Chapter 13

Saba Tamac always had a sense of grandeur about things. So lunch was conscientiously prepared.

Tamales with bean cream, tender corn tortillas filled with tomato and avocado picadillo, drizzled with extra spicy salsa. Well roasted manatee and tapir fillets in sour green apricot sauce, with guanábanas and chirel cream, all with plenty of sweet chicha, well chilled, with slushy ice from the Andes.

The man sat, surrounded by his three wives at his feet, to his right a taciturn Rut-Za-Berú who drank a jasmine tizana. Ita-Za-Berú ate without any dissimulation abundant boiled potatoes, with corn cream and llama's milk. To the king's left, seated on a carpet of macaw feathers, were his immense daughters, who, with the greatest expectation, watched the athlete, standing erect before their lord and master.

--You called me, my powerful and beloved father and our father, here I am to obey you and obey you," t--he young man greeted him, adorned with his own colors as a subaltern cacique. At his side a warrior stood unfurling his banner flag.

--I called you to share with us and listen to us. The other day at the tribal council I was impressed by the audacity of your proposals,--" said Saba Tamac, sizing up the boy.

--Favors that I do not deserve;--said the young man and at a gesture of invitation he sat down on a carpet in the middle of the polished room, beginning to eat some guavas, in a gesture of courtesy to his king, seeing Xixata out of the corner of his eye, who softly sent him an ethereal kiss, which the young man grabbed closing his eyes and putting his cheek, as if he was looking for something to eat.

--Additionally;--said Saba Tamac to all---- you have impressed us by your strength and courage. Your father was not wrong when he christened you Son of the Condor. In the patrols against the Pipil Confederacy, in distant Chalatenango you saved your army and on the other hand I am told that the Motilones turn pale when they hear your name.

--I do everything for the glory of my king," --said the young man, frightened by that presentation, wondering who knows where he would end up.

--In consequence of your lineage, your bravery and loyalty, we have decided to invite you to our table, with the intention of making it permanent if that is your wish.

Son of the Condor suddenly understood. Xixata had spoken to his father putting an end to his indecision. Added with his unconscious request at the tribal council had this result. So with his mouth open, almost to its full extent, the young man became more and more incorporated in his posture at every word the other said.

-After much consultation, and as is the pronouncement of a princess, and asking the opinion of the other interested parties,--" said Saba Tamac, looking at her daughters.

Then the owners of those perfect smiles shone with golden intensity.

-...... --We have decided to invite you to be part of our family. Do you wish it so," --concluded the King.

--Of course, your majesty. It is an honor that I do not deserve,"-- answered the Chieftain, understanding everything, feeling hope and happiness being born in his spirit. However, out of respect, he controlled his emotions, keeping his initial posture.

--- Then, all is said. Receive my blessings, our affections and your future wife. My daughter......Tanda--said the Great Cacique very happy, pointing with both hands to the young woman.

Son of the Condor, his face was demodulated, with a frozen smile on his face, looking with despair alternately to Saba Tamac, to Xixata, who in turn saw how Tanda, unable to contain herself, had risen untimely from the carpet, literally hanging from the arms of the warrior, while crying and laughing of pure happiness.

Everyone began to applaud, except Son of the Condor who was paralyzed, perplexed and absent. Xixata clapped her hands, for the sake of appearances, as she watched her beloved about to collapse.

--So, are you happy,?" said Saba Tamac, with an expression of having done at least something right.

...... Of course, your majesty,"-- said Son of the Condor.

--Yes, sacred father,"-- said Tanda, touching the sky of the purest happiness.

--Then,"-- commanded Saba Tamac,-- "let us eat and toast. It is a very special moment. I thank the gods for allowing me to come to this day and give my first daughter in marriage.

Son of the Condor could not explain this stroke of fate, if Xixata was not Tanda's sister, there would be no problems, but the law said that two sisters could not be given to the same man.

Xixata could not marry anyone. She was his, period. He would kill her first and kill himself. It was preferable; for in the event that Xixata reached the bridal bed she would die at the hands of her husband and immediately a terrible war would be waged by the offended people.

For that reason the man ate mechanically and did not hear the tiresome poems that his future sisters-in-law offered him.

But if he could hear and with attention were the words spoken in all tranquility by that adored face.

--I will pray to the gods and to mother earth, that you will be very happy in my sister's arms," --said the girl simply, with a calm resignation.

Tanda could not hide a smile of triumph, taking the warrior's slippery hands in token of love.

As evening fell, Son of the Condor was able to escape, throwing himself down the stairs, ruminating furiously.

--It wasn't like that, it wasn't how it should have happened. --he said, chewing on the words.

IV