous. The jab of jealousy was sharp and had taken my breath away. It was a new and strange sensation. Perhaps, it was a dangerous sensation … dangerous to my way of life. I wondered if that was the way it was supposed to be … in that place she was my woman, but then, perhaps, only in that place. Nevertheless, I had a lot to fokin learn if I were really in love.

  I heard the sound of a hand clapping, as if for attention. I saw my guard look towards the Nobles and he immediately left my side. The Halach Uinic spoke briefly to him and he was off, down the sacbeob to Ox Witz Ha. The Halach Uinic then gave the order for us to resume our run and I assumed we would not be stopping again until we reached the city.

  We continued at a decent pace and, once more, the absence of people was pronounced. The unnatural quietude projected mysterious evil and foreboding and I was extremely apprehensive. We were going past many building complexes and they were noticeably closer together as we approached the city. Yet, there were still no people. I wanted to believe that they were all attending some ceremony in the city, but, after going through that destroyed village or town, Tipú, I could not help feeling that there was something much more ominous going on.

  I was still unable to see the city because of tall trees that marked the landscape. I could, however, by looking at the road ahead of us, see that we were almost at the outer limits of the city proper. We ran on and I saw a small group of people standing in the road. As we approached, on either side of me and stretching as far as I could see, Warriors were stationed, armed with spears carrying obsidian267 blades on the shaft, bows and arrows, slings, and atlatls with sheaves of darts or short spears. They also carried flint knives with sharp serrated edges or razor-sharp obsidian knives. They must have been the trained Warriors and, on both sides of us in triple file, they spread, seemingly around the city. Supporting the trained Warriors were several ranks of armed men, either militia or just men able-bodied enough to bear arms.
It was obvious to me that the formation was not for ceremonial purposes. That was a defensive stance against invaders. Many of the Warriors wore short skirts, decorated with black spots, looking like the skin of the jaguar. Others used a mere loincloth. They carried large shields made from animal pelt, decorated in gold, green, red, and white, with long feathers and plumes hanging from the lower half. They wore breastplates in the shapes of butterflies, and bands that were protective armor around the waist, arms, and legs. For every troop of Warriors, about a hundred men, there was an officer dressed in a jaguar helmet with white and green plumes and a jaguar suit, the suit cut like an overall with a white cloth over the groin area. All the Warriors, including those that appeared to be militia, wore lej-xajäbs. Running in and out of the troops were slaves or servants, some dressed in loincloth alone, others naked, doing the biding of their masters. Some young men had drums, but they were not beating them; others carried flags and banners showing an emblem of the jaguar. It was obvious that Ox Witz Ha’s army was well equipped and was ready for battle.

  We stopped in front of the small group of people who awaited us on the causeway. My guard, who was standing away from the group, immediately came to my side. The servants or slaves in our party placed their goods on the ground and kneeled, bowing their heads. I felt my guard’s hand on my shoulder, pushing me downwards. I resisted. I saw that Molly was also being forced to kneel. I glared at the Halach Uinic, my eyes shouting, “Why are you treating us like this? We are not your slaves or servants.”

  His black eyes, stern and dangerous, beheld mine and my common sense dictated against further resistance for I saw anger and a command saying, Do what you’re told, Ke’kchi, or you’re dead. I shook off the guard’s hand and knelt beside Molly. She was looking at the ground, but I looked to the side of the causeway.”

  “Welcome, my Nephew,” said one of the men as he approached and hugged the Halach Uinic.

  The Halach Uinic did not answer his greeting immediately. He looked about him and seemed agitated and angry. “And why, Wi-k’an,268 is my army in readiness for war … without my permission? Why is this so, Che-kaj K’inich?”

  “Our spies tell us that the forces of K’uxaj, Ajawinel of Maxam,269 have left the borders of their kingdom, Halach Uinic, and they travel southeast towards us. They are only three k’iins away, perhaps two. Five k’iins ago, I sent Runners out to inform you. They have not returned. They are probably dead, killed by raiding parties from the Maxam army … those in advance of the main force. I did not want Ox Witz Ha to be unprepared and I could wait no longer for you.”

  The Halach Uinic sighed loudly and shook his head. “I received one Runner, but he briefed us on Tipú only. So, K’uxaj goes to war.”

  “Our spies say that they are calling it their ‘War of Independence’. Your Nim-q’ij Diplomats and their guards have been sacrificed.”

  “War of Independence?” shouted the Halach Uinic. “And why haven’t my spies reported that this treachery was happening? Did they not see Lahun Chan in the evening sky? Did they not see K’uxaj’s mobilize his Warriors, call for men and boys to form his militias? Did K’uxaj open the doors of his centralized arsenals so quietly that my spies were unaware? Are my spies just poor spies who do not see the preparations for war, or are they traitors, Wi-k’an?”

  “I will interrogate them myself, Halach Uinic.”

  “And if they are traitors, let them walk the rest of their lives without eyes or ears,” he added angrily. “But they must be proven traitors.”

  “As you wish, Nephew.”

  “We have been ruling Maxam for five years since they provoked war twice and so ushered in their own defeat at our bate’s and ch’abs.270 It was Maxam’s arrogance and threats that made me attack Ko-Bent-Cauac. Their imperiousness did not subside and I had to attack Ko-Bent Cauac again within forty k’iins. But K’uxaj still craved to have victories carved on his stela and he remained restless. I demolished Tzam in such a decisive victory that Tajoom Uk’ab K’ahk of the Snake Kingdom of Ox Te’ Tuun271 hosted a great ballgame and honored the prisoners as they were sacrificed. Yet, I have allowed Maxam to grow prosperous as we have grown prosperous. We have ruled them as members of an alliance rather than as the defeated. We have treated them as achalals;272 yet, K’uxaj again wants war and he has sacrificed my diplomats.” The Halach Uinic shook his head. “The Ajawinel of Maxam must be influenced.” He looked questioningly at the small gathering around him. “Who’s influencing him to wage war on Ox Witz Ha at a time when he has also shaken his alliance with Ox Te’ Tuun?” There was no response. “That’s the type of information I need from our spies, Chekaj K’inich. That is the type of important information I do not get from my spies.” He walked on a little then continued. “Is it Yax Mutul? Does K’inich Muwaan Jol dream of supervising my successor’s accession as Wak Chan K’awiil did at my Nim-q’ij Taat’s. My Nim-q’ij Taat, Yajaw Te’ K’inich II, terminated Yax Mutul’s dominance over us within three years of his ascension. No! Yax Mutul sleeps since its defeat by Ox Te’ Tuun’s Sky Witness and the sacrifice of Wak Chan K’awiil. Ox Te’ Tuun? No! The Snake Ajawinel Yuknoom Head is my ally and my friend. If I knew who these provokers were, I would take out their hearts myself. Then there would be no war. My spies fail me.”

  His uncle spoke quietly. “Some say, Sak Witzil Baah, 273that the Ajawinel of Maxam is being pushed by his priests and their prophecies. They say that you no longer believe in the teachings of your priests … that you are blasphemous … that your new thoughts will bring social chaos and a collapse of the Elite throughout our land. They say that such collapse will bring a sudden and catastrophic end to our great Civilization. They say that you and all of our people must be protected from yourself … you, K’an II, Ajawinel of Ox Witz Ha, my beloved Nephew. They say that your grandfather, the great K’an I, the Lord Jaguar, and your grandmother, Lady K’al K’inich, struggle to leave Xibalba as they see the need to come themselves and take you to the sacrificial altar to have your heart removed in atonement.”

  The Halach Uinic smiled. “It’s a long time since I have been called by my boyhood name. You use that name with definite purpose. That I were Sak Witzil Baah again, Wi-k’an.” He sighed. “It is only those consumed by outdated rituals and traditions who have been saying that about me, Chekaj K’inich. I know that even some of my own priests echo those sentiments and conspire against me. Yet, we have grown prosperous. Our people are wealthy. Do I atone for that?”

  “Too many of our people are wealthy … even people of no Noble Lineage,” countered his uncle.

  “I was only five when my Nim-q’ij Taat, Yajaw Te’ K’inich II, took me for the ritual bloodletting, establishing my claim to rightful inheritance and to my throne. I became Ajawinel when I was only thirty years old, a young alaxel274 interested only in women and the hunt. I had to rule and I was trained to rule by the best teachers we have in this land. I had and still have you and the guidance of my Nim-q’ij Na’, Lady Batz’ Ek’, our most powerful and beloved Chichu’Ajawinel.275 Lady Batz’ Ek’ arrived in Ox Witz Ha and became my Nim-q’ij Taat’s junior Chichu’Ajawinel when she was only eighteen. I have had the greatest fortune in this respect. Yet, when I govern in the best interest of all my citizens … there are those who would have me poisoned and replaced. I have even refused to let my citizens call me Ajawinel, trying to narrow the gaps between the social classes. I use Ajawinel only for my diplomatic duties.” He seemed pensive then distressed. “I see a new world for our citizens, a glorious world for all, governed by mathematics and common sense rather than by the whims and fancies of the distant gods.”

  “Nephew! Our Nobles and Elite fear what you are trying to do. It’s a dangerous sacbeob you take.” He shook his head. “And be careful what you say. The ears in the abix276 listen and the stalks talk.”

  For a moment they were silent then the Halach Uinic spoke. “If the gods did not want us to think and improve independently of them, they would not have given us a brain that work
s and the common sense to make the brain work. If they had to guide us every step of the way, they would be here in this land monitoring us, instructing us.” He became quiet then looked up, suddenly. “But why are the outskirts of Ox Witz Ha already empty? Surely there was no need to bring all these citizens into the city so soon. There must be hundreds of Maxam’s spies mixed in with them. I do not want to have to deal with subversive elements on the inside of the city while our army battles the invaders on the outskirts. Does this have anything to do with Tipú?”

  “Yes! Did you see Tipú, or what is left of it?”

  “We passed it on the way. Brief me”

  “It was last night that there was an incident at Tipú. The villagers were killed, hacked to death. The municipality was burnt and destroyed. The priests are saying that it is not the work of the Maxam raiding parties and they are fanning the flames of fear with their latest prophecy. They are saying that the stars now prophesy that evils that had stayed away for many tuns277 are coming to Ox Witz Ha. They do not state outright that it is because of the new ideas you are implementing, but it is certainly implied. My Nephew! Most in Tipú were badly mutilated. Many had their thumbs ripped from their hands.”