Free The Visionary Mayan Queen: Yohl Ik'Nal of Palenque by Leonide Martin Page B

burial with honor by his people. This I have heard from reliable sources. And, the rulership continued in the Jaguar Paw lineage as expected. But he was not an old man, so we can doubt a natural death. It is possible that dissident ahauob of Mutul were involved. This still remains unknown.”
    “Such a ferocious attack on Mutul violated the divine laws of the may cycle. People were killed and the city’s sacred shrines desecrated. This is against what is righteous and ordained in the cosmic order.”
    “And Mutul must still suffer now, her city and people in disarray. Probably this is what shut down communications. Indeed we are in troubled times, for the snake-eyes of Kan are directed toward B’aakal.”
    Yohl Ik’nal listened attentively to this re-counting of events of which she had no knowledge. Much had occurred in the Maya world outside her concerns. It was clear that the innocence of childhood and the sheltered status of women had ceased to be her refuges. Even as she had envisioned, the time of conflict and deterioration of Maya civilization was upon them, and now it became her concern.
    The brothers’ conversation paused, and Kan Bahlam looked at his daughter.
    “You must learn of these things.” The gruffness of his voice concealed emotion. “And of more. All is not well in Lakam Ha.”
    Turning toward the ruler, he asked:
    “May I speak frankly?”
    Ahkal Mo’ Nab nodded, his eyes measuring Yohl Ik’nal.
    “There is talk that our lineage lacks the proper line of descent, that our ruler has no sons and is unlikely to produce any. Some whisper that a fresh branch is needed, sprouts from another family of the sacred blood. Some young men are gathering, grouping around the leader of this talk.”
    “Who is that man speaking such?” shot Ahkal Mo’ Nab.
    “Ek Chuuah.”
    “That puppy! His sacred blood is thin. Men listen to this foolishness?”
    “So it seems.”
    “We will bring this to a halt. Soon we will do the deer hoof binding ceremony to name you as my heir,” the ruler said decisively.
    Kan Bahlam lowered his head slightly in acquiescence. It was inevitable, and he was prepared for it – and for the consequences affecting his daughter.
    “Our people need some distraction, some activities to bring their idle minds back to order,” the ruler continued. “Usihwitz and Yokib need a few lessons about respecting their May Ku city and keeping away from the temptations of Kan. We will schedule a flower war with them in the next season of flowering. And we will send some observant merchants to Kan for trading, to learn more of Uitah Chan’s plans.”
    The brothers discussed details of these events, selecting ahauob to take charge and organize different aspects. As their discussion finished, the ruler looked toward Yohl Ik’nal and asked:
    “What make you of these happenings, Yohl Ik’nal?”
    “Much have I learned today,” she replied. “And much I do not know about the workings of power among men and cities. What I see you plan today, in your wisdom and experience, appears good, that difficulties will continue I do not doubt, but the Triad Gods will guide you.”
    “And of the succession? You know what is to follow.”
    She hesitated, recalling her vision. It was the ruler’s right to know.
    “Much am I troubled by these recent events. I made vision quest by means of the Jeweled Tree to the Upperworld to seek understanding. It was shown to me that our lineage will continue intact, but not without difficulties.” She spoke in a clear, strong voice that commanded the men’s attention.
    “One will come, a ruler who will bring Lakam Ha to great creative heights and leave a legacy the world will admire for untold times. We will face adversity but the B’aakal lineage will continue. Details were not revealed, but the vision showed that I will indeed be the bearer of royal blood to continue the Bahlam dynasty.”
    “An auspicious communication from the Upperworld,” said Ahkal Mo’ Nab.