The travels of Pedro de Cieza de Léon; part 2

by Pedro de Cieza de León

When the surprise was over, Hastu Huaraca encouraged his followers to be valorous in the fight, and the Inca Yupanqui did the same with the Orejones and the people who were in the city. The Chancas resolutely came forth from their camp with the intention of forcing an entry, and those of Cuzco were determined to defend the city. The battle was renewed, and many fell on either side; but such was the valour of Inca Yupanqui that he gained the victory, and nearly all the Chancas were killed. They say that very few more than five hundred escaped, and among them their captain Hastu Huaraca, who arrived with them at their own province but not without difficulty.[187] The Inca enjoyed the spoil, and got many captives, as well men as women.

CHAPTER XLVI.

How Inca Yupanqui was received as King, the name of Inca being taken from Inca Urco, and how the new Sovereign made a peace with Hastu Huaraca.

AS soon as the Chancas were defeated, Inca Yupanqui entered Cuzco in great triumph, and addressed the principal Orejones on their agreement. He said that he had worked for them in the way they had seen, while his brother and his father had done little in opposing the enemy, and that, therefore, they should give him the sovereignty and government of the empire. The people of Cuzco, one with another, discussed the matter, comparing the merits of Inca Yupanqui and Inca Urco, and, by consent of the city, they agreed that Inca Urco should not enter Cuzco again, and that the fringe should be taken from him and given to Inca Yupanqui. Although Inca Urco, when he knew what had been done, wanted to come to Cuzco to justify himself, and was much moved, complaining of his brother and of those who had deprived him of the government; yet they did not yield, nor turn aside from accomplishing what they had resolved to do. There are some who say that the Coya, wife of Inca Urco, left him without having borne him any children, and went to Cuzco, where her second brother Inca Yupanqui received her as his wife. Having performed the fast and the other ceremonies, he came forth with the fringe, and there were great festivals at Cuzco, people flocking thither from all parts. The new Inca ordered all those who had fallen in the battle on his side to be buried with the customary funeral rites. For the Chancas he caused a large house to be erected on the battle field, like a tomb, where all the bodies of the dead were put as a memorial, and the skins were filled with cinders or straw, so that the human form was made to appear in many attitudes. Some of them appearing like men, had drums issuing from their bellies, on which they appeared to be playing. Others were set up with flutes in their mouths. After this fashion they were left until the Spaniards entered Cuzco. Alonzo Carrasco[188] and Juan de Pancorvo,[189] ancient conquerors, related to me how they had seen these skins full of cinders, as did many others of those who came to Cuzco with Pizarro and Almagro.

The Orejones say that in those days there was a large population in Cuzco, and that it was always increasing. Messengers arrived from many parts to congratulate the new king, who answered them all with gracious words. He wished to set out and make war in the region they call Condesuyo, and as he knew by experience how brave and enterprising was Hastu Huaraca, the Lord of Andahuaylas, he thought of inducing him to enter his service. They relate that he sent messengers, asking the chief to come to Cuzco with his brothers and friends, and to enjoy the society of the Inca. Considering that it would be profitable to secure the friendship of Inca Yupanqui, the Lord of Andahuaylas came to Cuzco, and was well received.[190] And as the Inca had summoned his army for war, he determined to proceed to Condesuyo.

At this time, they relate that Viracocha Inca died, and they gave him sepulture with less pomp and honor than his ancestors, because he had deserted the city in his old age and had no wish to return when the Chancas made war. I say no more concerning Inca Urco, because the Indians only refer to his history as a thing to laugh at, and putting him on one side, I consider Inca Yupanqui as the ninth king that reigned in Cuzco.

CHAPTER XLVII.

How Inca Yupanqui set out from Cuzco, leaving Lloque Yupanqui as Governor, and of what happened.

AS now, by order of Inca Yupanqui, more than 40,000 men had been assembled round the stone of war, the army was passed in review, captains were appointed, and there were feasts and drinking bouts. All being ready, the Inca set out from Cuzco in a litter enriched with gold and precious stones, which was surrounded by his guards with halberds, axes, and other arms. Next to him marched the lords, and this king displayed more valour and authority than any of his ancestors. He left in Cuzco, according to what they relate, his brother Lloque Yupanqui as governor. The Coya and the other women travelled in hammocks, and it is said that they carried a great quantity of jewels and of stores. In front, men were sent forward to clear the road, so that neither grass nor stone, large or small, might remain on it.

Arrived at the river Apurimac, they crossed it by the bridge that had been made, and advanced as far as the buildings of Cura-huasi. Many men and women, and some lords and principal men, came forth from the neighbouring places, and when they saw the army they were amazed and cried out, “Great Lord, Child of the Sun”, “Monarch of all things”, and many other grand names. At this place, they say that a captain of the Chancas, named Tupac Uasco, was given a Palla of Cuzco as his wife, and he highly prized her.