Page:The Annals of the Cakchiquels.djvu/157

151

94. Meanwhile the Akahals occupied the towns Holom, Guguhuyu and Qaxqan, having for king Ychal Amollac. Messengers were sent to him by the kings Oxlahuh tzii and Cablahuh Tikax, with the order that he should come down, and they said: "Let the bravery of the king be made manifest to our ancients, let us measure with him our bows and our shields. The Quiches wished to try their arms against our ravine and our city, and we have dealt with the Quiches. Let us now try this one in war; let the king come and show his valor." Thus did they say and sent this word to Ychal. The heart of the king was soon resolved. "Let it be according to the desire of the Ahpozotzils and Ahpoxahils. I will increase my strength and I will go and show them all my valor. I will go alone; I will see what is the place of the Cakchiquels; I will go down to make war with the descendants of my grandfather." Thus spoke the king Ychal to the messengers.

95. The chiefs rejoiced when the words of Ychal reached them, and the chiefs took counsel in words against Ychal: "It is well that he be hidden from the light, that we disobey not the Demon on account of Ychal." Thus spoke the princes. Then his death was resolved upon by our ancestors — Hunahpu Tzian, Nimazahay, Ahciqahuh, Qhooc Tacatic, Tzimahi Piaculcan and Xumak Cham, who were envious of his person on account of the riches that he had, and the height to which he had raised his courage.

96. Then the king Ychal went forth, and a great number of distinguished warriors went with the king. He was profound in knowledge, and he left these words to his house: "Whether I return, or whether I do not return, my death is at hand." The king departed, saying these words. When it was known that the king was on