Revolutions

116 - Tlexnín

"What is he doing here?" I ask, surprised to see the son of the village leader from Ixtelocan.

The Sanqo goddess and her honorable warrior gain my attention as I lead my warriors from the front, only to present the boy without speaking. The young Auilqa boy who speaks to animals stands meekly behind them, like a coward, peeking out to gauge my reaction.

"I am Noyolotzi, and I am here to provide my sword to the one chosen—"

"If I recall correctly," I interrupt the boy, "your father did not want you to join my army. Yet here you stand, in defiance of his command."

The boy squares his shoulders, confidently meeting my gaze. "The commands of my father are driven by fear for my safety. He believes I should stay protected within the village, but I cannot stand by while our land and people are threatened. I have trained with the village warriors and honed my skills. I want to fight for our freedom and our future."

"I do not want warriors who blatantly disregard orders, simply because they disagree with them," I state. "That shows a disobedient warrior. Why would I want someone joining my army who is known to disrespect his elders, his superiors, those who give commands?"

The eyes of the boy flash with a resolve that only comes with the inexperience of youth. "My defiance is not born of disrespect. It is born of necessity and a desire to protect my people with all of the of strength I possess. The fear of my father cannot keep me from doing what is right. I want to prove my worth—to you and to my village."

There is something inside of me, something instinctual, that does not want me to allow this boy to defy the wishes of his father and join my army. Yet I recall a time when I was his age, once long ago, seeking the respect of those I held in high regard. I, too, wanted to prove my worth and value to my people, to honor the gods with my skills and defend the Ulxa. Though I may disagree with how this boy has attempted to join my army, I cannot disregard the noble motivation behind it.

"You are foolish to go against the orders of your father," I say, causing the boy to feel despondent—and rightfully so. "However, these are desperate and dire times for Ulxa. We will need every brave warrior to eliminate the threat that has invaded our land and stolen our capital."

With that, I make my way back to the front of the marching army. Apparently, my decision does not please the Sanqo goddess. To capture my attention, she dares to touch my shoulder in a manner that is far too comfortable, and looks up to meet my eyes.

"While I greatly respect your opinion," the Sanqo goddess says in a near whisper, "I don't think it's wise to bring the boy along with us into the dangerous situation we're about to enter. I'm not sure he has enough experience, and it will be potentially perilous. Perhaps we should—"

"This is a matter that concerns you not," I charge, looking at her questionably. "The boy has made his choice, and if he is old enough to hoist a spear, he is old enough to be of great use to our cause."

"But his father doesn't want him to join," the Sanqo goddess says, sounding weak as she pleads with me. "I don't think he—"

"It is not a decision in which your thinking is required," I inform her. "I am the ruler of the Ulxa, and this is an Ulxa matter. If he honorably fights for our cause, the gods will ensure that he is protected, as we all will be. Or, he dies an honorable death—one that guarantees his spirit ascends to the heavens where fallen warriors are celebrated for their valor and sacrifice."

The Sanqo goddess appears unhappy about this. I am confused. "Perhaps you do not understand that to die in combat is the greatest honor bestowed upon an Ulxa warrior," I attempt to explain, believing she is simply unaware of Ulxa tradition. "Should he die in battle, he will sit gloriously among the gods. I do not understand why you continue to appear upset."