Mezo: The Trial of Roden — Tyler Chin-Tanner

The Tzalekuhl soldiers return after their victory at Cobán Rock. Though they were victorious, their spirits are low. Not only did they suffer great casualties, but they've take one of their own as captive. Roden, the brave soldier who has always served the empire so faithfully, has betrayed them by showing mercy to their enemy.At least that's how some see it, especially Phegor, the supernaturally strong warrior who's become even more of a zealot after the battle. He's convinced that the only way to save themselves from certain doom during the upcoming solar eclipse is to appease their god, Kuhl, and bring all the surrounding tribes under their control: an objective weakened by Roden's actions.Others aren't so sure Roden was wrong. But their doubt is soon addressed by their Emperor Vuh who greets them upon their return. He's now in possession of the magical Tona'matl, which he stole from the shaman, Itza'be. Using its power, Vuh is able to heal many of his soldiers, stating it is their reward for serving Kuhl so well.Roden is locked away with Itza’be, who he hasn’t seen since the previous eclipse 12 years ago, and Zea, as he awaits his fate. Unknown to him, or anyone else, Kyma and the Hero Twins have returned to Tzalekuhl to rescue them. Meanwhile, Azeillya begins making plans of her own with her mysterious friends hiding deep below the palace.In the days leading up to the trial, those waiting the judgement recall the events of the previous eclipse. The cataclysmic event known at The Rupture caused a volcanic eruption and earth quake which destroyed the city of Metzalpotek. They wish to avoid a similar fate this time around, but opinions vary on the best way to prevent it.At the trial, Roden is lead to the waterfall where he will be judged by Kuhl. Kyma provides a distraction by challenging Phegor head-on, while the twins enact their plan to save Roden. Itza’be battle Vuh to recover his Tona’matl, while Zea uses her power to extract some information from Ne’nezi. She now knows where to find the lost piece of the Tona’matl buried under the rubble of Metzalpotek.After a daring escape over the waterfall, the group plans their return to Metzalpotek to recover the missing tona’matl and reunite the Celestial Seed before the coming Eclipse.