Whatever Eugene had to say to Miguel was completely forgotten.
They had a trip on the river, staring down at the giant fish, whilst on the back of a giant turtle.
They fed the colourful birds by scattering seed across the ground, as the larger birds that towered above them shoved their beaks straight into the bowls, making both Eugene and Miguel jump.
Miguel went on some sort of device that spun you around by the ankles, which Eugene 'politely' declined.
("Just give it a go!"
"No way!")
They then headed to the main courtyard, where a large number of dominos were being set up. Slowly and carefully, they made their way over and took a seat next to the domino artist, just as he was placing the last piece in place.
"Would you like to knock it over Young Lord?" The man asked Eugene, who nodded eagerly, waiting until the man gestured for him to go ahead, before tapping the ending piece, setting off the chain. They all fell, to reveal a golden sun that reflected the light from the actual sun, lighting up the courtyard.
"I love this place." Eugene whispered, eyes on the display, meaning that he completely missed the look his Dad flashed him.
It was almost a sad look.
From there, they continued to walk through the streets, coming across a small group of children, several of whom were around Eugene's age.
They had a brown ball in their hands, and whilst they were nervous at first, when Miguel gave them a soft smile, they held the ball out, silently asking if the pair wanted to play. The ball was thrown into the air, and the game began, Eugene and Miguel bouncing it on their feet like the games kids would play in the streets back home.
None of them noticed the figure watching them from above.
…..
Tulio knew he should have resisted.
He was happy with Miguel, he always had been, even when the other man got on his nerves.
But Chel was new… exotic… he just couldn't resist her.
"My Lord?"
Chel pulled away from Tulio with a sharp gasp. "The high priest! What's he gonna think if he finds one of the Gods like this with me?!"
"Uh, lucky God?"
Chel stared at him in disbelief, before pushing him away, hitting at him and hissing for him to pull his pants back up, before pushing him into view.
"Oh, Tzekel-Kan! What brings you here?" Tulio fell naturally into his God role.
"I-I-I-I-I humbly request an audience with you, my Lord!"
"Yes, what can I do for you?"
"My Lord, I have just Lord Miguel and Apprentice Eugene out among the people."
Tulio resisted the urge to groan, "Really?"
"If I may be so bold as to offer some advice?"
"All right. Shoot."
Tzekel-Khan cleared his throat, "My Lord… you are perfect!"
Flattery.
Tulio's one weakness.
Well, that and gold.
He chuckled, "Oh well, go on."
"But in your perfection, you cannot know how imperfect humans are." The room went dark, as ghostly snakes started to weave around them, fangs oozing venom, "Spineless and slippery!"
The snakes hissed.
"They are as untrustworthy as rats…" The snakes turned to rats, "… stealing and cheating with no remorse!" He grabbed one of the rats, the creature turning into a pear which he took a bite of. "Spinning webs of lies, like spiders!"
A spider landed on his palm, as he crushed it in his grip.
"Stop it!" Tulio couldn't take it anymore, "That's disgusting!"
Tzekel-Khan waved the illusions away, getting right up in Tulio's face.
"They're beyond disgusting!"
"Oh yeah, way, way beyond!" Tulio backed away.
"Then we're in agreement!" Tzekel-Khan didn't notice how panicked the 'God' was, "I'll begin the necessary preparations immediately. Now, do you wish to have your victims bound to an altar, or would you prefer them free-range."
Tulio was a little alarmed at how excited the High Priest was.
"And will you be devouring their essence whole, or piece by piece?"
Tulio's mouth flapped open a few times, before he stopped and shook his head, "Tzekel, you've lost me."
"My Lord, these people will not respect you if they do not fear you!"
"And, of course, we'll make them fear us by- "
"- A sacrifice, as it is prophesised, the history of the Age of the Jaguar will be written in…"
"… Ink?"
"Blood!"
"Blood!" Tulio slammed his forehead, "Oh, right! Of course! I should probably consult with Lord Miguel. This is fairly important stuff, I-um- should discuss the entire-uh- blood issue right away." He spotted Chel moved closer, darting forwards to grab her wrist, "Excuse us, won't you?" His voice dropped to a whisper, so that only Chel could hear, "Let's go."
They both rushed down the steps, missing Tzekel-Kan wiping away a tear.
"Finally, we're connecting."
None were aware of the threat making it's way closer and closer to the city of El Dorado.
