The fifth day subsequent to the one on which Euetzin and Cacami made
their first visit to Macua, King of Tlacopan, and the one appointed for
a second audience with him, had dawned, and the sun was on its upward
course.
A number of notables--princes, caciques, and chiefs--had recently
arrived in Tlacopan, and were being entertained by Macua, at the king's
palace. Much speculation was indulged in by the city's denizens, as to
what they were there for. Their mission, however, was of a secret
character, known only to themselves, the king and his advisers, and was
scrupulously guarded by the close-mouthed leaders.
An important council was about to convene, the result of Maxtla's
aggressiveness, which proved, in the end, to be a memorable event in
the lives of those who took part in it, and also for those in whose
interest it was held.
The meeting took place in the audience hall of the king's palace, and
the most prominent person present was the king himself. He was seated
on his throne, arrayed in magnificent attire, and bore himself with
kingly dignity, as one after another the gathering warriors advanced to
salute him as the presiding official of the occasion.
On looking over the body of dignified and sober appearing individuals
there assembled, one would have decided at once that it was no ordinary
gathering of the king's subjects. Seated on his right was a man whose
dress and bearing were significant of royalty; while on his left was
another equally as notable. Richly caparisoned caciques and warriors
were present, some seated, and others standing about the chamber, all
waiting expectantly for the king to announce the opening of the
council.
Macua presently rose to speak, and every eye was fixed upon him with
interested attention. When perfect silence prevailed he said:
"I am pleased to witness the presence here at this time of so many
nobles and warriors, who have come to engage in important
deliberations. I have reason to believe that all of you are inspired by
a common thought: that of a mutual defense of our liberties. The
promptness with which the call has been met presages success in what
shall follow this meeting. As the head of this nation I extend to all a
cordial welcome to Tlacopan." Turning to a person who was evidently the
keeper of records, he continued: "The names of those who are to sit in
council with us will now be read, and the person named will rise and
acknowledge the same in the usual manner."
As the name was announced the person bearing it rose and made an
obeisance. After a number of names were gone over and acknowledged, the
recorder called out:
"Euetzin of Tezcuco!" to which no one responded. The tzin had not
arrived. At this moment an interruption occurred in consequence of the
entrance to the hall of a person who was conducted into the presence of
the assembly, causing a suspension of the roll call.
The newcomer appeared to be a stranger to all present, for no one
seemed to recognize him. If he was known his identity was not apparent.
Advancing before the king he saluted his majesty very profoundly. Macua
acknowledged the courtesy, but gave no sign of recognition.
"You do not remember me, O King, for which omission you are pardonable,
since my former appearance before you was in an assumed character.
This," he continued, holding up a signet, "may prove a reminder to
you."
"Euetzin of Tezcuco!" exclaimed Macua. "We were looking for a hunter,
not a tzin."
"I am the accredited representative of a prince to-day, if your majesty
pleases," replied Euetzin, with proper dignity.
"You are; and as the King of Tlacopan I greet you as such," returned
Macua, leaving the throne to extend to the tzin an honor seldom
conferred except upon a prince.
Euetzin was attired in the costume of a tzin, which changed his
appearance greatly, preventing his recognition by the king. His dress
was of the finest material, but not gaudy; showing a conservatism in
his notions of apparel. In this his second appearance before Macua he
felt that the dignity of his position as the representative of
Hualcoyotl demanded that he should be becomingly clothed; he
accordingly came to Tlacopan prepared to abandon the character and garb
of a hunter, and appear, temporarily, in his rightful one.
After greeting the tzin the king bade him take a seat with the
assembly.
The call of the roll was resumed and completed. It was found that all
were present who were expected to take part in the council. At its
conclusion Macua again arose and said:
"We are assembled here to-day to consider a matter of vital interest to
all of us: the matter of a threatened invasion of our territories by
Maxtla, the new king at Azcapozalco. The fate of Tezcuco is before us.
Shall this man be allowed to spoil us while our eyes are open? This,
friends, is the question you have been called together to consider. Let
your words be words of wisdom, that our council may result in good."
After a brief period of silence an old man--a Tlacopan chief--rose up,
and addressed the king:
"Your majesty's words are words of warning. We are, of a truth, menaced
by this Maxtla, of Azcapozalco, whose power is great. The army of
Tlacopan, combined with the armies of all the principalities here
represented, would be as naught before the hosts of his mighty empire.
Have you not something to say that will give encouragement? What is in
your mind that has not been revealed to us?"
The king spoke in reply:
"The armies of all the principalities represented here to-day would,
indeed, be unequal to cope with Maxtla in the field; but, friends,
there is offered us a hope in a union with the oppressed Tezcucans. A
voice has come to me from Tezcuco: Tezcuco would be free. Euetzin, a
representative of that people, is with us to-day. He is here as the
envoy of Hualcoyotl, their prince, who is now a fugitive, unjustly
pursued--a man who is beloved of his own, but hated by the monarch we
fear. We would join the Tezcucans in a war against Maxtla, if the
appearances are favorable to success. We would hear what Euetzin may
have to offer us."
There was a stir about the chamber at this declaration from Macua, and
the tzin at once became an object of much interest. He arose, at a
motion from the king, and, after casting his eyes over the assemblage
of stern-looking warriors, said:
"Tezcuco will be free, or go down deeper into the slough of oppression.
To Maxtla she will no longer submit, if a mighty struggle will give her
liberty. An army of patriots, though unseen, are now waiting for the
signal to march to victory, death, or a lower degradation. Tezcuco
would secure the aid of those who would have the Tepanec usurper
overthrown. Many would make our victory sure. I am here, to-day,
seeking coalition." Turning about, he addressed Macua: "Will it please
the King to read this paper?" As he concluded, the tzin handed a
document to the king, which proved to be an estimate of the Tezcucan
forces, based on their secret enrollment.
When Macua had perused and understood the significance of the contents
of the paper, he looked at the tzin in astonishment, and said:
"I am filled with wonder at what is here set forth. If Tezcuco can do
so much, then, indeed, is there hope. Maxtla might well tremble for his
supremacy, did he know the magnitude of his opposition."
After a further examination of the paper the king continued:
"With your consent, Euetzin, I would make known to our friends what is
here written."
"The wisdom of Macua must direct him. He should understand the
importance to Tezcuco of the knowledge which is contained in the paper.
Should it be made public it would be most unfortunate for her cause,"
replied the tzin, courteously.
"I have faith in our friends, and will be responsible for their
silence," returned Macua, proceeding to acquaint the council with the
contents of the document. Its members were no less astonished than was
the king at the measure of their significance. Macua then said:
"We remember the mild and generous disposition of the late king of
Tezcuco, and how deeply our people regretted his fall, and the
subversion of his government. A restoration of that government under
the rule of his son, Prince Hualcoyotl, would give us complete
security. Euetzin comes to us bearing evidence, which we can not doubt,
that he is, in truth, the representative of the Tezcucan prince, and,
as such, would not deceive us by misrepresentation. I, therefore, as
the King of Tlacopan, having confidence in him, am ready to accept his
statements as correct, and, with the consent of my advisers, will join
Tezcuco in a war against the Tepanec king."
There were a number of high officials present from two states, besides
Tlacopan, who were unanimous in their approval of Macua's declaration.
It was, therefore, sustained by his chiefs, which led to an agreement
of coalition being entered into, and its ratification in their
accustomed manner.
After a further consideration of the matter as to plans of procedure,
it was decided to hold a great tourney at Tlacopan on a certain day in
the near future, which would afford the Tezcucans a pretense to
withdraw from Tezcuco for the purpose of massing. It was also decided
that envoys should be sent to Azcapozalco, to appear before Maxtla the
same day on which the tourney was to take place, to present to him the
ultimatum of the allied states, the principal condition of which should
be the liberation of Tezcuco, and the enthronement of her prince.
It was further agreed that the army of each state should be under the
command of its own prince and warriors, the whole to be commanded by
the prince furnishing the greatest number of soldiers. The council then
broke up, subject to a call from Macua.
There was much to accomplish before the time appointed for holding the
tournament, which was to be nothing more nor less than the assembling
of the hosts of the allied states. The secret councils of Tezcucans had
to be notified and instructed, and the arms, which were already
provided for their equipment, transported secretly to the vicinity of
Tlacopan. In addition to this, Hualcoyotl was to be brought secretly to
Tlacopan, for it was expected that he would be placed at the head of
the army. These preparations would depend largely on the tzin and his
companion, and they permitted no time to go by unimproved, but
proceeded at once to the consummation of them.