Revolutions

79 - Walumaq

"You have completely lost your mind," Paxilche complains, completely baffled after I've stated my intentions. The others stand around in the low light of the early morning and stare at me dumbfounded, as well, waiting to see if what I've just stated was some kind of joke. "Do you even know what you're suggesting?"

I'm well aware at the risk involved in what I've just proposed. In fact, I dismissed the idea when it initially came to me during my attempts at sleep. Clearly, you must be exhausted, I thought to myself. Yet the more I considered it, the more it made sense. Since then, it's been my singular focus, having also meditated on it during my morning's ritual. I can think of no other plan to best the Eye in the Flame, or at least catch them off guard.

"She has spent entirely too much time on the continent," Naqispi adds. "This is further evidence that we need to return her to her papa sooner rather than later."

"Do not condescend to the princess," Pomacha scolds his comrade in a low growl.

"It's certainly fair to point out this plan being completely ludicrous, however," Chiqama says. "We are likely to be killed on sight the moment we step foot inside their territory."

"And what's not to say that the cult hasn't already reached Analoixan?" Atoyaqtli mentions. "By the time we execute this plan—if we succeed at all, which is a big 'if'—we may be too late, and we arrive to a decimated city."

The group goes back to staring at me, anticipating my response. Naqispi watches me in disbelief, ready to charge out the door of the inn and into the Qespina streets. Though the village is relatively small, the lack of patronage at such a meeting place is stark and jarring. In Sanqo, whether it be the capital city of Haqiliqa or a tiny fishing village, our taverns are consistently packed with patrons consuming spirits and enjoying spirited debate. The silence here is deafening—even my whispers feel as though I'm shouting. But fortunately, this means there isn't anyone else around to place their judgement onto me, as well.

My plan requires a lot more convincing, but I stand by my convictions, knowing this is the best course of action. I close my eyes and breathe in deeply. "There is a strategic advantage in gaining the Auilqa as allies. Before you carry on scoffing and dismissing the notion, allow me to explain. Yes, it's understood that the faction are isolationists. However, what's also known their fierce warrior prowess. Their tenacity is something of legend, rivaling the great warrior factions such as the Tuatiu.

"Additionally, it's something the Eye in the Flame will not expect. Their plan to attack Analoixan and Qapauma relies on facing only the Ulxa and Tapeu, respectively. Two locations on opposite sides of the continent. I imagine they believe there won't be enough time for other factions to become involved and assist; through Saxina, they saw to it that the closest faction that could aid the Ulxa are out of the way, attacking the Qiapu to ensure they're too shorthanded to help, even if they desired to do so. By involving the Auilqa, we can overwhelm their forces unexpectedly and shift the balance of power to our side!"

"That's an adorable premise and all," Naqispi says, shuffling toward me, "but what makes you believe the Auilqa will go along with this plan? You even mention, they're an isolationist faction. So why would they help their nemesis, the Ulxa?"

"It's a valid point," Chiqama agrees, joined by the others' nods and grunts of concurrence. "I recall my studies long ago, where we were taught about the conflict between the Ulxa and the Auilqa. While to the rest of us they may appear to be the same—similar gods of worship, similar appearances and cultures, similar savagery—they have a deep-rooted hatred for one another that spans way back, before the Timuaq appeared. Even though I doubt they remember why they're fighting in the first place, there is no love lost between the two sides."