The Mayan Priest (55 page)

During this period, both Yok Chac and I had also commenced planning the secrets required to keep this precious book away from the hands of those for whom it was not intended. We spent so many hours together that our relationship reached a new level of understanding and he was closer to me than a blood brother. Other than my love for Lady Tikal, Yok Chac’s friendship was the most important thing in my life.

The ensuing five cycles of the haab brought about two more children with my Butterfly and despite our forced separation, she allowed me visits with the children, accessed through the covert passageway to the palace. I treasured these times and took solace in the fact that Kaloomte was rapidly growing old with an illness we could not diagnose. I long suspected that Yok Chac was giving him a potion but chose never to question his integrity. It was a convenient silence on my part. If I did not ask the questions, I would not get unwanted answers.

We had also commenced the building of the various traps made to keep the book safe and it was near the completion of these works that Kaloomte died and I unashamedly celebrated. I had achieved everything I desired. The gods’ requests were nearly completed, I had my friend Yok Chac and now I will have Lady Tikal and my children. My life was complete.

***

Adam looked up in concern. ‘The style of writing has changed in this next section.’

Gillian frowned. ‘This part was not written by Kinix.’

Manuscript part 6

I, Yok Chac, have just passed my dear friend Kinix to the gods. Just upon the pinnacle of his life, he suffered a tragic accident that released his ch’ulel and left his body empty. My grief is without words and I cannot determine how I will go on … but I must.

He used his final breath to make me promise that I will bury him with the ‘book of learning’ and deliver his three paintings and ornamental Calendar Round to his first and most beloved child, Bird Claw. It is these four items that must be entrusted to the eldest child of each generation and only used if the Mayan way fails.

For me this is the end. With Kinix went my love of life and I have little left other than my own child and to ensure Kinix’s family is raised as he would like. I have pledged an oath to the gods and to Kinix to care for them until my own time comes and I will not fail in my duty.

Kinix was a wise man with such a great passion for living and learning that I can only hope the one reading this will share those same characteristics. To be the child of Kinix’s children is indeed a great honour and to be bestowed with his legacy is a privilege. I hope that whoever you may be, you take care of these precious secrets and do him justice.

‘Of course. Despite his complex nature, Kinix was a simple man at heart. His early years and most of his later life were spent at his home in his garden. It was the place he felt most at peace.’

Adam did not require any further propositioning. He pulled her to him and kissed her properly for the first time, savouring every moment and counting his blessings. What an adventure his life had become and he had so much to look forward to. Discovering his legacy with Gillian and his new found friends was only just the beginning.

***

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