Jade belt encircles, mountains surge and roar. Seven oar-sailed longships, against the late summer current, slowly sail towards the shoals several miles away.
The leading longship stands with two masts fore and aft. On the top of the foremast, the flag of the Sun Hummingbird is hoisted, while atop the aft mast, some Feathers of the Quetzal bird are attached. The mountain wind blows, and the vibrant feathers sway with the wind, like birds hovering in the sky.
Beneath the flying birds, a group of crew members are gathered, staring at a spot on the deck. There lies a youth, shirtless, with disheveled hair. His eyes are tightly shut, his left cheek swollen and bruised, and water dribbles from his mouth, looking utterly embarrassed.
"...Old Pu, weren't those slaps you gave just now a bit too heavy?"
Chiwaco crouches on the deck, looking at the battered youth who was just fished out of the river, feeling his own left cheek aching.
