Central City, Ceremonial Hall of the Government House.
The grand ceremonial hall remained permeated with the scent of incense and the inherent tension of diplomacy. The Mayan leaders and priests observed me attentively, their faces a mixture of curiosity and caution after my initial words about the similarity of our gods. It was the precise moment to sow the seed more deeply.
"Our peoples, though geographically distant, share more than they imagine," I continued, my voice calm, but each word carefully chosen. "The Sun, for us, is Sua, the giver of life, the one who illuminates the path. Is it not the same for you, with another name, but with the same vital essence? The Moon, Chie, guides our nights and marks our cycles. Is it not also a fundamental deity in your calendars and ceremonies?"
I pointed out subtle examples I had studied from their own beliefs: the cycles of planting and harvesting linked to deities of the earth and water, the offerings to the elements, and the profound reverence for life and death.
"Your ceremonies of gratitude, your rites of passage… Do they not resonate with ours, albeit in different forms? The wisdom of the gods manifests in multiple ways, but their fundamental truth is one."
A faint murmur spread among them.
The Mayan priests began to debate in low voices, some gesturing with notable skepticism, others with an expression of deep contemplation.
I heard fragments of their words: "...but Kukulcán is different..." "...the Lord of Maize is ours..."
However, I noticed that some of them, especially the younger ones and those with more open gazes, seemed to consider my words with genuine seriousness. Their eyes rested on me, then on their companions, as if a new idea was slowly germinating.
This was the fundamental first step for future integration, a bridge between our cultures.
The meeting continued, and the atmosphere shifted from the spiritual to the pragmatic.
The Minister of Commerce, the Director of the Department of Economy, and the Director of the Department of Innovation joined the table, unfolding commercial maps and value tables.
"Now, let's talk about how we can mutually benefit," I said, yielding the floor to my ministers.
The Minister of Commerce, with his usual eloquence, presented the proposals of the Suaza Kingdom. "We offer bronze tools, textiles with durable dyes, and agricultural knowledge that can increase your harvests. In return, we seek some of your valuable resources: cacao, jade, exotic feathers for our ceremonies, and unique dyes."
Then, the Director of the Department of Economy, Ubatas, introduced the innovative idea of currency.
"To facilitate large-scale trade and transaction efficiency, we have developed a system of bronze, silver, and gold coins. These coins, precisely minted by our Suaza Bank, guarantee a standardized value and a security that bartering, though valuable, cannot always offer."
He showed a gold coin, its shine immediately capturing the attention of the Mayans.
"It will not replace bartering, but will complement it, allowing for larger and faster transactions."
The Mayan leaders listened with evident interest, some touching the coins with curiosity. The idea of such a portable and universal object of exchange was completely new to them.
Then, I intervened, my voice firm and clear, although the point I was about to touch upon was extremely delicate.
"There is an additional requirement from the Suaza Kingdom for part of the payments. We have observed in your lands, and in others, the practice of slavery. Our kingdom needs many people for heavy labor," I lied to ensure the slaves were part of the deal. "Therefore, we request that a portion of what you pay us be through the purchase of those who have been enslaved."
I paused, allowing my words to sink in. I saw surprises on some Mayan faces, frowns on others. Since the first deal with the Aztecs, our kingdom has liberated thousands of people, approaching tens of thousands.
Those who are not criminals have been relocated to our new settlements in; the islands of the Inner Sea, the ports and towns of the eastern coasts of our continent, and across the sea, where they are offered a new life, opportunities, and cultural assimilation with our people.
Those who are serious criminals will be assigned to forced labor, yes, but under humane conditions and strict supervision, with the possibility of rehabilitation. We did not seek cruelty, as this would set a bad precedent for the future.
"If I had said I would free them, they surely would have rejected me," I thought ironically, seeing how happily they reacted to hearing that the slaves would be put to heavy labor.
I knew this was a risky proposal, almost an interference. But it was a multifaceted strategy: to rescue lives, obtain labor for the new settlements ethically, and set a moral precedent.
It was a pragmatic solution to a complex ethical problem, driven by the urgency of my mission to build a strong and just kingdom.
After the formal meeting, the atmosphere relaxed a bit.
The Bishops of the Suaza Kingdom and I accompanied the Mayan priests and some leaders who showed particular interest in the Basilica. The grand building, with its intricate reliefs and high ceilings, offered a notable contrast to the functionality of the Government House.
Inside, the air was cooler, and light filtered through colorful stained-glass windows, casting dancing shadows.
The discussion about the gods continued, but now in a more intimate and contemplative tone.
"In the Suaza Kingdom," explained one of our Bishops, his voice softly resonating. "We have learned that the greatness of the gods manifests in the diversity of their peoples. We do not deny their deities but rather honor them as part of a unified pantheon. The rain god of the Pijao, the mountain spirit of the Tairona, the Muisca Sun and Moon… all find their place in our faith, because all are expressions of the same divine force."
I took the floor.
"We have found that, by seeking similarities, not differences, our peoples have been strengthened. We share cycles, we share the need for rain, for sun, for fertile land. The rules the gods have given us for a great and harmonious civilization are universal: respect for life, honesty in commerce, hard work for the community, justice for all, care for the land that sustains us."
The Mayan priests listened, some with their eyes closed in deep meditation, others with looks of astonishment. I saw the spark of intrigue in their eyes. Some expressed doubts, their voices soft, clinging to their own traditions. But most seemed intrigued by the coherence and peace this philosophy had brought to our kingdom.
I felt the importance of this silent 'ideological war'. The ability to unify beliefs, to find common ground in the most sacred, was key to preventing future conflicts and building a shared identity. The echo of my words about the unity of the gods still resonated in the Basilica.
The Mayan priests, though not all convinced, showed a spark of curiosity and respect in their eyes. We did not insist further. I knew the seed had been planted; now, it was a matter of time and their own reflection. They retired to their temporary lodgings, their minds, I hoped, filled with new ideas.
An hour later.
I was left alone with Simte in the sacred quietness of the Basilica. The air was thick with the usual scent of incense.
"Simte," I said, my voice dropping to a more personal tone. "Our ceremonies, great and small, have united the peoples of the land. But the islands… the Federal Region of the Rising Sun Islands. The Taínos and the Caribes. Their past conflicts, their sea spirits… We need to unify them completely."
Simte nodded, his face wise and thoughtful.
"I have been meditating on it, Son of Heaven. Perhaps a ceremony involving their most vital element: the sea… Something that celebrates their connection to water, but under the aegis of our unified gods."
We both remained thoughtful. Each trying to analyze what we knew of their cultures and beliefs. Suddenly, an idea came to my mind.
"A warrior navigation ceremony," I proposed, the idea forming in my mind with sudden clarity. "A journey in individual sailboats. Let it begin from the capital of the Federal Region, that island south of the Jaragua Chiefdom. Let them sail past all the islands, until they reach the continent right in the Northeast Region."
Simte smiled, his eyes gleaming. "Magnificent! A challenge that will unite those who once fought. A veneration of the sea god and the spirits they honor, integrating them into our pantheon. Navigation, their art. Unity, our purpose."
I nodded, feeling the importance of this decision. Cultural integration was as vital as military. My idea was not just for unification; days, weeks, and months passed very quickly. The urgency of consolidating these island regions was palpable. Every step towards cohesion was a stronger shield against what was approaching.
Three weeks later.
I was in the Kingdom's Laboratory, a place that vibrated with the energy of invention. Now it was the heart of the innovation that my knowledge of the future and the brilliant minds scattered throughout the kingdom could bring. Umzye accompanied me.
"Young Chuta," I said, pointing to a model of a Wayamú ship. "We need more. And if possible, to build them faster. How can we decrease the construction time of our Wayamú and Tequendama? And, crucially, how do we make them faster?"
I frowned, my eyes scanning the blueprints. There were ways to make them faster, but we were technologically very far from using a power source as a means of movement for a ship.
"They are already impressive vessels, Young Chuta. But the speed… and the production scale we need… it's a challenge," said Umzye, noticing my thoughtful gaze.
A sharp but confident voice interrupted. "Young Chuta, General Umzye. I've been working on it." Faoa, the introverted genius in charge of the Laboratory, approached, his eyes shining with the intensity of his ideas.
"For speed, I have analyzed the aerodynamics of the sails and rigging. Small changes in curvature and material can generate superior propulsion force. And as for hull shapes, I have designed some subtle modifications that optimize speed without compromising cargo capacity or stability. These are viable changes, Young Chuta."
Faoa then unrolled some shipyard plans.
"For construction speed, the key lies in the shipyards. I have designed improvements in the cast iron mechanisms. Rudimentary but efficient cranes, cutting and assembly tools that will reduce work time. We could assemble a Wayamú in half the time, and a Tequendama in one-third less."
I felt a mixture of astonishment and deep satisfaction. Faoa's brilliance was unparalleled. The ability to build faster and sail faster was directly proportional to the kingdom's preparation for the future.
One month later.
The ritual was repeated. With the same retinue of Bishops, Governors, Ministers, and Generals, I received the envoys of the Tarascan Empire in the ceremonial hall. The welcoming formalities, the exchange of greetings and small gifts, everything was an echo of the Mayan visit.
"We have heard much of your kingdom, Young Chuta," said the Tarascan leader, a man of imposing stature and penetrating gaze.
"And we of the strength and wisdom of the Tarascan Empire," I replied, my voice kind. Then, with the subtlety I now mastered, I directed the conversation to the crucial point. "Our peoples, though separated by distance, share a deep connection. A connection with the divine."
I laughed internally. I seemed like a salesman from the future, repeating the same message about the unification of the gods. The Sun, the Moon, Mother Earth… the same principles, the same arguments.
However, my smile faded as I remembered the strategic importance of these alliances. It was not simple speech; it was the basis for establishing strong ties, for weaving a network of cooperation that our kingdom desperately needs when the 'great shadow' of Europe loomed over us.
"Repetition was necessary. As many times as needed," I reflected.
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[A/N: CHAPTER COMPLETED
Hello everyone.
Chuta tries to convince the Mayan priests and leaders. However, just as happened with Moctezuma, who in addition to being a general is also a priest, it is not easy to convince cultures that have complete physical records of their religion. Although the effort he made will surely bear fruit later.
Unnecessary fact of the day: In 1500, Pedro Álvares Cabral arrived on the coast of Brazil, claiming the territory for Portugal.
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Read my other novels.
#The Walking Dead: Vision of the Future.
#The Walking Dead: Emily's Metamorphosis from Visions of Future Saga.
#The Walking Dead: Patient 0 - Lyra File
You can find them on my profile.]