Chantico in the Land of the Aztecs

By Dee (Pepper) Lois

The Turner Family continue their adventures around the world. The family travels to Mexico and celebrates Cinco de Mayo with close friends and the people of Mexico. Cinco de Mayo means 'The Fifth of May' and is in recognition of the Mexican Constitution. The people celebrate with festivals, carnivals, fireworks, food, dance, music and costume. People from all over the world attend these festivities yearly. The three Turner teens and their friends visit the Aztec ruins and get trapped in the Land of the Aztecs. There is danger everywhere as the teens are in the middle of an impending war between two kingdoms in which two kings are determined to kill each other and take each others people as sacrifices for the altar. The love between a princess and a prince is the only thing that stands in the way of thousands of people being killed and both kingdoms being torn apart. It is their love that can stop blood from being spilled on the altar. Can the 'Teen Archaeologists' help the young lovers unite the kingdoms before the two kings destroy them all? And even if they do, will the gods in the heavens come down to earth and destroy them all?

Sample from the book-

Back at the palace, the Sorceress Inancu walked onto the balcony to watch the battle of the Aztec warriors. Princess Anacoana rushed over to her. Inancu, Anacoana cried out. The God of War Monchipotl is going to destroy them all. Chantico is out there on the battle ground. He will die unless you help him. Help him. Please!"
"Do not fret, princess," Inancu said calmly. "I shall call upon the Goddess of War Tipanza to come forth and destroy Monchipotl. It is the only way he can be defeated. No human can kill a giant. He can only be destroyed by another god." Inancu looked up into the sky. She held her hands up and closed her eyes. She called forth the Goddess of War. Tipanza heard her thoughts and appeared in the sky. She looked down at the battle between the Aztec warriors and her enemy Monchipotl and smiled. The two gods of war hated each other. The Goddess of War Tipanza appeared on earth in the Land of the Azteca, ready to destroy Monchipotl. The God of War Monchipotl smiled and laughed out loud when he saw Tipanza standing before him. The ground shook as the powerful giant spoke.
"Tipanza, you have come on behalf of these humans to battle me? Do you actually think that you can defeat me? You are a goddess of war. Yes. You are a warrior. But you are still a mere female. Go back into the heavens or I shall destroy you."
"I shall return to the heavens when you are dead, Monchipotl," she replied with confidence.
"Very well then, if that's the way you want it. We shall do things the hard way. Now you shall die," he said angrily.
The Aztec warriors backed away from the two giants and ran toward the Kingdom of the Tesoshtilandt. King Moctuma invited King Mapich and his four sons and head Aztec warriors inside the palace. When Chantico and Anacoana saw each other they ran and embraced. Queen Neca and Princess Tayanna smiled.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Dec 7, 2016
• ISBN: 9781468525731

Dee (Pepper) Lois

Dee (Pepper) Lois lives in Norristown, PA. She is a geriatric Licensed Practical Nurse working in a long-term care rehab facility. Her patients range from long-term care to those requiring only temporary rehabilitation post surgery and other medical procedures. She worked for over fifteen years as a hospice nurse in Miami, Florida caring for terminally ill patients in private homes and in hospital and nursing home settings. She is married but has no children. She has six living sisters and brothers and over twenty-one nieces and nephews. Part of her family lives in Norristown, PA while the others live in Syracuse, New York.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Tayanna looked around to make sure that no one saw her as she entered the chamber. She had heard the warrior Yoatuh practicing. She stood quietly and watched as he practiced with his sword. He didn’t have a shirt on and she admired his muscles and his strength. Yoatuh didn’t need to turn around. He sensed that someone behind him was staring at him and he guessed that it was Tayanna. He knew that she had a crush on him and this wasn’t the first time she had watched him practice. He knew that she wanted him but he wasn’t interested in being with her. To him, she was nothing more than a spoiled child. She was used to getting everything that she wanted and he was determined that she wouldn’t have him.

What do you want Tayanna? Yoatuh asked without turning around.

I enjoy watching you when you practice, Tayanna said as she walked further into the chamber. I enjoy looking at your body. How did you know that it was me staring at you, Yoatuh? Do you have eyes in the back of your head? I said nothing when I entered and I didn’t make a sound.

I knew that it was you staring at me. You are the only one who would dare. I feel your presence. I know your scent. Yoatuh knew in his heart that she was trouble. He knew that if he wasn’t careful she could easily cause his death.

Tayanna walked in front of the warrior and leaned against the table so he could get a good look at her and admire her beauty.

If you remember my scent then I must have made an impact on you. I mean something to you. You do want me.

Yoatuh smiled. He was amused with the young woman and her flirtation but he still did not desire her. I know you, Tayanna. It could only be you who dares to interrupt me during my practice. Everyone else knows and respects the fact that if they interrupt my practice, I would have killed them by now with the edge of my sword. He took his sword and laid it down on the table. He picked up a cloth to wipe the sweat off his body.

Tayanna was still leaning against the table trying to look seductive. She walked over to him and took the cloth from his hands. She looked into his eyes with an expression of desire and began to wipe the sweat off his body. Will you end my life with the edge of your sword, Yoatuh? She walked behind him and rubbed her lips against his back. She walked back in front of him and tried to kiss him on the mouth. He grabbed her neck with such force, for a second it frightened her and she gasped. He pretended that he was going to kiss her by putting his lips close to hers and then he pushed her away from him. Tayanna laughed.

I’m glad I amuse you, princess.

I am amused that you pretend you don’t want me, Yoatuh. I know you want me. I can see it in your eyes. You see that I am a very beautiful Aztec woman and you want me.

No princess, I do not want you. I do not desire you and most of all; I do not trust you as far as I can throw you. It is known that you cannot be trusted.

What have I done to deserve such a reputation? I have done nothing. I am innocent.

Tayanna there is nothing innocent about you. You haven’t been innocent since you were a little girl and I am not so sure that you were innocent even then. You have earned the reputation of being untrustworthy by lying to half the men in this palace. You are a liar and a tease. You are a wicked little girl.

Is it Anacoana that you desire? Is she why I don’t have a chance with you and why you reject my advances so?

I do not desire Anacoana, either. I know that surprises you. Every other man in the Land of the Aztecs wants her. I don’t. She is too beautiful. Her beauty makes her more powerful than any man she sits next to. I won’t be in the shadow of a woman, not even your lovely sister. You appear to be jealous of her. Are you? You’re spoiled and you will destroy anyone who gets in your way. If I were Anacoana I would watch you like a hawk. She needs to watch her back. She is your sister. You are supposed to love her yet you act as though you hate her. Which is it? If you and I were together and I did something to anger you or that you disapproved of, all you would have to do is run to daddy. The king would have my head. One word from you is all it would take for the king to order my life to end. Besides, I have seen you flirt and tease half the warriors in this palace. You break hearts Tayanna. You will not break mine. But, don’t feel bad, princess. It is not just you I don’t trust. I don’t trust any woman. You women play too many games and you like to use us men as pawns.

Oh really? And what of men? Are you trying to convince me that men don’t play games with women? Yoatuh, I know that you have broken the hearts of many of the young maidens in this kingdom. They drool over you like puppies. You use them and then you throw them away like used toys. You are the one that cannot be trusted.

And yet here you are, princess. You must trust me because you continually throw yourself at me and offer me your body. You chase after me like a puppy yourself. Be that as it may, princess, you and I will never be together. To me, you are nothing more than a child.

I am not a child, Yoatuh. Do you not see me? Do you not see my body? I know you have. I have seen you stare at it. I am a woman now. Many of my father’s warriors desire me. So do half the princes in the Land of the Aztec.

If you have all of them panting after you, what do you need me for? Aren’t they enough? How many men do you need? I swear, if you do not get out now I will plunge my sword through that pretty little body of yours and end your life right now as we speak.

You will do no such thing. You would never hurt me. Tayanna walked back to the table and picked up a short dagger. She walked slowly up to Yoatuh and pointed it at his bare chest. The short dagger was dangerously close enough to slice his skin open.

Go ahead princess. Kill me. Let me see if you have the guts to kill a man.

This wouldn’t be my first time killing someone. I have killed before. Don’t be fooled. I could kill you right now Yoatuh. I should kill you for hurting me so. She pushed the blade of the short dagger into his flesh just enough to draw blood. Yoatuh took the dagger out of her hand and threw it on the floor. He grabbed her and kissed her. As they kissed she bit his lip enough to cause it to bleed. He pushed her onto the floor. She laughed as she got off the floor and said, You want me and you know it. You would kill for me and you would die for me. I desire to have you Yoatuh and I always get what I want. She walked up to Yoatuh, wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him again. He kissed her back and then removed her arms from around his neck. He pushed her away from him. She laughed and then slapped him across the face. He slapped her back. She laughed again and then put her hand up to his cheek. I will have you Yoatuh. Like I said, I always get what I want.

Not this time princess. Not this time, he said as he walked away from her. He was becoming more and more irritated with her presence in the chamber. He did not want her or her sister. I do not desire you Tayanna. Run along now princess. I am not interested. I grow tired of this conversation and of you. Yoatuh turned and looked at her harshly. Get out Tayanna!

Princess Tayanna walked slowly out of the chamber. It was obvious that she was disappointed and humiliated. Yoatuh didn’t care. Her feelings meant nothing to him. He didn’t know just how badly he had hurt her. He didn’t know that she would seek revenge and that it would cost him his life. For his refusal, he would die.

Tayanna ran through the palace in despair. Her feelings were hurt and she just wanted to get as far away from Yoatuh as possible. She ran pass the chamber of Houtuch, who was the seventeen-year-old son of Acoutus and Dahanna. Acoutus was one of King Moctuma’s favorite warriors. The king respected him and often asked for his opinion about battle strategies. Houtuch was alone in the chamber and had a crush on the princess. Tayanna wasn’t at all interested in him and would never give him the time of day. She wasn’t attracted to him even though he was somewhat handsome. To her he was too young, inexperience and awkward. He also had no power. He didn’t have the confidence that intrigued her as the king’s warriors did. He was young and still trying to figure out who he was. Houtuch was what she needed at that moment to feel better about herself since being turned down by Yoatuh. Houtuch was nothing more than a toy to her. Tayanna walked into Houtuch’s chamber and smiled seductively. The young Aztec man was in shock that Tayanna had entered his chamber. He had longed for her to do so, but until then she never had. This was the moment that he had dreamed of.

Tayanna! the young man said with excitement in his voice.

Houtuch, she replied in a seductive voice.

Princess what are you doing in my chamber?

Am I not allowed in your chamber Houtuch? This is my father’s palace and I am still princess. I shall go where I want. Don’t you want me to be in here with you? For as long as I can remember you have chased after me and now you play hard to get? You’re a very bad boy Houtuch. Don’t’ you want me?

Yes, but….

But, what? Either you want me or you don’t. Which is it? You have to make up your mind. Don’t you find me at all attractive Houtuch? Princess Tayanna walked over to him and rubbed his lips with her finger. Don’t you desire me?

Yes, but you said that you could never be interested in someone like me. Don’t you remember princess?

I’ve changed my mind Houtuch. A woman can do that you know. We’re always changing our minds. I’ve kept you panting after me long enough. Are you a man or what? We are in here alone but you do nothing. Take me in your arms and kiss me. Don’t be afraid. I won’t bite you, yet.

Houtuch put his arms around Tayanna’s waist and held her. He kissed her as she requested. She needed comforting and he comforted her. His kiss was a little bit awkward and clumsy at first but after a while he got the hang of it. Houtuch’s father walked into the chamber and caught them kissing. He wasn’t pleased. There were times when Tayanna flirted with him. He knew that she was just toying with his son’s emotions. He wanted more for his son then just being a play thing for a young woman like Tayanna. When Tayanna noticed his father standing and watching them she smiled and kissed his son more passionately and held him tighter. When Houtuch noticed his father was in the chamber he stopped kissing Tayanna and jumped back.

Father!

My son I see that you have company. Tayanna what are you doing in here?

She smiled seductively at him and said slyly, I’ve come to spend some time with your son. Some of the warriors in this palace won’t give me the time of day but Houtuch does. He’s good to me. He knows how to treat a lady.

A lady? Is that what you are Tayanna?

Be careful. I am still your princess. I could order your tongue cut out.

He bowed his head and said, I’m sorry princess. I mean you no disrespect. May I have word alone with my son?

Yes of course. I’m done with him, for now. She kissed Houtuch on the lips again with his father watching and then left the chamber. She looked back and smiled at the two men as she left.

Houtuch, you can never see her again like that.

Father I want to see her again. She is wonderful and beautiful. I want her and she wants me. You saw her kiss me. You see that she wants me.

She doesn’t want you son. Don’t be a fool! She is using you. She flirts and kisses many of the warriors in the palace and in this kingdom. She teases men and uses them for whatever she wants. She is not like her sister Anacoana.

Don’t talk about Tayanna like that. She is not using me. She really does like me. Why can’t you believe that and be happy for me? Why can’t you see how beautiful and wonderful she is?

Son listen to me. You are young and naïve. You do not understand women yet. A woman like that would use you up and spit you out. She would make a total fool out of you and humiliate you in front of everyone in the kingdom. Do not trust her. Promise me that you will never see her again. Houtuch could not make that promise. He wanted Tayanna and there was nothing his father could do the dissuade him.

King Moctuma was practicing to fight with bamboo sticks. The warrior Humantuh was his sparring partner. Fifty warriors stood off to the sides enjoying the practice session and rooting for their king. Tayanna stumbled up to them and fell heartbroken into her father’s arms.

Tayanna? Tayanna what has happened, my child? the king asked with great concern.

She cried in her father’s arms and then whimpered, It was Yoatuh. He has humiliated me father. He grabbed me, tried to kiss me and when I refused him, he slapped me across the face and pushed me away from him. He doesn’t honor me as a princess. He said that I was nothing father. He treated me as nothing more than a harlot. He talked to me like I was a servant. He said that I was beneath him. It didn’t matter to him that I am your daughter. Am I not princess? Am I not the daughter of King Mapich himself? Do I not deserve to be honored and respected? A dog gets better treatment than he has shown me. He not only spits in your face father, but that of your throne.

Yoatuh dares to touch my daughter? the king yelled. He dishonors the princess of the Kingdom of the Tesoshtilandt? For this Yoatuh shall die. Warriors! Bring Yoatuh before my throne. Do so now. Go! Several warriors went to get Yoatuh. They didn’t ask him to come. They ordered him to come. King Moctuma and Prince Atlan sat on thrones as over one hundred warriors and several priests stood off to the sides. Yoatuh heard the sound of many men rushing up to his chamber. He wondered what was happening. His chamber doors were pushed open and there stood twenty four warriors. He tried to fight the men back but there were just too many of them. He was forced onto the floor as several warriors beat him with their fists. Blood squirted from his mouth. Yoatuh was dragged into the chamber and pushed to the floor in front of the king. Tayanna sat on a throne off to the side. Yoatuh looked over at the princess with an expression of total shock. He knew at that moment that what was happening to him had something to do with her. He couldn’t believe how vindictive she was. He couldn’t believe that she would ruin a man’s reputation and possibly cause his death just to get revenge for him rejecting her advances. He wanted her to scream out that it was all a big mistake. He looked into her eyes for a glimmer of compassion or kindness. There was none. He yelled out, Tayanna! What have you done?

Yoatuh, you dared to touch my daughter against her will? King Moctuma yelled. You dishonor her in my own palace? And even now you dare speak her name? You have humiliated and treated her as though she were nothing. She is princess of the Kingdom of the Tesoshtilandt. She deserves respect from you and all the warriors. What have you to say for yourself?

I have done nothing my lord, Yoatuh pleaded.

Yoatuh, either you have defiled my sister or you are saying that she is a liar. Which is it? Prince Atlan asked.

I’m saying that the princess is mistaken. I would never do or say anything to harm her.

I am to trust you Yoatuh or my own child, King Moctuma said. Tayanna would never lie to her father. I believe her when she says that you attempted to defile her. For what you have done you shall die. Warriors take him out of my presence. Anacoana looked over at her sister. She saw a smirk on Tayanna’s face. Anacoana knew at that moment that her sister was a liar. She was saddened that a man was going to lose his life because of the venom spit out of her sister’s mouth. She looked over at the frightened man as he begged the king for his life. Her heart ached for him. She began to cry. She knew that soon an innocent man would die and nothing could stop it. Yoatuh was strong and proud. He was a true Aztec warrior. She knew that Yoatuh didn’t want to die. At that moment Anacoana hated her sister. She couldn’t believe who her sister had become. Tayanna turned and glared back at her sister.

Yoatuh yelled for the king to hear him as he was being dragged out of the palace to be beheaded. He was taken out of the palace to the area where many had been decapitated with a guillotine type device with a sharp blade. Over three hundred people stood by to watch his execution. Princess Tayanna stood on the side balcony and watched as Yoatuh was killed. Anacoana wanted no part of it. Watching a man die needlessly was something she could not bear. She decided to go for a ride on her horse. Before he died he looked up at Tayanna in hopes of seeing some compassion or regret for what she had done to him. He wanted her to scream for them to stop and declare that she had made a mistake so that his life would be spared. There was nothing. She did not care that an innocent man was about to die because of her lies. She just wanted revenge for him humiliating her. Yoatuh was forced onto his knees and his head placed underneath the device after the blade was lifted up. The blade was released and his head was severed. After he died, she felt a sense of satisfaction that she had caused the death of the man that rejected and humiliated her. She smiled wickedly to herself.

Hear me gods of war and prosperity. Accept this young virgin as an offering. Bless our warriors, kingdom and our kings. Let this child’s blood bring blessing to the entire Land of the Aztecs. Look down upon us from the sky and bless us. Let our harvests increase so our men can put food in the mouths of their wives and children, the priest prayed as the princess prepared to sacrifice the frightened child. The priest ordered several warriors to search the kingdom for a young child for the princess to kill. Her father, the king, had no idea what was happening. He would never order the sacrifice of the innocent in this way. They found a beautiful Aztec little girl in one of the neighboring kingdoms who they considered as a perfect candidate for the princess to practice on. She had eyes as green as emeralds and long black hair that went almost down her entire back. She was beautiful. The child cried as she was ripped from her parent’s arms and forced toward the temple to be sacrificed. The little girl screamed for her father to help her as the warriors carried her away. Warriors forced her parents down on the ground and beat them as they tried to rescue their daughter. Her father was heartbroken that he didn’t have the power to help his baby girl. He felt less than a man but he wouldn’t give up. He fought the warriors right up until a sword was plunged through his heart killing him instantly. His wife passed out from not only the beating but from shock at what was happening to her family. Her thirteen year old brother stared in terror as his family was being torn apart. He was frozen in his position. He was too scared to move. He could hardly breathe. There was nothing he could do to help his little sister or his parents as they were being beaten. He felt helpless. Tears rolled down his cheeks. His heart was broken. A warrior rushed over to him and knocked him unconscious with one blow from his fist. The frightened little girl was carried into the temple and tied down to the altar. Tayanna stood over the terrified child and held the knife over her head. She looked down into the eyes of the eleven year old girl and smiled. Tears rolled down the cheeks of the child. She had never been so scared in her short life. In her innocence she believed that she would never see her family again. She couldn’t understand that she was going to die. She didn’t understand the concept of death and dying. Tayanna plunged the knife into the child’s chest killing her instantly. She ripped open the child’s chest with the knife and then ripped out her heart with her bare hand. She held up the heart as a gift offering to the gods in the sky. Blood dripped down her arm as she held the heart up. The priests in the chamber smiled. They were pleased that the gods would be appeased and bless not only the kingdom but their warriors in times of battle. The child’s remains were given to her mother. The child and her father’s remains were buried together underneath their hut. This was the Aztec way.

Tayanna knew that Chahannah was staring at them as they made out. She purposely seduced Chahannah’s boyfriend right at the moment Chahannah entered his chamber. Tayanna timed the seduction perfectly. She had a crush on him and decided she wanted him for herself. The fact that he had a girlfriend meant nothing to her. Tayanna allowed him to pull her close to him as she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. As he caressed her she stared into the eyes of Chahannah who was standing in the doorway in total shock at what she was seeing. Tayanna smiled wickedly at her and then continued to kiss him. Chahannah could do nothing. She clinched her fists as tears rolled down her cheeks. Tayanna was princess and could have her killed. She stormed away with a broken heart and spirit. This was who Tayanna had become. She was nothing like her sister Anacoana and she knew it. Her sister Anacoana was destined to become a legend in the Land of the Aztecs. Her name would be remembered generation after generation. Tayanna hated her sister for that. The jealousy she had for her sister filled her heart with bitterness. She did not care who she hurt as long as she got what she wanted.

Several maidens helped Tayanna prepare for bed. Sierrah brushed the princess’ hair. Brianah and Charlah pulled down the covers on her bed. Trishah hung up the princess’ gowns that had been laying on the bed and benches. Trianna closed the draperies. Adriannal was cleaning off the balcony.

You have such beautiful hair, princess, Sierrah said. I wished my hair was as thick and long as yours.

Yes princess your hair is lovely, but your sister Anacoana’s hair is even more beautiful. Your sister is admired by every man, woman and child in the Land of the Aztecs. You are very pretty but Anacoana is amazing, Adriannal said from the balcony. She is practically a legend around here. The other maidens looked at one another uneasily. Tayanna got up from the vanity she was sitting in front of, walked out to Adriannal and pushed her over the balcony to her death. She looked over the balcony at the dead girl’s body as it lay on the ground bleeding. She walked back inside and climbed into bed as though nothing had happened. The maidens bowed their head to the princess and hurried out of the chamber. Trishah blew out the lit torches in the chamber and then hurried out. Several warriors saw the dead body laying underneath the princess’ balcony, figured out what had happened and quickly removed the body. This was not the first time that the princess had caused the death of a maiden and they knew it wouldn’t be the last. Maidens cleaned up the dead girl’s blood from underneath the princess’ balcony. They didn’t want the princess to see blood or a dead body once she woke up the next morning. They were saddened for Adriannal but they were relieved that she hadn’t killed any of them.

Chicahua knew that the priest was going to use the knife to end her life. He was about to cut her heart out and hold it up as a blood offering to the gods. She was going to die. Different cultures throughout history have always had their rituals. Human sacrifice was important in our world. It allowed us to be blessed and protected by the gods. She closed her eyes and prayed to the gods in heaven to help her. Her prayers were not answered. The young prisoner struggled to get free from the grasps of the Aztec warriors who dragged her battered and bruised body into the chamber. She fought them with all the strength she had, but she was no match against the men who held her captive. For a few seconds she was able to break free, grab the dagger of one of the guards and slice a gash on the side of his face. He slapped her across the face so hard she dropped the dagger and fell against the stoned wall. She was quickly subdued by two warriors. She screamed for them to let her go but they just ignored her pleas. She could not break free. They were too strong for her. She had no power to stop them. The men forced her onto the altar and tied her down. She spit in the face of one of the warriors. They bound her hands so tightly that when she struggled to get free the skin on her wrists peeled open causing them to bleed. The open wounds on her wrists burned and caused her excruciating pain but she was an Aztec warrior. She still had fight in her spirit and was determined to break free. When they were done, the warriors walked off to the sides. Her blood would be spilled on the altar that day. She was going to die and neither her parents nor her sister could save her.

Her name was Chicahua and her father was King Nocehuati from the Kingdom of the Totepectalco. She was nineteen-years-old and a prisoner of the Azpotwalsandt king. She was special in that she loved everyone. She had a kind spirit and generally cared for everyone in her father’s kingdom. She would give the shirt off her back to help someone in distress. She did things to prove to the people in her kingdom that they really mattered. Early one evening she was walking through an alley to reach a sick widow of five children. She saw a homeless mother of two small children sitting in the alley. They hadn’t eaten for days and were starving. The mother was desperate. Her children were hungry and needed something to eat or they would die. Chicahua ordered one of the warriors with her to help the woman and her children find shelter. The woman cried as she kissed the princess’ hand. The family was escorted to a kind widow who welcomed them into her home. The widow’s husband had died a few years earlier and she was lonely. She welcomed the company. She had no children of her own. They were fed and allowed to bathe. The children were put to bed and fell asleep immediately. The woman was so relieved that her children were safe that she too passed out into a deep sleep. Her mind, body and soul needed the rest.

Chicahua finally reached the cottage of the sick woman that she had originally set out to see. She ordered one of the royal physicians to come and tend to the woman. The woman had a terrible cough and had a high fever. If she wasn’t treated soon she would die. Warriors escorted the royal physician to the cottage. He ordered the warriors to lift the woman and place her in a large barrel of cold water to cool her skin. He gave her a concoction of plant medicine to break her fever. His plan worked. The next day the woman was smiling and was able to hold her children in her arms. She wasn’t smiling because of her improved health. She didn’t care if she lived or died. She was smiling because she saw the princess feeding the children food that she had ordered delivered to the home. The princess demanded that warriors bring enough food to feed the family for months until the woman could get on her feet again. The woman knew that her children were going to live. They weren’t going to stare to death and that meant everything to her. She was not only a woman; she was a mother who loved her children more than life itself. Princess Chicahua smiled as the physician left. She stayed with the woman, fed her soup and played with the children. These were the things the princess did to make her people love her.

Chicahua was beautiful, not only in spirit, but physically as well. She had long black hair that hung down her back. She had olive colored skin that was soft like honey and she was very tall and statuesque. She had her mother’s exotic eyes that were green like emeralds. She had a younger sister who was seventeen-years-old, also very beautiful and loved by their people as well. Her sister was a bit of a tom-boy and loved to challenge the young warriors in the kingdom. She was always challenging them to a race or sword fighting with them. She loved to climb trees, hunt and even fish like the fishermen. She was a girl after my own heart. Too bad we couldn’t meet under better circumstances. She and I could have become close friends even though she was a girl. The two young women got their looks from their mother, the queen. I had never met any of them because they were enemies of