The vast night is always busy, and the scattered days are also in a hurry. In the alternation of night and day, the warriors of the Kingdom of Tarasco quietly mobilized, alarming the birds in the mountains and forests, leaving only the faint sound of the wind.
The auspicious day of the Sun God is approaching, and the scouts of the Mexican Alliance have significantly shrunk. The legion prepared a grand ceremony, which brought a short period of peace to the front line.
Late at night the next day, the wooden door of the mountain fortress opened silently. Under the protection of the Bronze Ax Guards, the inherited royal flag was at the forefront.
The eagle shook its black wings and disappeared into the western forest. Ten thousand elites gradually gathered from several fortresses in the rear, forming a torrent of retreat.
The warriors held scattered torches and quietly galloped towards the western capital. The morning star lights up the eastern sky, heralding the arrival of dawn.
In the flowing light, Suangua climbed the hill beside the stream and looked back at the mountain fortress. The mountain road was winding and long, and the eagle flag on the top of the fortress turned into an insignificant dot, with only the bright gold shining in the morning light.
Next to the dot, a figure as thin as a pine needle stood quietly. Across a long distance, the two most noble deities of Tarasco stared at each other.
Before the rising sun, they paid their last attention, then said goodbye silently, heading towards an unknown but unchangeable road.
The morning light gradually brightens, and the morning sun rises slowly. In the same mountain range, King Avit is wearing a red royal robe, a slender crown, and an emerald lace, shining like the incarnation of a god.
He stood on the top of the fortress, looking towards the bright east. The clouds spread out to both sides, like cascading waves, revealing the gate of the Kingdom of God.
A big red sun is slowly rising from the sky. He shines on the lush green mountains and forests of Apatchingan, and also on the thousands of Mexica warriors under the tall fortress.
Avit raised his head, raised the topaz staff, and paid tribute to the rising sun god. Accompanying the king's movements, the war priests sang ancient songs, lit scorching flames, and prayed for the coming of the Lord God.
It was a grand funeral, on the auspicious day of the Sun God. A huge sacred fire burned in the center surrounded by warriors.
All the broken cotton armor, worn war clubs, and broken shields were piled into a hierarchical hill, surrounding the fire, entrusting the lost souls of the warriors.
Under the ceremony of the priest, the sun god lowered his brilliant eyes. His gaze is fixed on the earth. The streams at the bottom of the valley are floating like jade ribbons, and the undulating mountains extend into the distance.
The evil moon remained in the western sky, expelled by the power of the Lord God, and fled to its lair in the royal city of Tarasco.
When the cloud light rises and the rosy sky rises, the dazzling Lord God finally descends into the world and turns into dazzling golden color, spreading all over the world!
"...God has arrived! He takes the souls of the dead to the red kingdom! He promises to the world: The warriors who died for God will reopen their eyes. They welcome the red dawn under the red sky !" King Avit spread his arms and shouted with all his strength.
The loud voice echoed in the fortress, like a promise from the gods. Then, the priests shouted together, praising the supreme god.
"Praise the Lord God Huitzilopochtli! He saves the believers who pray devoutly and guides the souls who sacrifice for God!" The fierce war drums beat and the loud flute played.
As the priests chanted, hundreds of nobles and thousands of warriors simultaneously faced the rising sun in the east and devoutly praised the gods.
The rising sun falls into your eyes, and the sunlight is so bright that it makes your mind sway in an instant. The warriors then prostrated themselves on the ground and held the talisman of the Lord God.
They followed the priest's guidance, closed their eyes, imagined the glory of God's kingdom, and then shouted in unison, calling God's name three times.
"You must believe in the Lord God Huitzilopochtli! Praise the sun god Huitzilopochtli! Dedicate yourself to the war god Huitzilopochtli!" When everyone opened their eyes again, they could no longer look directly at the rising sun.
The priests once again danced to celebrate the gods and sang songs of praise. The warriors chanted in low voices, made wishes to the Lord God, and sent messages to the deceased.
The nobles stepped forward one after another, threw the clothes of the deceased into the fire, and sent them to the red country. A moment later, King Avit waved his staff again to send the Lord God off.
Outside the fortress, the Eagle Warriors also put away their bright red obsidian daggers to clean up the traces of sacrifice. When the grand ceremony ended, Avitt walked down from the highest point of the fortress amid the cheers of thousands of people.
His eyes lingered outside the fortress for a moment, and then he left calmly. There is an area of undulating mounds.
All the wounded of Tarasco who could not work were sacrificed and buried here. The henchmen and guards immediately stepped forward and followed the supreme king back to the main hall of the castle.
Avit washed the sweat off his face, took off his heavy royal robes, and put on a light cotton robe. Then, he smiled and asked in a relaxed tone.
"Gillim, are all the nobles and nobles of the legion here today?"
"Your Majesty, today is the auspicious day of the Sun God. In addition to the chief officers stationed in the forts, all the honorable nobles and hereditary nobles have arrived. The Jaguar and Eagle Chapters have also gathered at this fortress to be responsible for the surrounding vigilance. ." Gillim saluted solemnly and replied with a serious smile.
"Excellent! Let them all stay. Prepare wine and meat, hold a banquet tonight, and have a good drunken time with the generals!" Avit said with a loud laugh.
After half a year of fighting and being exposed to the wind and sun, his face was slightly red, his outlines were clear and tough, and his expression was more resolute.
While chatting and laughing casually, he was more unruly and heroic than before, and also a little more ruthless.
"Your Majesty, do you need to add some medicinal herbs to the wine?"
"Well, according to the priest's practice, there are three batches of wine before and after, with different herbs. The opening is the black feather jade of epiphany, the middle is the hallucinogenic psilocybe mushroom, and the end is the tranquil sage. Remember, the dosage is the priest's. One-third of the amount, don’t add more.” Avitt thought for a moment, then answered clearly with a smile.
For the sake of his beloved daughter Alyssa, he re-picked up the herbalism he learned in his youth, and his profound attainments surpassed those of many high-ranking priests.
Gilliam nodded respectfully. Then he asked softly.
"Your Majesty, do you want to prepare women to serve the generals?" Avitt lowered his eyes and shook his head.
"The samurai's tent should not be contaminated with worldliness. At most, bring some musicians and dancers. As for the singing girls, send them directly to the private tents of the nobles." Gillim bowed his head and accepted the order.
Soon, he raised his head again and asked calmly.
"Your Majesty, a few months ago, the warriors intercepted some of Tarasco's envoys and captured two princesses of the Tarasco royal family. The priestess who accompanied the army trained them for two months to ensure that there was no threat... Is it right? Let them accompany you?" Hearing this, Avitt was startled.
He recalled for a moment and cast a majestic gaze.
"The royal princess of Tarasco? Is that the group of envoys going to Tlaxcala?"
"Yes, Your Majesty, the group that the Jaguar Chapter raided. After the Western Expedition, marrying a royal princess of Tarasco will allow you to better conquer the people in the lake. And if the royal families of the two countries If you can give birth to the next bloodline, you will be a better candidate for the prince. Your descendants can rule the vast Mickencho region for the great alliance." Gillim saluted again.
He showed a calm face and did not mix any personal feelings. Avitt looked serious. He pondered for a long time before speaking with certainty.
"Princess of Tarasco... there is no need to rush, we can wait until Qin Congcan is captured. As for the Patzcuaro Lake area, the enfeoffed prince is Xiulote, and this will not change!"
"Your Majesty, Your Highness Hulot is the heir to the royal family and will eventually return to the royal capital. The Patzcuaro Lake area in front is six to seven hundred miles away from the royal capital, and it will take a month for messengers to travel. And further away The Chapala Lake area is even thousands of miles away, and even the eagle has to fly for ten days. These frontier lands can only be guarded by the princes of the royal family. The future of the world is unpredictable, and it is beneficial to prepare now The royal family is also beneficial to the alliance." Avitt smiled and was noncommittal.
He looked at the intelligence officer and asked about the information he was concerned about.
"The barbaric Tlaxcalans invaded the Alliance border. How many troops are there now and what is the situation of the war?"
"The four states of Tlaxcala have currently mobilized 30,000 warriors and 30,000 militiamen to invade the southeastern state of Vactepec. The local city-state nobles abandoned their fields and villages, guarded the fortresses and cities, and requested reinforcements from the capital in the lake. !” The king frowned.
The food route of the southern army passed through Lazico State in the southwest, which was only two hundred miles away from Vactepec State.
If the Tlaxcalan army breaks through the Huaztepec State, the enemy's vanguard will be able to reach the Mexica Valley, threatening the army's retreat.
“How did the religious elders in the holy city of Cholula react?”
"The religious elders acquiesced to the mobilization of the leaders of the four states. The Tarascans promised to convert, an offer the elders could not refuse."
"What does the religious leader Petel say? Akap gets along well with him. Can he be persuaded again?"
"Your Majesty, the cunning old fox cannot be bribed with sweet honey. His Highness Shulot conquered Huayamo and came to Qin Congcan City, which greatly shocked the religious elders. On the surface, they were close to the alliance, but secretly But they started to be wary. They were afraid of the alliance’s growth!”
"Well, that's fine. Trask and us have had a blood feud for generations, and a battle is inevitable. Send more holy water to Akapu, so that the religious elders can meet the gods more!" Gillim understood clearly. Nodding, showing a slight smile.
He continued.
"The southeastern city-states have been operating defense lines for a long time and can hold on for at least three months. The problem now is that the southeastern city-states have a small population and insufficient warriors. Without enough warriors in the defense line, there will be no ability to attack and harass!" Avitt! After thinking for a moment, he asked aloud.
"Are there any enemies attacking the northeastern city-state?"
"The envoys of the Huastec people in the northeast who secretly meet with Tarasco also seem to be unstable. The great nobles of the two northeastern states need to guard against the Tlaxcalans, but are actually unwilling to go south to support the nobles of the southeastern states."
"These city-state nobles... Hulot is right. Only by strengthening centralization is the future of the alliance! Then allocate five thousand royal warriors from the south road to form a supporting legion. Order them to march eastward along the Tarsus River, Intimidate the Mixtecs on the south bank. These wandering 'people in the clouds' have interrupted the New Year's tribute, so they just send an envoy to reprimand! In addition, let the northern general Ocelot be careful, and if necessary, he can attack first and suppress Vast Knock out all the ministries!" Gillim took out the charcoal pen and recorded it one by one on rough paper.
He is extremely self-disciplined and intelligent. After studying for a year, he is now able to write proficiently. Then, the intelligence officer raised his head, revealing his deep eyes.
"Your Majesty, in the past nine months, the royal warriors have suffered 9,000 casualties, and the southern city-state has also lost 4,000 warriors. Even if two thousand noble battle groups are added, the army has only 32,000 warriors. More than a month ago Marshal Luo led five thousand regiments to the west, and now he has dispatched five thousand warriors to the east for reinforcements. The strength of the troops on the south route is slightly insufficient... It is the slack season in the Texcoco Lake area. Do you want to continue mobilizing the militia?" Hearing this, Ah Werther turned around and walked to the window of the hall.
He raised his head slightly and looked towards the mountains and forests to the northwest, as well as the steep fortress on the high mountains. The bottom of the fortress was stained dark red with blood, and the bluestone walls were covered with traces of smoke and fire.
At the top of the fortress, the royal flag of Tarasco stands on the highest point of Apatchingan, and the eagle's flag is flying.
The king stared for a long time and sighed helplessly.
"The mountain is so steep that catapults are useless. The Tarascans have imitated a large number of longbows. This kind of mountain fortress can no longer be conquered by manpower. The Tarascans are unable to counterattack, and we cannot break through. In this case, No matter how many troops are gathered on the southern front, it will only be a waste of food and grass! Mobilize 10,000 Lake District militiamen and be on standby to support the southeastern city-states. As for Apatchingan, we only need to maintain frontline pressure and do not need more reinforcements." Gillim He nodded and continued to write rapidly.
Avitt looked away. He was full of energy and looked towards the western sky.
"Fortunately, Xiulote has captured the Huayamo Fortress and opened up the situation in the north! Turro's detachment also went deep along the lower reaches of the Talsas River, landing in the southern hinterland of Tarasco and heading north. ! As long as one of these two legions can continue to advance and cut off the enemy's food routes, the victory of this Western Expedition will come!" Soon, Gillim finished recording.
He knelt down and saluted the king solemnly.
"King, judging from the intelligence collected from various places, Tarasco's national power has been exhausted. They can't hold on any longer. The alliance will surely win, and you will become the greatest leader in the epic, creating an immortal reputation. !" Avitt laughed.
He tapped Gilliam on the shoulder.
"Although this western expedition is difficult, it is only the beginning of a long journey! As the leader of the Mexica people, he must imitate the great Moctezuma I and spend his life in the fighting army. Gillim, you go down first. Convey this. Military order, prepare for the banquet!" Gillim bowed his head and left the hall backwards.
He walks in the shadows of buildings without making any sound. After leaving the main castle, he summoned his attendants and conveyed the military orders in detail.
Each command is smooth and clear, without any omissions. At the end of his words, the intelligence officer suddenly paused.
He thought for a moment before speaking solemnly.
"We have invited the priestess who will accompany the army. Let her prepare and bring the princesses of Tarasco tonight." The attendants followed the order and left.
Gillim stood silently in the shadow of the house, staring at the bluestone wall. The ancient patterns of Tarasco are carved on the walls, recording hundreds of years of vicissitudes of time, but making people think of the not-too-distant future.
After a long time, he suddenly looked back, revealing a pair of bright and captivating eyes, deep and emotionless.
In the main hall, Avitt was still standing in front of the window, admiring the rolling mountains and observing the mountain fortress.
Immediately, his eyes shrank and he stared closely. Next to the distant eagle flag, there is a vague dot-like figure.
The figure's clothes were filled with light, but his specific appearance could not be seen clearly. Avitt closed his eyes, and scenes of the past appeared in front of his eyes, and unforgettable memories came to his mind.
He firmly held the staff in his hand and whispered to himself in a low voice.
"Xulot, my student, you will never let me down. Suangua, my old friend, I look forward to the day when I meet you again!" You are a genius, remember in one second: Red Ganquan:
