Xiuxoke remained silent. He stared at the blood-soaked severed head of an old friend as if it still possessed some semblance of lifelike vibrancy. Scenes from days past flashed before his eyes, finally freezing on the image of Izel, with his head bowed and a smile on his face as he poured wine.
"The herbs in the wine... fallen petals in front of the flowers... so that's how it is!"
Xiuxoke muttered to himself. After a while, he lowered his head and bowed deeply again.
"Your Majesty, I follow your will."
"Good, very good!"
Aweit watched with a smile, speaking gently for the first time to the Deputy Head who had just shown his submission.
"Xiuxoke, you have once waged war against Tizoc for me and achieved great merits. During this western campaign, you also handled the logistics of the Northern Army well.
