The Visionary Mayan Queen: Yohl Ik'Nal of Palenque (27 page)

Murmurs of disagreement ensued. A couple of men emphasized Aj Ne Ohl Mat’s lack of leadership qualities. Speculation about whether Sak K’uk might be named heir followed, with review of other possible candidates. A few present knew of Yaxun Zul’s ambitions regarding his son, and the name of Kan Mo Hix was mentioned more than once. Generally, the group agreed that neither of Yohl Ik’nal’s offspring was a good choice for ruler. They thought another branch of the bloodline should be chosen.

“Chak’ok, what know you of happenings in other regions?” queried Yaxun Zul. The warrior had friends in several cities, forged through contests and exhibition battles over the years.

“It is said, of the Ka’an polity, that they are increasingly warlike since Uneh Chan became ruler,” replied Chak’ok. “He is even more aggressive than his predecessor Yax Yopaat who advanced the spread of power over the southern regions instigated by Uitah Chan. Mutul still languishes following the destruction he brought to that city in the wake of the change of
may
seating more than a katun and a half ago (about 33 years). The Ka’an dynasty has been active spreading its influence, forming an alliance with distant Uxwitza. Closer to home, it is said by warriors of these cities, those who are friends of mine, that Ka’an holds strong influence upon the sahals of Pa’chan, Pakab, and Wa-Mut.”

He paused, glancing around from Yaxun Zul to the other men present. All were attentive, although this was not news to most.

“Now comes something important,” Chak’ok spoke slowly to add emphasis. “The sahals of Usihwitz and Yokib have received emissaries from Uneh Chan, Holy Lord of Ka’an. Exchanges of gifts and possibly promises of affiliation took place. What think you, Kab’ol?”

The sudden shift of focus to the brother of Ek Chuuah jolted the group. Yaxun Zul turned to Kab’ol, giving the hand sign to speak truly.

“We are among friends here,” said Yaxun Zul. “You may speak freely.”

Kab’ol seemed to consider this carefully. He had watched the opposition to the Bahlam rulership grow over several years among this group. Most were in support of Yaxun Zul’s desire to make his son the next K’uhul Ahau of Lakam Ha. Only Uc Ayin was an unknown, not securely an ally but certainly not one to spread gossip. Perhaps the time had arrived to push his long-held agenda, fermenting inside him like heady balche, now ready to burst forth: revenge for the betrayal of his brother.

“That did occur,” he began carefully. “Ahauob of Kan came to Usihwitz. After the death of Joy Bahlam, not long following the time his nephew Zac Amal did the First Tribute to our ruler, Yahau Chan Muwaan became the new sahal of Usihwitz. Uneh Chan of Kan sent emissaries to honor the new sahal with many rich gifts. There were long talks and much feasting. Ek Chuuah, my brother, attended most of these. He told me that these talks focused upon alliances between Usihwitz and Kan. Usihwitz sits among several cities bordering the K’umaxha River, cities long allied with Kan. For trade and protection, said these emissaries, Usihwitz would be better served by alliance with Kan than with Lakam Ha.”

“And what did the new sahal of Usihwitz say in return?” asked Yaxun Zul.

“This did he say, that he would deeply consider these things, for perhaps there was much truth in their reasoning.”

“What think you of the disposition of Yahau Chan Muwaan toward this alliance?” queried Chak’ok.

“Listen not to what I think. Hear the words of my brother, who is close by marriage and by interests to the rulers of Usihwitz. Ek Chuuah said that this alliance with Kan will happen. The alliance of Usihwitz with our city has cooled and will not last much longer.”

Several men present nodded as others murmured in surprise. Yaxun Zul looked thoughtful, rubbed his chin and sipped more cacao drink.

“This also tell us,” he addressed Kab’ol. “What thinks your brother of the Yokib ruler’s response to the Kan emissaries?”

“Of that he is less certain, but it is his assessment that the alliance of Yokib with Lakam Ha is weakening. He did know that the Kan emissaries were well-received there and stayed many days.”

“This presents us with an opportunity,” said Yaxun Zul. “The alliances of Lakam Ha with cities in its polity are weakening. They are shifting toward Ka’an polity, and that diminishes the position of our ruler. She is well liked and respected, but her children not so much. Aj Ne Ohl Mat is too timid and Sak K’uk is too outspoken. Yes, the opportunity is coming to make a change in ruling family.”

Yaxun Zul paused to assess the group’s responses, for he was now openly speaking what he had intimated before. He sensed all were with him, except perhaps Uc Ayin who remained thoroughly neutral in reaction. That did not matter, he decided. If the ruler’s position could be undermined enough, the ahauob would take the question of heir to the Popol Nah for decision. He could wield tremendous influence in the council house, if events were properly manipulated.

“All here know that my family has as pure bloodlines to our founder Kuk Bahlam I as the family of Kan Bahlam,” he continued. “My son Kan Mo Hix is intelligent, brave and well-prepared for leading our city. Let us now seek the means to bring him to rulership. Let us find the way to attain heir designation for Kan Mo Hix, that he will perform the deer-hoof binding ceremony instead of an offspring of Yohl Ik’nal.”

Nods and murmurs of assent confirmed the group’s support. A few ideas were advanced and briefly discussed, but none seemed effective. Yohl Ik’nal still had a wide network of support among the ahauob, and her ceremonies held great power. Many knew she was a seer and visionary, and were in awe of these powers. Something really significant was needed to discredit her as ruler. The discussion continued, wandering far afield as the nobles consumed more cacao drink and trays of fruit.

Uc Ayin participated marginally, then requested leave to return to his duties. He was painting several ceramic bowls for an upcoming ceremony. Yaxun Zul granted leave and thanked him graciously for being present.

Conversation drifted off after Uc Ayin left. Yaxun Zul gauged the time was right for serious commitment and planning. He dismissed the servants and signaled for the men to gather closely and speak softly.

“Now is the time for your pledge. If you cannot fully support action against the ruler, you must leave. What is needed is a change of regime. Remain here only if you are committed to this.”

No one left. He looked each man in the eye and directly demanded their commitment, which they each gave.

“What we discuss now must not be spoken out of this room. Only those present must know of our plans,” he continued. “What ideas have you for discrediting Yohl Ik’nal in a significant way?”

Kab’ol raised his head, meeting Yaxun Zul’s eyes.

“Now I speak, for I have much considered this,” he said softly. All leaned forward to hear better. “We will use the example of Kan to accomplish our ends. No small thing will bring down Yohl Ik’nal. We need something unprecedented, something devastating to our city. Here is what I am thinking: a raid against Lakam Ha that brings destruction to the shrine of Kan Bahlam. This shrine is the work of Yohl Ik’nal, and to damage her father’s monument will damage the daughter also.”

“That would be significant,” agreed Yaxun Zul.

“But we do not have the forces needed to accomplish such a raid,” observed Chak’ok.

“That is so, but other forces will engage with our plan. My brother Ek Chuuah can gather men from Usihwitz who will gladly join a raid,” said Kab’ol. “He knows warriors from Pakab who are ready to join forces. Of this I have no doubt. Ek Chuuah seeks rectification of the wrongs done to him by Kan Bahlam. This thought, to stage a raid against his former city, already ferments in his mind. He has a large following of warriors and they will do his bidding.”

“It can be accomplished with such forces,” Chak’ok gauged, eyes narrowing.

Yaxun Zul was greatly pleased. The motives and source for the raid would lie outside Lakam Ha. He could remain an innocent bystander, a continuing loyal supporter of the ruler by all appearances. The foretaste of victory whetted his appetite.

“This is the plan we will pursue. You are to be commended for your strategy, Kab’ol. How soon can it be set in motion?”

“I will visit Ek Chuuah and discuss it further. Then he must prepare his warriors and arrange their travel and tactics. Several moons will be needed.”

“To have the greatest effect, this raid should be a surprise,” added Chak’ok. “We must make every effort to keep it secret.”

“And for our own safety, the raid should appear planned and motivated by Ek Chuuah.” Yazun Xul relished this deception. “We can avoid joining in the attack if his forces are strong enough.” The wealthy ahau intended to safeguard his position, should the raid fail.

“That will be arranged,” said Kab’ol. “Ek Chuuah is only too happy to claim responsibility for a raid against the Bahlams of Lakam Ha.”

4

Yohl Ik’nal tossed restlessly in her bed-chamber as images of destroyed buildings flashed before her, their carved frescoes and pillars shattered, their wood lintels and reed mats ablaze. Broken figurines, incense burners and offering cups littered the floors. Cries and shouts, clashing spears, pounding footsteps filled her ears as her breathing quickened and her heart raced. With a sudden gasp, she woke and sat upright, struggling for breath. Heart thumping against her ribs, she remembered the healer priestess’ admonition: “Your heart is not as strong as before, you must rest more and walk less. Take care to guard your state of mind, keep inner calmness.”

How could she remain calm with these recurring dreams of destruction?

Her movements awakened Hun Pakal. Sleepily he murmured:

“What is it, my love?”

“The dream of destroyed buildings just returned again. It is so distressing, it frightens me. Then I have trouble breathing and must sit up.”

He reached over to stroke her arm.

“Are you able to breathe now?”

“It is becoming better. This does not bode well.” She might be alluding to her health as well as the dream. “I am not certain the city I see being destroyed is Lakam Ha . . . but I fear it must be. This is in keeping with my katun vision prophecy.”

“That is so, but we have no evidence of actions being planned in the polity.” Hun Pakal was now fully awake. “However, our sources in Usihwitz report difficulty getting information, and we have no direct agents in Kan. With Hix Chapat now acceded as ruler of Popo’ this alliance is strong. The other cities have been calm.”

He sat up and put his arms around his wife. Gratefully, she rested her head on his shoulders and sighed deeply, bringing more air into her lungs as her heartbeat slowed. They sat silently, listening to heavy rain pelting the roof and plaza in the darkness. Several rainy seasons had elapsed since the marriage of their son Aj Ne Ohl Mat and Hohmay, sister of Hix Chapat. As yet, the young couple had no children. The building program of Yohl Ik’nal was nearly completed, including most of her burial temple. She felt mixed emotions about it, for completing this goal seemed to foretell an ending.

“All these dreams, the prophecy . . . so must it be, something evil is coming to Lakam Ha. I will seek a vision to learn more, to get details. We need to be prepared,” said Yohl Ik’nal.

Hun Pakal held her more tightly.

“Seeking a vision will tax your strength, it may harm your health. Did not your healer priestess admonish you to rest, to guard your heart?”

“My heart is devoted to the well-being of our city. It is my sacred duty to seek more information that may safeguard Lakam Ha. Surely my heart would be broken beyond repair if destruction comes to us.”

He nodded in silent understanding of the K’uhul Ahau’s responsibility, regardless of personal cost.

“When will you do it?”

“At the next Full Moon ritual done by the priestesses of Ix Chel. The Great Mother Goddess knows all, sees all the actions of her Middleworld children. When the moon is full, her sight is most clear and she sees into the hearts and minds of her people. Ix Chel can tell me what intentions are held against Lakam Ha.”

The following morning Yohl Ik’nal set her plans in motion, arranging with the Ix Chel priestesses to include her vision quest in their Full Moon ceremonies. She deliberately included her daughter Sak K’uk, for she knew that the girl was instrumental in Lakam Ha’s destiny. Sak K’uk needed experience developing her own visioning abilities. Her impatience and headstrong ways were impeding the subtle attributes of a seer.

Full Moon ceremonies during the rainy season were always a challenge, for clouds often occluded the moon. As Yohl Ik’nal and Sak K’uk prepared with a day of fasting and purification, dark clouds swirled overhead and rain pelted the palace intermittently. At dusk, they donned white huipils and cloaks, loosened their hair and proceeded barefoot to the small triangular temple of Ix Chel in the Nauyaka Group. The rain had ceased, but clouds still covered the darkening sky. In the plaza by the temple, the Ix Chel priestesses gathered, chanting and burning copal incense as they danced gracefully in a circle. The royals joined the circle, clad as simply as the priestesses, swirling to rhythmic drums with arms uplifted. Many voices trebled the moon chant:

The very beautiful moon has risen over the forest.

It will light up the center of the sky, where it will be suspended.

It will illuminate the earth and all the forest and mountains.

Only sweetness comes as the air is fragrant.

There is happiness in all good people.

Lady Rainbow, Mother of Waters, of fluids, of childbirth,

Lady Weaver of our lives’ destinies, of fields and growing things,

She who sits upon the Moon with her Rabbit and sees all things,

Goddess who wears the Serpent Rainbow on her head,

Healer and herbalist, midwife and ender of life,

Wife of K’in Ahau-Lord Sun and lover of the stars,

We have brought the flower blossoms, the copal, the cane vines

And we dance in your sacred light.

With hair untied, wearing only your whiteness,

We scatter the flowers and the old times end. They end.