Hernán Cortés

Tao tried to keep his eyes on the horizon and pilot the Golden Condor to the west on a course that would lead them to Mexico City. But this was certainly the most unusual flight he could remember since they had found the flying machine. To his left sat Mendoza, who was doing his best to ignore the noise coming from the back seats of the Condor.

Had things been different, the whole situation would have been comical. Sancho, Pedro, Gomez and Gaspar were engaged in a fight over how they would fit into the seat, which certainly wasn't meant for four large (except for Pedro) men. Gomez's suggestion of Pedro or Sancho sitting on the floor hadn't been met with enthusiasm and Gaspar's proposal of Pedro sitting on Sancho's lap might have led to outright violence if the pair hadn't been such cowards. Tao had tartly stated that Gomez and Gaspar could sit on the outside of the Condor again if they liked, and the situation had gone down hill from there.

Finally, Mendoza turned around and ordered, "Enough! Or someone, and I don't care who, is going to be walking to Mexico City!"

There was a sudden silence, then a thud that was accompanied by Pedro yelling, "Ouch!" This was followed by Sancho muttering, "Th-th-that wasn't v-v-v-very nice."

Tao swallowed a smile as he imagined the scene behind him. From the thump on the back of his chair that had accompanied Pedro's protest, Tao came to the conclusion that Gaspar had decided to implement the former Commander's suggestion and forced Pedro to sit on the floor.

A sigh from the seat to Tao's right caused all amusement to disappear. The boy cast a nervous glance at Marinche who, despite her drawn and exhausted appearance, he considered to be the most dangerous person in the Golden Condor. He couldn't help but remember Mendoza's words before they had taken off at sunrise. "Be wary of Marinche, even more so than of Gomez and Gaspar, for she is conniving and devious. She helped Cortez bring down a powerful empire and she is as greedy as the worst Spaniard."

"You expect her to betray us, Mendoza?" Tao had asked.

"I am certain of it," Mendoza had replied gravely, "and so we must prepare for that eventuality."

The plan the navigator had proposed then was hardly to Tao's liking, but he could think of nothing better. Unwilling to dwell on the uncertainties that plagued his mind, the descendant of Hiva decided to concentrate on flying the Golden Condor on the course that would lead them to Mexico City.

*****

Mendoza stepped away from the Condor and turned back to watch as Gomez and Gaspar helped Marinche descend from the craft. It was almost an hour after midday and the Golden Condor had landed in an open, deserted space several miles from the bridges that led to the island city.

In the distance they could see the gleam of light reflecting off the surface of Lake Texcoco and could just make out the city at its heart. From here, it seemed little had changed from the time he had first seen Mexico City some eight years before, though he hastily drove the memories it invoked from his mind.

Mendoza stiffened as a voice said beside him, "In spite of all that has been done to it," Marinche said, "the city is still beautiful."

Refusing to look at her, Mendoza added, "There is a will to survive here that even you could not destroy."

"Oh come now, Mendoza," Marinche admonished. "We each play the part we are given and one man's villain is another's hero. One thing that I have learned from my dealings with your people is that gold can buy forgiveness for any sin."

Mendoza looked at her in disgust and was about to continue the argument when Gomez and Gaspar joined them. "Are you two going to cast barbs at each other all day, or are we going to find the two brats?"

"We're leaving now," Mendoza replied as he turned to the Condor and waved. His companions turned around just in time to see the glass dome slide closed over Tao, Pedro, and Sancho.

As the great bird began to lift off the ground, Gaspar yelled, "Wait! Stop!!" He would have run back in a vain attempt to prevent the Golden Condor from taking off, but Gomez restrained his partner.

"It is no use, Gaspar. They are gone." The former commander looked at the navigator with a wry half smile. "Still don't trust us, do you?"

"Of course I don't, and neither would you if our positions were reversed," Mendoza replied, with more levity than he felt. "I have to have some leverage. Let's be off or it will be dark before we reach the city." The navigator walked away in the direction he knew they would find a causeway that spanned the distance to the city on the lake, all the while trying to ignore the angry stares focused on his back.

Perhaps I should have brought Pedro and Sancho, he thought. I'm surrounded by enemies and walking strait into the lion's den. However, they would likely prove more of a hindrance than a help in this situation, even if it were only Gomez and Gaspar he had to worry about. But there was Marinche to be dealt with, as well. Even in her weakened condition, she was far more dangerous than the two former soldiers. And there was one other who kept coming unbidden into his thoughts. Cortés. The last thing I need, the navigator thought as his mood darkened, is to meet him again. Yet he knew that he would be very lucky indeed if his path didn't cross that of the famous conquistador one more time. He could only hope, and plan, to keep one step ahead of his old adversary.

*****

They traveled to the city slowly, as Marinche couldn't walk far without having to rest. Mendoza would have gladly left her behind, along with Gaspar and Gomez, but he needed the center pieces of the two medallions. Could they already be close to another city of gold? Tao hadn't told him very much about what he, Esteban, and Zia had discovered, but it was enough to pique his curiosity.

But first he had to find Zia and Esteban. The question was, where would they be held? He needed information about the city government and, unfortunately, he didn't have many options about how to get it.

"What do you know about the city's organization," he asked Marinche when they stopped, yet again, to allow her to rest. "Where will Zia and Esteban be imprisoned?"

"I know little of such things," Marinche replied in a bitter tone. "I have not followed the city's politics or institutions for some time. I left two years ago with Fernando."

"Whatever you know could be helpful to us," Gomez said encouragingly.

Marinche sighed and began, "I am sure that you already know that after Cortés's expedition to suppress Olíd's insurrection, he returned to find the capital in chaos. Those who were left in charge in his absence had instigated a reign of terror and eventually those individuals were forced to flee, but they managed to take with them much of the city's treasury." She gave Mendoza a harsh smile, and continued, "The expedition was a mistake and Cortés paid for it with the loss of control of the city's government. Emperor Charles eventually sent a viceroy, Antonio de Mendoza, to govern the Spanish colonies."

"However, I know Hernán well enough to know that he has not given up his ambitions and he is, without a doubt, the wealthiest man in New Spain. He employs many servants and has a personal guard who are completely loyal to him. Hernán once lived in the palace facing the central plaza of the city, but that is now the residence of the Viceroy. He likely has another residence in the city now and he owns several estates."

"What manner of man is the Viceroy?" Mendoza said.

Marinche looked bored, but replied, "From what I have heard he is as honest as the day is long and fair to the people of the city, no matter if they are Spanish or Aztec. That has instilled some resentment among the Spaniards in residence, but Viceroy Mendoza has the favor of the King and few can hope to challenge his authority."

The navigator nodded, and then announced, "The palace is a likely place to start searching for the children. Also, pay close attention to the news of servants and people in the taverns..."

"But first," Marinche interjected, "we must go to my home. My own servants will be able to do much of this work for us."

Mendoza frowned in thought. He didn't like the idea of being in Marinche's power as he had no doubt that she would turn on him at the least sign of advantage. However, her duplicity might actually aide him in recovering the medallions. "Very well, we will do as you suggest, madame." He still had a few tricks of his own to play.

*****

The unlikely group crossed the causeways that lead to the city with little trouble and made their way toward Marinche's home. The city was bustling with activity in the afternoon hours and Mendoza was amazed by the way Mexico City had changed. The city had been in the middle of a messy reconstruction and, while some areas still seemed to be in need of repair, most of the buildings had been rebuilt using a combination of Aztec and European architecture. The navigator's thoughts strayed as he caught part of Marinche and Gomez's conversation.

"You must have considerable wealth of your own, my dear Marinche, to maintain a household in the city."

"Cortés was generous enough to give me a great deal of property," was the lady's not so modest reply.

"Indeed," Mendoza said in mock appreciation. He then asked nonchalantly, "Has your husband been taking care of your estates while you were off with Dr. Leguerra." He forced himself to suppress a wicked smile as he noted the surprise on Gomez's face, and the anger on Marinche's.

"We have little to do with the other's business," Marinche snapped in reply.

She refused to speak to any of them after that and Mendoza noted with pleasure that Gomez didn't dote on her as before. It will be a simple matter to turn them against each other, Mendoza thought, if they are put off so easily. However, their hatred of me might yet bind them together in a pinch.

Marinche led them to an elegant Spanish-style house. As she opened the door, there was a cry of surprise and the sound of breaking pottery from farther inside. Mendoza followed Gomez and Gaspar into the residence where Marinche was trying to calm a hysterical serving woman.

"We all thought you had died, Milady," the servant was babbling. "When you disappeared and did not return, the master said you must have perished because of some disease or other calamity."

"I'm sure that would have broken his heart," Marinche hissed. "Calm down, Josetta!" she ordered. "Where is Señor Jaramillo?"

"He is at the hacienda with your daughter, Madame."

"That is just as well," Marinche said under her breath. "What of Cortés? Is he here in the capital or on one of his estates?"

"He is here, Milady."

"Excellent!" The Aztec woman said, brightening at the news. "Prepare my litter. I must see him at once." The servant bowed and hurried away.

"Just a moment," Mendoza protested. "We are here to find Zia and Esteban, not to pay a call on Hernán Cortés!"

"I have to agree," Gomez said, to everyone's surprise.

Marinche recovered quickly and waved away his protest with a confident smile. "Do not worry, Gentlemen. I am certain he will know where they are and will be of assistance in procuring them."

Mendoza forced himself to swallow his objections. This could work to my advantage, he concluded. The navigator returned her smile and bowed mockingly. "Very well, Madame. We will seek his knowledge on these matters." He looked to Gomez, who reluctantly agreed to this after a moments hesitation. Don't want to look weak, eh Gomez?

Marinche's smile vanished as quickly as it had appeared. She obviously hadn't expected him to give in so easily and was feverishly trying to fathom his reasoning. What are you planning, Mendoza? She didn't have to give voice to the question for him to know that was what she was thinking.

The servant woman reappeared at that moment and informed them the litter was waiting outside.

"Then let us be on our way," Gomez insisted as he stepped in between Mendoza and Marinche, who had been staring daggers at each other. He shook his head as he followed them outside. There is more animosity between those two than there even is between Mendoza, Gaspar and I. What could possibly have caused such hatred? I will likely never know, although it is amusing to watch, he thought with a wry smile, as he followed the pair out of the house. Gaspar quickly joined him, the whole situation apparently lost on him.

Mendoza, Gomez, and Gaspar walked just behind Marinche's servants as they carried her through the streets of Mexico City. She was obviously well known throughout the capital, as her presence provoked looks of awe, fear, and anger from the inhabitants.

The afternoon was quickly passing away and Mendoza knew they would be fortunate indeed if they found the children before the following day. He fell into step beside Gomez, who looked at him with suspicion.

"What do you want?" Gomez demanded.

"I just wanted to have a word with you," Mendoza said evenly, keeping his voice low enough not to be discernable to Marinche.

"Why should we listen to you?" Gaspar put in angrily.

"You have betrayed my trust more times than I care to remember?" Gomez agreed, his voice surprisingly unemotional.

"So you would rather trust that woman," Mendoza snapped. "You are giving up all chance of profit, perhaps even survival, if you do so. The only things that have held her complete loyalty are Cortés and gold. And I wonder sometimes which she cares for more," he said harshly. "I know we have no reason to trust one another, but it is very important at this juncture that we understand the each others' intentions," Mendoza insisted.

Gomez considered his words for a moment, then directed, "Say your peace, Mendoza, but I will not promise to anything."

"Fair enough," Mendoza replied, knowing he was fortunate that Gomez even agreed to listen to him after their long history of mistrust. "There can be only one reason why Marinche wants to see Cortés now...she intends to tell him everything about the Golden Condor and what the children discovered in the ruined city." He paused a moment to look at the former Commander. "Imagine what he could do with such knowledge." A muscle in Gomez's jaw twitched, but he did not speak. Mendoza continued carefully, "It may prove to be more profitable for you to side with us."

"What profit?" Gomez laughed harshly.

Mendoza allowed himself a small smile then said, "You weren't the only ones that came away from the city of gold with a souvenir."

Gomez and Gaspar both looked stunned. "Do you mean that you have gold?" Gaspar said a bit too loudly. Marinche looked back at them quizzically, but when no one spoke again she turned away.

"Be quiet, Gaspar," Gomez said, clearly annoyed. The former captain looked a bit sheepish, but continued to listen intently to all that was said. Gomez looked back at the navigator and asked. "Is it true?"

Mendoza shrugged. "More or less. However, there may be greater treasures to be had in the temple the children found."

Gomez pondered his words before continuing, "That could be, but how do we know that you won't turn on us when the prize is at hand?"

Mendoza smiled outright and told them of his plan. "We would have to rely on one another in order for either to profit," he finished.

"I will have to think on this," Gomez said.

"Don't think too long," Mendoza insisted, irritated by the soldier's reluctance, yet knowing that without his help there was little hope for this predicament to come out in his favor. "Once we are in Cortés's grasp this situation could quickly spiral out of control."

Shortly thereafter they arrived at Cortés's residence. They were quickly led inside and were taken down a long hallway to a spacious study. Mendoza was not looking forward to the reunion ahead and, from the look on his face, neither was Gomez. Gaspar was openly curious about the famous conquistador, and shifted impatiently while the servant knocked and announced them to the marquis. Of all present, only Marinche looked completely at ease.

They were quickly motioned inside and the servant departed, closing the door behind him. They stood and stared at the man who sat behind a large desk, returning their gaze coldly.

The years have not been kind to you, Cortés, Mendoza thought as he took in the conquistador's appearance. He looked old, his body and face were haggard as if by long suffering. His eyes, however, still contained fire and were as quick and piercing as they had been when Mendoza had first met him all those years ago. He is still one to be reckoned with, Mendoza conceded as their gazes met in a cold stare.

Suddenly the conquistador smiled and spoke with feigned amusement, "Amazing that such ghosts of the past would choose this day to reappear. It can hardly be coincidence." He stood and came around the desk, extending his hand to take Marinche's. "My dear Marina, it has been too long. Your poor husband has been quite beside himself with grief since your disappearance."

"I'm sure he has," Marinche replied evenly, managing to keep most of the sarcasm out of her voice.

Cortés only smiled more warmly and moved on to stare at Gomez. To his credit, Gomez didn't flinch under the pressure of the icy glare that came to rest on him. Mendoza had to admit that it took some steel to appear so calm before such cold hostility. "Well, well, Señor Gomez. It has been quite some time since I have laid eyes upon you, although I did hear something about your military service under Pizarro." The conquistador looked the former commander up and down before saying, "With the profit he has been generating for the crown, I would have thought his soldiers would be able to dress in less ragged attire."

Gomez swallowed hard before replying with barely suppressed anger, "Unfortunately, not all of us can profit as much as you have, Marquis Cortés."

"Obviously," Cortés replied with satisfaction. Marinche looked very surprised by this exchange. She apparently didn't know about Gomez's prior experiences with Cortés, who by then had moved on to stare briefly at Gaspar. The captain almost sighed with relief when the Marquis didn't speak to him.

Cortés moved on to stand in front of Mendoza, his gaze changing to one of outright contempt as he examined the navigator. "So we meet again, Mendoza," Cortés said smoothly. "I must say that I am surprised by this encounter and the company you are keeping."

Mendoza only smiled and bowed to cover the vexation that he felt. "Circumstances rather than desire often dictate our actions. The trick is to make the best of what you are given, Señor."

"Just so," replied Cortés, holding the navigator's gaze a moment longer before turning to regard all of his guests. "Well, Señores, what can I do for you?"

"We are seeking information about two children, my lord," Marinche replied indifferently. "We have reason to believe they are here in the city."

A master of calm though he seemed, Cortés could not conceal his interest in this news, though he shrugged saying, "There are many children in this city, Madame. Of what importance are these two that I would know of them?"

"Oh come now, Hernán," Marinche said, smiling confidently. "These two would certainly have been of interest to you as they were discovered in Teotihuacan along with a Golden Condor of enormous size."

The conquistador leaned forward, hunger gleaming in he dark eyes. "So it wasn't coincidence that brought you back to me on this day, my dear Marina. What do you know of these matters?"

Before she could reply, Mendoza interjected, "It would only be polite, Marquis, for you to answer one of our questions. Do you know where we can find the two children?"

His reply left everyone dumbfounded. "I have no idea where they are, Señor," he stated simply.

Mendoza recovered quickly and demanded, "Yet you know of them?"

"Of course," Cortés acknowledged, a smirk twisting his lips. "They were in my care until sometime last night when they kidnaped my daughter Maria and fled."

This situation is rapidly deteriorating from dangerous to an outright disaster, Mendoza thought as he considered what to say next. "Children kidnaping children, sir? It hardly seems logi..."

"No need to be concerned, Mendoza," the Marquis interrupted. "My guards will find the children in short order and they shall be dealt with as they deserve."

"Now, now, my lord," Marinche said calmly. "Do not be hasty in your judgements. These children, Esteban and Zia, are the key to a great treasure."

"Marinche," Gomez said warningly, but Cortés cut in suddenly very interested.

"What do you mean, my dear?"

"The Golden Condor, to begin with."

Cortés regarded her with suspicion while Gomez and Gaspar looked at her in outright shock. "That statue is already in the custody of the Viceroy."

"Not necessarily," she replied, looking very pleased with herself. "You see, my lord, it isn't a statue, but a flying machine!"

There was a moment of utter silence before the Marquis burst out laughing. Mendoza looked at Gomez and they joined in while Gaspar just stared at everyone as if they had gone mad. Marinche's smile didn't waver. "Don't be absurd. That is impossible!"

Before anything more could be said there was a knock at the door, which opened before Cortés could move to answer it. Into the room stepped a Spaniard in rich, though functional attire. His dark hair and beard were well kept and his dark, keen eyes missed nothing. Mendoza and his companions looked at this man in shock, amazed that anyone would simply walk into the Marquis presence without being invited or announced. Mendoza had a strong suspicion of who this man was, which was confirmed a moment later when Cortés spoke to his new guest.

"Ah, Viceroy Mendoza. This is an unexpected pleasure," he said warmly, though his eyes were angry.

"I have no time for pleasantries, Hernán," the Viceroy replied. "Where are Esteban and Zia? I must speak with them."

Cortés moved to stand behind his desk, throwing a warning look at his other guests as he did so. He looked back at the Viceroy and said, "I am sorry, my lord, but they are not here. My daughter Maria and a servant took them to see the city."

The Viceroy looked at the conquistador in exasperation. "I don't have time for this, Señor Cortés. I must speak to them now."

Cortés was almost enjoying the moment, although he looked properly concerned. "I will send my guards to locate them, but it may be sometime before they are found."

"I must speak to you in private, Señor," Antonio de Mendoza said. Cortés nodded and showed the Viceroy out of the room, leaving his other guests alone to wonder what was going to happen.

Cortés eventually returned alone, seemingly in deep thought. He then laughed suddenly, startling them all. "What is it, my lord?" Marinche asked carefully.

He looked up at her and his face was absolutely jovial. "The Viceroy has just informed me that the Golden Condor disappeared from the ruined city the night after the children were found. The men who had remained behind to guard it swear that the statue simply flew away at sunrise. The bird was seen flying again this morning back toward the city. This is remarkable news, don't you think?" he said looking at each of them in turn. "The Viceroy is leaving immediately to go to Teotihuacan and inspect the scene for himself. I am to join him with the children in the morning at the edge of the city."

"That will be difficult to do if you do not have them, Señor," Mendoza commented.

"I have no doubt that my men will find them tonight," Cortés said confidently. "After all they are only children. How resourceful could they be?"

"You might be surprised, my lord," Marinche said flatly.

As if on cue, there was a knock on the door. Cortez looked about triumphantly and called brusquely, "Come in."

The door opened and a beautiful Spanish woman entered leading a young girl. Just behind them was the captain of Cortés's guard who pulled a strangely clad woman into the room with him.

"Maria!" Cortez exclaimed and moved to meet his daughter.

"The captain found her..." the woman began to explain, but she fell silent when she saw Marinche who smiled at her uncomfortable stillness. Mendoza assumed from their reactions that this woman was Cortés's new wife.

The captain, apparently thinking this was his que to speak, continued, "I found her with this woman not far from here, my lord Cortés." He pulled the woman beside him into view and Mendoza was surprised to see that her eyes were fixed on him. When he met her gaze she looked away, but he was certain there was recognition in her eyes. While he pondered this, the captain continued with his report, "They appeared to be coming here, Señor."

Cortés, his arm around his daughter, thanked the guard for his service and then said to his wife, "My dear Juana, would you please give the captain something for his trouble and have him wait outside. I may need him later, but now I must have a word with Maria." Doña Juana threw a venomous look at Marinche before following her husband's command. When they had gone, Cortés turned to regard his daughter. "Where are they, Maria?"

"I don't know father," she replied hesitantly, her voice shaking.

"It is alright, Maria," he said soothingly. "I am certain this woman does." He turned an intimidating gaze on the stranger.

"My lord," she protested, "I don't know of whom you speak! The child was lost in the market place. I only brought her home."

Cortés's eyes narrowed dangerously. "It is unwise to lie to me," he said in a soft, yet threatening tone.

Marinche stepped forward and smiled calmly. "The answer to that question is now unnecessary, Hernán. Esteban and Zia may have escaped, but it is obvious they will go to Teotihuacan to rescue their friend, whom they believe is trapped in the city. We must find them before the Viceroy does or he will claim the prize."

"The Golden Condor."

Marinche's smile became a smirk, "And unless I am mistaken, an even greater treasure may be within our grasp. The Cities of Gold!"

Cortés didn't bother to hide his scorn. "You left with the Doctor two years ago to chase that fairytale."

"And my companions discovered its location."

"What?!" Cortés looked dubiously at Mendoza and Gomez. "Is that true?"

Mendoza returned the conquistador's glare, not answering, while Gomez and Gaspar looked at each other hesitantly.

"We found the city of gold, but it was destroyed in a vast explosion," Gomez finally replied. "There is nothing left of it."

Cortés was not convinced. "How could an entire city vanish without a trace?"

"Yet this one did, my lord Cortés," Marinche said simply. "It hardly matters as there is more than one city," she said looking at the navigator. She practically purred, "Isn't there, Mendoza." He refused to answer her or acknowledge her in any way. Although it hardly matters, Mendoza thought. The woman is clever, there is no doubt of that.

Marinche turned to look at Cortés and completed triumphantly, "And the clue to where those cities lie is in Teotihuacan, the City of the Gods!" Cortés's eyes glittered with cold and hungry greed. "We must reach the city before the Viceroy. If we take one of the brigantines on the lake shore, we can reach the prize long before the soldiers arrive."

Cortez nodded in agreement then turned to consider Mendoza, Gomez, Gaspar, and the mysterious woman. "And what should we do with these fine fellows?"

Marinche looked each of them over before speaking. "I owe Gomez some consideration for his aide. He should have a share."

Gomez was stone faced, while Gaspar grumbled, "And what about me? I helped too!"

Marinche dismissed him with a wave of her hand. "Yes, yes, you will as well Casper." Gaspar didn't know whether to be pleased or insulted.

"The woman is useless..." Cortés began, but Marinche broke in, "Except as a source of information about the children and whoever is helping them. I think it is now clear that they had help in their escape."

Cortés nodded, then looked to Mendoza. "And what of him?"

Marinche smiled. "Mendoza has a talent for escaping himself. It is as dangerous to leave him behind as it is to take him along."

"Then we shall have to dispose of him, my dear."

Marinche smiled as if she relished the thought, but Gomez suddenly spoke, "Not yet, Señor. Esteban is particularly attached to him. He could yet be useful as leverage against the boy."

Cortez looked at the former commander suspiciously, but Marinche agreed with his assessment. The Marquis acquiesced and then walked to the door. "Captain!" he called as he opened it. A moment later the guard reappeared along with two of his subordinates. "Send word to the docks. They are to ready my ship. And tell the groom to have my horses ready in an hour." He looked to the woman and Mendoza, and then said, "Have your men bind these two and guard them until all is ready."

"Yes, my lord!" the captain saluted then motioned for his men to take the two captives away.

As they were hauled from the room, Doña Juana returned and demanded, "Husband, what is happening?"

Cortés took hold of her shoulders and kissed her forehead. "My dear, I must leave for a few days on business."

"With her?" the lady asked dully, inclining her head toward Marinche.

Cortés smiled. "Do not worry about such things, my love. Now I need you to have the servants prepare provisions for our journey. A weeks worth of supplies and you must hurry." Doña Juana threw one last malicious look at Marinche before departing to do as her husband wished.

After she had gone, Cortés took Marinche's hand and led her from the room saying, "While we wait for all to be put in order, my dear, I must tell you of Martín's progress. Our son is doing very well in Spain..." His voice trailed away and the two former soldiers were left alone in the study.

Gaspar quickly broke the silence with an expected question. "What do we do, Commander?"

Gomez weighed his options carefully before responding, "I hate to admit it, but Mendoza was right about that woman. Her only loyalty is to herself."

Gaspar looked confused. "So are we actually going to help Mendoza?"

"Of course not," Gomez snapped. "We cannot trust him, but we can use him to our own ends."

Gaspar was completely lost. "Then what do we do, sir?"

"We wait," was Gomez's reply as he strode out the door to find Cortés and Marinche. Gaspar hesitated a moment, but followed his commander.

The race to Teotihuacan has begun! Will Esteban and his companions discover the secrets of the Temple of the Winged Serpent before Cortez? Find out in chapter nine of The Ancient Legacy - Converging Paths.