the Maize God, Hunahpu. If I want to have the most advanced skills, I too must face Death Lords and bring to life the creative force of resurrection within myself. To embody the Maize God for our people.”
“But now? You are so young to take this advanced training. Might it not be best to wait until you undergo transformation rites into adulthood?”
“Pasah Chan will decide when the time is right for me.” Pakal reached to place his hand upon his mother’s arm, radiating compassion and soothing her with his touch. “You are worried, this I can understand. There is certain timing for entering the Cave of Immortal Wisdom. It only opens one time each year, and only for those who can find its entrance. An enormous amount of spiritual energy is needed to open this entrance. My next phase of training will be to build up my capacity for this enormous energy. Both body and mind must be prepared, because the energy moves like lightning through blood and nerves, and can cause serious burning if not channeled properly. Pasah Chan will not let this happen. He will not have me attempt this cave until he is convinced I am ready.”
“So it might not be this year?” Sak K’uk felt shaky simply thinking about the risk Pakal would be taking.
“Possibly not. Possibly yes. I do not know the time of opening, but from the planned training it is many moons away. Ah, Mother, through this many things will become accessible to me. Through the Cave of Immortal Wisdom I gain access to many masters, many ancestors who have become deities of our people: Itzamna, Xaman Ek, Ah K’in, Ix Uc, K’ukulkan. From them I will learn much wisdom.”
“Yes, yes I see.” Sak K’uk took a deep breath and tried to appear at ease. She had brought on all this training; she bore the responsibility if harm came to Pakal.
Pakal smiled playfully and stroked her arm reassuringly.
“Do not worry, Mother. It was shown to me by Unen K’awill, Baby Jaguar, that I am destined for these things. He told me in the Sak Nuk Nah – White Skin House where I visit with him whenever I have time. You remember our visits there, how he would play with me? He told me a secret; only those who are pure in heart can enter this cave. So if my heart is not correct, not purified, I will not be able to enter. And if it is pure, then I am ready to enter. All is in alignment in the domain of our Deities. ”
SAK K’UK/MUWAAN MAT – III
Baktun 9 Katun 8 Tun 14 –
Baktun 9 Katun 9 Tun 0
(610 CE – 613 CE)
1
Uc Ayin had to admit that he was no longer a young man. Although the passage of years had been kind to his body, which still remained slender and straight, it took a toll upon his mind. Somehow, his life felt unfulfilled. It was not that he failed in attaining goals, for he had few of these. Nor that hopes had been dashed, for the only strong hope he could recall was the desire to stay alive. And while he was undeniably living, his seemed a pointless life. He regarded his status mercilessly. Here was an aging courtier in the city beloved of the Triad Deities, blessed with peace and prosperity, in the upper echelons of artists in the ruler Aj Ne Ohl Mat’s intimate circle, who had done absolutely nothing significant in his life.
Except to survive the traitorous attack made by Ek Chuuah and warriors from Usihwitz. Nearly every other man involved in the insurrection had been killed. The insurrection leader Yaxun Zul had been spared, obviously part of a greater strategy to co-opt the rebels and keep the Bahlam family in power, since his son was quickly married to the ruler’s daughter.
Uc Ayin had no delusions about his survival during the attack if he had been in Lakam Ha. He would not now be contemplating his lack of fulfillment; he would be cavorting with the Death Lords in Xibalba. Although he was not among the close circle of plotters, just having knowledge of their plans was enough implication to cost his life. Anticipating the worst, he decided to visit his
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