Descending Eagle - David L Farebrother - Bog

Cloud-boats have been spied on the Eastern Sea. Strange aliens with silvery skins have come ashore in Totonac province. Their eyes are difficult to look upon, shining like jade and jewels in various hues. They have brought with them monstrous animals resembling giant deer. Although the beasts are much larger than a man, the demons impose their wills on them, climbing on their backs and forcing them to run in any direction with blinding speed. The monsters have feet as hard as obsidian. The teotl bear armor of bright metal on their bodies, covering their legs and arms. They have helmets and shields of the same material. They carry long metal swords and sharp daggers. They have weapons which release heavy arrows with force sufficient to completely penetrate a man. But their most fearsome weapons are large tubes of tepuzque. These weapons make a noise like thunder and produce clouds of foul-smelling smoke. A round object is emitted from the tube which can destroy a large tree from a great distance. Sacrifices have been made and the omens read. The information has been presented to Moctezuma, Emperor of the Triple Alliance. He must decide. Are the teotl representatives of the gods, sent to aid the Aztecs in their wars, or do they pose a threat to the peace and stability of the empire?