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Olaf on his back until the young Glamson thought his ribs would give way.
"Pray, lord," he pleaded, "if you would have me in any condition to fight
later on, go easy now.
Casca's rolling laughter echoed around the square, and the sound of his mirth
set the native people to smiling. All was well. The Tectli was pleased.
Passing through the ranks of his men, Casca called each by name. He asked
about the faces that were missing and frowned at their loss. But the life of a
soldier is death, and they had died like men. When the living returned to
their home fires even the dead would become immortal in the telling and
retelling of great feats.
Returning to his litter, Casca called out to the city: "These are my men! They
are to be your friends! They shall live among you! But, remember, they are not
of your ways and customs. Be patient with them, and they will learn. If any
offends, you tell me, and I will administer justice. These are my words. So
let it be. I am the Quetza."
Turning to Olaf, he said, "You will be made welcome. Quarters are prepared.
You and your men must rest after your journey. Come to me for the evening
meal. Bring your officers, and we will talk of what must be done here."
Olaf was properly astounded. He bowed his head. "As you wish, my lord." Then
he turned to his hairy band, and his voice boomed out in command, very much
like Casca:
"Let none here offend our hosts by bad manners. Though these people appear to
be savage, I think we could learn much from them. The first one of you who
gets his ass in trouble, particularly over a woman, will find himself singing
his death song a helluva lot quicker than he thought. Understand? Good! Then
follow these men." He indicated the priests who had stepped forward at Casca's
bidding. "We will rest."
Once at their assigned quarters, the Vikings settled down to an excited
chatter about their new surroundings and about what had happened to Casca.
While this was going on a group of women slaves, heads bowed, demure, entered.
Each went to one of the warriors and put a necklace of gold and turquoise
about his neck, then a bracelet of gold set with jade on his wrist. Shy and
fearful, they then withdrew. After getting a good look at the asses of the
slave girls, several of the Vikings were immediately ready to trade their
gifts for a quickie.
All right, settle down." Olaf s voice came through the excitement. "You men
hit the sack. But before you go to sleep, make sure your weapons are clean and
ready for use. Also, I want three men posted at the entrance at all times. We
may be guests here, but we should be careful as always."
Totzin had watched the proceedings with the bile bitter in his mouth. Well
enough, he thought. More of these paleskins for the altars. His eyes caught a
glimpse of Metah as she joined Casca on his litter for the return to the
palace. Totzin ran his tongue over his lips as he watched the rich sway of her
hips and the bounce of her ripe breasts. When I am done with the Quetza, I
shall take her for my own as long as she pleases me. When she no longer amuses
me, I shall feed her to the Jaguar ... except for those parts I take for
myself .
Olaf followed his painted priest guide across the way to the palace of Casca.
His quick gaze missed nothing. He was taken past guards in elaborate
headdresses and with strange weapons. The walls were covered with murals
depicting the life and culture of the people of Teotah. Behind Olaf his
officers followed him in awe. Finally they came to a massive door of carved
wood. Two Serpent sodiers opened it and ushered the Vikings into a more
familiar presence.
Casca stood in the center of the huge room wearing only a loincloth. His arms
and wrists were covered by massive gold bracelets. Casca welcomed the Vikings.
They stood for a moment looking around the room. In the center were benches
and a table covered with many foods-even the flesh of the small dog that these
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