I took a deep breath, letting the sharp, invigorating air of Ikal fill my lungs. This world had been a revelation. I hadn't anticipated the shift in power, in potential, that each of us felt from the moment we arrived.
Every breath, every step felt amplified here, as though the Ch'ulel itself was woven into the very ground. It was intoxicating and unsettling in equal measure.
Since our arrival, I'd observed Yaxkin Balam the Third Prince of Viatori carefully. The young prince's actions had been swift and decisive, establishing the foundations of a new settlement and drawing nearly every Viatori citizen in Ikal to his side.
I had known Yaxkin since he was a child, and even then, he had shown promise. But here in Ikal, that promise was blossoming into something remarkable.
As I stood on the edge of the plateau, overlooking the bustling beginnings of what was to become the city of Chichen Itza, I couldn't help but feel a certain pride.
Beside me were my personal guards and family members, and the heads of the other five old families who, like myself, had long served as allies to the Imperial family, operating in the shadows yet remaining ever faithful.
"You've been quiet for some time, Chakte," murmured Itzel, my eldest daughter and a Master-ranked warrior herself, standing close at my side.
"I imagine you're impressed."
"Impressed…..... yes," I replied, nodding.
"But there's more to it than that. Yaxkin has managed to do what many older, more seasoned leaders struggle with.
He's inspired loyalty, even in the common folk, who have little reason to pledge themselves so completely"
"And he's done it by valuing each person individually, seeing their potential without judgment. That, Itzel, is the mark of a true leader."
Nearby, other heads of the families had gathered, each casting their gaze toward the city and the prince's growing circle. Ek Balam, one of the strongest among them, a man with whom I had shared both battlefield and council, folded his arms and sighed.
"Yaxkin's building something impressive," he said.
"But it raises questions too, doesn't it, Chakte? Especially with these rumors of Rehegua's people appearing nearby. If they're as close as we suspect, it could mean trouble."
"It does complicate things," I admitted.
"The Rehegua Kingdom and Viatori have never seen eye to eye. Old wounds are difficult to forget, especially for them. Their kingdom was once under our banner during the Great Navigation Era, but they've spent generations trying to push us out of their lands. If they've appeared close to Chichen Itza, it may mean they have intentions of their own."
Ek's expression hardened his voice a low growl.
"If they are scheming, we'll be ready. Our families have stood with the Balam clan for centuries. We won't let Rehegua undermine what we're building here."
The others murmured their agreement, a steadfast loyalty that ran as deep as blood itself. I had no doubts about our unity, yet the complexity of the situation demanded that we proceed carefully.
The Republic of Yankeae's recent moves, particularly their encroachment into Texas, had been a growing thorn. I had seen the stirrings of discontent among our people; Viatori's nobility and old families were displeased with this foreign influence creeping into our territories. Strengthening our base here in Ikal could be the answer, a chance to solidify the Empire's strength and autonomy.
I turned back to the others, determination in my voice.
"We need to consolidate our strength here, and if that means supporting Yaxkin financially and strategically, so be it. We're not simply building a city; we're laying the foundation for Viatori's future. And our presence will ensure that the Empire holds power in both worlds."
Itzel looked up at me, pride in her eyes.
"Shall we begin coordinating our resources with Yaxkin's plans, Father?"
"Yes. And I'll lead this coalition of old families myself."
I met each of their gazes, my voice steady.
"We must protect and strengthen Viatori, and that means making sure Yaxkin's settlement thrives. We'll support him in whatever way we can."
Later that day, as we made our way to the prince's headquarters, we encountered the young leader in the midst of overseeing construction, his advisers gathered around him.
His demeanor was focused, his tone encouraging as he spoke with the citizens, young and old, who had rallied to his side.
"Your Highness," I called out, catching his attention.
He looked up, smiling as he saw us approach. "Patriarch Iktan. It's good to see you." His eyes drifted over the others with me.
"And I'm honored to welcome the heads of the old families."
I inclined my head.
"The honor is ours, Your Highness. I've watched your progress here with great admiration."
"You've built something extraordinary, and quickly. The families and I wish to offer our support financial, logistical, and, if needed, protection."
Yaxkin's expression brightened, and he nodded.
"Your support is invaluable. Together, we can make Chichen Itza a stronghold worthy of the Empire."
Ek Balam stepped forward, a respectful yet determined look in his eyes.
"Our families have served the Balam clan for generations. We have the wealth, resources, and networks you need."
"Just tell us where to focus our efforts."
Yaxkin glanced at the map laid out on a nearby table, pointing to specific areas.
"The settlement is growing rapidly, but we'll need more fortifications. We're discovering that Ikal has its form of threats wild beasts with power levels I hadn't anticipated. And there are also other parties."
He hesitated, and I could see the thoughts flickering in his eyes.
"You've encountered people from Rehegua, haven't you?"
I asked quietly.
Yaxkin's gaze sharpened, meeting mine.
"Yes. They're few, but I recognize the accent. They haven't posed any issues yet, but I want to ensure we're prepared."
Ek clenched his fists, his voice barely controlled.
"We'll keep an eye on them. If they're up to something, we'll find out soon enough."
Yaxkin nodded, grateful.
"Thank you. And as for resources, we need to establish a self-sustaining economy here, something that will allow our people to thrive without relying solely on Graeca."
At this, Naal, the patriarch of another old family known for their expertise in trade, spoke up.
"We can help with that, Your Highness."
"We've been in commerce for centuries" "
We know how to set up trade routes and secure goods."
"If you'll allow us, we'll start by organizing a reliable supply chain."
"Perfect," Yaxkin said, a look of relief on his face.
"I can't thank you enough."
"Each of you brings something valuable to the table, and together, we can make this city a beacon of strength and resilience."
Over the following days, I continued my training, testing the limits of my own abilities. Here in Ikal, the practice of Ch'ulel felt different more fluid, more intense.
Each movement, each strike, carried a power that I hadn't felt back in Graeca.
I sensed that I was nearing a threshold, that I would soon be able to break through my limits and rise to a level I had only dreamed of. The idea was both exhilarating and troubling.
"If the people of Viatori can reach new heights here," I confided to Ek one evening, "what does that mean for our empire back home?"
"It could mean a resurgence in strength," Ek replied, his voice steady.
"Or it could mean upheaval. There will be those who try to exploit this power for their gain."
I nodded, a sense of urgency filling me.
"We'll need to prepare. We can't allow Viatori to become vulnerable. And the prince Yaxkin must be aware of what we're dealing with."
My thoughts drifted to Yaxkin once more. He was proving himself capable and perceptive, a leader who saw the best in his people and sought to nurture their strengths. His foresight, his careful planning, it was as if he saw beyond the surface of every situation, every person.
"It's as though he can see right through us," Itzel remarked one day, noticing my silent contemplation.
"Perhaps he can," I replied, smiling faintly.
"But that may be exactly what Viatori needs."
We had a long journey ahead, but I felt confident with Yaxkin leading us.
The support of our old families would bolster his efforts, and I knew that together, we could secure a future for our people that would outlast any empire's ambition or foreign interference.