It is not so much the gold or the precious stones I admire, as the cleverness of the artist and the workmanship, which must exceed the value of the material and excite my amazement. I have examined a thousand figures which it is impossible to describe. In my opinion, I have never seen anything which for beauty could more delight the human eye.
Peter Martyr
Official historian of the Indies, on seeing the first treasure to arrive from Mexico (referring specifically to the codices now in the National Library of Austria)
After the conversation with Senor Quintero last night, Robert had come to work anxious to speak with Dr. Ortero, but he had been out of the office. Now his heart was in turmoil. Itzan was beginning to become real for him, his pain and grief becoming confused with Robert’s own mixed emotions over seeing Diana again.
Willie came in and said that Dr. Ortero had returned and would be happy to speak with Robert.
“Good afternoon, sir. It’s good of you to see me.”
“I am at your service always, Dr. Clairbourne. How has your work been proceeding? I hope that Wilfredo and Capitan Soto have been helpful.”
“Yes, sir, they have, thank you. The codices are incredible. It seems that they are an entire saga of one man’s life. And not just any man. But that is not really what I wanted to discuss with you.”
Although Dr. Ortero was obviously doing his best to concentrate on what was being discussed, Robert noticed a strange look in his eyes.
“I will try and assist in whatever manner I can.”
Robert refocused his thoughts. “Sir, two nights ago I met someone who claimed to have been the discoverer of the codices. I would like you to tell me the actual circumstances of the find.”
Ortero’s face flushed but his eyes remained fixed. “The site was being looted by revolutionaries and the army took possession and informed us so that we could start a proper scientific study.”
Lifting the telephone receiver, Robert spoke to the operator, “Una llamada de larga distancia, por favor.” He gave his New York number and a few minutes later, Amber was on the line with a cheerful, “Hi, Daddy! Meet any banditos lately?”
Robert was immediately reassured by the sweet voice on the other end but somewhat put off by the unexpected maturity he hadn’t noticed before.
“Amber, you included that item that I had asked be omitted. I was very specific.”
“Oh, Daddy, you mean the gun?”
“Baby girl, you know very well what I’m referring to without having to mention it. Understand? I’ve been considering grounding you!”
“Oh, no! Please don’t, Daddy! Not now, I want to go away for the summer. You know I’ve been planning it.”
Robert forgot his original intent and got involved in his daughter’s enthusiasm. She had been planning a trip to [Cozumel] fir several weeks with some friends.
“Amber, you need to be more responsible.”
“I will, Daddy. I promise.”
*****
OUTLINE
Amber hangs up the phone and her “little girl” persona changes to “sophisticated” teenager/woman.
She calls her boyfriend, makes final arrangements for trip to [Cancun/Cozumel/Yucatan].
He is going for fashion layout.
{note: Mexico à Amber spends two weeks working on a tan, wind surfing, scuba diving, etc. without boyfriend who is very busy with beautiful models in skimpy bathing suits. They argue, she decides to do an archaeological (tourist type) tour of Mayan ruins.
Tour guide, “Izzy”; takes her to series of ruined cities further and further from Cozumen. As days pass, her interest becomes more serious. She begins to understand her father’s pre-occupation with native Americans. Izzy approves of her self-discovery. Tutors her without her realization. By the time they arrive at Uxmal, “it is, as it was.”
Izzy introduces Amber to his sister.
She gives her the doll.
He takes her home
Calls Robert, describes izzy and doll, it’s Itzan
*****
CODEX – BOOK V
Itzann returns to Tenochitlan full of grief and self-pity.
Moctezuma has received word that the winged canoes of the bearded ones have been sighted off the coast.
Itzan relates the story of the Spanish invasion of Islands to the emperor.
F I R S T - P R E V I O U S - N E X T
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