Revolutions

19 - Paxilche

Saxina's impact as the new Tempered is immediate. In just the matter of days, the peaceful hammer's song has faltered, replaced by discordant beats throughout Pichaqta. Whereas Limaqumtlia concentrated efforts on rebuilding our shattered lands, Saxina is focused on military recruitment and preparations for war. What was told to me in confidence at the ceremony—that the Ulxa are joining forces with the Auilqa to usurp the Arbiter—was apparently no longer deemed confidential once he became ruler. The instant he was in a position of power, it suddenly became more urgent than ever to protect the people of Qiapu.

Or, at least, that's what people who came to the inn claim he said; I wouldn't know, since I refused to go to the coronation.

After his "rousing speech", most of the men either joined the military or the city guard, while the women went to work at the mines and forgeries. As a result, a significant number of crops were abandoned, with Saxina brokering a deal with his connections at Qapauma to deliver any foods the region needed. Though Qiapu is far from being known as an agricultural region—that's for Aimue to claim—it felt like misusing and neglecting our lands when I first heard the Tempered's declaration. However, nobody cares to listen to my protests; Taqaiu tells me to shut up before I frighten all the customers away whenever the topic is broached.

Speaking of the customers, the inn has seen better days. All around Pichaqta, the people sulk about for most of the day, and any patron to the inn—if any arrive at all—glumly consumes their drink, just to maintain some normalcy, and stays a short while before dragging their feet as they depart. The hours at the mines and forgeries, as well as the all-day drills and city watches in which our military takes part, leave everyone too exhausted to do much of anything.

"I've never seen such a depressing sight," Taqaiu says, sounding offended. "And I lived through the Timuaq rule, mind you!"

The sun shines brightly into the room, with a pleasant breeze rolling off the mountains and circulating around the inn. The cheerful singing of the birds fills the space, since no voices speak long or loud enough to drown any of it out, and joins the percussion of chalices being lifted, then set onto the tables and countertops. The occasional sigh chimes in to form a discordant harmony with the chirping outdoors.

"We've just experienced the loss of Limaqumtlia, for a start," I say. "And Saxina has informed everyone there's a threat at the border. It's not exactly a celebratory time."

Taqaiu and I speak as though we're the only two present, and quite frankly, it feels that way, despite having half the room filled with guests. Replacing the usual banter and loud laughter, each person somberly slouches in their seat and hunches over their drink, staring into it with the hopes they will find the answer to their gloom at the bottom of it. Taqaiu, who normally loathes having to cook the meals, is now aggrieved that the kitchen is quiet because no one is eating.

"You should speak to Saxina about this," Taqaiu says. "You two are friends and go way back, right?"

I have to stop sweeping to focus on preventing myself from laughing at the absurdity. Saxina and I were classmates at the academy and fought alongside one another, sure, and we shared stories next to the campfire, but once he was selected to aid the Arbiter, we rarely spoke, if ever. His time in Pichaqta was always brief, but with him becoming the new Tempered, I imagine I'll see him less even though he will be here all the time.

"It's as simple as that, is it?" I ask. Taqaiu looks at me as if I'm stupid for not seeing such an obvious solution. I shake my head and return to sweeping the floors. I don't care to have this conversation, and I don't feel like dignifying his ludicrous suggestion with a response.

"I have to say," Taqaiu mentions after a pause, "it's probably a good thing you haven't made use of your connections. Otherwise, I'm out of the hired help around this place."