Sisimito IV: The Realms of Oxlahuntikú and Bolontikú

By Dr. Henry W. Anderson

The Sisimito Series brings the adventures of Stephen (Eutimio) Chiac, a Belizean soldier, and Molly Cervantez, a teacher, to the forefront of Belizean Literature and that of the entire Americas. It takes you into the mysterious and pristine jungle of the Cockscomb Basin, Belize, and into the dangerous world of the dreaded Sisimito (Mahanamatz) and the Jungle Folk characters, the Kechelaj Komon. Journey with them through the magnificent Maya city of Ox Witz Ha (Caracol), the world of Maya Cosmology–Yaxché and the Place of Fear, Xibalba, the Underworld. The Sisimito Series is the most outstanding series written about the Maya, its civilization and mythology, has many beautiful and meaningful illustrations, and extensive Notes. It brings the reader to the Maya Pantheon of Gods and Goddesses, the Kings and Queens, the cities, the people, the languages, the warfare. It is well researched and the timeline is based on Maya historical facts. Once one has read the Sisimito Series, they will have shared in the most wonderful of worlds and the greatest of adventures. Behold the beauty. Live the terror. Suffer the fear. Embrace the adventure.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Apr 23, 2021
• ISBN: 9789769619616

Book preview

Chapter One

An Unexpected Visitor from U Wach Ulew

¹

Good Friday, April 16, 1976

Three years later.

I sat on the veranda of our home in Belize City, looking out to sea. It was a cloudy day, heavy clouds rushing overhead from the northwest along with high winds. We were having a naat.²Molly and I were supposed to be going to St. George's Caye for Easter, but we had to postpone the trip due to the weather. I had the few days off for Easter and did look forward to the cayes and fishing even though I would have preferred getting lost in the jungle somewhere. I didn't get much chance to go on the jungle training missions any more. I had been promoted to Captain and was forced to do more desk work that I wanted. At least, the pay was better. I had gotten two promotions, the first to Lieutenant just after I got married to Molly and the other just two months ago. I was trained and experienced enough to hold the posts, but I could not help thinking that it was because I had rescued and then married Molly Cervantez that I got the higher ranks. The life of a soldier was difficult, most times, but I supposed that it was just hard for me to settle into the routine of the office type of army life. There were a couple times that I was given extra duties by the General for . . . incidents. Anyway, I had made up my mind I would survive.

I took a sip of my Caribbean white rum and Wynola.³ I always enjoyed looking at the sea, especially when it was agitated, and sip my rum. Of course, I was naked even though the wind was cold causing me to shiver on and off. I just couldn't get used to clothes. After my youth in the jungle of Punta Gorda, and then my life on U Wach Ulew and in the city of Ox Witz Ha, clothes were just fokin cumbersome. Molly had tolerated it and I took every opportunity to remind her of her statement, I must remember I'm married to a man who is really as innocent as the jungle he loves. She insisted, however, that I always keep my shorts nearby in case someone visited. I looked at the house across from me and had to smile. An old spinster lived there, a nice woman. Molly had told me, quite sternly, that if Ms. Hunter saw me naked, the lady would be flabbergasted and most upset. I had jokingly responded that I didn't think so. I had said that Ms. Hunter would've probably run speedily to James Brodie and Company Ltd. and buy a pair of binoculars. Molly wasn't too happy with that response, but, eventually, she forgave me, as she always did.

Molly and I had been married less than three years and, unfortunately, although we enjoyed each other, fuc . . . made love often, something was beginning to grow in me. I felt a distant longing, and it was getting stronger and stronger with every day that passed. I fought it, continuously, convincing myself that I was winning, always trying to throw it out of my mind. Sometimes, however, I felt that it was a battle I was losing.

Molly continued teaching and spent a lot of her free time with the nuns, helping in social programs, going to retreats and so forth. Sometimes, I went to church with her, but it was mainly for special feast days, Christmas and so forth. I never went on Saint Stephens feast day. That was also Boxing Day and there were always other more enjoyable things to do, like drinking Caribbean and Wynola. I no longer used the name Stephen, anyway, having resorted back to Eutimio, the name Taat had given me. It was not that I didn’t want to have anything to do with religion, churches and priests, and so forth, or that I didn’t always keep in mind the role that the Green Scapular played in my life, it was just that, when I did do it, I preferred to pray alone; and I did. I prayed the prayer Molly taught me at Ox Witz Ha and I prayed it often. That was the only prayer I wanted to remember.

Molly had not gotten pregnant and I was unable to shut out Lady Batz' Ek"s words. Whenever Molly and I made love, that woman's words came back to me: There is something, Ke’kchi, that you must know. When the enchantments have been removed and you take Xch'úup Xma' K’aaba’⁴ to your mat, do not expect that she will bear you a paal,⁵ or a mial.⁶ She will bear you no children. Perhaps, Tóolok⁷ was just shooting blank shots, but I certainly was not going to check the doctor. But, at times, I thought I should. Perhaps, I was afraid to find out, should it be me. Macho! Macho! Macho!⁸ Molly had not said anything even though it was nearly three years. Somehow, I thought she knew she wouldn't have children and accepted it. Perhaps, Lady Batz' Ek' had told her also. But I wanted a son. I wanted to take him to hunt, to fish, as I had done with Bas. Maybe Molly and I just hadn't hit it right, as yet. I would just have to keep working Tóolok, perhaps two or three times a day. I laughed loudly at myself. Two or three times a day. Ha-ha!

What are you laughing about? shouted Molly from inside.

"Mix-ba'al,"⁹ I answered. Just remembered a joke.

Lunch will soon be ready.

Okay.

I took another sip of my rum. Molly had frowned that I would even drink on Good Friday. She had said that, at least, I should wait until after three o’clock, the time that Jesus had died. I told her she reminded me of Saint Bas, how he had stopped us to pray at three o’clock on Good Friday during Expedition Bold. That didn’t save him from Mahanamatz–Sisimito. She wasn't too pleased at that remark, either, so I had just poured my rum, took off my clothes, and sat on my veranda, putting my feet up on the rail, wishing that my life was just the simple and uncomplicated life I had planned. I had come to accept that was not going to happen, that it was impossible.

I heard Molly behind me and turned. Her face was pale and drawn. Her eyes were large with concern, perhaps even fear.

What is it? What happened? I immediately thought that something bad happened to Ma or Pa Cervantez, or to Nah'.¹⁰

"You have, you have a visitor," she said and put her hands to her face.

Who the fok is it, Molly? You look upset, frightened.

She took her hands from her face and stared at me.

Teul. It is Teul.

I jumped up, not able to believe what Molly had said.

Put on you shorts before someone sees you, she commanded, as she turned and left the veranda, her arms visibly shaking.

Still walking around naked, Chiac? Teul grinned. Still wearing the Green Scapular too, I see.

I ran toward him, hugged him tightly then moved him away. "What, what are you doing here? Have you decided to come home?"

He did not answer immediately, but looked away toward the sea. I’ve almost forgotten how beautiful the sea can be, especially when it’s rough . . . green.

I stared at him. How did you get here?

"Oh, it was easy. I just jumped into the Ch'ajch'oj Chiyul ¹¹then walked to Cabbage Haul Gap as you had instructed. He grinned. The Forest Officer, who didn’t seem very surprised by the way I was dressed, loan me some clothes, money, and requested a transport for me. The transport took me out and about then I made it from there. I asked several people for you and Molly and was eventually directed here. By the way, I told the Forest Officer that you would pay him for the clothes and the money he loaned me, and for all other expenses."

Me!

Yes! You! I don’t have any money. He remembered you.

I smiled, staring at my friend, not really knowing what to say. Your hair is short. I would think it would be long.

"All Q'eq¹² Warriors wear their hair short, just as we do in the military here. There was some resistance, at first, but it is now accepted. It identifies us, make people walk around us. He grinned. Even young boys want to cut their hair short and paint their faces black when they play Warriors. Most parents don’t allow it, however. He frowned. I see you’re wearing bangles, the man who didn’t like to wear any type of jewelry, not even a watch."

I glanced at my wrists. ‘They’re for a fundraiser. One of Molly’s programs. I have . . ."

Teul raised his hands. Don’t explain, Chiac. You’re domesticated. I understand. He grinned.

I laughed. What are you doing here, Teul? Tell me.

He stared at my tumbler, as if hesitating to answer. What’s that you’re drinking? If it’s rum, I want some. It’s been a long time since I had rum.

"You’re not answering me, Teul. This can’t be good. The last time we spoke you almost destroyed my world. You told me I was a bakra,¹³ that I was the son of a white man, a man I didn’t particularly like."

What about the rum?

There’s a bottle by the chair. He moved toward the chair and picked up the bottle gazing at it longingly. He took a large slug.

Madafok! This tastes so good. I really miss it sometimes . . . all the time, as a matter of fact. He grinned, looking at me. Don’t worry, Chiac. I miss you a lot too, we all do. He burst out laughing. At times, I wonder if I’m not missing you too much. He laughed out again and shrugged his shoulders. He glanced at me and looked around at the neighbourhood houses. Maybe you should do as Molly said and put on your shorts. He pulled a chair and place it next to mine. He sat, sighing loudly, holding on to the bottle."

I pulled on my shorts, sat, then picked my almost empty tumbler and held it toward him. He filled it up. No space for Wynola? I asked.

You’ll need it straight.

For what you’re going to tell me, I suppose. He took another large slug of the rum from the bottle. "Well, go ahead, Teul . . . and I suppose it’ll be worse than the last time. Is it Taat?"¹⁴ I asked, feeling fearful. He turned and looked at me, wearing the familiar grin; yet, beyond the grin I saw a sense of maturity I had not seen before. Well, it had been three years. Go on. I’m ready.

He looked around. You’ll have to decide if you want to tell Molly this.

I frowned, more puzzled than ever. She’s probably in the kitchen. Go on, Teul.

He looked around again. I do not see or hear any children.

We don’t have any.

He took another slug and swallowed. You remember Coszcatl, Zyanya’s daughter?

Of course, I do.

Well, she had a son.

A son!?

Yes, Chiac. Your son.

The tumbler broke in my hand and fell to the floor. I looked down at my hand and saw blood dripping; yet, I felt no pain.

Madafok! I’ll get something to stop the bleeding, blurted out Teul as he rose and disappeared into the house. He and Molly soon returned with a small towel and Molly began cleaning my hand, looking for any slivers of glass that may have lodged in the flesh, Teul picking up the remains of the tumbler off the floor.

The cuts are superficial, said Molly. They’ll soon stop bleeding. Just keep the towel wrapped around the hand. I’ll get something for the hand and a dust-pan for the glass. What happened?

I don’t know. The tumbler must have had a crack.

I would have seen it when I was washing it or putting it up.

It just happened, Molly. It just happened.

Molly soon returned and poured alcohol over the hand, which burned like hell, applied some ointment and bandaged it, while Teul got rid of the shattered tumbler. When he returned, he handed me a new tumbler.

Molly stared at us then left, saying, I’ve made something for you to eat. Won’t be much; just jelly sandwiches as today is a day of abstinence and fasting.

Teul half-filled my tumbler for me. I left some space for Wynola this time.

I nodded and added the Wynola. I took a large swallow. Is that all you have to tell me?

Teul sighed loudly and was about to speak when Molly returned with two plates, handing one to each of us. Since we’re not going to the cayes, I’ll attend the three o’clock service. I’m sure you two have a lot of catching up to do and please keep down the drinking. I’ll see you two later.

Good to see you again, Molly, replied Teul.

She smiled. Perhaps, when I return, I will know if it’s good to see you again. She turned and left.

Teul. Is that all?

No, Chiac.

Then for fok sake, please get on with it.

Coszcatl had your son about nine months after that night at the baths when you did your thing with her.

Yes! With you and others watching.

Teul grinned. I don’t know how you did it. You were so drunk; but you . . ."

Okay, Teul. drop that part. Why are you here?

Well . . .

Go on!

"Well, since you were no longer in Ox Witz Ha, Taat took over your boy. He never allowed your son to call him ‘Taat’, however. It was always, Mam.¹⁵ Taat took him everywhere he went, teaching him everything he knew. About a month ago, they went into the jungle looking for bush-medicines. They never came back."

I stared at Teul who remained looking out to sea, intently. I felt my chest compressing and I wanted to cry out, but I forcibly suppressed whatever was growing within me and took some deep breaths. You come to tell me I have a son; then you tell me he is lost. I stood up and leaned over the verandah railing, trying to hold back the growing nausea and the vomit that was rising within me.

I am sorry, Chiac.

Perhaps, it would have better you did not come. If they are dead, it would have been better that I had not known. Every day I live with the memories of the enemies I have killed, of the friends that have been killed because of me. I think of Kish, the many Warrior slaves, the Warriors at Chay Abaj, and those lost in the flood. I think of the dead at Naj Tunich, the pain and suffering during the attack of Hach-k'ek'en Ajchaq'e, the battle at the river when Taylor died, when Nenetl also died trying to save Manauia; and the two boys and three girls as well. I relived the death of hundreds of Warriors and civilians at Topoxte and Yaxha and I shuddered at the slaughter of hundreds of enchanted animals who died through no fault of their own; and then there are those who died at my wedding. I look at my hands every day, staring to see if blood still bathes them, the blood of the many I have killed in battle . . . and those that died because of me.

"It is not good to think that way, Chiac. You are a Warrior, the famous T'oit'ik-jolom¹⁶ of Ox Witz Ha. A Warrior battles and friends and enemies die; also, Chiac, it was Sisimito who started all this madafok by kidnapping Molly and murdering your men on the mountain, not you."

I know that, Teul, but the memories haunt me and that does not make for a good life. I reached over and took the bottle from Teul. I took a big slug. And there is more, isn’t that so, Teul?

Yes, Chiac. There is more.

Go on.

Teul hesitated then continued. "For about a year now, we have been hearing stories of the Kechelaj Komon,¹⁷ that they have returned. There have even been reported sightings of Mahanamatz."

I jumped up. "That’s fokin impossible. Sisimito . . . Mahanamatz was killed in Ha’ Yaxha.¹⁸ He was repeatedly hit by the u-hatz'il-cháaks.¹⁹ I was there. You were there. He could not have survived that."

"We did not see him die. He disappeared into the Ya'ax-chich Mayul.²⁰ We don’t know what happened in there."

That foka is dead. He has to be dead.

Evidence has been building that he is alive. Small villages are being wiped out and the way it’s done does not point to enemy Warriors. No one is left alive to tell what happened.

I felt the pain and compression building within me, again. I walked to the railing and, once again, leaned over. I stared at the sea, rough under the pressures of the naat, an agitated world just like mine.

No signs of them?

"No signs. K’an II has sent out his best Nim-q'ij²¹ Scouts, Warriors like Papan. Yochi and Zyanya have taken many Warriors and searched. Nothing! Mix-ba'al!²² He shook his head. We think Sisimito has them."

I stared at Teul as he looked up at me.

If Sisimito is alive, he continued, he will not rest until he kills you. Capturing your son and Taat is one way, possibly the only way, of luring you back to U Wach Ulew. He knows he has lost Molly and you are responsible. He wants you dead.

I can’t believe this is happening.

K’an II says you are still his Warrior, his T'oit'ik-jolom. He is ordering you back to Ox Witz Ha.

I gaped at Teul. He can’t order me a fok! I am no longer his T'oit'ik-jolom. Teul sighed. There is more, I suppose.

Yes, Chiac. There is more. There are widespread conflicts, drought, and early signs of famine. The very social structure of many kingdoms is collapsing.

Collapsing? How can that be? I’ve only been away three years.

Yes, three years and so much has happened. Teul shook his head. So many things have happened.

What is it you’re not telling me Teul?

Teul put a hand across his eyes and suddenly sobbed.

Teul? Are you crying?

He looked up at me, tears lining his cheeks, then wiped his face and grinned. Yes. I’m just emotional, that’s all. When I came in you asked me if I had decided to come back home. U Wach Ulew is now my home and there’s a lot of madafok going on. The worst part of it is that we caused it, Chiac. We caused it just by being there.

We? I don’t understand.

He chuckled, sadly. "The citizens of U Wach Ulew, our people, had their culture, their structure, their religion. It worked. It may not have been the best, horrible in some aspects, but it worked. We introduced them to the story of Ix Na Li Kawa²³ and the Raax Ch'ayom Puag²⁴ and it is destroying them. Workers are no longer going to the fields; slaves are running away, killing their masters at times. The lower classes are no longer worshiping their Gods. In most cities, the priests and the Elite still control the armies, but who knows how long that will last. Because of the growing shortage of food, war between states will eventually break out. The priests don’t make things easier. They are blaming the new beliefs."

And Ox Witz Ha?

Ox Witz Ha still stands and it is only because of the policies that K’an II had already put in place. He looked after all his citizens. Teul shrugged his shoulders. But who knows? It’s only a matter of time before Ox Witz Ha is attacked. The declining kingdoms will not allow a rich state to continue in their midst while they are in chaos and starving.

"After Molly and I left, didn’t K’an II put a hold on the teachings of Ix Na Li Kawa and the wearing of the Raax Ch'ayom Puag?"

Teul chuckled, again. He tried.

"But he is the ruler, the Ajawinel."²⁵

"He had growing opposition from the tijonels²⁶ and the tijoxels,²⁷ including Choj and Bo."

Opposition?

"Yes! Not outright defiance, but strong urging not to get rid of the story of Ix Na Li Kawa and the wearing of the Raax Ch'ayom Puag. I still wear mine. He reached in his shirt and pulled out his Green Medallion, looked at it, then placed it back. K’an II tried to compromise, knowing that he had to appease the priests and also because of the strong urging of his uncle, Che-kaj K’inich. Teul shook his head. It was beyond anything K’an II could do, however. The story of Ix Na Li Kawa and the power of the Raax Ch'ayom Puag had already taken hold, not only in Ox Witz Ha, but it was spreading throughout U Wach Ulew resulting in social upheaval and war."

Are you saying, Teul, that Molly and I are responsible for what is taking place on U Wach Ulew?

Teul sighed. "I must say yes, Chiac, but it was not just you and Molly, it was all of us. As I said earlier, just being there probable initiated what is happening. At the same time, I must add that, perhaps, the structure of the kingdoms, social, religious, and otherwise, was ready for change, not as drastic a change that has occurred, but a change that may have taken many years, one that would have allowed the citizens to adjust."

I stared at Teul. This was not the young man I had known, not the young man I had called a piece of shit.

What?

Mix-ba'al, I answered, looking away, very troubled.

Well, there’s nothing we can do about that other than to keep Ox Witz Ha strong and safe. It is a good thing that K’an II has always had the support of his citizens, always kept the priests from complete control of the state. For the rest of the kingdoms, we can only hope that our allies can do the same. Their laws have become more and more in line with that of Ox Witz Ha so, hopefully, they will be able to. He furrowed his forehead. Now there is Sisimito, once again. He waited until he was ready, until the circumstances were to his benefit; he is now taking advantage of the disarray that exists on U Wach Ulew. He shook his head. Anyway, enough about those things for now. What are you going to do, Chiac? There is no time . . . and I have to get back.

I stared at Teul, once again.

What?" he questioned, again.

Have you really thought about the difficulties in going back? How will you get back?

I will get back.

I bowed my head, rubbing my face.

And if you can’t?

I will get back, he replied, his voice raised. U Wach Ulew is my home. I have nothing here . . . except my nah’. He passed his hand across his forehead and hair, appearing deeply distressed. "I came because K’an II requested me to. He did not order me. I came back because I thought you should know about your son and Taat. I came because I thought you should know what is happening on U Wach Ulew . . . what you and Molly, all of us, have done. I am a Q'eq Warrior of the Raax Ch'ayom Puag²⁸, a Q’eq Warrior of the Chaq'ab.²⁹ I will get back."

You will have to return through Xibalba. You don’t know what dangers await you there.

Dangers? He frowned, looking perplexed. You talk about dangers like we have never faced dangers before. What has happened to you, Chiac? Have you gotten soft?

I jumped up, kicking over my chair. I turned and faced him, bewildered by my reaction. No, Teul. I haven’t gotten soft. I sighed loudly. Hand me the bottle. I took a large slug, then stared at it. We’ll have to get another one.

Molly said we’re not to drink too much. He grinned. "Listen to your wife or you’re in for a lot of problemas."³⁰

I shrugged my shoulders.

"Coming here you would have faced no dangers other than going through the Ch'ajch'oj Chiyul."

I faced no danger there.

Well, I suppose so, you’re here, but going back, there are enormous dangers. You have no idea what the situation is like in Xibalba at this time, what has happened there since we left.

At any time, Chiac, have we ever known what dangers we will face? I will have Kish and Taylor to help me; and there are many other Warriors from Ox Witz Ha that have taken the journey to Xibalba. They will help me. What I want to know, Chiac, will you be with me on my journey back?

Teul bent over and picked up a sandwich. He began to eat, staring intently at the green turbulent sea. I turned to stare also, remembering the boiling green sea of Ha’ Yaxha and the Ya'ax-chich Mayul during the Battle for Topoxte.

How is Molly doing without her thumbs?

She’s managing well. She wears a prosthesis from the British Forces here. Since World War Two, they have spent a lot of time on developing prosthesis.

That’s good, he replied, as he continued eating. Good sandwich. It’s things like this I miss. Not much else.

I will return to U Wach Ulew with you. Teul did not respond, but kept looking out to sea. "I will need to, to do some things before I go."

And how long will that take?

I don’t know. This is all so sudden and it’s the Easter Weekend. Everything is shut down.

Are you still in the army?

Yes.

The army is never shut down. What’s your current rank?

I’m a Captain in the Belize Volunteer Guard, no longer the British Honduras Volunteer Guard, soon to be the Belize Defence Force.

Belize Defence Force. Okay. That sounds good. I like it. A captain, eh? Well, that makes things easier for you. You’re a madafok officer.

Teul . . . He raised his hand to stop me.

I leave tomorrow. You’re either with me or not. He took a sip of his rum. I want to see Choco.

That might be difficult. Most of the soldiers are on stand-down for the Easter.

Contact him. Order him back. Do what you have to do, but I want to see him. He took another sip of his rum. He is my friend . . . my brother, and I love him. Every day I wonder if I was unfair to our friendship, if I didn’t neglect him because of my friendship with Xipilli.

I looked at Teul, puzzled about his guilt, also possibly flabbergasted at the way he was ordering me around. I simply replied, I will do what I can.

"Good. When are you going to decide to do what you have to do?"

Just give me some fokin time, Teul, I snapped, annoyed. I need some time.

Don’t take too long. Tomorrow, I leave.

I was about to respond angrily, but decided to keep my mouth shut. I will leave with you tomorrow, Teul.

Good!

Just you and I. I will not take anyone else . . . not put anyone through the dangers we will face. Teul did not counter and I was quiet for a while then asked, What is my son’s name?

He doesn’t have a name.

I frowned. And why is that?

"Well, Coszcatl has a mind of her own. Actually, she caused quite a problem when she refused to have your son taken to the priests after his birth. Normally, the newborn is taken before the priest so that he can do the child’s horoscope and give him or her the name, the paal-kaba,³¹ to be used during childhood. She says she is not having the Naming Ceremony until you return. She firmly believes that you will return, Chiac, even when we tried to convince her otherwise. Doesn’t allow any of the young men into her hammock or on her mat. No, she doesn’t. He shrugged his shoulders. We just call your son Bakra."

Bakra? I shouted, sitting up in my chair. What kind of name is that? Are you making fun of me, Teul? You can fok around with me, but don’t do that to my son.

Teul grinned and laughed out loud. Well, quite the dad you’ve become. I slouched back in my chair. It was good to hear my friend laugh.

Well, I suppose it is okay, after all his dad is a fokin Bakra. Teul started laughing even louder. I glared at him. Is there something else you’re not telling me? I thought Teul would fall out of his chair, he was laughing so much, tears streaming down his face. I just looked at him, completely bewildered.

When he finally quieted down, he dropped the bombshell. "Your son, your son is, is white," he stammered before holding his hand over his eyes and roaring again.

I was dumbfounded and it took me a while before I could speak. Somehow, I knew Teul wasn’t joking and I suddenly became very worried. "Teul! Is something wrong with my son? Is he, is he an alk’ual q’ij?"³²

No alk’ual-q’ij no madafok. He’s a healthy boy; white, but not white-white, with curly brown hair and blue-green eyes.

But how . . .

What the madafok you mean by ‘But how’? His grandpa is a white man. He takes after his grandpa.

I felt my jaw fall open. I put both hands over my face, breathing hard into them. I can’t believe this is happening to me. I removed my hands and looked at Teul, totally agonized. Why is it that you are always the one who has to bring me news I don’t want to hear. I should start avoiding you. I held my head again. White, I mumbled. Now I really hate Father Stiobhan.

You’ve got a beautiful son, Chiac, loved by all of Ox Witz Ha. They whisper that he must be the son of a God . . . and don’t forget that many believe that you and Molly were sent to U Wach Ulew by the Gods. Those stories are still sung throughout the land. He grimaced. There’s no way they can be subdued.

I shook my head. White! How white?

As I said, not white-white, but white. At least, he’s not golden.

Shut up, Teul. Not white-white, but white.

Oh, come on Chiac. He’s your son. He’s beautiful. Teul grinned and I knew something was coming. "And he’s got a big tóolok. No, not a tóolok, a huuh.³³ He’s got that over you. I wonder when he got that size from? Probably his grandfather."

Shut up, Teul.

When Teul had quietened down again, he shook his head and held me with his eyes. You have to come back, Chiac. You have no choice.

There’s always a choice, Teul. I just hope I make the right one. He did not respond and we were quite for a while then I spoke. And how is the army?

It’s good. Well trained. He chuckled. We don’t raise our fists in salute any more. We have gone back to hitting our chests.

Any special reason?

Teul laughed. It was a direct order from K’an II. He said that whenever we Warriors were practicing at the barracks and we raised our fists in salute, he could smell our armpits at his residence on top the Royal Temple. He also said that it was not good military strategy as our enemies would smell us at a distance.

What? I asked, in some disbelief.

Teul laughed some more. We think he was joking and simply wanted us to go back to a tradition that was in place for hundreds of years. So, no more raising the fists in salute. We hit our chests.

I heard the screen door close behind me and I turned to see Molly standing there, her face expressionless.

How was the service?

The usual. She gazed at Teul. So, he must go back, Teul. And why is that? Please tell me.

Teul paused then spoke. Molly, this is something between you and Chiac. I took the dangerous journey to come here because I believe, I know, that he needs to be aware of what has happened, what is happening on U Wach Ulew since you left. I have told him everything and it is his place to tell you. He rose. I will go inside. He stepped close to Molly. I’m sorry, Molly.

Stay, Teul, she replied, firmly. You have been a part of all that has happened, but if this visit has to do with what has happened over the last three years, then it probably involves you more that Eutimio and me.

I wish it did, Molly, but it involves you two more that anyone else, including me. I will go inside.

I saw Molly’s face whiten and I jumped up and led her to the chair where Teul had been sitting. Sit, Molly. You’re pale.

She looked up at me and smiled, sickly. I knew this day would come. Every day since we left U Wach Ulew, I wondered if that would be the day. It’s finally here and I suppose that there’s nothing I can do. Go ahead, Eutimio. Tell me why you have to go back.

I sighed deeply. Since leaving U Wach Ulew, there has been a lot of social upheavals and conflicts in the land. It is bad and getting worse.

What does that have to do with us?

I hesitated, knowing that what I was about to say was going to cause confusion and pain. "Because of the spread of the story of Ix Na Li Kawa and the power of the Raax Ch'ayom Puag, many people have turned away from the Gods who were the very fabric of Yaxché. Many kools³⁴ are being deserted as the koolnáals³⁵ refuse to work. I do not know the details of everything, but all that is happening is linked to us in one way or the other. There is war. There are conflicts. I suppose that the priests and the Nim-q'ijs are trying to hold on to power. There is also drought and the priests are blaming us for it. The concern is that if the priests and the Nim-q'ijs are removed from the society, then what will happen? Who will replace them? The time is too short even for the tijonels and the tijoxels to be able to make a transition that would hold things together. Yes, Molly, it is because we were there that this situation exists."

And Ox Witz Ha? Is it collapsing too?

Teul says that the policies K’an II had in place are keeping the city and its society intact. The army remains strong and the citizens loyal. He doesn’t know how long Ox Witz Ha can hold on, however.

But what can you do by going back. You are just one man.

Fok! I whispered. Fok! Fok! Fok! Molly.

Please, Eutimio. Please! You’re suggesting that you’ll leave me. You are my husband. You also have an obligation to me. She shrugged her shoulders, as if very tired. I suppose I can take it. I really don’t have any choice if you have already made up your mind. I just have to take it.

We did not kill Sisimito at Ha’ Yaxha, Molly. Intelligence indicates that he is still alive.

Molly put her hand to her mouth, pallor growing once again. She started sweating on her forehead and I saw her sway a little in her chair. I jumped up and hurried towards her, placing my hands on her shoulders. Lean over. She did and, slowly, her normal colour began returning.

K’an II wants me back. It is believed that Sisimito’s return is linked to us. He is raising havoc and will continue to do so until I return so that he can have his revenge, kill me for having taken you away.

"So, it is not only the story of Ix Na Li Kawa and the power of the Raax Ch'ayom Puag that brings chaos to U Wach Ulew, but also Sisimito, and we are responsible for all of that. Perhaps, I should go back and give myself to Sisimito and tell K’an II that the story of Tepeyac Hill was all a lie."

I stared at Molly with incredulity. Never! She chuckled, sadly, and I gazed out to sea. There is something else.

Go on, Eutimio.

I have a child, a son. I did not hear anything from Molly. I turned to look at her. Her face was expressionless. I have a son with Coszcatl, Zyanya’s daughter.

I know who she is . . . but she is so young.

It was only once and I . . .

Molly raised her hand to stop me. I don’t want to hear anything more about that. It’s not important, Eutimio. She looked up at me. And you want to see your son. She chuckled, a dry horrible chuckle. I can’t blame you. I will never be able to give you one.

I felt like my world was collapsing around me. I accepted that we would . . . may . . . never have children, Molly. I accepted that before we got married. Lady Batz' Ek told me.

She stared at me, looking pained. She didn’t tell me or I would have never married you. But now you have a son.

Yes, Molly. But it is not that I just want to see my son.

Is it Coszcatl?

I frowned, hurt. No, Molly. It would never be just because of her.

Then what is it? What else is there you haven’t told me?

Just over a month ago, Taat and my son went into the jungle to gather medicines. They never came back. Teul says that there is evidence that Sisimito kidnapped them. He is using them as bait, to ensure that I go back to U Wach Ulew. If I do not go back, he will kill them.

Kill them?

Yes, Molly. Kill them.

‘But what would be your plan if you go back?"

I will kill Sisimito and rescue them.

Kill Sisimito again? This would be the third time. Firstly, at the Ch'ajch'oj Chiyul. Secondly, at Ha’ Yaxha. Thirdly, God only knows where that will be. Moly laughed, bitterly. Are you even sure he can be killed?

I can’t answer that, Molly.

Molly closed her eyes and clasped her hands, as if in prayer. Then you must go. You must rescue Taat and your son and try to save U Wach Ulew from what we have caused. She looked up at me. And when would you be leaving?

Teul wants us to leave urgently. Tomorrow.

That is best. She stood up. Watching you prepare over days would be too painful. Yes! Leave tomorrow. She started to walk away, a little shakily.

Are you okay? She smiled at me, dolefully. Yes. I’m going into the kitchen to prepare some food for supper. When she reached the screened door, she turned and looked back at me. She smiled. The question is, Eutimio, my husband, will you be coming back? Will you want to come back?

I did not answer. I could not answer. The pain I was feeling for Molly cramped my chest and nausea and koal-seed³⁶ swept over me. But I had to focus, put everything else aside. I had a mission and that was all I must think about. I would not think of coming, going, living, dying. I would think only of the mission, to rescue my son and Taat, and to kill Sisimito. Even the chaos brought about by the story of Ix Na Li Kawa and the power of the Raax Ch'ayom Puag would not concern me, would not interfere with my personal mission. I got up and walked to her.

Molly reached up and touched my cheek, tears filling her eyes. Goodbye, my Tristan. Goodbye. She turned and closed the screen door behind her.

I returned to my chair and faced the agitated sea, once again, and listened to the strong north wind whistling its song of strength as it turned the sea into a boiling cauldron of chaos. I heard Teul return and sit beside me.

It’s pure madafok, Chiac. Pure madafok. But what are you to do? He sighed strongly and was quiet for a while. "Molly asked me what I wanted to eat. I said, one, two, three, and four³⁷ if I’m lucky. He grinned. It’s been three years since I’ve had that. She said I was lucky; also, we were not supposed to eat meat today, but she’d make an exception. Madafok! I really didn’t think that I should ask her to do anything for me as I’m here to take you away. She’s a good woman, Chiac. He shook his head. Look at all she has gone through and now we’re asking her to go through more. Madafok! What does life have to be like this? It just isn’t fair."

Life! I suppose we’ll never know.

Do you think she’ll want to go back with us?

I took in a deep breath and exhaled noisily. No, Teul. I don’t think so. I wouldn’t take her back, anyway, not with all that’s going on over there. She’s safe here. She has a life here . . . probably with or without me. Teul opened his mouth as if about to speak then he closed it again saying nothing. I turned and looked back out to sea.

We continued sitting on the verandah, sipping our rum, each in his own thoughts, speaking occasionally of what had happened over the last three years. He told me that Sacnite had two sons, the first could be either his or Xipilli’s, he didn’t seem to mind, but the second definitely his. Xipilli and Atl had worked closely and had rebuilt Nito and Zactun as major trading posts, building a small army as well. Xiuhcoatl, Ukabal³⁸ of Ajaw³⁹ But’z Chan of Pusilhá, was also working closely with them and he and Eztli, Nabe⁴⁰ Ajch’o’j⁴¹ of Sib Juyub,⁴² were working together to build an army at Pusilhá. Huehue had remained with the Q'eq Warriors for some time and then returned to his Kingdom of Yax Mutul.⁴³ He was not in close contact with Huehue, but he knew that K’an II was continuing his support for the young Warrior. Extic, Loni, and Huitl were in Tipú, which had become an important satellite village for K’an II. Of my men, he advised that all of them, Hulse, Anderson, Clarke, Parham, and Bas, had become great and respected citizens and Warriors of Ox Witz Ha. They were as happy as U Wach Ulew allowed them to be. Taylor was in Xibalba, so was out-of-touch. Of my other friends and comrades, he commented that Choj and Bo were still Choj and Bo, and Yochi and Zyanya were alive and keeping the army strong and ready for defensive and offensive action, Xico and Ehecatl working closely with them. K’an II was well, always working on keeping Ox Witz Ha and its allies strong enough to survive the disarray sweeping U Wach Ulew. I did not have much to say, as the last three years of my life, after leaving U Wach Ulew, had been totally uneventful except for my marriage, and for Hurricanes Carmen and Fifi in 1974.

Molly told us that dinner was ready and we ate outside. The cold-front had moved through leaving behind only the cold strong northwind and a beautiful clear sky. The waning moon had risen, still almost full, and shone brightly off the white horses of the rough sea. A little later, Teul told me he was tired and would go to bed. I told him Molly would show him to his bed, that I would remain up, begin to organize our departure. He said goodnight and left, but I stayed a little longer on the verandah staring at the moon and the sea, wondering if I would ever see them again from my verandah.

Chapter Two

The Return to Xibalba

Holy Saturday, April 17, 1976

Once again, I was flying in a helicopter above the lowland savannas of the Belize District, west of the Northern, Western, and Southern Lagoons. Lt. Recinos and Lt. Villafranco were the pilots, the same two officers of the Air Wing who had flown Molly and me to Victoria Peak on our Wedding Day. I had the sliding door opened and was sitting, harnessed, with my legs hanging over, gazing at the coastline and the many off-shore islands breaking the sea surface just before or on the Barrier Reef. The savannas below gradually changed to lowland broad-leaf trees and, as we flew over the Stann Creek District, the highland jungles began for we were at the beginning of the Maya Mountains.

We approached the Cockscomb Range and I felt a deep sense of loss and misery. On a previous flight, a little less than three years ago, Molly and I had just gotten married and she, in her wedding dress, was with me. This day, I was leaving her, the woman I loved. I tried to push away the memories of the time we spent on the summit, but they persisted. I had to, however; this day was not my Wedding Day.

As we came over Victoria Peak, we did not circle and descend as we had done that time before. I gazed intently at the Cockscomb Range, at its peaks, ridges, spurs, green and brown slopes, and cliffs as they passed below me. We were headed to the Vaca Plateau and the Chiquibul Branch, to the beginning of the underground river through which we had entered Xibalba. The previous time I was there, my fireteam was attacked by Sisimito and his enchanted Batz,⁴⁴ Hach K’ekens,⁴⁵ and Kitams.⁴⁶ Robertson, Choc, Choco, Teul, Rhys, and Taat were with me during that battle. I looked at the men that were with me in the helicopter and thought of those that were not. Robertson had returned to his home in England and Taat was on U Wach Ulew, hopefully alive. Choc had married Rosalia and had settled down in Santa Cruz, and Rhys was presently a corporal in Operations. I had instructed Rhys to organize the mission as covertly as possible, which didn’t prove difficult as most high-ranking officers were off during the Easter Holidays. If anyone questioned him, he’d tell them to contact me directly. No one did. To assist Rhys, I had provided him with written orders so that he would not have a problem with HQ should some overzealous officer want to look more closely into what was being done. Rhys accomplished everything and he was flying with me to the target area, the entrance to the underground river, the access to Xibalba. I had advised him that he would not accompany us any further, however, even though he wanted to. I insisted, reminding him that he was a married man and his wife, Sarah May, had a baby on the way. Even though he was a soldier, with respect to this unauthorized mission I felt that his responsibility to his family came first. He had rubbed his head, but agreed.

Lance Corporal Choco was not difficult to locate as he was not on ‘stand-down’ for the holidays. He appeared at my house early in the morning and after he and Teul spent some time on the verandah, they approached me. I reflected on how the conversation went:

I am going with you, Choco announced.

I sighed. Only Teul and I are going back to U Wach Ulew, Choco. I appreciate your gesture, but we don’t know what we’ll find and . . . it’s all too uncertain. You have your whole military career before you; you’re studying to be a Medic, aren’t you? There was no reply. And this mission isn’t sanctioned.

The other one wasn’t sanctioned either, Captain,

Don’t Captain me, Choco. You fokin well know that we’re off-record here. I pretty much barked, quite irked.

Sorry, Chiac. I’m your family, Man. I should be there with you, every step of the way. Don’t forget that it is not only you who are my cousin, your son is too.

You need every available soldier that has experienced fighting with the Kechelaj Komon, Chiac. It is good military strategy to have Choco as one of your Warriors, interjected Teul.

So, I’m being lectured to, now.

Yes. Let Choco come. He has not only fought the Kechelaj Komon. but is an efficient Warrior who has fought other battles on U Wach Ulew. He will be an asset. We need him.

I glanced at Choco who was staring intently at me. I nodded, then I saw the two young men I once knew. Teul and Choco were jumping up and down hugging each other . . . and grinning."

I pushed the morning happenings away as I gazed at Choc who sat quietly in a corner, apparently in deep thought. You can still go back, Choc, I said. He looked at me, smiled and shook his head then looked away again.

I was more than surprised when I encountered Choc waiting with Choco at the helipad. Then, maybe, I shouldn’t have been. I later found out that Teul had contacted him with the help of the transport the Forest Officer at Cabbage Haul Gap had arranged for him. Choc had turned up that morning at camp and met up with Choco. I hadn’t bothered to ask him how he found out about what was happening and, as I had tried with Choco, told him he couldn’t go, reminding him he was married to Rosalia and they had a young daughter, Arlene. He was adamant. He said that he had told Rosalia that I needed his help. He had also explained that there would be significant dangers and Rosalia had accepted, with great concern, but without hesitation. I wasn’t too sure about that, but that took care of that.

We continued flying generally southwesterly, over the Main Divide of the Maya Mountains then across the Vaca Plateau to the target area, the regular humming of the helicopter having a calming effect on me. As we decreased our altitude and approached the floodplain, I could not help remembering how Molly had looked when she was standing there, lost, her hair uncombed, her blouse ripped apart, her breasts showing, Sisimito beside her. Anger grew in me and my chest constricted, as it had done that day. I had rescued her later, but now I was leaving her, deserting her. At least, she was safe. For me, I didn’t know what I would be returning to, if I would live or die.

The landscape was beautiful in the afternoon sun and it did not seem that anything had changed. The bushes of the floodplain ceased about half-mile from the river after which a large sandy area began, interspersed with thickets of bamboo. It was very unusual for there to be such a large floodplain in the jungle, but there it was. The relatively shallow Chiquibul Branch River was absolutely clear, slow moving, and had a mostly sandy bottom that glittered, unlike the usual rock filled ones of that region. The surface looked golden in some areas, green in others, as the river mirrored the multicolored trees, including the Sacred Ceiba; other areas were coloured as blue as the sky.

Across the river, the ridge running northeastward sent down several spurs, covered with high broadleaf jungle to the valley plain. They disrupted the mosaic of jungle colours with their own. Various hues of brown and green, interspersed with other bright colours, painted their jagged slopes where moss, ferns, orchids, and bromeliads grew on and between rocks. The spurs crossed the river, three ending in narrow jagged inclines on the southern floodplain, being between two to three hundred feet wide where they crossed the river. At times, I saw the river, at other times, it disappeared under the spurs. Beyond the third spur, the one closest to me as we advanced from the east, I was not able to see the river any more. Nothing had changed. There was the entrance to Xibalba.

The pilots hovered the helicopter some ten feet from the river’s southern bank, about two feet above the sandy plain, building a swirl of sand and small debris. I stared, unconsciously hesitating, suddenly uncertain.

Choco leapt out, no rifle, no Bergen, wearing only combats, cap, and his Green Medallion as I had ordered the men to do. Teul and Choc were dressed the same way as I didn’t want anyone to see two civilians boarding one of our helicopters. Choc’s hair was a bit long, but I supposed he could get away with that. The only other equipment we were each carrying was a machete and scabbard, knife and scabbard, canteen, and a waterproof flashlight for the tunnel and underground river. The only other articles of clothing were our T-shirt, kerchief, and a pair of leather sandals, lej-xajäbs,⁴⁷ with no buckles, that we could strap to our feet when we got rid of our jungle-boots.

Let’s go Captain. Choco shouted, trying to be heard above the noise of the rotating blades. I loosened my harness and jumped, followed immediately by Rhys, Teul, and Choc. The helicopter climbed rapidly then accelerated towards the east, immediately.

I stared at Rhys. He shrugged his shoulders.

What the fok, Rhys? I demanded.

Did you really think I would let you go without me?

You agreed not to come because of the home situation.

I lied.

Fok! You’re the one who is supposed to cover for us with HQ.

HQ is taken care of, but don’t ask for the details. Sarah May understands that I have been called up for a mission. She knows this happens. She accepts it. She’s a soldier’s wife.

But . . .

No buts, Chiac. Too late. Helicopter gone. I’m here and I am going with you.

Yes, the fokin helicopter was gone. I could no longer hear the hum of the chopping sound and pulsing noise. Instead, there were the sounds of birds and insects and as if to give me courage for the dangerous mission I was about to begin, I heard the calls of the xan-cotis⁴⁸ and the jut-juts:⁴⁹

Katy-Katy-yu-baby-di cry.

Jut-jut. Good cook.

Katy-Katy-yu-baby-di cry.

Jut-jut. Good cook.

"Gather round, Men. We’ve all gone through to Xibalba before so we know what to do. That’s that. Teul has told me of dangerous things that are occurring on U Wach Ulew and that it is believed, in many kingdoms, that it is Molly and I who are responsible for what has befallen them, that it’s because of Ix Na Li Kawa and the Raax Ch'ayom Puag. When I am finished, if there’s anything I left out, Teul will fill you in." I briefed them on all I knew and, when I was done, I asked if there were any questions. There were none, but there was something from Teul.

Madafok!

What is it, Teul

He shook his head. I didn’t even have time to listen to some harp and marimba.

I, in turn, shook my head. I suppose Teul doesn’t have anything to add, so let’s go, Men, I said as I began walking towards the river. I stepped in and felt the water seeping into my boots. Three years ago, I had done the same thing. I had also cried out, I will come for you, Molly. I will take you home. And I will kill you, Sisimito, you piece of fok! I will see that you never walk my jungles again. You will wish you had stayed where Tzultacah⁵⁰ took you. And I will kill you because I am Ke'kchi . . . I am a soldier . . . and I am the Maya Warrior called Fuck. I had rescued Molly, but I had not killed Sisimito. I had failed and he was still alive. As I had done that day, I walked to the center of the river where the water was deepest, but my steps became even less determined than they were the last time. The fact that Sisimito lived weighed heavily on me and I had to fight off a deep sense of distress that threatened to overtake me. I submerged myself to my neck and started to drift downriver.

We floated towards the first spur, our feet touching the bottom of the river. We did not hold a specific formation as there was no need to. The river passed a foot or two below the ceiling of the spur and there was only a residual dim glow as light filtered in from the river's entrance and exit. We passed under the spur then there was the expected slight increase in the forward speed of the water. We came into the sunlight again and approached the second spur. We passed under it with no problems, experiencing a further increase in the speed of the current. Nothing had changed. We kept on going, walking, drifting, calmly towards the third spur.

Katy-Katy-yu-baby-di cry.

Jut-jut. Good cook.

Katy-Katy-yu-baby-di cry.

Jut-jut. Good cook.

We all knew what to expect so when we were pulled off our feet and sent hurling downriver toward the next spur, we were prepared for what was to come.

Here we go, I shouted. We all took in a deep breath before we were submerged and pulled to our left. We broke the surface and, immediately, began looking for and reaching out toward the thick roots coming down from the roof of the cave into the rushing water below. Very quickly, we were able to grab onto the roots and hold on after which we began moving towards the pile of half-submerged boulders we knew were there. We used footholds and handholds as we crossed over the submerged bridge, avoiding the sharp limestone edges, as much as possible, until we reached the small sand bar on our left where we all sat.

Well, exclaimed Rhys. Much easier than the last time.

Yeah! And we don’t have a company of crazy animals coming after us, remarked Choco.

Only Taat and Robertson are missing, said Choc. No one reacted immediately then Choc added. That fokmi Robertson must be sitting in front of his fire-hearth drinking stout or whiskey. Huh! And look what we are doing. He shook his head.

Did Robertson go back to England? asked Teul.

Yes. About two years ago, replied Choc. He was a cool guy after all. We remained friends until he left.

Well, this is all nice, but I think it is time to move on, I said. "Make sure your machetes are well secured. Take out your lights and let’s go! Ko'one'ex!"⁵¹

Okay, Fuck! grinned Teul.

Oh, yes! That’s your name on U Wach Ulew, laughed Choco. How could I forget?

Let’s keep it at Chiac, I requested. "And talking about U Wach Ulew, if you call me anything other than Nabe Nacon,⁵² Yochi will cut out your balls."

That madafok Yochi, he just has to have everything right, grumbled Teul. "He still gives me a hard time