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 wind. The auspicious day of the Sun God is about to come
As the day approaches, the Mexica Alliance's scouts shrink significantly. The legion prepares for a grand ceremony, which brings 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 axe guards, the inherited royal flag marched in the forefront. The eagle shook its black wings and sank into the western mountain forest. Ten thousand elites came from behind.
The fortresses gradually gathered together, 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 climbs the hill beside the stream and looks 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. A long distance away.
, the two most noble deities of Tarasco stared at each other. Before the rising sun, they left their last gaze, then said goodbye silently, heading towards an unknown but unchangeable path.
The morning light gradually brightened, and the morning sun slowly rose. In the same mountain range, King Avit was wearing a red royal robe, a slender crown, and an emerald lace, shining like the incarnation of a god. He stood solemnly at the fortress.
From a high place, look towards the bright east. The clouds spread out to both sides, like cascading waves, revealing the gate of the kingdom of God. A red sun is slowly rising from the sky. He shines on the green
The lush Sitacuaro mountain forests also illuminated 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. Following the king's movements, the war priests sang ancient songs, lit scorching flames, and prayed for the coming of the Lord God.
This is a grand funeral, on the auspicious day of the Sun God. A huge sacred fire burns in the center surrounded by warriors. All the broken cotton armor, worn war clubs, and broken shields are piled into a well-defined hill, surrounding the fire.
All around are the lost souls of the warriors.
Under the ceremony of the priest, the sun god lowered his brilliant eyes. His gaze was fixed on the earth. The streams at the bottom of the valley were floating like jade ribbons, and the undulating mountains were hidden and extended into the distance. The evil moon remained in the western sky, swept by the Lord God.
Expelled by the powerful power, he fled to the lair of the Royal City of Tarasco. When the cloud light rose and the clouds rose, the dazzling Lord God finally came to the world and turned into dazzling golden color, spreading over the entire world!
"...God has arrived! He takes the souls of the dead to the red kingdom! He promises 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 loudly. 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 believers who pray devoutly and guides the souls who sacrificed for God!"
Fierce war drums beat and loud flutes played. As the priests sang, hundreds of nobles and thousands of warriors simultaneously faced the rising sun in the east and piously praised the gods. The rising sun fell into the sky.
The sun shone brightly in the eyes, and for a moment, people's hearts were swaying. The warriors then knelt on the ground and held the talisman of the main god. They followed the priest's guidance, closed their eyes, imagined the glory of the kingdom of God, and then shouted in unison, three times
Call God’s name.
"You must believe in the Lord God Huitzilopochtli! Praise the Sun God Huitzilopochtli! Dedicate yourself to the God of War Huitzilopochtli!"
When everyone opened their eyes again, the rising sun could no longer be seen directly. 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
They stepped forward one after another, threw the clothes of the war dead 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, Avit stood in front of thousands of people.
Amidst the cheers, he walked down from the highest point of the fortress. His eyes paused briefly outside the fortress, and then left indifferently. There was an undulating mound there. All the injured Tarasco who could not work were buried here.
Sacrifice and burial.
The cronies and guards immediately stepped forward and followed the supreme king back to the main hall of the main castle. Avitt washed the sweat from his face, took off the heavy royal clothes, and put on a light cotton robe. Then, he smiled and spoke
asked easily.
"Gillim, have all the nobles and nobles of the legion arrived 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 fort to be responsible for the surrounding vigilance.
.”
Gilliam saluted solemnly and replied without a 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 outline was clear and tough, and his expression was more resolute. When talking and laughing casually, he showed more uninhibited heroism and more courage than before.
A few ruthless killings.
"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 it, don’t add more.”
Avitt thought for a moment, then smiled and answered clearly. For the sake of his beloved daughter Alyssa, he picked up the herbalism he learned in his youth again, and his profound attainments surpassed those of many high-ranking priests.
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading! 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, some musicians and dancers should be brought in. As for the singing girls, they should be sent directly to the private tents of the nobles."
Gilliam lowered 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 accompanying the army trained them for two months to ensure that there was no threat... Is it right?
Let them accompany you around?"
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."
Gilliam saluted again. His face was frank, without any personal feelings.
Avitt's expression became 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 ahead is six to seven hundred miles away from the royal capital, and it will take a month for messengers to travel. And farther 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 Tlaxcala army broke through Vactepec State, the enemy's vanguard would be able to
Reaching the Mexica Valley would threaten 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, which was 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 Xiulote 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 began 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 more gods!"
Gillim nodded understandingly, showing a slight smile. He continued.
"The city-states in the southeast have been operating a defense line for a long time and can hold it for at least three months. The problem now is that the city-states in the southeast have a small population and insufficient warriors. If there are not enough warriors in the defense line, there will be no ability to attack and harass!"
Avitt thought for a moment and asked aloud.
"Are there any enemies attacking the northeastern city-state?"
"The Huastec people in the northeast secretly meet with the envoys of Tarasco, and it seems that there is instability. 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 strengthening the centralization of power is the future of the alliance! Then transfer five thousand royal warriors from the south road to form a supporting legion. Order them to march eastward along the Tarsus River,
Deterrence the Mixtecs on the south bank. These wandering 'people in the clouds' have interrupted the New Year's tribute, and 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 a charcoal pen and recorded everything on rough paper. He was extremely self-disciplined and intelligent. He had studied for a year and was 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 with the addition of 2,000 noble battle groups, the army only has 32,000 warriors. More than a month ago
Marshal Iskali led five thousand regiments to the west, and now he has transferred five thousand warriors to the east for reinforcements. The strength of the troops on the south route is slightly insufficient... The Texcoco Lake area is busy with farming, should we continue to mobilize the militia? "
After hearing this, Avitt turned around and walked to the window of the main hall. He raised his head slightly and looked at the mountains and forests in the northwest, as well as the steep fortress on the mountain. The bottom of the fortress was dyed dark red with blood, and the bluestone walls
It is full of traces of smoke and fire. And at the top of the fortress, the royal flag of Tarasco stands on the highest point of Sitacuaro, and the flag of the eagle is flying.
The king stared at it 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 Sitacuaro, we only need to maintain frontline pressure and do not need more reinforcements."
This chapter is not finished yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content! Gilliam nodded and continued to write rapidly. Avitt looked away. He was full of energy and looked towards the western sky.
"Fortunately, Xiulote has captured Huayamo Fortress and opened up the situation in the north! Tepopolo'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 patted 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. Gilliam, you go down first. Convey this
Military order, prepare for the banquet!"
Gillim bowed his head and left the hall backwards. He walked in the shadow of the building without making any sound. When he walked out of the main castle, he summoned his attendants and conveyed the military orders in detail. Each order was smooth and clear, without any omissions. Until
At the end of the words, the intelligence officer suddenly paused. He thought for a moment before speaking solemnly.
"I have invited the priestess to 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 were carved on the wall, recording the vicissitudes of hundreds of years, but it made people think of the past.
In 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 undulating mountains and observing the mountain fortress. Then, his eyes shrank and he stared closely. Beside the distant eagle flag, there was a faint dot like
The figure's clothes were filled with light, but the 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 magic 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 can meet you again!"