Song of the Hummingbird Read Online Free PDF Page B

we’ll leave it as it is.”
    Huitzitzilin fell into silence, making the priest think that she was displeased with him. He cleared his voice several times, trying to tell her that he was ready to continue.
    â€œOn the second day, the future concubine was presented to the king and his council. Her father and the men of her family were present, holding places of honor. The husband to be was required to absent himself from this part of the rite.”
    Father Benito’s hand was aching as he tried to record all of Huit-zitzilin’s words, and he was forced to pause when one of his fingers began to cramp. “Will you allow me a few moments? I’m amazed at your memory.”
    â€œI have much to tell you. Some of those things, I’m afraid, you will not want to put into your chronicle.”
    The priest decided to continue. “What happened on the third day?”
    â€œThe third day called for another presentation of the maiden, this time to the future husband and his family, if he had one.” Ignoring Father Benito’s look of alarm, Huitzitzilin continued. “In Tetla’s case, the family included a wrinkled owl, a woman more shriveled and ugly than you now see me. Tetla, although old himself, still had a mother! The family also included his first wife, who was ancient enough to be my grandmother. There were also what seemed to be a countless number of concubines and offspring. I remember the name of only the oldest son, Naxca. He was followed by many other boys and girls of all ages, and the litter finally trailed off to the youngest, a scrawny, crying child.
    â€œThe fourth day was the one to select the maiden’s wedding garments, as well as the flowers, feathers and gems to be worn on the day of the ceremony. She had to select her personal companions, maidens who would accompany her throughout what was left of the preparations and the ritual itself, and most especially, they were to be by her side as she entered the bridal chamber.”
    Father Benito whistled softly through his teeth, creating a thin sound. He looked inquisitively at Huitzitzilin.
    â€œYes. They were supposed to witness the coupling, and they did it gladly. They say that watching such an act can give almost as much pleasure as the copulation itself. I don’t know. I’ve never watched others doing it.”
    Again, Father Benito lost control over the wave of blood that rushed to his head, making him blush violently. He felt a flash of anger at the woman’s way of catching him off guard with such remarks.
    Huitzitzilin ignored his agitation and concentrated on describing the dress she had selected. “The gown that I singled out was white cotton, and it draped to my ankles. It was stitched about the sleeves, the collar and along its front with flowers, birds, coiling vines, and leaves. Its colors were blues and reds and greens and yellows and purples.”
    She glanced at the priest and saw that he was not writing but that he was rubbing his knuckles. She sighed. “I’m tired.”
    â€œWhat about the fifth day? What happened on that day?”
    â€œI thought that you had lost interest in what I was saying.”
    â€œNot at all. Please continue.”
    â€œVery little happened on that last day except that the maiden spent the time in prayer, fasting, and penance, since the next day would be that of the wedding.”
    Having said this, Huitzitzilin abruptly stopped speaking and leaned toward the monk. She whispered, “Now I want to continue my confession.”
    When he deciphered her words, Father Benito jumped, moving so quickly as he reached for the stole that he knocked the papers off his lap. He almost overturned the ink pot, but he was able to steady it before it spilled. After he settled down, he made the sign of the cross.
    â€œPriest, have you absolved me for having done away with the unborn child?”
    Benito felt his body tighten because he had thought this