Revolutions

111 - Walumaq

Upon my return to the group, navigating a narrow path that descends the mountain—which I nearly missed due to my exhaustion—I was met with jubilation from those gathered. Well, nearly all who were gathered.

"You know this won't free Tlexnín, right?" Paxilche asks.

My companions, the Ulxa shaman, and Tlexnín looked upon me with pride. Even the Auilqa warriors—who were prepared to execute the Ulxa leader should I fail—nodded in acknowledgement of my achievement. The Ulxa shaman declared me to be chosen by the gods. My fellow Sanqo warriors beamed. Saqatli looked relieved. Everyone rejoiced at my accomplishment.

Everyone except Paxilche.

As we prepare to make our way back to the remnants of Analoixan, his skeptical words, spoken moments after my arrival, gnaw at me. A seed of doubt begins to take root. Was my victory hollow? Did I merely delay the inevitable? Despite the celebrations, Tlexnín's fate still hangs in the balance. What have I truly accomplished?

Casting aside the uncertainty, I focus on the plan upon our return to the decimated city. It's still under Auilqa control, and they will be resistant to surrendering the leader of their faction's rival. Putting it kindly, we're on our way to rejoin a hostile environment. Taking on the Tepeyōllotl may have been only a brief reprieve.

However, my achievement may have earned us valuable allies. Witnessing my feat, the shaman appears inclined to grant Tlexnín her freedom, albeit temporarily. Perhaps we can utilize this dynamic to our advantage, negotiating from a position of newfound strength. I must harness this momentum, channel it into strategy and action. If we are to free Tlexnín, it will require more than just brute force or divine favor—it will demand cunning, diplomacy, and perhaps a touch of ruthlessness.

Time is of the essence. This moment is fleeting, but it's ours. The tides of fortune have shifted ever so slightly in our favor. We must use the momentum of my triumph to broker a truce, secure Tlexnín's release, and forge a path forward. The journey is fraught with peril, but hesitation now could unravel all we've fought for.

Steeling myself, I am prepared to confront this challenge head-on. Paxilche's doubts may linger, but they will not dictate my path. I will not allow this opportunity to slip through our grasp.

Our next move must be decisive. There is no room for error.

I stand before the shaman and the Auilqa warriors, their faces hard and unforgiving as they apprehend Tlexnín. I need to act now. I take a deep breath, my heart pounding in my chest, and address everyone present. "Let us speak, warrior to warrior," I begin. "We seek the release of Tlexnín. She has been wrongfully imprisoned and deserves her freedom. This act of goodwill could mend the rift between the Ulxa and Auilqa."

The lead Auilqa warrior, a stern-faced man with eyes as dark and cold as the obsidian of his blade, narrows his gaze at me. "We have our orders. Tlexnín remains our prisoner until her execution. Your trial may have impressed some, but it does not override our command."

I sense the rigidity in the Auilqa warrior's stance, his unyielding nature. But I also see a glimmer of uncertainty, a crack in his armor. I take a step closer, lowering my voice to a near whisper. "By holding her, you are prolonging this conflict. Release her, and we can work together to rebuild what has been destroyed."

The jungle around us suddenly goes silent, as if it listens in and awaits his response. The Auilqa warrior hesitates, a flicker of doubt crossing his angular face. He looks back at his fellow warriors for support, but their expressions only mirror his uncertainty.

I seize the moment. I step even closer, and now my voice is a plea wrapped in obsidian. "This is a chance to end the cycle of violence. Show mercy now, and you will be remembered not as executioners, but as peacemakers."