As Yaxkin and his entourage prepared to journey back to Chichen Itza, a sense of accomplishment settled over the group. It had been nearly four weeks since they first ventured into the caves, and each one was returning with treasures and hard-earned experience.
The gentle rustling of the trees had replaced the dense silence of the caves as they emerged back into the open, their packs heavier and their spirits lighter.
Kuk, his voice reflecting both exhaustion and pride, looked around at the group.
"Four weeks...….. fiuu"
"I'm going to miss those cave beasts," he joked, earning a few chuckles from the Jaguar warriors around him.
Pacal grinned, nudging him playfully.
"We'll see how you feel about that next time we face a Trogloxeno!!!!!"
"I'm just relieved we're heading home with all our limbs intact."
As they marched, Yaxkin began tallying their newfound resources, mentally taking stock of the precious minerals, scales, and rare plants carefully packed in their bags.
"We've gained a lot," Yaxkin noted, addressing his closest advisors.
"Enough mithril and cold iron to forge weapons, plus the medicinal plants and blood samples for the healers. But even more valuable," he added, glancing at the warriors around him.
"Is the experience you all now have. These creatures would challenge even Great Masters back home, but each of you held your own. You have earned the Empire's pride."
The warriors, including the two formidable Kings, Yatzil and K'inich, gave respectful nods. Yaxkin felt a growing satisfaction at their progress; the skills they honed here would not only protect Chichen Itza but would shape the foundation of the Empire's future.
As they journeyed, Yaxkin's mind turned toward plans for the new city. He shared his thoughts with his advisors, the excitement in his voice evident.
"This lake… it will be the heart of Tulum, our next city. It's far enough to operate independently yet close enough to maintain strong ties with Chichen Itza."
"We'll need secure routes and a fortress to guard the resources, something strong enough to withstand even the fiercest threats."
Noíl nodded thoughtfully.
"And if Tulum can hold 200,000 people, that will ease the burden on Chichen Itza as it grows."
"We can distribute resources, train soldiers, and create a trade route."
"Yes," Yaxkin agreed.
"And the water channels will connect Tulum to Chichen Itza, supplying us with fresh water and securing our Empire's lifeline."
Pacal's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm.
"You're not just building a city."
"Two cities united by rivers and roads, each a testament to the strength of Viatori."
He smiled, feeling the weight and excitement of his responsibilities.
"That's the vision, Pacal. And if we do this right, it will be something great."
Along the road, they encountered groups of adventurers returning from their journeys, and as they rested together around evening fires, the stories flowed.
The adventurers spoke of forming guilds and enterprises to explore this world and collect its resources. While Yaxkin saw the value in this organization, he was wary of potential exploitation.
One of the adventurers, a young man with the energy of ambition, mentioned.
"These guilds are setting up camp to the east of Chichen Itza."
Yaxkin responded thoughtfully,
"Alliances are valuable, but we must ensure that citizens are protected, both here and back in Gracea."
"They must serve our people, not control them."
Noíl looked at him with a smile.
"You're keeping everyone in mind, Yaxkin. It's no wonder they follow you with such loyalty."
The adventurer nodded, impressed.
"If you can ensure fairness, Prince Yaxkin, we're with you."
As they neared Chichen Itza, news of the city's rapid development during his absence reached him, lifting his spirits.
"Our people have not been idle," K'inich reported with a rare grin.
"Thanks to the talents you found, there's now a bustling street of commerce, a plaza of market stalls, even the beginnings of inns and taverns."
Pacal added with a smile.
"And the commercial guild led by the old merchant you found….… it's thriving."
"He's organized trade and even established an intelligence network. He may have been overlooked in Gracea, but here, he's become a keystone."
Yaxkin's heart swelled with pride.
"That's exactly what I wanted to hear. Chichen Itza is growing, and soon, it will be a city worthy of our Empire's name."
When the gates of Chichen Itza finally came into view, Yaxkin felt an overwhelming sense of relief and pride.
The city was bustling with life; families and adventurers alike moved between the newly constructed buildings, the sounds of commerce and laughter filling the air. As he entered, his warriors and advisors by his side, the citizens cheered, recognizing their prince.
One elder approached, her eyes shining with gratitude.
"Thank you, Prince Yaxkin, for all you've done. You've given us purpose, a home, I love Ikal because I feel more young, hehehehe."
He smiled warmly, clasping her hand.
"It's all of us, together, who build this city. You honor me with your words."
That evening, Yaxkin convened with his advisors, sharing his plans for Tulum and setting the stage for what would come next. When they were ready, he spoke to the gathering of warriors.
"We'll rotate our fighters between Chichen Itza and Tulum," he said.
"Our newer soldiers will guard Tulum's resources, learning from experienced warriors so they can grow stronger."
Kuk nodded approvingly.
"A perfect strategy, Yaxkin. It ensures that everyone gains experience without putting any single force at risk."
As they continued discussing logistics, news reached them that four Great Masters and a new King had recently risen among Chichen Itza's citizens.
The new King was a retired Viatori warrior, who, at seventy-six, had broken through his limits with Yaxkin's guidance and the rich Chuén of Ikal.
"Impressive," Noíl murmured, respect in her eyes.
"A retired warrior, now a King.... your vision has awakened something powerful in these people, Yaxkin."
Yaxkin smiled, feeling humbled.
"I only saw what was already there. They had the strength; Ikal merely offered the opportunity."
As the conversations wound down, Yaxkin's thoughts drifted to his family. He missed his sister Ix Chel, his mother Amaité, and his father, Emperor Kinich.
Though his mother had remained in Gracea, Yaxkin knew her loyalty was deeply tied to the Empire. With the Republic of Yankeae stirring tensions, he felt her absence keenly.
Turning to his advisors, he made a decision.
"I'll disconnect for a couple of days."
"There are matters in Gracea I must attend to, but I trust each of you to keep things moving here."
Pacal placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
"We'll hold down the fort, Yaxkin. Your family needs you, and we'll be here when you return."
He nodded, a deep gratitude warming his heart.
"Thank you, all of you. Together, we're creating something great."
As Yaxkin prepared to disconnect from Ikal, he took one last look at Chichen Itza, his gaze sweeping over the lively streets, the newly formed guilds, and the citizens who had come to call this place home.
He felt a deep sense of pride in what they had built, knowing that this city was more than just stone and wood it was a testament to the strength of the Empire, to the resilience and courage of its people.
With a final breath, he closed his eyes, ready to return to Gracea.