Atzi screamed. She stared at the men, wild and bemused, then grabbed the bony forearm of the Aztec high priest. He pushed her to the ground. His tattooed face was wrenched into a violent stare as he grabbed her by the chin and forced her to look him in the eyes. Last night he had a vision of this unknown slave, and here she stood like a sign from the gods. He grabbed her by the neck and held her for a moment before motioning for the tribesmen to send her back.

Atzi screamed again as they approached, clambering over to Tayanna’s side. The high priest’s face was swelled with fury. Trembling, she held Tayanna tight, staring him in the eyes with a vexing look. Remembering his vision, the priest again motioned for Atzi to leave with the men. She refused.

There was silence. Atzi panicked, trying desperately to think of a way to save Tayanna from the Quecholli sacrifice. She knelt before the priest, her hair falling to his feet. He grunted, walked over to Tayanna and threw her over the temple walls.