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intense respect and modeled himself after the ruler. He dreamed of assuming such revered leadership, receiving the people's adulation, holding counsel with nobles and priests as he dispensed wise advice and strong edicts.
    Inside he burned for this power. And now he watched his distant cousin, a young woman of no particular distinction, undergoing the ritual of lineage bearer. That title he wanted fiercely for himself. Hot toxins of jealousy exploded through his body. He boiled with resentment. All his stifled rage erupted at Yohl Ik'nal and he hated her. She became the symbol of everything that stood between him and his ambition.
    "I will find a way." Powerful jaw muscles bulged as Ek Chuuah ground his teeth. His mind reasoned coldly despite erupting emotions. "Lineage succession is not indelibly set. Sacred blood courses through my veins, and it is hotter and stronger than hers. Our ruler Ahkal Mo’ Nab has no children. At his age, if he has produced none, he is unlikely to have any. His brother's family, and especially Yohl Ik'nal, be cursed! There are ways to discredit them. Now is coming the time for another part of the lineage to take over. My part."
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    Lakam Ha overlooked the broad plain across which the K’umaxha – Sacred Monkey River coursed. The plain fanned north to the Great North Sea – Nab’nah whose waters were grey. Several waterways led to this distant sea, but the K’umaxha was used most for travel. The setting sun was swallowed by the blue waters of another great sea though few had visited this distant place. In the east was K’ak-nab the fabled azure sea, color of precious jade, where traders obtained red spondylus shells and stingray spines for sacred ceremony. Lakam Ha was truly a place of many waters, its small rivers cascading from upper slopes through ravines and limestone boulders, pausing in quiet pools cloaked by lush greenery. The small rivers connected to large arteries leading to the seas that surrounded the turtle carapace holding up the lands of the Mayas.
    From the narrow, irregular shelf of land on which the city perched, high escarpments ascended to steep mountains in the south. Many rivers cut through the mountains and offered transportation through the dense jungle. Farther south the mountains rose exuberantly to impressive peaks, home of highland rain forests perpetually bathed in cold mists. Here lived the prized quetzal bird whose feathers adorned regal headdresses. Reports by traders told of a narrow isthmus far to the south that could be traversed in less than a day’s travel. Beyond that, another immense land arose with a river as wide as a lake and mountains reaching so high that they must put the traveler into the Upperworld.
    The polity of B’aakal was under the oversight of Lakam Ha. Close relationships existed with nearby cities. To the north were ally cities of B’aak and Nab’nahotot. Within the polity along the Sacred Monkey River were the cities of Yokib and Pa’chan. Tucked into the hills was Usihwitz, an artistic center with accomplished muralists. Popo’ sat on the banks of a tributary flowing south, isolated by nearly impassable jungles. Beyond these cities to the southeast began the territory of another polity, the powerful Mutul, among the oldest and greatest of Maya cities.
    Toktan was a legendary city cloaked in mystery. It was the birthplace of Lord K’uk Bahlam, the first fully human ancestor of the ruling lineage. None could say exactly where Toktan was; perhaps it existed in another dimension.
    Yohl Ik’nal was expected to learn about the geography and politics of cities in the B’aakal polity. Now that she was designated as bearer of royal blood, it was her responsibility to study governance. She would soon attend her first Council meeting, and sit upon the mats at the Popol Nah. Much to her delight, her father Kan Bahlam, a seasoned statesman, undertook her instruction.
    “The basis of our social organization is cooperation.” Kan Bahlam