It was evening and the air in the garden was heavily scented as Dr. Smith, lost in his thoughts, walked along a path, his hands clutched behind his back. There had to be another way into the tomb, he reasoned, for how else could the counterbalanced wall have been set in place? It would have required builders both in the tomb and outside in the temple. He presumed that the temple, and consequently the tomb, had been built before Nenetl's death as the pyramid must have taken a decade to construct and that, Dr. Smith considered, was a long time to keep a corpse hanging around waiting to be laid to rest. So, when Nenetl died someone, Yaotl's grandfather, perhaps, had to open up the wall from inside the tomb. Therefore there had to be a secret entrance to steps leading up to a trapdoor, most likely, and now possibly sealed, in the floor of the tomb.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2fNW75GXr
Dr. Smith sighed and sniffed the perfumed air without appreciating int. How would the trapdoor be sealed? he asked himself. Closed, it would be seated on a flange which, once Nenetl's body was placed in the tomb, could have been lined with terracotta, a mixture of sand and clay, that would harden like a brick when heated. Yes, that must be the answer, Dr. Smith decided and then wondered how much force would be needed to break the seal. A hammer, a chisel and West's biceps would suffice, he concluded. All that now remained was to locate the secret entrance to the steps and that, he realized dejectedly, could be almost anywhere. But where would be the likeliest place?380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SnimyuruY
"Zachary." Zuma's voice broke his train of thought. Irritated, he saw her coming along the path towards him. "My dear, I am glad to find you alone as I have a gift for you."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndkD0Rlohf
"How very kind," Dr. Smith mumbled, wondering if it were more cocoa beans. Instead, she gave him a beautiful jade brooch with an eagle and, separately, a coiled snake carved on it.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1nrhDxmjl
He was taken aback. "Dear lady, I cannot possibly accept such a..." he began but stopped when Zuma said the gift signified her love for him. Dr. Smith swallowed. "I shall treasure it always."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iXn4zTMm4
"I am pleased, though it is yours by right."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡProUJOEsOk
Dr. Smith was puzzled. "Why do you say that?" he asked.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyesb7POOcY
"It came from Nenetl's tomb."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFKRjbYjTG
Dr. Smith was dumbfounded. "From...where?"380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNuZkmqUBk
"The tomb. See? It has Nenetl's sign on it," she pointed to the snake, "the coiled serpent."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAHqGCgRgD
"But that is the emblem of the Aztec nation," Dr. Smith said.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkzaOauLMJ
"That is so," Zuman replied. "Only the serpent is held either in the eagle's beak or its claws. Nenetl's sign of the coiled serpent is separate from the eagle."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzDADev8lm
Dr. Smith turned the brooch over in his hands. "It's quite magnificent." He smiled at her and asked casually how she had come by it.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsB6UKH5dYL
Zuma blushed. "Though married, Yaotl's father fell in love with me. I did what I could to discourage his advances. But he insisted that I accept the brooch, which he gave to me seven days before he disappeared."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82bDedZQPo
"Disappeared?"380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROkJCs2odD
"Yes, here in the garden," Zuma replied. "He was never seen again." She dismissed the topic with a gesture of her hand. "But it was a long time ago and now I look forward to a life of bliss with you."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UF4XCrsqQ
"And I with you, my dear," Dr. Smith said absently, his mind on other matters.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMb0NuZMjjK
"Peace and contentment," Zuma reflected.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Pi6gu9vtZ
"Rapture and joy," Dr. Smith echoed.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEVnwEEPvy
"We shall have a garden of our own," she announced.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyQffNIvhG
The Doctor eyes lit up. "Yes, of course," he agreed. "A garden of our own." And his eyes traveled to the wall and the stone with the coiled snake carved on it.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSem6rbPc6v
As soon as he decently could Dr. Smith took his leave of Zuma and hurried to the barracks. When Dr. Smith burst into his quarters, Don was desperately trying to think of something constructive he could do to put them safely back on board the TARDIS and get them safely on their way.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOJM544161
"Eureka, West, I have it!" Dr. Smith exclaimed, and then hesitated. "At least, I think I have."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGWkdvsXJU
"What?" Don asked, taken aback.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3ek03mR5a
Dr. Smith held the brooch in the palm of his right hand and poked it with his left forefinger. "This came from Nenetl's tomb. And who took it?" he demanded without waiting for an answer. "His father!" He pointed dramatically at Yaotl's quarters on the other side of the courtyard and then poked the brooch again. "So there's the proof that a secret way into the tomb exists and Yaotl's father knew about it." 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQLELqVwhH
Dr. Smith looked about him conspiratorially and moved closer to Don. "But what is much more important, West, my dear boy, is that I believe I know where it is." His voice was little more than an urgent whisper. "Underneath the garden is an irrigation tunnel used for watering the flowers, and in the back wall is a stone with a coiled snake.....Nenetl's sign...carved upon it. I'm certain that the stone can be removed to reveal a way into the tunnel. I'm convinced that under the temple wall there will be a flight of stairs leading up to the tomb." Dr. Smith's eyes darted here and there in search of a possible eavesdropper before he continued. "Tonight, West, tonight, once Yaotl is asleep, come to the garden where I shall be waiting for you."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIjoxJAMVP
"All right, Dr. Smith, I'll be there," Don said.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSNSa0O3y3
"Good fellow," Dr. Smith replied and slapped him on the back.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFm1RaPxxN
"How did you get hold this?" Don asked, tapping the brooch.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwGe3i2adp
Dr. Smith cleared his throat. "My fiancée gave it to me as a present."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswIUmv8KG0
"I see," Don replied before it registered. "Your what?" he choked.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVNlYBUHZE
"I made some cocoa and became engaged to Zuma."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZg4Rc1P2w
Don began to chuckle.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBv0HL2QhvZ
"Did I say something funny, West?"380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsbPqAwomr
Don tried to keep a straight face.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtn0XhOpwlM
"And the sooner we are away from here, the better."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nx7P0rAXP
"Yes, Dr. Smith," Don managed to reply, his shoulders shaking. "I'll be there tonight."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDINtIT0uGj
Dr. Smith turned to leave.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7f1Qs3K0UE
"Oh, and by the way, Dr. Smith, congratulations," he said and doubled up.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpy0VR0k9X
Dr. Smith stormed off. From his quarters, Yaotl watched him go.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzGaC8djdI
Ann was in the antechamber when a guard announced that the High Priest of Sacrifice and the Priest of Knowledge awaited her in the temple. Her defences came up instinctively. "Say that I shall recieve them presently," she said.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9BBaQVJs0
The guard bowed and withdrew.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LvBJAdfpF
Ann considered her strategy. Should she listen to them first and then riposte as best she could, or should she go directly on the attack? She placed the plumed crown on her head and decided upon the latter course of action. When she reached the temple, she ignored them until she sat upon the throne.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQ5M1pMXCk
"Why do you attend me?" Her voice was glacial.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtv95etJ9d
Ollin kept his eyes fixed onher while Tlaqui looked down at his posy and shuffled his feet. "There is a matter we would place before you, Great Spirit," he burbled.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHGl5ivtZY
Ann raised one eyebrow. "You wish the gods to favor the Priest of Knowledge with their good opinions?"380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroy8FVvJHA
"Their advice," Tlaqui conceded.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPsu9yifTV
"And yet you sin against them with your test of poison," Ann snapped as Tlaqui studied his posy even more intently.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhV4qvNgjQi
"Let us talk of this other matter," Ollin cajoled.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePvRaLOLjC
"Silence." It was like a whiplash across his back, but he gritted his teeth and contained his fury.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheLQyhxtpe
Ann looked back at Tlaqui. "Your offense against the gods is forgiven. Now, what would you discuss?"380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtOkfWEhTD
"The punishment for one who speaks out against our teachings and defies our laws." 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNtkPiWWoq
Ann realized that this time it was a verbal trap that Ollin was trying to spring.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmla4RUIfck
"Was this spoken in public?" she asked cautiously.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyMa5rILH7
"Yes, Great Spirit, and after being duly warned," Tlaqui emphasized.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVbnCWcza5
"Were there witnesses to the warning?" Take it one step at a time, she advised herself.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGp8xI7lkB
"Tetzal and myself."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2kDCgoOSP
"What was the offense?" Ann was concerned that Tetzal was involved and curious to know why he wasn't with them.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8NrQ59Jus
"Denying a desire of the Perfect Victim."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLNo3zLGdB
"Be specific, Tlaqui. What was his wish?" Like the poisoned draught, she guessed this interview was being conducted behind Tetzal's back.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhGVNrt7AK
"To be wed."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9HKJe89fJ
Ann thought that taking a bride two days before one died willingly was absurd. "To be wed and widowed in two days? What kind of marriage is that for an Aztec maiden?" she asked.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIRyX62VCe
Ollin's eyes glinted with secret pleasure. He had rehearsed Tlaqui well and Ann had fallen into the trap.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEeNXB8CXvf
Tlaqui argued that Aztec warriors frequently wed before going off to war and some did not return, but they were not proclaimed gods as the Perfect Victim would be.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNerMoP9k1
"There could be no greater honor," he concluded.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9xIhoy8te
"And if she wanted to marry again?"380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAmEbsWOp5
Tlaqui shook his head vigorously. "Marriage to a mortal would be unthinkable to the widow of a god."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixSS1LTrX6
"So this maiden has defied your teachings and your law by spurning his proposal of marriage," Ann said, and when Tlaqui nodded, she thought "Good for you, girl." "And what does the law prescribe for such an offense?" she asked.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUf2eQ2YUa
Tlaqui waved his posy. "We know of none. Such a rejection has never occurred before," he replied. "That is why we have sought your advice."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLVPssRk8N
"Liar," Ann thought and stared at Ollin. "She will not die," her voice was adamant.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEsxaZstrt
"Then let her be publicly ridiculed," Tlaqui proposed.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WSn7IuIiE
Ann thought that if there must be a punishment, ridicule would be relatively harmless.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulTToWYBia
Ollin took a half-step forward. "I say she should be scourged," he hissed. "Her ears and tongue pierced with thorns."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtzdVDVZQO
"I fobid it," Ann snapped.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuwun137Y4
"Tetzal upholds it." Ollin's voice was a menace.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WFAQ4UR00
"Let him say so, then," Ann replied dryly.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEt0jQnDzS
"He will, he will," Ollin assured her, "when the time comes."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJ3uNLc8SS
"And when will that be?"380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZpHl5ITEk
"On the day of darkness," Tlaqui replied.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpvroldbMb
"Before all the people," Ollin made a sweeping gesture with his arm before pointing at Ann, "and you must be there so that the gravity of the offence is known."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAJLWFgdl4
"I shall witness the punishment from the temple," Ann said, a plan forumlating in her brain. "But I wish my servants to be present with me. Don, my aged servant, and my handmaiden."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXVBnKXLnJ
"It shall be arranged," Ollin said without expression. "Both the men and your handmaiden will be there. That I promise."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgw9Fy1nWM
As the High Priest of Sacrifice limps from the temple with Tlaqui at his side, Ann sensed she had made a mistake somewhere. She went over their conversation several times in her mind and then summoned the High Priest of Knowledge to the temple.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJneg9IhJ0n
Tetzal's face was grave as he listened to Ann's account of his encounter with Tlaqui and the High Priest of Sacrifice.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojIWdwQ0hv
"Ollin insisted you upheld such bestial treatment. Is that true?" she asked.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7eLC9NShz
"Is it still your intention to intervene at the sacrifice of the Perfect Victim?" Tetzal countered.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nmlvwUbfr
"Of course, it is," Ann said firmly.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylx1OiTmRs
"Then I shall match your courage, Nenetl," he replied. "Though it grieves my heart, as it must yours."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LIOay5VC9
"I'll shed no tears over an end to human sacrifice." Ann was resolute.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCW3pvxGa6c
"I was referring to your handmaiden," Tetzal explained.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFps5Lyf1rk
"What about Penny?" Ann asked sharply.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1uw3z5HXW
Tetzal was perplexed. "You have just spoken of her offense."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8D9CW8ELN
Ann jumped to her feet. "Penny was to be the bride?" she exclaimed.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DJR2ifxLh
"Did not Ollin say so?"380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uyMV06pVA
So that had been the trap, Ann thought; a deliberate omission on Ollin's part and a stupid one on hers.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTCOZ0TiaB
"I shall forbid the punishment."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilBTPgzOUU
"You cannot," Tetzal replied flatly.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVVA83JJGs
"Oh yes, I can!" she said fiercely. "Penny is to be punished at the eclipse so when you and I stop the human sacrifice then I will order Ollin to release her as well."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmoszG1eo5
Tetzal shook his head. "She is to be punished before the sacrifice to the Sun God."380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUZA87r8Yk
"I won't let him hurt her. I won't!" Ann's voice was final.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgv51IUtUp5
The High Priest looked at her. "Wil you, then, sacrifice all that you believe in, all that you have given me to believe in, to save your handmaiden pain?"380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1yBhNgnwX
Ann had no answer.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1vmo9ecqX
380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFpQcRD1MX
