093

Atl heard voices coming from behind him, in the direction of the stairs to the main level. He checked the sun and yawned knowing that his shift was now over. Panitzin and Huemac walked towards him.

"The sun rises and we greet you." Panitzin said.

"For me the night sets." Atl replied.

"Any news from the night." Huemac said officially.

Atl sighed internally. "No nothing. It was a quiet night, even the animals seemed to be sleeping."

"Good good, the we will relieve you of your post."

"The morning meal is still being served." Panitzin offered, "If you hurry you should be able to make the mess hall in time."

"Soup?"

"Yes, Ecatizin's getting better. My guess is you'll only spend half the day at the latrines."

"Which end?" Atl asked. "Last time it was my face in the hole."

"Today it'll be your ass," Panitzin laughed, "Ecatizin likes to keep us guessing. If you make it don't let on that I spoiled the surprise."

"Enough of this." Huemac said cutting of the laughter. "The night watchman must be tired and we need to ensure that the perimeter is secure." Huemac turned and began walking away down the ramparts.

Panitzin raised his eyebrows and shrugged his shoulders as he turned to walk away. Atl waited until this were lost in the shadows of nearest tower. With a sigh Atl turned and began walking towards the stairs hoping that there was still some soup left, regardless of what it did to him. As a Tlamanih Atl had earned his rank on the battle field. His family was poor but he had worked his way through the lower military ranks and into the Eagle society. A Tlamanih Eagle of the first wave was an honourable and esteemed position. He did not lead men, but he was a proven warrior battle-tested and reliable. The attitudes of some changed as his rank did, but for others the very rank he acquired marked him for what he was: poor.