marriage, conspiracies, the future
Here I see from afar the canoes navigating the intricate canals near the Templo Mayor, unloading large boxes and baskets. Among them were the flames, and the porters who carried goods over long distances. The wooden boxes and baskets contained gold, silver, and jade jewelry, used to create various crafts such as Yacaxihuitl (necklaces) made of jade, turquoise, shells, gold, and other precious materials, and Macuillotl (bracelets and armlets) made from gold, silver, copper, and jade.
There were also Anahuatl (pectoral ornaments), large adornments worn on the chest often made of gold or shells and decorated with feathers and precious stones, and Nacazcólotl (ear ornaments), which were ear decorations made from jade, turquoise, gold, and other materials.
Yacatl (nose ornaments) were adornments for the nose made from precious materials like gold and jade, and Māitēntli (rings) were worn on the fingers, made from gold, jade, and other precious materials. These rings often had precious stone inlays and symbolized power and status. These jewels were of great value and sometimes rare due to their difficulty to make, so only great families and nobles could possess them.
I was amazed by the quantity, even though I knew that in this era, materials were abundant. I didn't imagine this amount. As I approached, I saw my father smiling, watching these quantities. Besides the jewelry, there were also weapons as a symbol that this marriage was both a social and military alliance. And yes, it was the great caravan of my brother-in-law, the Zapotec king of Tehuantepec.
My father noticed my presence and beckoned me to come closer.
"Oh, look who's here, I was waiting for you. Look, all this is your sister's dowry."
I looked at him and found it very amusing since he was initially upset about this marriage, but with these gifts, he could alleviate his shame of having lost so catastrophically.
"Father, and what will we send them?" My question, though innocent, was meant to annoy my father, and he looked at me angrily while I responded with a smile.
"Hum, I know what you're thinking. As the Huey Tlatoani (emperor), we cannot defraud our image; it will be greater than what they sent us."
The intermediaries, the matchmakers called cihuáhque, moved gracefully and determinedly, overseeing everything and recording that they were a kind of messenger who helped with everything. Looking again at all the gifts—jewels, cacao, and exquisite fabrics—received with great joy.
What I liked most was the cacao seed. I had not yet experienced making chocolate, although there was xocoatl, a thick and bitter drink that I wouldn't say I liked much, sometimes sweetened with honey.
While all this was happening, a conspiracy was brewing elsewhere not far from where I was.
In Tochtepec, a border city adjoining the Mixe kingdom, Moctezuma Xocoyotzin was coordinating the city's defenses, trade, and accounts along with other provincial ministers. The teuctli, who governed the city in the name of the Huey Tlatoani, was Quinatzin, a descendant of the great houses of Texcoco. When they were discussing, a messenger arrived.
"Prince Moctezuma, your special guest has arrived," said the messenger.
Although Quinatzin found it strange that a person the prince considered important would appear, being a smart man, the best way was simply to avoid asking and leave the place.
"Alright Quinatzin, you may leave. Shall we continue tomorrow? You know this discussion is important, but I cannot help but feel excited about my friend's arrival."
"Very well, Prince. If there is nothing more to say, I will withdraw. I will come again tomorrow to discuss some matters," Quinatzin said, with no hesitation to stay another minute.
When the governor left, with the prince's permission, the messenger also left to call this supposed guest, whom the prince considered a friend. Although it seemed strange to him because the guest always wore a cloak with a hood that covered his entire body and never allowed himself to be seen, even his accent suggested he was not a native—what kind of person is this to be the prince's friend?
"The prince is now free, and he asked me to guide you, please."
The guest did not speak, only made a sign, then after a while, he arrived where Prince Moctezuma was.
Moctezuma: "You may leave; I have some personal matters to attend to with my dear friend from afar," he said, dismissing everyone else, leaving only the two of them in the room.
"How was your journey? I am sorry I could not come to greet you, but you know how difficult it is for me to move around."
"I know, don't give me excuses. I want to know your stance on the last proposal. You may not understand the distance I had to travel and the dangers," the mysterious man said impatiently.
"Calm down, old friend, you must have patience. Even if I have already secured the position, I must wait for my old uncle to die, and you must know that is no easy feat," said Moctezuma, trying to calm the other party.
"Hum, that is why I came to you, expecting your confirmation for the next part of the plan. The troops from the distant kingdom are already arriving," said the man, though now his speech was slower, but still with an air of arrogance.
"But you must understand that it is difficult for me to process everything you say. So, tell me, how likely is it that my uncle will die?" Moctezuma questioned, still skeptical of everything.
"It is just a matter of acceptance. As a member of the family, you still share a bit of luck. If he accepts, not only will the throne be yours, but I will ensure your descendants live comfortably in the new world order that is coming. The new era is on its way," said the mysterious man, extending his hand to Moctezuma.
Extending his hand as a form of agreement to this deal, "We have an agreement, old friend—or should I say, my ancestor Habsburg?"