THE HOUSE OF DEATH
Now at one time during this long war against Urco victory smiled
upon him, though afterwards the scale went down against him. Kari was
defeated in a pitched battle and I who commanded another army was
almost surrounded in a valley. When everything seemed lost, afterwards
I escaped by leading my soldiers round up the slope of a mountain and
surprising Urco in the rear, but as it ended well for us I need not
speak of that matter.
It was while all was at its blackest for us that a certain officer was
brought to me who was captured while striving to desert, or at least to
pass our outposts. As it happened I knew this man again having,
unseen myself, noted him on the previous day talking earnestly to
the high-priest Larico, who, with other priests, accompanied my army,
perhaps to keep a watch on me. I took this captain apart and questioned
him alone, threatening him with death by torment if he did not reveal
his errand to me.
In the end, being very much afraid, he spoke. From him I learned that
he was a messenger from Larico to Urco. Believing that our defeat was
almost certain, Larico had sent him to make his peace with Urco by
betraying all Kari’s and my own plans to him and revealing how he might
most easily destroy us. He said also that he, Larico, had only joined
the party of Upanqui, and of Kari after him, under threats of death and
that always in his heart he had been true to Urco, whom he acknowledged
as his Lord and as the rightful Inca whom he would help to restore to
the Throne with all the power of the Priesthood of the Sun. Further,
he sent by this spy a secret message by means of little cords cunningly
knotted, which knots served these people as writing, since they could
read them as we read a book.
Now, being always desirous of knowledge, I had caused myself to be
instructed in the plan of this knot-writing which by this time I could
read well enough. Therefore I was able to spell out this message. It
said shortly but plainly, that knowing he still desired her, he, Larico,
as high-priest would hand over to Urco the lady Quilla, daughter to
the King of the Chancas who unlawfully had been hidden away among
the Virgins of the Sun, also that he would betray me, the
White-God-from-the-Sea who sought to steal her away, into Urco’s hands,
that he might kill me if he could.
When I had mastered all this I was filled with rage and bethought me
that I would cause Larico to be taken and suffer the fate of traitors.
Soon, however, I changed this mind of mine and placing the spy in close
keeping where none could come at him, I set a watch on Larico but said
nothing to him or to Kari of all that I had learned.
A few days later our fortunes changed and Urco, defeated, was in full
flight to the shores of Lake Titicaca. After this I knew we had nothing
more to fear from this fox-hearted high-priest who above everything
desired to be on the winning side and to continue in his place and
power. So knowing that I held him fast I bided my time, because through
him alone I could hope to come at Quilla. That time came after the
war was over and we had returned to Cuzco in triumph. As soon as the
rejoicings were over and Kari was firmly seated on his throne, I sent
for Larico, which, as the greatest man in the kingdom after the Inca, I
was able to do.
He appeared in answer to my summons and we bowed to each other, after
which he began to praise me for my generalship, saying that had it not
been for me, Urco would have won the war and that the Inca had done well
to name me his Brother before the people and to say that to me he owed
his throne.
“Yes, that is true,” I answered, “and now, since through me, you,
Larico, are the third greatest man in the kingdom and remain High-Priest
of the Sun and Whisperer in the Inca’s ear, I would put you in mind of
a certain bargain that we made when I promised you all these things,
Larico.”
“What bargain, Lord-of-the-Sea.”
“That you would bring me and a Virgin of the Sun, who while she was of
the earth was named Quilla, together, Larico, and enable her to return
from those of the Sun to my arms, Larico.”
Now his face grew troubled and he answered:
“Lord, I have thought much of this matter, desiring above all things to
fulfil my word and I grieve to tell you that it is impossible.”
“Why, Larico?”
“Because I find that the law of my faith is against it, Lord.”
“Is that all, Larico?” I asked with a smile.
“No, Lord. Because I find that the Inca would not suffer it and swears
to kill all who attempt to touch the lady Quilla.”
“Is that all, Larico?”
“No, Lord. Because I find that a woman who has been betrothed to one of
the royal blood may never pass to another man.”
“Now perhaps we come nearer to it, Larico. You mean that if this
happened and perchance after all Urco should come to the throne, as he
might do if Kari his brother died--as any man may die--he would hold you
to account.”
“Yes, Lord, if that chanced, as chance it may, since Urco still lives
and I hear is gathering new armies among the mountains, certainly he
would hold me to account for I have heard as much. Also our father
the Sun would hold me to account and so would the Inca who wields his
sceptre upon earth.”
I asked him why he did not think of all these things before when he had
much to gain instead of now when he had gained them through me, and he
answered because he had not considered them enough. Then I pretended to
grow angry and exclaimed:
“You are a rogue, Larico! You promise and take your pay and you do not
perform. Henceforth I am your enemy and one to whom the Inca hearkens.”
“He hearkens still more to this god the Sun and to me who am the voice
of God, White Man,” he answered, adding insolently, “You would strike
too late; your power over me and my fortunes is gone, White Man.”
“I fear it is so,” I replied, pretending to be frightened, “so let us
say no more of the matter. After all, there are other women in Cuzco
besides this fair bride of the Sun. Now before you go, High-Priest, will
you who are so learned help me who am ignorant? I have been striving to
master your method of conveying thoughts by means of knots. Here I have
a bundle of strings which I cannot altogether understand. Be pleased to
interpret them to me, O most holy and upright High-Priest.”
Then from my robe I drew out those knotted fibres that I had taken from
his messenger and held them before Larico’s eyes.
He stared at them and turned pale. His hand groped for his dagger till
he saw that mine was on the hilt of Wave-Flame, whereon he let it fall.
Next the thought took him that in truth I could not read the knots which
he began to interpret falsely.
“Have done, Traitor,” I laughed, “for I know them all. So Urco may wed
Quilla and I may not. Also cease to fret as to that messenger of
yours for whom you seek far and near, since he is safe in my keeping.
To-morrow I take him to deliver his message not to Urco, but to
Kari--and then, Traitor?”
Now Larico who, notwithstanding his stern face and proud manner, was a
coward at heart, fell upon his knees before me trembling and prayed me
to spare his life which lay in my hand. Well he knew that if once it
came to Kari’s ears, even a high priest of the Sun could not hope to
escape the reward of such treachery as his.
“If I pardon you, what will you give me?” I asked.
“The only thing that you will take, Lord--the lady Quilla herself.
Hearken, Lord. Outside the city is the palace of Upanqui whom Urco slew.
There in the great hall the divine Inca sits embalmed and into that holy
presence none dare enter save the Virgins of the Sun whose office it is
to wait upon the mighty dead. To-morrow one hour before the dawn, when
all men sleep, I will lead you to this hall disguised in the robes of a
priest of the Sun, so that on the way thither none can know you. There
you will find but one Virgin of the Sun, the lady whom you seek. Take
her and begone. The rest I leave to you.”
“How do I know that you will not set some trap for me, Larico?”
“Thus, Lord, that I shall be with you and share your sacrilege. Also my
life will be in your hand.”
“Aye, Larico,” I answered grimly, “and if aught of ill befalls me,
remember that this,” and I touched the knotted cords, “will find its way
to Kari, and with it the man who was your messenger.”
He nodded and answered:
“Be sure that I have but one desire, to know you, Lord, and this woman
whom, being mad, you seek so madly, far from Cuzco and never to look
upon your face again.”
Then we made our plans as to when and where we should meet and other
matters, after which he departed, bowing himself away with many smiles.
I thought to myself that there went as big a rogue as I had ever known,
in London or elsewhere, and fell to wondering what snare he would set
for me, since that he planned some snare I was sure. Why, then, did I
prepare to fall into it? I asked myself. The answer was, for a double
reason. First, although my whole heart was sick with longing for the
sight of her, now, after months of seeking, I was no nearer to Quilla
than when we had parted in the city of the Chancas, nor ever should
be without Larico’s aid. Secondly, some voice within me told me to go
forward taking all hazards, since if I did not, our parting would be for
always in this world. Yes, the voice warned me that unless I saved her
soon, Quilla would be no more. As Huaracha had said, there was more
poison in Cuzco, and murderers were not far to seek. Or despair might do
its work with her. Or she might kill herself as once she had proposed to
do. So I would go forward even though the path I walked should lead me
to my doom.
That day I did many things. Now, being so great a general and man--or
god--among these people, I had those about me who were sworn to my
service and whom I could trust. For one of these, a prince of the Inca
blood, of the House of Kari’s mother, I sent and gave to him those
knotted cords that were the proof of Larico’s treachery, bidding him if
aught of evil overtook me, or if I could not be found, to deliver them
to the Inca on my behalf and with them the prisoned messenger who was in
his keeping, but meanwhile to show them to no man. He bowed and swore by
the Sun to do my bidding, thinking doubtless that, my work finished in
this land, I purposed to return into the sea out of which I had risen,
as doubtless a god could do.
Next I summoned the captains of the Chancas who had fought under me
throughout the civil war, of whom about half remained alive, and bade
them gather their men upon the ridge where I had stood at the beginning
of the battle of the Field of Blood, and wait until I joined them
there. If it chanced, however, that I did not appear within six days
I commanded that they should march back to their own country and make
report to King Huaracha that I had “returned into the sea” for reasons
that he would guess. Also I commanded that eight famous warriors whom I
named, men of my own bodyguard who had fought with me in all our battles
and would have followed me through fire or water or the gates of Hell
themselves, should come to the courtyard of my palace after nightfall,
bringing a litter and disguised as its bearers, but having their arms
hidden beneath their cloaks.
These matters settled, I waited upon the Inca Kari and craved of him
leave to take a journey. I told him that I was weary with so much
fighting and desired to rest amidst my friends the Chancas.
He gazed at me awhile, then stretched out his sceptre to me in token
that my request was granted, and said in a sad voice:
“So you would leave me, my brother, because I cannot give you that which
you desire. Bethink you. You will be no nearer to the Moon (by which
he meant Quilla) at Chanca than you are at Cuzco and here, next to the
Inca, you are the greatest in the Empire who by decree are named his
brother and the general of his armies.”
Now, though my gorge rose at it, I lied to him, saying:
“The Moon is set for me, so let her sleep whom I shall see no more. For
the rest, learn, O Kari, that Huaracha has sworn to me that I shall be,
not his brother but his son, and Huaracha is sick--they say to death.”
“You mean that you would choose to be King over the Chancas rather
than stand next to the throne among the Quichuas?” he said, scanning me
sharply.
“Aye, Kari,” I replied, still lying. “Since I must dwell in this strange
land, I would do so as a king--no less.”
“To that you have a right, Brother, who are far above us all. But when
you are a king, what is your plan? Do you purpose to strive to conquer
me and rule over Tavantinsuyu, as perchance you could do?”
“Nay, I shall never make war upon you, Kari, unless you break your
treaty with the Chancas and strive to subdue them.”
“Which I shall never do, Brother.”
Then he paused awhile and spoke again with more passion that I had ever
known in him, saying:
“Would that this woman who comes between us were dead. Would that she
had never been born. In truth, I am minded to pray to my father, the
Sun, that he will be pleased to take her to himself, for then perchance
we two might be as we were in the old time yonder in your England, and
when we faced perils side by side upon the ocean and in the forests. A
curse on Woman the Divider, and all the curses of all the gods upon this
woman whom I may not give to you. Had she been of my Household I would
have bidden you to take her, yes, even if she were my wife, but she is
the wife of the god and therefore I may not--alas! I may not,” and he
hid his face in his robe and groaned.
Now when I heard these words I grew afraid who knew well that she of
whom the Inca prays the Sun that she may die, does die, and swiftly.
“Do not add to this lady’s wrongs by robbing her of life as well as of
sight and liberty, Kari,” I said.
“Have no fear, Brother,” he answered, “she is safe from me. No word
shall pass my lips though it is true that in my heart I wish that she
would die. Go your ways, Brother and Friend, and when you grow weary
of kingship if it comes to you, as to tell truth already I grow weary,
return to me. Perchance, forgetting that we had been kings, we might
journey hence together over the world’s edge.”
Then he stood up on his throne and bowed towards me, kissing the air as
though to a god, and taking the royal chain that every Inca wore from
about his neck, set it upon mine. This done, turning, he left me without
another word.
With a heavy heart I returned to my palace where I dwelt. At sundown I
ate according to my custom, and dismissed those who waited upon me to
the servants’ quarters. There were but two of them for my private life
was simple. Then I slept till past midnight and rising, went into
the courtyard where I found the eight Chanca captains disguised
as litter-bearers and with them the litter. I led them to an empty
guard-house and bade them stay there in silence. After this I returned
to my chamber and waited.
About two hours before the dawn Larico came, knocking on the side-door
as we had planned. I opened to him and he entered disguised in a hooded
cloak of sheep’s wool which covered his robes and his face, such as
priests wear when the weather is cold. He gave to me the garments of a
priest of the Sun which he had brought with him in a cloth. I clothed
myself in them though because of the fashion of them to do this I must
be rid of my armour which would have betrayed me. Larico desired that I
should take off the sword Wave-Flame also, but, mistrusting him, this
I would not do, but made shift to hide it and my dagger beneath the
priest’s cloak. The armour I wrapped in a bundle and took with me.
Presently we went out, having spoken few words since the time for speech
had gone by and peril or some fear of what might befall weighed upon our
tongues. In the guard-house I found the Chancas at whom Larico looked
curiously but said nothing. To them I gave the bundle of armour to be
hidden in the litter and with it my long bow, having first revealed
myself to them by lifting the hood of my cloak. Then I bade them follow
me.
Larico and I walked in front and after us came the eight men, four of
them bearing the empty litter, and the other four marching behind. This
was well planned since if any saw us or if we met guards as once or
twice we did, these thought that we were priests taking one who was sick
or dead to be tended or to be made ready for burial. Once, however, we
were challenged, but Larico spoke some word and we passed on without
question.
At length in the darkness before the dawn we came to the private palace
of dead Upanqui. At its garden gate Larico would have had me leave the
litter with the eight Chanca warriors disguised as bearers. I refused,
saying that they must come to the doors of the palace, and when he grew
urgent, tapped my sword, whispering to him fiercely that he had best
beware lest it should be he who stayed at the gate. Then he gave way
and we advanced all of us across the garden to the door of the palace.
Larico unlocked the door with a key and we entered, he and I alone, for
here I bade the Chancas await my return.
We crept down a short passage that was curtained at its end. Passing
the curtains I found myself in Upanqui’s banqueting-hall. This hall was
dimly lit with one hanging golden lamp. By its light I saw something
more wondrous and of its sort more awful than ever I had seen in that
strange land.
There, on a dais, in his chair of gold, sat dead Upanqui arrayed in all
his gorgeous Inca robes and so marvellously preserved that he might have
been a man asleep. With arms crossed and his sceptre at his side, he sat
staring down the hall with fixed and empty eyes, a dreadful figure of
life in death. About him and around the dais were set all his riches,
vases and furniture of gold, and jewels piled in heaps, there to remain
till the roof fell in and buried them, since on this hallowed wealth
the boldest dared not lay a hand. In the centre of the hall, also, was
a table prepared as though for feasters, for amid jewelled cups and
platters stood the meats and wines which day by day were brought afresh
by the Virgins of the Sun. Doubtless there were more wonders, but these
I could not see because the light did not reach them, or to the doorways
of the chambers that opened from the hall. Moreover, there was something
else which caught my eye.
At the foot of the dais crouched a figure which at first I took to be
that of some dead one also embalmed, perhaps a wife or daughter of the
dead Inca who had been set with him in this place. While I stared at
it the figure stirred, having heard our footsteps, rose and turned,
standing so that the light from the hanging lamp fell full upon it. It
was Quilla clad in white and purple with a golden likeness of the Sun
blazoned upon her breast!
So beauteous did she look searching the darkness with great blind eyes
and her rich flowing hair flowing from beneath her jewelled headdress,
a diadem fashioned to resemble the Sun’s rays, that my breath failed me
and my heart stood still.
“There stands she whom you seek,” muttered Larico in a mocking whisper,
for here even he did not seem to dare to talk aloud. “Go take her, you
whom men call a god, but I call a drunken fool ready to risk all for
a woman’s lips. Go take her and ask the blessing upon your kisses of
yonder dead king whose holy rest you break.”
“Be silent,” I whispered back and passed round the table till I came
face to face with Quilla. Then a strange dumbness fell upon me like a
spell or dead Upanqui’s curse, so that I could not speak.
I stood there staring at those beautiful blind eyes and the blind eyes
stared back at me. Presently a look of understanding gathered on the
face and Quilla spoke, or rather murmured to herself.
“Strange--but I could have sworn! Strange, but I seemed to feel! Oh! I
slept in my vigils upon that dead old man who in life was so foolish
and in death appears to have become so wise, and sleeping I dreamed. I
dreamed I heard a step I shall never hear again. I dreamed one was near
me whom I shall never touch again. I will sleep once more, for in my
darkness what are left to me save sleep and--death?”
Then at last I found my tongue and said hoarsely,
“Love is left, Quilla, and--life.”
She heard and straightened herself. Her whole body seemed to become
rigid as though with an agony of joy. Her blind eyes flashed, her lips
quivered. She stretched out her hand, feeling at the darkness. Her
fingers touched my forehead, and thence she ran them swiftly over my
face.
“It is--dead or living--it is----” and she opened her arms.
Oh! was there ever anything more beautiful on the earth than this sight
of the blind Quilla thus opening her arms to me there in the gorgeous
house of death?
We clung and kissed. Then I thrust her away, saying:
“Come swiftly from this ill-omened place. All is ready. The Chancas
wait.”
She slipped her hand into mine and I turned to lead her away.
Then it was that I heard a low, mocking laugh, Larico’s, I thought,
heard also a sound of creeping footsteps around me. I looked. Out of the
darkness that hid the doors of the chamber on the right appeared a giant
form which I knew for that of Urco, and behind him others. I looked
to the left and there were more of them, while in front beyond the
gold-laid board stood the traitor, Larico, laughing.
“You have the first fruits, but it seems that another will reap the
harvest, Lord-from-the-Sea,” he jeered.
“Seize her,” cried Urco in his guttural voice, pointing to Quilla with
his mace, “and brain that white thief.”
I drew Wave-Flame and strove to get at him, but from both sides men
rushed in on me. One I cut down, but the others snatched Quilla away.
I was surrounded, with no room to wield my sword, and already weapons
flashed over me. A thought came to me. The Chancas were at the door. I
must reach them, for perhaps so Quilla might be saved. In front was
the table spread for the death feast. With a bound I leapt on to it,
shouting aloud and scattering its golden furnishings this way and that.
Beyond stood the traitor, Larico, who had trapped me--I sprang at him
and lifting Wave-Flame with both hands I smote with all my strength. He
fell, as it seemed to me, cloven to the middle. Then some spear cast at
me struck the lamp.
It shattered and went out!