Aztec Civilization: Destiny to Conquer America!
Chapter 1053 - 639: The Second Kingdom Exploration, A Sudden Invitation

Chapter 1053: Chapter 639: The Second Kingdom Exploration, A Sudden Invitation

"Witnessed by the Chief Divine, there is no falsehood! I am merely a Maya merchant without clan affiliation, wandering the world, taken in by His Highness!"

In front of everyone, Tikalo clutched the Sun Hummingbird Talisman at his neck and swore sincerely.

"I am loyal to His Highness! His Highness has never treated me poorly, granting me the rights to manage the kingdom’s goods. His Highness, blessed by Divine Revelation, has promised me that when the army marches east in the future, I may become a revered noble lord in the Maya Lands... Witnessed by the Chief Divine! I sincerely plan for the kingdom, being an honest guide for the fleet, with no concealment!"

Upon hearing this, Chiwaco raised an eyebrow. He observed the sincere expression on the Maya merchant’s face and listened to his generous oath, pondering silently for a while. Moments later, he stroked his chin and asked the key to his suspicion.

"Tikalo, you know so much about epics and secrets, you’re definitely not of commoner origin. What is your relationship with the Mayapan Kingdom and that Kekum Family?"

"Hmm..."

Tikalo pondered slightly. His true identity should be known only to His Highness blessed by Divine Revelation within the whole alliance. His stories have always been genuine Maya tales, without any falsification. Next, as the fleet is about to head to Yucatan, a series of plans need to be wrapped up. This particular conversation must gain the fleet’s trust. Apart from Huitu onboard, all are very alert. His words must be nine parts true, with just a slight fabrication in certain critical areas.

"Esteemed Captain Chiwaco, Mayapan has been extinguished for over forty years, and the Kokom Family exterminated. What possible relation could I have with them now?"

Tikalo gazed into Chiwaco’s eyes, his demeanor forthright.

"Certainly, as merchants wandering the seas, we do possess astronomical and geographical knowledge passed down. These legacies originate from Mayapan. Most of our ancestors were merchants of Mayapan. My ancestors were coastal nobility remaining after Mayapan’s collapse, which is why many epic tales were passed down. I yearn for the lost kingdom and look forward to the former glory of our family! Yet all this has gone by, and it bears no relevance anymore..."

"When mighty Mayapan fell, we sea merchants lost our sovereign, estates, and clans, living for ourselves since then. Now, His Highness is my sovereign, promising me today and the future, so I live for His Highness!"

"Maritime nobility of Mayapan, astronomical and geographical legacy... living for His Highness?"

The old militia man’s eyes glittered, staring intently at the Maya merchant Tikalo. Tikalo smiled slightly, facing him openly. The two locked gazes for a prolonged moment until Priest Tomate coughed lightly, coming forth to ease the tension.

"Cough! Praise the Chief Divine! Captain Chi, Tikalo prays three times daily, demonstrating utmost devotion. He’s served the kingdom for many years; His Highness trusts him... As for the Maya stories he tells, you can verify them with local nobility for their authenticity. We travel five thousand miles, and the most important thing is to unite under the Chief Divine’s guidance!"...

"Hmm... Priest Tomate, what you said indeed makes sense."

The old militia man nodded, shifting his gaze. He didn’t find specific doubts about Tikalo, yet he felt something was off.

"Huh! A large group of Maya Warriors is approaching us!"

Puap kept looking around and immediately alerted the fleet.

"Be alert, pick up your weapons!"

Everyone gathered at the ship’s sides, gazing at hundreds of Maya Warriors rowing dozens of canoes, approaching closer from the riverbank.

Due to the rainforest’s hot climate, most Maya Warriors differed from the highland Mexica Warriors, wearing neither cotton nor leather armor, only short feathered crowns on their heads with wraps and ropes at their waists. They carried a small shield on their left arm, a flint spear as tall as a person on their back, with flint daggers on their waists.

Eagle Eye observed closely and found small darts specifically used for throwing embedded in the shields’ cords of the Maya Warriors. Behind them, some held javelin throwers, javelins, and a few short bows.

Priest Tomate squinted, scrutinizing the bare-chested Maya Warriors. Many had similar Divine drawings and runes etched on their chests and backs, along with abstract symbols symbolizing family. Clearly, these Maya tribes had a strong faith in the Divine, with a significant sense of family identity.

Soon, a Warrior Leader dressed in short cotton armor and facial tattoos arrived at the flagship. He frowned, observing the equipment of the warriors on the ship, swiftly gripping his long spear vigilantly. Then, he loudly shouted to the people on the flagship from ten steps away, first in Maya and then in oddly accented Navajo.

"Warriors and merchants from the mighty Fierce Tiger Tribe! This is the divine realm of the Moon Mother Goddess, where rivers flow and trade flourishes... The Moon God bestowed the Divine Descendant’s command through my mouth, Chaha, to tell you! The fleet from afar has long been known by the gods. You are not enemies, you are friends. Friends should sit together, drink wine, eat, and trade together!"...

"Currently, the revered Divine Descendant of the Moon Water God in the city-state, Crocodile King Aayin, awaits friends’ arrival in the palace! Friends ashore are now feasting, with beautiful maidens, waiting for the sun to set. Come, esteemed leaders of the fleet, join me to meet the Divine Descendant of the city-state and enjoy a glorious dinner!"

"Hmm?"

Upon hearing the invitation from the Maya Warrior Leader, Chiwaco pursed his lips, displaying confusion on his face. He turned to Puap and inquired.

"Have the warriors and sailors who went ashore to buy food and water returned?"

"No. None have come back!"

Puap frowned, looking toward the distant market, but saw no sign of the kingdom’s warriors.

"From what these Mayans are saying, have the crew ashore been controlled by them?"

"Hmm..."

Chiwaco scratched his head, gazing at the Maya Warrior Leader for a moment. The man smiled, showing no hostility, even genuine sincerity. He looked around again; most of the hundred Maya Warriors lacked armor, and their expressions didn’t seem inclined to fight...

"Alright!"

After hesitating briefly, Chiwaco finally nodded. He turned to Puap, giving careful instructions.

"Old Pu, I’ll go ashore, get to Red Lake Town, and see what Crocodile King Aayin wants with us! You stay on the ship with the warriors, stay alert. If I’m not back by tonight, you hurry and..."

"Don’t worry! Old Chi, I’ll take the warriors, armor up, and break in to rescue you!"

Puap patted his chest, promising generously. Seeing the Maya Warrior’s gear, confidence surged within him, ready to take on five opponents!

"...You..."

Chi thought initially to instruct Old Pu to escape if he didn’t return, but seeing the promise from the Huitu Warrior, he bit his lips, softened his gaze, and changed his words.

"Alright, do what you consider best!"...

Subsequently, Chi turned to the ship’s revered Chief God Priest. Many kingdom negotiations’ decisions rested in Priest Tomate’s hands.

"Priest Tomate, please accompany me to this meeting, to meet the opposite leader!"

"Thank the Chief Divine! Okay, I’ll go with you to see those lost brothers."

Priest Tomate nodded heavily, extending his hand to grab a Book of Ama Colley, with a bronze axe tied at his waist.

Maya merchant Tikalo stood by, his mouth slightly upturned. Hearing the Maya Warrior’s call and invitation, he could already guess what it was about.

"The Heavenly Serpent Divine protects His descendants! It seems that the previous arrangements have finally paid off..."

"Tikalo!"

The old militia man instructed a few words and suddenly turned around. He looked at the cunning Maya merchant, issuing a solemn order.

"You also come with me for a walk in town, to meet the Maya’s Divine Descendant!"

"Uh?..."

Hearing this, Tikalo’s smile froze, stunned. Yet the old militia man gave him no chance to speak, waved a big hand, shouldered a long spear, and jumped into the Maya’s small boat.

"Let’s go! The sooner we go, the sooner we return!"