David L Farebrother

Descending Eagle David L Farebrother

Cloud-boats have been seen on the eastern sea. Strange teotl with silvery skins have come ashore in Totonac province. Some of them have hair the color of maize silk, others the color of fiery embers. Most have hair on their faces, covering their cheeks and chins. Their eyes are difficult to look upon, shining like jade and jewels in various hues. They have brought with them monstrous animals resembling giant deer. Although the beasts are much larger than a man, the teotl impose their wills on them, climbing on their backs and forcing them to run in any direction with blinding speed. The monsters have feet as hard as obsidian. The teotl also have other creatures like giant itzcuintli with jaguar teeth. The teotl bear armor of bright metal on their bodies, covering their legs and arms. The have helmets and shields of the same material. They carry long knives with sharp edges strapped to their sides. They have weapons which project heavy arrows with sufficient force to completely penetrate a man. But their most fearsome weapons are large tubes of tepuzque. These weapons make a noise like thunder and produce clouds of foul-smelling smoke. A round object is emitted from the tube which can destroy a large tree from a great distance. Sacrifices have been made and the omens read. The information has been presented to Moctezuma, Supreme Tlatoani of the Mexica and Emperor of the Triple Alliance. He must decide. Are the teotl representatives of the gods, sent to aid the Aztecs, or are they a threat to the empire?