The Hall of Small Bells was one of the smaller audience chambers located on the Eastern side of the Imperial Enclosure near the Water Gardens of Tepictoton. Some short-lived and undistinguished Uley Tlotlani had built the hall long ago, his only legacy being a few minor buildings throughout the city and this magnificent building. It had been built on top of a large platform surrounded by a terraced garden. The exterior was in the usual Imperial style; Large cut blocks of the red stone brought from the northern provinces. Detailed carvings filled every inch of exterior space, Jaguars, bright Peacocks and various other animals. It’s interior was constructed entirely of Silver and Jade except for the floor which was made of smooth and polished green granite. The jade was inlaid on the silver, telling the story of the great journey from Aztlan, detailing the finding of lake Texcoco and the gift of Huitzilipotchli. As breathtaking as the walls were, the most pleasing and interesting feature in this Audience chamber was the small bells built into alcoves around the room. All of the purest silver and polished to be mirror-like, they chimed constantly, but so gently that one could easily talk above them. They merely provided a soothing background noise, similar to the sound of water running through a stream or of a gentle breeze through the trees. The room could easily have accommodated a hundred people but was used primarily for private audiences, the bells not being effective if the room was full of loud courtiers. However a private audience with the Jaguar-King was hardly ever private. This day the room was occupied by a truncated version of the Imperial Court. There was the formidable Moteuczoma Chantico, mother of the Uley Tlotlani. Moteauczoma Tlotzin, Snake-Woman and Chief Minister to the Jaguar-King. There were scribes, servants, guards, Prince Moteuczoma Huetzin, the Uley Tlotlani’s younger brother, Tochtli, the head of the Imperial household and Mutex, the head of the Hummingbird Knights. They were arrayed on either side of the Imperial throne, fanning out.

Moteuczoma Nacoxoc, Uley Tlotlani, Lord of the One World, The Feathered Jaguar sat on one end of the hall, occupying the massive jade throne carved to resemble the Feathered Jaguar deity that was the god-form of the Uley Tlotlani. Nacoxoc was an attractive young man of about twenty-three years. He was of average height and of average build, his facial features were somewhat feminine but his body was hard and toned from day after day spent training with his faithful Hummingbird Knights. His eyes were clever and when he spoke it was with a grace and ease that was reminiscent of his great-grandfather, Atlan-Tonnan IV, the greatest Uley Tlotlani in the history of the Mexica. He was the hope of the One World and was already known for his wisdom and thoughtfulness.

He conversed with Tlotzin Moteuczoma for several minutes, laughing quietly at some private joke until the sound of a gong was heard, signaling the approach of the new Ambassador from Lakam-ha.
Tochtli, the head of the Imperial Household stepped forward and spoke:
“Most gracious and wise Nacoxoc, Lord of Lords, Master of the One World, Janab Pacal King and Master of Lakam-ha requests that we accept as his proxy and Ambassador this individual, Miyatz Yax Balam.”

At this the great silver doors of the hall opened and the delegation from Lakam-ha entered. They were dressed splendidly in clothing of woven feathers and cotton. There were at least ten. And mong them a beautiful young girl dressed in the native dressof Lakam-ha. Miyatz Yax Balam kneeled and the rest of his part prostrated themselves before Nacoxoc.

Nacoxoc, as was custom when receiving a new ambassador, stood and walked to Miyatz Yax Balam, placing his hand upon the Ambassadors head and spoke:
“Rise voice of Lakam-ha. We welcome you to the heart of the One World and to the court of the Feathered Jaguar…………….