_How when this Ynca wanted to make war in the province of Collao, a
certain disturbance arose in Cuzco; and how the Chancas conquered the
Quichuas, and got possession of their dominions._
Inca Yupanqui being in Cuzco with the desire of ennobling it, he
determined to go to Colla-suyu, which includes the provinces to the
southward of the city, because he had received intelligence that the
descendants of Zapana, who reigned in Hatun-colla, were very proud and
powerful, and that they had assembled forces to march upon Cuzco. So he
ordered his people to prepare. The Indians relate that many men had
arrived for the campaign which Inca Yupanqui wanted to undertake, and,
being on the point of setting out, some captains of Condesuyo, with
their warriors, plotted amongst themselves to kill the Inca. For they
said that if he returned victorious, he would be in such high estimation
that he would desire to bring all men under vassalage and servitude. At
the time when the Inca was engaged in his festivities, and somewhat
joyous from the quantity of wine he had drunk, one of the conspirators
approached and delivered a blow with a stick on the royal head. The
Inca, disturbed and excited, rose up saying, “What do you do, traitor?”
By this time, the men of Condesuyos had killed many persons, and the
Inca himself thought of seeking safety in the temple. But it was of no
avail to think, for he was overtaken by his enemies and killed, with
many of his women.[169]
There was great confusion in the city, insomuch that one man could not
understand another. The priests had retired to the temple, and the women
tore their hair, horrified at the death of the Inca by bloodshed, as if
he had been some vile person. Many of the inhabitants were preparing to
abandon the city, and the murderers wanted to plunder. They relate that
at this juncture there was a great noise of thunder with lightning, and
there fell so much water from heaven that those of Condesuyo were
afraid. Without following up their success, they retired, contenting
themselves with the mischief they had done.
They further state that, at that time, the Quichuas were lords of the
province called Andahuaylas, and that from the neighbourhood of a lake
called Choclococha there came a great multitude of people under two
captains named Huaraca and Uasco; who went forward, conquering as they
advanced, until they came to that province. When the inhabitants knew
of their approach, they prepared for war, encouraging each other, and
saying, that it would be right to kill those who had come to attack
them. Coming forth by a pass which leads towards the Aymaraes, these
Chancas with their captains approached their opponents, until they were
close together, when some speeches were made between them. Then they
joined battle. According to the tradition, the fighting was desperate,
and the result long doubtful. Finally, the Quichuas were defeated and
cruelly treated, for all who fell into the hands of the enemy were
killed, without sparing tender youth or helpless old age, and carrying
off the women. Having done other evil things, they made themselves lords
of that province, and possessed it as their descendants do to this day.
And I have related this event because hereafter there will be frequent
mention of these Chancas.
Returning to the previous subject of the retreat of the Condesuyos from
Cuzco, the city was cleared of the dead, and great sacrifices were
offered up. Moreover, it is said to be certain that, in the interment of
Inca Yupanqui, the same honors as were done to his ancestors were not
accorded to him, nor was his image set up, and he left no son.