Aztec Eternals

The breeze blows the green fields and comes to the rolling mountains. The trees stretch out their branches and buds, covering the traces of fighting in the forest. Under the nourishment of life, the shrubs become more and more verdant. The setting sun fell on the towering stone castles, outlining a colorful and interlaced oil painting, which was brown and blue bricks, black and gray fireworks, and dark red bloodstains.

In the evening, the battlefield of the fighting was silent. The thrown stone bullets scattered among the stone fortresses, and the broken feather arrows penetrated deep into the soil. On the battlefield in front of the stone castle, the militiamen of the alliance and the kingdom were numb and busy with their heads down. They collected the relics of the warriors of both sides and buried the bodies of their respective militiamen on the spot. The ground was covered with crimson marks, which even the rain could not wash away. Only the lush green grass can submerge the cruel battlefield.

The curling smoke rises from the stone castles, facing each other in the mountains and forests. The light smoke passed over the garrisoned warriors, circled the banner of the watchtower, and rose into the deep sky. The priests accompanying the army sang simple funeral songs, praying for the coming of the gods to pick up the lost souls.

The singing is scattered in the wind, and the flag is unfurled in the wind. At the top of the stone castle group, different flags are flying. More than two-thirds of them have been replaced with the king's flag of the Mexica Alliance, and the remaining one-third is still the eagle flag of the Kingdom of Tarasco. The stone castle of the Eagle Flag surrounds the northwest of Sitacuaro, and the center is the core of the Tarasco line of defense, the undulating high point of the two-hundred-mile mountainous area, an unbreakable alpine fortress.

The golden sunset falls on the fortress on the top of the mountain, and the king's flag flutters from the watchtower. The royal eagle is spreading its wings and soaring into the western sky. King Suangwa stood expressionless on the top of the stone castle. He stared at the Wang Qi passed down from generation to generation, like a stone sculpture, let the setting sun cast long shadows. A few tens of steps away, the king's guards were wearing copper helmets and leather armor, holding copper axes and longbows, guarding the surroundings solemnly.

The sky is gradually dimming, and the setting sun dyes the world red. The young king lowered his eyes and spoke slowly.

"Is the replacement Wang Qi ready?"

"Dear King, the new imitation flag has been prepared. When the night is dark, the inherited flag will be replaced." The guard behind him leaned over and answered with a low and firm voice.

"Summon the commander of the South Road, Kuiyous. Tell him to come here in a low-key manner, without any followers."

The king kept his voice calm. He turned around and looked towards the mountains and forests to the southeast. In the last light of the sun, the king's flags of the Mexica faced each other across the air. The blood-red sun fluttered on the flag, the dark blue god of war bloomed its feathers, and the yellow-green gemstones shone brightly, stinging Su Angua's eyes.

The king raised his head slightly, suppressing the moisture in his eyes. The sky is vast, the mountains are majestic, and the fortress under his feet is so impenetrable. The inherited royal banner stands at the highest point of the fortress, always witnessing the glory of the royal family.

From last year's spring plowing to this year's spring breeze, it has been more than nine months of fighting. The main force of the Mexica Alliance was firmly blocked in the mountains and forests of Sitacuaro two hundred miles away, and it was still unable to break through. Tens of thousands of alliance warriors stopped at the last, highest, and strongest line of defense.

Su Angua recalled quietly, and countless memories of day and night came to his mind. The cries of fighting echoed in the sky, and the flowing blood flooded the earth. This long southeast campaign is also coming to an end, and it will usher in a dismal end in a form he did not expect.

On this canine-toothed front, the kingdom and the alliance have been wrestling for a long time, and they have already figured out each other's situation thoroughly. The Kingdom of Tarasco has successively assembled 23,000 warriors, 10,000 elite militiamen, and 50,000 ordinary militiamen. The Mexica Alliance mobilized a total of 45,000 warriors and more than 40,000 militiamen. The battle of nearly 200,000 people on both sides is a huge epic that has never been seen in the world!

The whole battle is roughly divided into two stages. The first stage is that the kingdom shrinks and the alliance advances. From June to October last year, the Mexica raided during the spring plowing season. The warriors of the alliance use longbows, throwing stones, rockets, and paper fireballs. With the addition of new weapons, they are invincible all the way. It wasn't until the arrival of the royal army led by Suangua, supported by militiamen and Terkos warriors from the lake area, that the enemy's offensive was gradually resisted. During these four months, the kingdom lost 5,000 warriors and 15,000 militiamen, and lost about half of its fortress groups. The alliance also suffered 6,000 warriors and 8,000 militiamen, and had an advantage in terms of casualties and advancement.

The second stage is a stalemate between the two sides, and the defense line is formed. From October of last year to March of this year, the Mexica advance gradually slowed down until it came to a complete standstill. Facing the alpine fortress relying on the mountain, the longbow and stone throwing were useless. The Mexica warriors threw ceramic balls, which sent out thunderous thunder, which once shook the hearts of the soldiers. However, under the sacred banner, the courage of the Praetorians never falters. The copper ax guards swung their tomahawks, killing nearly a hundred noble battle groups, and made the Mexica warriors attack and retreat fiercely.

When the kingdom's longbowmen concentrated their fire, the exploding caltrops never had a chance to be thrown into the castle. The craftsmen of the capital worked day and night, and within half a year, they delivered five thousand imitation longbows to the front line. Thousands of longbowmen were scattered among the fortresses on the front line, and the overwhelming Mexica warriors couldn't lift their heads. The alliance lost the advantage of the bow and arrow, and the defense line of the kingdom became extremely strong again. The stone castles occupy a favorable location and are difficult to conquer. The warriors on both sides fell in pieces between the forts, and then shrank cautiously, and the focus of consumption gradually turned to the fragile militia. Throwing stones and rain of arrows covered the sky, alternating with each other, knocking down the militiamen mercilessly.

In the past half a year, the kingdom suffered another 5,000 warriors, 5,000 elite militiamen, and 13,000 lake district militiamen. The Tarascos firmly held the last third of the fortress group, and four thousand warriors who died in battle were Terkos reinforcements. The Alliance suffered 7,000 Mexica warriors and 12,000 militiamen. Losses on both sides began to be even, and the Alliance offensive was exhausted.

For nine months, nearly 80,000 warriors and militiamen from both sides had been swallowed up in the forests of Sitacuaro. Whether it is noble nobles, fierce warriors, or ordinary militiamen, they all turned into cold remains and were buried in the mounds among the mountains. The only trace they left was the insignificant number in the mind of the supreme commander. Such tragic casualties disturbed the hearts of the nobles on both sides, and it was difficult for the warriors to continue to attack. In the past month, the Mexica have completely stopped the large-scale siege of warriors, and only carried out raids with the militia as the main force to maintain the pressure on the front line.

"There are still 40,000 warriors left in the kingdom, half of which are skilled warriors and elite militias. There are about 50,000 people in the alliance, of which 30,000 are warriors. The battle line of Sitacuaro has been stabilized, the two sides are evenly matched, and everyone has reached their limit .The Mexica can't afford any more samurai casualties so, I hold this place!"

The young king looked into the darkened sky and cried out silently. He is on the dangerous front line, but he has never failed to live up to the glory of the royal family, and has proved his ability to his ancestors!

The envoys who went to various states brought good news. The holy city of Cholula accepted the treaty of conversion and became neutral. The chiefs of Tlaxcala in the east were married to the royal family, and they had gathered tens of thousands of warriors to invade the border of the Mexica Union. The Mixtec and Zapotec people in the south have shown a friendly attitude. These "People of the Clouds" broke off their New Year's tribute to the Alliance and formed a secret alliance with the Kingdom, promising to lend a helping hand when the situation changed. The Otomi people in the north were embroiled in disputes and divided into two factions with different opinions. The Vastec people in the northeast were dissatisfied with the heavy tribute oppression, and they were also eager to move. Only the Totonac people in the east did not respond because the journey was too far away.

"The general situation is about to change. As long as we stick to it for another half a year, the situation of this war will completely change!"

Su Angua closed her red eyes, tears streaming down silently. He stepped into the shadow of the watchtower, reached out to touch the banner of the ancestors, and quietly wiped his face with his sleeve. Then, the young king turned around, looked towards the capital in the northwest, and let out a long sigh and shouted angrily.

"Stupid Ospai. Cowardly Penguari Mexica's 'Death' Shulot!"

The young king whispered three names, the emotions of resentment decreased in turn, and the desire of unwillingness continued to rise, and the darkness engulfed his heart. However, no matter how much resentment there is, no matter how unwilling, the outcome of this battle cannot be changed. The reinforcements were all defeated, the food road was almost interrupted, and the capital was under the enemy's soldiers! In front of him, there was only the doomed third stage, a rapid retreat.

Su Angua looked at the west, watched the sunset slowly fall, and watched the shadows erode the sky and the earth. It wasn't until the confidant guards lit the bonfire that the commander of the South Road, Kuiyousi, came in a hurry, wearing a battle suit.

"My dear king, I have just returned from the fortress on the front line, please forgive me for being late!"

Queuse knelt down on one knee and saluted solemnly. The commander-in-chief of the South Road is about forty years old, with a resolute face. His eyes reveal the vicissitudes of life, his appearance is the majesty of the royal family, and his body is full of killing intent on the battlefield.

"Uncle Kuiyusi, there is no need to be polite. You are the eagle of the royal family, and you flow from the blood of the ancestors of Tariguri. You are also the most trustworthy marshal in the Southern Army!"

Su Angua stepped forward and lifted Queuse's body. Then, he held the opponent's arm and stared into the eyes of Commander Nanlu.

"Uncle, do you still remember the glory of your ancestors?"

Hearing his uncle's address and looking into the king's eyes, Queuse paused slightly. Then, he nodded solemnly and answered loudly.

"Under the eagle's banner, I will bleed until I die!"

The king watched silently for a moment. Then, he let go of his hand, took two steps back, and disappeared in the shadow of the watchtower.

"Uncle, the Mexica have defeated the Ponguari reinforcements. They are about to lay siege to the capital and cut off the food routes to Patzcuaro."

Queuse was taken aback. He opened his eyes wide and asked in a low voice.

"The 30,000 Chapala army is so vulnerable?! Your Majesty, is this news confirmed?"

Su Angua nodded slowly. A faint voice came, but his changing face could not be seen clearly.

"It's a secret letter from Chief Jinjinni. Outside the capital, there are no reinforcements. Sitacuaro's food can last for more than a month. The news of the lack of food can't be hidden for too long. This line of defense is about to fail."

Queuse stood speechless. He showed an expression of disbelief, then suddenly turned his head and looked towards the western world. At this moment, the setting sun had completely set, the field was full of shadows, and it was already deep darkness as far as the eye could see.

"This line of defense is almost unstoppable." The commander of the South Road repeated subconsciously. Then, with a start, he looked up at the king.

"Your Majesty, why did you summon me?"

Su Angua was silent for a moment before speaking calmly.

"The royal capital is in danger. I must return to the army quickly to preserve my last hope. The people of Tlaxcala have sent troops. As long as the capital remains intact, the glory of our ancestors will continue. Uncle, you are the eagle of the royal family, and I The most trusted person! Only you can take on the overall situation in the southeast!"

Queuse looked over the king to the watchtower's banner. Tarasco's eagle flies in the wind, even when shrouded in darkness. After a while, he knelt down on one knee again and bowed deeply to the king.

"Under the eagle's banner, I will shed blood to the death."

Suangwa stepped out of the shadows. With a serious expression, he held up his respected uncle.

"Uncle, I will leave before dawn tomorrow, taking away 2,000 imperial guards, 3,000 spear militiamen, and 5,000 warriors from the kingdom. The journey back to the capital is more than 400 miles away. In order to guard against the harassment of the Mexica, The speed of the march cannot be too fast. I need you to stay here for another fifteen days!"

Queuse nodded silently. He closed his eyes, thought for a moment, and then suggested in a low voice.

"Your Majesty, you can bring more troops to preserve more vitality for the kingdom. I can hold on here!"

Su Angua shook his head calmly, he had already figured it out completely, and he didn't hesitate at this moment.

"I have taken away all the disciplined, loyal and capable warriors. Two thousand foreign mercenaries are handed over to you to suppress the six thousand Tekos warriors. These vassal warriors are scattered in the fortresses on the front line. Once they retreat, they will be killed The Xijia people know. They are not suitable to be brought into the capital. And the remaining 22,000 militiamen cannot operate at night and cannot keep secrets, so I will give them all to you, and I will give you another 2,000 longbows!"

"The king's capital is in danger. Although the chief minister has great prestige, it is difficult to integrate the nobles and high priests. If the situation is critical, there may be accidents. This time I return to the army, and I will put the king's flag back on the 'Palace of Winds' to stabilize the situation. The morale of the army in the capital. The retreat must be quick! I can only take away 10,000 elites. And as long as these 10,000 people can return to Qincongcan, the capital will be as stable as the holy mountain in the west!"

Having said this, the king gazed at Queus with what seemed to be a burning fire in his eyes. He opened his arms and gave his uncle a farewell hug.

"Uncle Queus! For the continuation of the kingdom and the glory of the royal family, I entrust this place to you! Fifteen days, you only need to stick to it for fifteen days! Next, retreat to the hinterland or surrender to the Mexica , it’s up to you to decide!!”

The Commander-in-Chief of South Road nodded slowly, like a sculpture solidified in the wind. He swore again.

"Under the eagle's banner, I will shed blood"

Hearing the familiar oath, the young king finally smiled. He lowered his head, saluted his uncle solemnly for the first time, and then walked into the fort silently. There are so many things about the withdrawal of troops that he has to make his own decisions and arrange them secretly. The king's guards lined up in two rows, holding copper axes and big bows, and followed them with stern faces.

On the empty fortress, only Quius was left alone. He quietly watched the flying king's flag, recalling the glory of his ancestors. The glorious past came to mind one by one, turning into a smile at the corner of his mouth. Until the night was dark, a group of guards came in a hurry, replaced the inherited king's flag, and hoisted a new one. The commander of the South Road lost his strength. He staggered, took two steps forward, and fell under the flag. There was silence again on the towering fortress, only the funeral songs of the priests mourning the coming fate.

His fate is already doomed, and even the tens of thousands of troops in his hands will fall into boundless darkness. The old king's flag fell silently, and the brand-new flag rose slowly, just like the overthrow of the kingdom, heralding the elegy of the night.