Chapter 2

On the day in question, Citali's daily performance was attended by a critic who had come from the capital just to hear the poetry of this wonderful queen.  The critic happened to question one of the lines in that day's poem.

The line described the symbols sculpted in relief upon a particular warrior's shield.  One symbol was that of three jaguars coiled under the throne of a princess.  The critic wanted to know what they signified.

"It means the shield had three coiled jaguars carved beneath a throne," she said.

"Yes," the critic responded, "but it leaves the listener wondering if there is a special…"

"You have no idea what you are talking about," the Queen retorted sharply.  "Just shut up and listen for a change."

The critic persisted in interrupting the queen's recitation.  After a while, she stopped the reading and retreated behind the golden door of her pyramid in a state of some distraction.  Several of her guards, acting upon their own initiative, seized the critic and threw him into a dungeon below the walls of the pyramid.

When she had collected herself, Citali closely questioned her loyal servants.

"It's not easy coming up with new poetical ideas every day before 3PM," she noted.  "I only do it to sustain my people.  You understand, of course."

"Lady," Itzel replied, "we are only servants.  It is not our business to question the words of our betters."

Izel seconded the opinion of his companion, much to the dipleasure of the queen who retired to her chambers much shaken by the events of the day.