Revolutions

82 - Paxilche

How was I able to listen to everything being said, inside my mind?

The sun might be rising from its slumber, but I didn't get a wink of sleep. Yet the entire encounter feels like it came from a dream. That moment when I realized the boy could speak to me, as he was speaking to Walumaq, replays continually in my head. And not by speaking aloud, but through thoughts. How is such a thing possible?

The whole engagement brings numerous items to light. The boy who could speak to animals, and through animals. Saqatli is his name. His eyes, a peculiar, rich amber hue, unlike all the other Auilqa with theirs an emerald green. I was left speechless the moment when I discovered Walumaq possessed supernatural abilities. At the time, I believed her to be the only one with such powers. Until she and the Eye in the Flame appeared, it was something no one had seen since the Eleven. But now, to see that another also has capabilities? What does it mean for Pachil? How do supernatural powers come to be? Do others have such abilities?

And if I'm able to hear along with Walumaq, what does this mean for me? Do I have abilities, as well? If so, what are they? How will I know?

All these questions, without any real answers, kept me awake all night. And that's before the realization that we all have to face the Auilqa ruler once more. He doesn't seem too keen on outsiders, and I've got the feeling he wishes we were all dead. The boy's plan seems ludicrously naïve and optimistic. Offering our services to eliminate a problem that's been plaguing the people of Qasiunqa? Not to mention, the creature sounds daunting and dangerous, to say the least. Who would go for such a deal?

But, the boy makes a fair point: either we are executed by the Auilqa, or we die with dignity fighting a beast of legend. Something like that. I'm not sure I agree with the idea completely, but it's better than being mercilessly killed by a bunch of savages, I suppose.

After Saqatli and his ocelot companion departed, barely moments before the guards returned, the seven of us had a discussion about this so-called "plan". Being the warriors they are, Pomaqli, Atoyaqtli, and Pomacha immediately accepted the idea. As expected, however, Naqispi and Chiqama were not as amenable. It took a great amount of coaxing to get them to finally agree, though Naqispi now expects even greater riches if he survives this ordeal. He continually reminds us how gods-forsaken this land is, and how he is going beyond what he was designated to do. I'll let Walumaq sort that out with him, should we live to see our homelands again.

After our conversations, I try to be discreet when asking Pomaqli if he heard anything, caught any whispers or anything of the like. He looks at me funnily, as though I was speaking in a foreign tongue, and tells me I must be dehydrated if I believe to have heard any voices. So much for that, then.

So after that exchange, I find Walumaq, performing the ritual that I've seen her do every morning since we first met. Despite all that's taking place around us, she appears calm, steadied, centered. With her eyes closed, she breathes in slowly, muttering something under her breath—perhaps a mantra or something to keep herself grounded. I cautiously approach her, not wanting to startle and be disruptive. Though giving the appearance of being in some kind of trance, she's alerted to my arrival, tilting her head toward me while keeping her eyes closed.

"Care to join me?" she asks. I oblige, sitting down beside her and mimicking her positioning. I cross my legs and sit upright, resting both hands on my knees.

"Um, what do I do?" I ask, embarrassed.

"Just repeat after me," she instructs. "This is how I connect myself to Pachil, how I was told to do so by Alsuaqu–"

"The spirit speaker," I excitedly interrupt. Embarrassed at myself, I apologize, but she chuckles and graciously waves away my concerns.

"The purpose is to share a mutual embrace with the land. Acknowledge and welcome it, and allow it to acknowledge and welcome you. Don't force it if it isn't present—you don't want a negative connection to Pachil."