The Toltec soldiers marched silently through the streets as they had done many times before. This was a march of victory, and silence, they had been trained, was the best way to parade in front of the conquered. Any laughter or rowdiness would spark anger in those with a backbone. The silence stunned most people after being conquered, as none expect it. It keeps them waiting, they watch the precision, the control of the march, and it worries them.
Most of the fire had been extinguished, but the scent of burnt wood and flesh still hung in the air. Malina found herself unwilling to look into the eyes of the conquered, if she had a mirror she was worried that she would see the same look in her eyes. Instead she watched the four generals ride in front of her. This was the first time she had seen the replacement Jaguar and Eagle generals that she had slain. Nochtli and Xipil were both loyal to Teiuc, and there was nothing of surprise in their selection, save their previous rank. Both men had been Castellans of their order, a rank not usually selected from when appointing generals.
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