Dirk van den Boom - The Emperor's Men 8 - Stormy Heavens

The messenger’s face showed his joy and pride in bringing this wonderful news to Aritomo. It was at that moment that the officer realized for the first time that he had secretly nurtured a little hope, even hidden from himself – the hope that Saclemacal would have defended himself better than expected and that a lucky throw from an atlatl or the targeted hit of a powerful warrior would have killed Captain Inugami.

Aritomo closed his eyes as if trying to savor the feeling of triumph. Instead, he tried to ignore the disappointment that this highly dishonorable hope, contrary to all the rules of his professional existence, had remained unfulfilled. And his disappointment that he did not intend to suppress this emotion.

“Thank you. Thank you for this good news. I hope the honorable Inugami is doing well?” He wrestled with the question and the messenger’s radiant smile widened.

“He is fine! He distinguished himself in the fight, searched for and found the enemy! Now he sits on the throne at Saclemacal and dispenses his justice.”

Aritomo knew how to classify the nuance. Chitam was not seated on the throne of the conquered city personally, if there was one at all. Of course, Inugami would continue, at least for a while, to maintain the illusion that it was only acting in accordance with the ruler of Mutal. But the messenger, whether wanted or not, had already torn off the veil in his report and said what more and more of the Maya thought – and many of them, apparently, with the ardent enthusiasm of a belligerent people who were committed to the imperial vision of their new savior.

Aritomo had to admit that Inugami was on the right track. And even if he did not show great appreciation to the Maya, he still seemed to have kindled a fire in them. The question was whether he could keep it under control.

“Did the honorable Inugami say anything about his future plans?”

“Not to me, but I’m bringing this letter and its instructions to you. But everyone knows that Tayasal will fall next.”

The messenger produced a carefully folded sheet of paper, which he gave to Aritomo, bowing. It was covered with the thin, printed characters that were characteristic of Inugami’s handwriting.

“I thank you. Now go and rest. I’ll call you if I need your services.”

“My Lord!” The messenger bowed and disappeared.

Aritomo was well aware of the curious looks of the other Japanese who were with him in the courtyard of their shared accommodation. The letter would contain no response to the first officer’s last letter to Inugami after the assassination attempt. This may arrive soon, and Aritomo was afraid of the orders that followed. Depending on Inugami’s mood, especially his anger and contempt for the “savages,” his reaction was completely unpredictable, and if he asked Aritomo to make an example, it would pose considerable problems. The nobleman who had instigated the murder had been arrested and imprisoned, and Chitam’s return was awaited for his trial. Aritomo could have ordered a punishment himself – nobody here would have seriously opposed this –, but he shied away from the beginning of a cycle of violence and counterviolence. It was difficult to wage a war both externally and internally, but he wasn’t sure whether Inugami would see it that way.

He unfolded the letter completely and read.

The captain’s words were tight and businesslike. He reported victory, listed losses, and described the resources of the much smaller city of Saclemacal with even greater contempt than his attitude toward Mutal. The messenger hadn’t exaggerated. The struggle had been one-sided, victory was absolute, and Aritomo raised his eyebrows in astonishment when he heard about Inugami’s staffing decision. He had appointed Balkun, the savior of Chitam and his family, to the position of governor of the city, giving him honor and office … to an extent that Aritomo would never have believed possible.

He dropped the paper, ignoring the expectant looks from the others.

An interesting move.

The officer always had to remind himself not to underestimate his captain. Indeed, this had been unexpected. Aritomo remembered the way Inugami reacted to Balkun rather dismissive, critical, and degrading. But sometimes it was the right decision to put such a man in a position that would make him stand out from the crowd and create commitment.

In the best case.

Aritomo continued reading.

Then Inugami came to his future plans. Encouraged by the recent victory, he decided to continue the campaign immediately and not to return to Mutal. The next town on his list was Tayasal, a little further from Mutal, which would prolong his absence for some time. Only after that did he intend to take a break, to take a quick look at affairs back in Mutal before he finally incorporated the biggest chunk, the metropolis of Yaxchilan, which was only a little smaller than Mutal and which had had enough time to prepare for a defense. Possibly, however, if Tayasal turned out to be quick to conquer, the march toward Yaxchilan could be connected directly. He would inform Aritomo in due course.

Inugami’s letter ended with the instruction to continue “holding the ground” in Mutal, including “firm and determined action” against “inappropriate submissions” by King Chitam, who would now return to his hometown after defeating Saclemacal.

Aritomo dropped the letter. Chitam therefore would not participate in the continuation of the punitive expedition.

Had the King given up? Did he think he was wasting his time if he continued to be used as a symbolic figure for Inugami’s military maneuvers? Or did he want to take the opportunity to turn Inugami’s absence into an advantage for himself? And if the latter was true – did he expect Aritomo to stand on his side and possibly openly rebel against Inugami?

Aritomo felt dark clouds brewing above him, although the day was pleasant and bright. Decisions that he had put off for a long time cast shadows on him. Aritomo had to be sure of his allies and see where his enemies were. However, he was not so sure whether the two could be so clearly distinguished from each other. Neither did he want Chitam to become the captain’s puppet, nor did he want to combine his own fate with the wishes of the Mayan king.

He pocketed the letter without reacting to the curious glances of his comrades, refrained to inform them of its contents. Nobody would ask, they were all respecting the iron discipline of hierarchy. What the Captain told the First Officer was only for him until they got their orders. This kind of devotion protected Aritomo, who was faced with the possibility of having to or want to break this discipline.

He looked up.

“All is well. The captain was victorious and will continue the war. We have to continue here and await Inugami’s orders.”

Everyone nodded and looked satisfied. There were only a few here who questioned the Captain’s plans.

Aritomo frowned, as he got up and left the accommodation. He wanted a different approach. He could make it very easy for himself. Just obey. Participate in Inugami’s imperial plans. He would rule. It was inevitable that part of this empire would fall to him as a territory in which he could control and act as he wished. A very promising thought, and he was a little surprised that he did not immediately fell to this temptation.

When he left the building, four guards – two Mayan warriors and two members of the submarine crew – immediately joined him. They carried two of the few weapons they had, loaded and ready, determined to get rid of any potential threat. But today was obviously a peaceful day, for the crew of “messenger” anyway – Aritomo still had his problems with this term –, and so far no one was hostile to or behaved threatening.