Advancing by the Apurimac and Cocha-cassa, the Inca found that the inhabitants of those parts were in strong pucaras, and that they did not live together in villages. So he ordered that they should live in an orderly way, abandoning evil customs, and abstaining from killing each other. They rejoiced at these orders, and willingly obeyed his commandment. But those of Curampa derided it. This being told to Inca Yupanqui, he defeated them in battle, killing many, and taking others prisoners. As the land was fertile, he ordered one of his officers to remain and organise the district, and to build lodgings and a temple of the Sun.
These arrangements having been made with great care, the King set out from thence, and marched to the province of Andahuaylas, where there was a solemn reception. He remained several days to decide whether he would go to conquer the inhabitants of Guamanga or Xauxa, or the Soras and Lucanas. Having considered the matter in council with his officers, he decided upon going to the Soras.[191] Setting out, he marched over an uninhabited region which leads to the Soras, who were apprised of his approach, and assembled to defend their country.
The Inca Yupanqui had sent captains with parties in many other directions, to induce men to join his service by kind treatment; and he sent messengers to the Soras, admonishing them not to take up arms against him, and promising to make much of them, and to do them no injury. But they did not wish for peace with servitude; but rather to fight for their liberty. So when the two armies came together, there was a battle, concerning which those who can preserve the memory of it, say that it was fiercely contested, and that many fell on both sides. But the victory remained with those of Cuzco. The fugitives who escaped death or capture, fled to their town with much lamentation, where they collected as much of their property as they could, and, taking their women, they abandoned the place, and fled to a strong rock, near the river of Vilcas, where there are many caves and a supply of water. In this fastness many men assembled with their women, with as much provisions as they could get together, for fear of the Inca. Not only the Soras took refuge on the rock, but many from the district of Guamanga, and from the banks of the Vilcas, also fled there, terrified at the news that the Inca wished to be sole lord over the people.
The battle being won, the conquerors enjoyed the spoils; but the Inca ordered that no harm should be done to the captives. They were all released. A captain was ordered to march towards Condesuyo by way of Pumatampu; and when the Inca entered the country of the Soras, and heard that the people had gone to the rocky fastness, he was much incensed, and determined to go and besiege the place. So he commanded his captains to march against it, with the army.
CHAPTER XLVIII.
How the Inca returned to Vilcas, and besieged the Rocky Fastness where the Enemy had taken Refuge.
THE Orejones relate very great things touching this Inca Yupanqui, and Tupac Inca his son, and Huayna Capac his grandson, for these were the sovereigns who displayed most valour. Those who may read of their actions, should believe that I rather detract from, than add to what I have been told; and I simply write what I have received from the Indians. For myself, I believe this and more, from the testimony borne by the remains and signs that these kings have left behind them, and from their great power, which shows that what I write concerning them is only a part of what really happened. Their memory will endure in Peru so long as any men of the native race survive.
Returning to the narrative, as the Inca strongly desired to have those who had taken refuge in the rocks in his power, he marched with his troops until he came to the river of Vilcas.[192] The inhabitants, when they knew that he was there, came in great numbers to see him and to perform services, and they established friendship with the Inca. By his order they began to build great edifices, in the place which we now call Vilcas. Masters were sent from Cuzco to trace the plans, and teach the method of laying the stones and tiles in the edifices. Arriving at the rocky fastness, the Inca used all reasonable means to induce those who had taken refuge there to submit to his alliance, sending messengers to them. But the enemy laughed at his words, and hurled many stones at the camp. The Inca, seeing their disposition, resolved not to depart until he had punished them. He knew that the captains whom he sent to the province of Condesuyo, had fought some battles with the people of that region, had conquered them and brought most of the province under his sway. In order that the people of the Collao might not think that they were safe, and knowing that Hastu Huaraca, the Lord of Andahuaylas, and his brother, Tupac Vasco, were valiant chiefs, he sent them to the Collao to keep the people in obedience. They replied that they would obey his order, and they set out for their own land, to proceed thence to Cuzco, and join the army which was to be assembled there.
The garrison of the rocky fastness still had the intention of defending it, and the Inca surrounded the place with his troops. The siege was long, and several great deeds were performed. At last the provisions failed, and the besieged were obliged to submit, and to serve the Inca like the rest of his subjects, paying tribute and furnishing men for the wars. With this servitude, they remained in favour with the Inca, who was no longer enraged, but ordered provisions and other things to be given to them, and that they should return to their homes. But others affirm that he killed them all, insomuch that not one escaped. I believe the first account, though as regards one or the other, I only know what these Indians relate.
This affair being ended, they say that people came from many parts to submit and offer their services, and that the Inca received them all graciously. He then returned to Cuzco. On the road, he found that many edifices had been built, and that, in most parts, the forts of the natives had been razed, and that they had formed regular towns in the lower country, as he had commanded and ordained.