The Controversial Mayan Queen: Sak K'uk of Palenque (The Mists of Palenque) (32 page)

The glyphs are the key to understanding the ancient Mayas. Through the glyphs they speak to us. The inscriptions on Pakal’s sarcophagus and the hieroglyphic panels in his Temple unfolded the history of Palenque’s ruling dynasty. These inscriptions include names of the queens in Pakal’s lineage.

But what about our new discovery, the tomb of the Red Queen?

There are no glyphs on the sarcophagus or chamber walls of the Red Queen’s tomb. She keeps her identity hidden, as if teasing us. How will we know for sure which queen is buried in the Temple next to Pakal? If only I had the abilities of a shaman, I could journey to other dimensions, to that ancient Mayan world, and see for myself.

A Sneak Peek into Book III of the Mists of Palenque Series

The Mayan Red Queen: Tz’aakb’u Ahau of Palenque
Mists of Palenque Series Book III

The saga of four remarkable queens who shaped ancient Maya destiny continues with the wife of Janaab Pakal, new ruler of Lakam Ha and the son of Sak K’uk. Lalak is a shy and homely young woman who relates better to animals than people, living in a small neighboring city. Because of her pristine lineage back to the founding ancestors of the B’aakal dynasty, she is chosen as wife for Pakal. She is overwhelmed by the sophisticated and complex society at the polity's dominant city and the expectations of the royal court. Her mother-in-law Sak K’uk chose Lalak for selfish motives, determined to find a wife who would not displace her in Pakal’s affections. She viewed Lalak as a breeder of future rulers and selected her regal name, Tz’aakb’u Ahau – Accumulator of Lords – to reflect this. As the naïve royal consort struggles to learn her new role and prove her worth, Sak K’uk provides little help. Lalak faces challenges in her relationship with Pakal, because he is enamored of a beautiful woman who was banished from Lakam Ha. Pakal’s esthetic sensibilities and love for beauty set up obstacles in their marriage. Lalak, however, is fated to play a pivotal role in Pakal’s mission to restore the spiritual portal to the Triad Gods that was destroyed in a devastating attack by archenemy Kan. Through their sacred union the immense creative force necessary to rebuild the portal could be released, but Pakal must come to view his wife in a new light. She soon flowered into a woman of poise and power, established her place in court, and bore Pakal four sons to assure dynastic succession. Her dedication supported him in a renaissance of building, art and science that transformed Lakam Ha into the most widely sought creative center in the Classic Maya world.

The Mayan Red Queen: Tz’aakb’u Ahau of Palenque
Mists of Palenque Series – Book III

Tz’aakb’u Ahau – I

Baktun 9 Katun 9 Tun 9 –
Baktun 9 Katun 9 Tun 12
622 CE – 625 CE

1

The messenger bowed deeply, clasping his shoulder and dropping to his knees. Head bowed, he waited below the raised platform in the reception chamber of the royal couple. All eyes were fixed on him and his sense of importance swelled. The mission entrusted to him was of utmost importance. It concerned nothing less than the future of the Lakam Ha dynasty. Now he brought his report to his patrons and the atmosphere of the palace chamber quivered with anticipation.

“Welcome, Worthy Messenger Budz Ek.” Kan Mo Hix spoke first. “Come forward and sit before us. We are pleased you have returned safely.”

“Indeed your journey has been swift,” said Sak K’uk. “You are rightly named, for you travel as quickly as your namesake, Smoking Star-Comet.”

Budz Ek smiled at the compliment and edged forward on his knees to take a position on the woven mat set in front of the platform. He was apprehensive, however, because he feared the royal couple would not be pleased with his messages. It was a risk faced by all messengers. Their powerful patrons often unleashed a barrage of fury upon the hapless bringers of bad news, though mostly this was an onslaught of words and not the thrust of a knife. He knew the ruling family of Lakam Ha would not resort to violence, but to be in disfavor would affect his status.

“Speak now of your visit to B’aak, we are ready to hear what you have seen and learned.” Sak K’uk waved a hand sign, ordering attendants to bring refreshments.

The royal couple, parents of K’inich Janaab Pakal, the youthful ruler of Lakam Ha and the B’aakal Polity, was dressed in moderate finery. Sak K’uk wore a white huipil with blue and gold embroidery at the neckline and hem, several strings of alabaster beads, dangling alabaster earspools, and a small headdress of blue and yellow feathers set in bands of silver disks. Kan Mo Hix was bare-chested with a short, skirted loincloth of colorful stripes. His pectoral pendant displayed the face of K’in Ahau-Lord Sun; from his ears hung jade earspools and surrounding his wrists were worked copper cuffs. On his elongated skull perched a tall white cylindrical cap topped with a ceramic macaw-mo, his namesake.

The messenger was simply attired in a white loincloth with red waistband. A short cape was loosely tied over his shoulders, and a red headband kept his long black hair away from his face. This was typical attire for those who ran between cities, bringing news, seeking information and delivering communications. He arrived at the palace in the early morning, having rested a short distance from the city the evening before. This allowed him to appear at court refreshed and in clean attire. His years of experience taught him the wisdom of preparing well for reports to royal patrons. Arriving breathless and sweaty in the heat of midday did not create a suitable scenario.

Before speaking, Budz Ek sat up straight and glanced around the reception chamber. A small audience was present, including the steward Muk Kab, K’akmo the Nakom-warrior chief, the royal scribe K’anal, and two trusted courtiers who were distant cousins of the ruler’s mother. The only other woman in the group was Zazil, the primary noble attendant to Sak K’uk. It was a select group, the messenger noted, so his information was meant for only certain ears.

It struck him as odd that the ruler, the Holy B’aakal Lord – K’uhul B’aakal Ahau – was not there. Surely the report pertained most of all to him. But, this was not the messenger’s business. Turning to the royal couple, he began his report.

“It takes two days of travel, as you know, to journey from Lakam Ha to B’aak. Travel on the Michol River went easily, thanks to our skillful canoe paddlers. More difficulties arose once we left the river and climbed through jungle-covered hills toward our destination. The path is not as well maintained as would be expected, since the river is their main source for trade goods. It is said among traders who I encountered along the path that B’aak has declined in prosperity. The ahauob of B’aak buy fewer luxury items such as red spondylus shells, carved jade, quetzal feathers, and fine obsidian for blades. In the city, while mingling among ahauob-nobles and craftsmen in the market, I heard mention of several difficult years when crops were less productive. Rumors circulated that B’aak leadership was faltering during this time.

“The B’aak ruler, Ik’ Muuy Muwaan was apparently fending off internal dissension and a plot to overthrow his dynasty. His ambitious younger brother recruited a cadre of ahauob and warriors, leading to several years of intermittent clashes, often taking place in cornfields and trampling other crops as well. In between skirmishes, the insurgents would hide out in the jungles, re-grouping for more raids. Only two years ago was the rightful ruler able to suppress this group, when the younger brother was killed in battle. Since then, the ruler has re-established leadership, banished the traitors and is slowly bringing fields back to fertility. This history I confirmed with the calendar priests of the city.

“The day after my arrival I was received at the ruler’s court. There I presented your gifts of cacao, fine woven cloth, and pom-copal incense. These were received with much enthusiasm, and extravagant inquiries were made into the health of your royal family and our young K’uhul B’aakal Ahau.”

“For the concern of Ik’ Muuy Muwaan, we are grateful,” interjected Sak K’uk. She was impatient for the messenger to arrive at the purpose of his visit. “What said he to your inquiries about his daughter?”

“Of this, he was most pleased. To have his daughter considered as royal consort for your son was beyond his imagining. He was eager to bring the girl for my viewing, and her mother to extol her virtues. The visit was arranged for that very afternoon.”

“Not surprising that Ik’ Muuy Muwaan leapt at the chance to wed his daughter to the ruler of Lakam Ha,” muttered Kan Mo Hix under his breath. Only Sak K’uk could hear him. “He is already counting the marriage gifts we will give him.”

Budz Ek looked quizzically at the royal couple, observing the murmurings.

“Honored Messenger, do continue,” Sak K’uk said, frowning at her husband. “We wish to hear your observations of the girl.”

The messenger felt heat rising along his neck and face, and hoped he would not sweat profusely. It was not due to rising morning temperature, for inside the chamber the air was cool and fresh. He knew the flush was caused by worry over what he was about to say. Sucking air in through nearly closed lips, he tried to cool himself and maintain composure as he continued his report.

“Her mother and attendant brought her to the reception chamber. First came lengthy descriptions of her character and abilities. Lady Lalak is, by their words, a young woman of pleasant and quiet character, who treats all kindly and is well loved by her city’s people. She is skilled in weaving and makes delicate cloth that has no match. She paints lovely patterns on ceramic bowls with a true artistic flair. Her voice is sweet and clear when she sings, her form graceful and sure-footed when she dances. Children flock to her and she entertains them with clever stories. In conversation, she speaks with a courtly flourish and can address many topics. In particular she is knowledgeable about the animals and plants of the area. It seems she creates special relationships with animals and has several wild ones as pets.”

“Excellent attributes, if these are all to be believed.” Sak K’uk doubted everything was true, but such praise was only expected when proffering a daughter as a royal bride. Her real interest was revealed by her next question.

“And of her appearance? Tell me not the words of her parents, but your own observations. Is she beautiful?”

Budz Ek hesitated, for this was the exact question he wished to avoid. The intense stare Sak K’uk gave him made it clear that avoidance was impossible.

“Holy Lady, this I must answer honestly although it pains me. The daughter of Ik’ Muuy Muwaan has a sweet and gentle presence, and spoke well when questioned. But she is not a beauty according to standards of our art. She is large-boned and, well, rather rounded of body. Her skin is deep brown color, her hair thick and lustrous. She has the elongated skull that signifies nobility of the true blood, and her nose line is straight as a blade.”

He glanced at the ruler’s mother entreatingly, as if beseeching her to forgive him in advance. Only a stern glare was returned to the now copiously sweating messenger.

“Of the face of Lady Lalak, it must be said . . . much do I regret to say it, her face is . . . homely.”

“She is unattractive?” Kan Mo Hix sounded more curious than displeased.

“You must give more details,” Sak K’uk insisted. “Describe her face carefully. You have great powers of observation, you have shown these before.”

“As you command, Holy Lady. I wish not to disparage the worthy daughter of our neighbor city and their ruling family. I bring only what my eyes have seen, and it is your prerogative to make your assessment. Now come the details. Her face is wide and square, with an indistinct chin line. While large noses are common among our people, hers is uncommonly great. The tip is almost bulbous and the nostrils flare out widely. This feature dominates her face. By comparison, her eyes are small and recessed under heavy brows. They do have a nice almond shape and shine with intelligent light. Her lips are thick and down curving, except when she smiles. Her smile is captivating and her teeth straight and white. The ears are also prominent, standing out from her head with long lobes; good for wearing heavy earspools.”

He paused again, pondering whether to impart the next bit of telling information about the girl’s appearance. Quickly he gauged it was folly to omit it, for the royal family would see this defect the moment they set eyes on her.

“There is yet one additional observation I made of her features,” he continued slowly. “As a young child she contracted an illness that caused a widespread rash over her face and body. Infection set in and she almost died. The healing skills of B’aak priestesses saved her life, but scars were left upon her face from infected bumps. These are most visible upon her cheeks, appearing as dark spots.

“This completes my description.” He paused and glanced up expectantly. Did he see a smile curling the chiseled lips of the ruler’s mother?

“An excellent description!” she exclaimed. “It is possible to picture the girl clearly. You have done well, Budz Ek, and will be richly rewarded for your work.”

Kan Mo Hix looked appraisingly at his wife. He knew more about her motives than would please her, but his concern was not the girl’s appearance. Her bloodlines back to the dynastic founders, the stability of the ruling family and the political situation of the city were his main interests.

“It is so, Worthy Messenger,” he said. “Your report conveys much information about the daughter of Ik’ Muuy Muwaan, and we are appreciative. Tell me more about the difficult times and leadership deficits that recently beset B’aak.”

Budz Ek launched with considerable relief into details of crop failures and poor decision-making by the ruler and his administrators. This was safer ground and the men in the chamber listened with avid attention.

B’aak was a small city to the northwest on hilly country not far from Lakam Ha. It did not possess the lofty vista across wide, fertile plains that his home city enjoyed. Lakam Ha, Place of Big Water, sat upon a narrow ridge one-third of the way up a high mountain range, K’uk Lakam Witz. Numerous small rivers coursed through the ridge, tumbling down the steep escarpment in cascades to join the Michol River. The plains below stretched north to the Nab’nah, the Great Northern Sea, transected by the K’umaxha River that served as the major transportation artery for the region. Named for the Sacred Monkeys that lived along its banks, when the K’umaxha River overflowed it deposited rich silt in the fields in which corn, beans, peppers and squash were grown.

Lakam Ha was indeed blessed by its patron deities, the Triad Gods. This favored city abounded in water, flowering and fruiting trees, lush jungle foliage with numerous animals and birds, and cooling breezes from the soaring mountains to the south. It enjoyed a nonpareil view from its high ridge, and the steep cliffs plunging down to the plains below provided natural defense. The Michol River at the cliff’s base offered easy transportation, and the plains rolling gently into the hazy distance supported abundant crops to feed the population.

B’aak had long been in the B’aakal Polity and was an ally of Lakam Ha. The ruling dynasty of Lakam Ha provided oversight for the cities within its polity, acting as
May Ku
or chief ceremonial center and dispensing privileges to rulers and nobles of these cities. This system of cooperation, in which leadership rotated among cities through choices made by a council of ahauob and priests, followed regular cycles of 20 tuns and 260 tuns. The
May
system was ordained by the gods, and kept humans living in peace and harmony. However, recent developments were disrupting this hallowed system, most notably the aggressive actions by Kan rulers in the distant Ka’an Polity. Lakam Ha was still struggling to recover from Kan’s devastating attack only 12 years before.