A Prince of Anahuac: A Histori-traditional Story Antedating the Aztec EmpirePorter, James A.
History
A Prince of Anahuac: A Histori-traditional Story Antedating the Aztec Empire
Porter, James A.
Mexico -- History -- To 1519 -- Fiction
The spirit of rebellion among the Tezcucans was now thoroughly aroused,
and never did agitators meet with greater success than had those who
were working under the direction of tzin Euet. The secret councils,
which were to constitute the army of resistance to Maxtla's despotic
rule, sprang into existence so rapidly as to surprise even the
conspirators themselves. With these encouraging conditions the time
arrived when it was deemed advisable to locate the prince, and, if
possible, communicate with him. As the royal representative of his
people, it was felt that he should be informed of the progress which
had been made in his favor; and also be consulted with reference to the
future movements of his friends in the valley. This duty very naturally
from the tzin's peculiar position and relation to the fugitive devolved
upon him, and his next move was to be in the direction of the mountains
in search of him.
The prince's friends were assured by the continued silence of the
Tepanec soldiery that he was still at large, and hidden somewhere in
the mountains; for his capture or death at their hands would have been
quickly heralded throughout the valley.
As the immediate neighborhood of the fugitive's hiding place was
unknown to the tzin, in starting out to find him he would have to be
guided in a great measure by reports coming through the enemy.
Notwithstanding this was the case, he felt confident of success and was
eager to be on the move. He was just now waiting for Cacami to come in
from his home, where he had gone to visit with his people. As his young
compatriot, who had become his closest friend, was to accompany him,
the time of starting on the expedition depended on his return.
* * * * *
It was the day of all days in the city of Tezcuco, as was a similar one
in all the cities of the valley: the people's market day. And here let
us digress long enough to acquaint the reader with the exigencies which
rendered such a day necessary; and also to briefly notice some of its
features.
The business methods of the Anahuacans were peculiar. They had neither
shops nor stores of a public character where goods of any description
were displayed and sold. Only on the _tianguez_--great square, or
market-place--which every city possessed, were the products of the
country exhibited for barter or sale.
The trades were not carried on in the ordinary way, but each particular
mechanical pursuit was localized in some suitable portion of the city
and placed under the supervision of a chief; and, it may be added, had
its tutelary god and attendant celebrations.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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