Warm sunlight cascaded down, shining upon the Divine Blessing Legion by the river’s edge, also illuminating their somber faces. Gold, silver, wooden, bone, and stone sun amulets twinkled around the Samurai’s necks, as if the Sun God’s protection was always with them.
Xiulote and Natali prayed together for a few moments, then allowed each other to lead the Samurai away to rest. The youthful Priest closely observed the passing Divine Blessing Legion, nodding slowly but firmly.
The final batch of reinforcements to land at the river was the disorderly Chichimeca Canine Descendants. Dozens of chieftains from the Canine Descendants Tribes shouted loudly, calling warriors of varying numbers to gather into groups of different sizes. Then, under the guidance of General Osellor’s Envoy, the chieftains approached in disarray, paying their respects one by one to His Highness.
Xiulote bore a commanding presence as he received the loyalty of the Canine Descendants chieftains.
Most of the Canine Descendants chieftains wore only simple robes, their faces weather-beaten, marked by the wear of wind and sun, their skin burnt to a reddish-brown hue, painted with tattoos of various reverent designs. They first introduced their tribe’s name and their own heroic deeds with proud chests and raised heads, striving to reveal their fearless and wild bravery. Then, at His Highness’s inquiry, they respectfully lowered their heads and replied with broken Mexica words, fearfully observing the thousands of elite warriors. Occasionally, their eyes briefly betrayed their greed, yearning for sturdy leather and cotton armors, powerful longbows and war clubs, as well as shining gold and silver ornaments.
The young Commander watched calmly, without emotion. These Canine Descendants chieftains displayed complex traits: reverent of the Alliance’s military force yet compelled by the need for livelihood, forced to join the vast Mexica army. But deep within the Canine Descendants’ bones lurked a greed for power and wealth, along with a disregard for life and order. In short, the Canine Descendants were fierce and untamed, fearing authority but devoid of gratitude.
After musing for a moment, Xiulote gave a resolute wave of his hand. Thousands of Personal Guard Warriors then came forth swinging their war clubs, forcing all the Canine Warriors to kneel. The chieftains’ mouths were filled with disordered shouts, but they knelt without hesitation. Immediately after, several Priests stepped forward, setting up a makeshift altar, lighting a ghastly blue flame that emitted unpredictable divine smoke.
Mysterious chanting filled the air as the Priests began a frenzied dance. The trusted aides cut off the chieftains’ hair and then cast it into the blazing Sacred Fire. Amongst the swirling smoke, the youthful Priest danced last, singing an ancient and strange language, before loudly proclaiming.
"The Chief Divine controls everything, and also dictates the life and death of people! As the strands of your souls burn away, your lives are held in the palm of the Chief Divine. Those who defy the orders will suffer Divine Punishment, painfully burning away, becoming but a fleeting blue smoke in the wind!"
The accompanying Translator shouted fiercely, spreading the young Priest’s decree. The chieftains’ faces filled with horror as they watched the strange, unknown flame, listening to the foreign Divine Priest’s curse, feeling a heavy shadow rise in their hearts. After a moment, the chieftains erupted with submissive cries, laying down their trembling bodies in prostration.
"Great Sorcerer of the Sun God!"
Hearing the Translator’s words, Xiulote nodded. He gestured again, having the Priests prepare the sacred Mushroom Water with the psilocybin mushrooms they carried. He then emotionlessly ordered the chieftains to drink it.
Facing the color-changing concoction, the Canine Descendants chieftains shivered. They looked torn as they slowly drank it down, filled with fear and under the duress of the Mexica warriors.
In mere moments, the chieftains began to tremble in their hands and feet, unable to control their dancing. They roared, calling out unknown names, their faces a mix of tears and laughter, as the world before them turned uncanny and bizarre, as if under the scrutiny of spirits’ gaze, bringing an irresistible force! Watching this chaotic scene, the Mexica Priests were indifferent, while the Canine Warriors felt a chill in their hearts.
The frenzied dance continued for a full half-hour. Completely exhausted, the chieftains finally collapsed, their eyes glazed over, minds blank.
Xiulote then once more loudly declared.
"The Chief Divine controls everything, and also dictates the life and death of people! When the holy water flows into your innards, your lives are held in the palm of the Chief Divine. Those who disobey the orders will suffer Divine Punishment, rotting away, their souls eternally devoured by darkness!"
Hearing the Translator’s words, the Canine Warriors screamed in fear, completely prostrating themselves on the ground.
"Great Sorcerer of the God of Death!"
Xiulote surveyed the Canine Descendants once more, observing their expressions. The hidden defiance had finally vanished, replaced by a genuine fear. The young Priest nodded; the rituals’ intimidating effects would not last long, but they were enough to last until the end of the siege. Only through the dual control of mind and body could these Canine Descendants withstand the cruel casualties and persist longer in battle.
Finally, Xiulote waved for the Canine Warriors to take their weak chieftains to the Wooden Fort for rest. Then, he turned around and looked towards the Rivermouth fortress to the southwest. The siege was ongoing there, but the outcome was nearing.
Two days later, nine thousand reinforcements boarded the Naval Forces’ fleet once again, heading for the large camp outside the fortress. The majestic reinforcements proceeded through, drawing the watchful eyes from the city walls. Under the "Crocodile" banner, Osellor, independent in the Watchtower and wearing the Commander-in-Chief’s uniform, looked much older. He silently watched the enemy’s reinforcements merging into the siege encampment, murmuring a faint, somber laugh.