Those rags he is wearing are not proper for a
soldier of our King! Come. You can change on the road."
60 "A triumph?" whispered The Hawk to Shining Serpent, "what in the
name of The Lords is a triumph?"
61 "You are about to be greatly honored, Lord," explained Shining
Serpent. "Just do what they tell you to. Few receive what you are about
to be given. It is the greatest honor our
people bestow any
champion. There has not been a triumph in over thirty years! You are
thought highly of, indeed!"
62 As they marched off, they came to within sight of the city and they
found the road lined with soldiers three deep. Their escort stopped
them, turned to The Hawk, and said, "Undress!" The Hawk looked
reluctantly at Shining Serpent who was already stripping off his
clothes. So The Hawk did likewise down to his loincloth.
63 A servant approached with an undergarment, which The Hawk donned,
and then a beautiful red robe was brought, the most glorious garment
The Hawk had ever seen. It was put on him and gathered at the sleeves
with three gold bracelets. Then, beautiful black boots were slipped on
his feet, and the hem of the robes fastened around them with gold
anklets. Then, a beautiful black helmet with a gold trim was placed on
his head, and carefully adjusted. Those dressing him stepped back to
admire their work then nodded their approval.
64 "Surely," cried The War Leader, "you will be your people's King, for
you bear royal blood!"
65 The Hawk's men laughed. Standard bearers approached with several
different Hawk symbols. "We are not sure," inquired The War Leader,
"which symbol would be appropriate. Would you select the one closest to
your own symbol?"
66 The Hawk chose, the standard bearer bowed, and counted off ten paces
before him. Musicians appeared and took up positions after him. Ahead
of them