Sichwa was just a child, no more than 13 years but she was special among her people
- the Xochil. Most importantly, she was the river's favorite. Like her mother before, she
was born to serve the great Xochil River. Because of this bond, the River took care of
her and her people. The Ceiba tree bloomed, gave life, and all was as it should be,
until the stranger came.
The Xochil called him and his kind Earth Walkers. Unlike them, the Earth Walkers did
not honor the river or the great Ceiba tree. Nor did they understand the worlds that
lived beyond the realm of men. It was told they were discarded by the sea and thrown
upon the land to desecrate it. Many years ago, they had pillaged the lands beyond
the mountains - the land of the Mixteca. Now, they were settling in the lands below and
bargained with the Mayas of Chichen Itza and Uxmal. It was foretold they would come
and all the Xochil were warned by Matu, the eldest of the River guides, not to pass
words to them, not to keep their company.
Sichwa was too young or too naive to listen and so began the journey that would
destroy the Xochil and her. She would pass words with the Earth Walkers and they
would forever call her La Llorona.
From the Chronicles of Chalam Balam of Tizimin -
The Last Jaguar
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Uztmal 1
copyright 2006 Hector J. Armienta
All rights reserved
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