Song of the Hummingbird Read Online Free PDF Page A

be a confession, young priest.”
    The monk cleared his voice but said nothing. Instead he adjusted the paper on his lap and dipped the quill into the ink pot. He looked at Huitzitzilin, letting her know that he was ready to begin recording her words.
    â€œIt was morning when I was summoned to hear Tetla’s messenger repeat the plans for my concubinage. As I entered, I looked around and saw the formality of the occasion, for no women were present. In attendance were only men, which included the High Priest, one or two of the King’s Council, the governor of the city who, because of Tetla’s distinguished position within the city government, was to stand as the main witness, several men of my family, and my father. They all stood, as was the custom on formal occasions.”
    Huitzitzilin paused and gazed at Father Benito, who was scrawling words as rapidly as he could. She cocked her head, expressing interest in what he was doing, then returned to her memories.
    â€œThe following words were conveyed by the messenger from his master: ‘Hear then, Lady Huitzitzilin, that I, Tetla, chief attendant upon the governor of Tenochtitlan, will take you as a concubine and as part of my household ten days hence. Therefore, let this message be the formal and public confirmation of my intent, as well as the official command that you commence your cleansing in order for you to become part of my family. The preparations will begin at the temple of Tonantzin at daybreak five days from now.’”
    Father Benito suddenly stopped writing. “Cleansing? I don’t understand.”
    â€œWomen were considered defiled until cleansed. The Mexica men considered themselves quite pure. Is that so among your own brothers?”
    The priest thought that he detected a hint of sarcasm in the woman’s words and told himself to be keener in the future. If his was to be a precise chronicle, he needed to identify the times, if any, when Huitzitzilin criticized her own people.
    â€œWhat did I feel on hearing those words? Well, I cannot remember exactly. I do recall that I felt stiff and cold, and that was probably because I realized that my destiny was somehow encapsulated in those few disdainful words. I remember feeling that I was made of stone, frozen like the snow on the volcanoes, immobile as if my legs had been implanted in the floor on which I stood. I was to become the possession of a man whom I did not know but for whom I was already beginning to feel loathing.”
    Again, Father Benito halted his pen. “This happens in my land as well. A girl is given to a man and it is expected that happiness will eventually come to her. Surely all women know that one day they will be married.”
    â€œYes. But there is a great difference between knowing and understanding. The gulf between the two can be immense. As I stood there in the center of that room, with so many eyes fixed on me, I understood that I was now a woman, and the pain of that transformation was such that I believed that I would die that very moment.”
    Huitzitzilin interrupted herself as she listened to the faint pealing of a bell. Father Benito also looked away from his writing and cocked his head toward the metallic clanging. Realizing the time, he jerked his head in her direction. “It is midday. Perhaps we should stop to allow you time to rest and take food.”
    â€œNo. I’m willing to continue if you are still interested in my story. If not, I can instead make a list of my sins so that you can leave to join your brothers in the monastery.”
    Father Benito shook his head negatively, letting the woman know that he was more interested in the details she was giving him.
    â€œAllow me then to tell what transpired during those last five days when I was still free. If I were to be asked to point to the most crucial moment of my life, I would indicate those five days. Oh, indeed, I have had many crossroads in my life after that,