King Itzcoatl was sitting on his throne with no crown or wealth. His throne was merely of stone and the only object that glimmered by reflecting the light of the torches was the ring on his right hoof and the golden container attached to his waist. A guard walked in and bowed to him. The heat of the torches made anyone who entered feel a strong presence that seemingly came from the king elevated above them.

"Rise, guard Caxi." he bellowed. "What is your message?"

"Ahuizotl...is rebuilding his army."

"What?!? He does not honor our independence?" the king stood up. He wasn't particularly big or strong, but anyone could be intimidating by standing on the throne with such a fiery atmosphere behind them.

"Sir he made such promises when he was on the verge of defeat," reminded the guard as the king recalled their lucky victory of rebelling against Ahuizotl while a mare named Daring Do along with some friends of hers defeated much of his army and stole some of his power to save the world from his overlordship. "He still regards us as rightfully conquered slaves."

"We were a nation for centuries before he took us into his domains for half a millenia, we are a nation again!"

"But sir in the time we have been gone any nation that recognized us had to accept Ahuizotl's control. No one yet recognizes us." the guard said, being politically talented. His knowledge in these matters is why he is held so highly by Itzcoatl. "We need consulates, to reestablish our own economy through trade, and possibly military aid."

"We have spices, silk, and precious gems to trade. As for consulates...we would need to visit the many nations near us..." Itzcoatl pondered, "The more nations to recognize us the better our chances of being aided in case Ahuizotl attacks."

"Shall I prepare for a convoy to make trips to each nation sir? Our spies have told us we have at least three months, we should be able to get--"

"No." the king proclaims, "It's an old royal tradition that the king must be trained in diplomatic customs himself and the only way to do that is to go on the journey myself."

"But sir! Alone? And you need to search for a queen if we want the royal bloodline to--"

"I am aware Caxi. But our kingdom's well-being comes first. I will pack what I need and head off tomorrow morning. Please inform the servants to prepare the finest silks, spices, and jewels for me to take so I can present gifts to the other sovereigns." He knows that such gifts would be crucial for some nations to even bother to listen.

"Yes sir." Caxi bowed and walked out. The king sat there, almost sulking. So much was at stake and everything rested upon him. He would have to go far. There were several places he had in mind: The Crystal Empire, The Feline Empire, Equestria, the Familian Empire, Saddle Arabia...those alone are practically two months of travel on foot. But he must prove himself and make himself known for the good of everyone in Teoxaca.

Author's Note

The characters are based off of Aztec names like Ahuizotl so note that when you read their names, the x is pronounced like a "sh" in shoe.