_How the Chancas arrived at the city of Cuzco and pitched their camp
there, and of the terror of the inhabitants, and the great valour of
Inca Yupanqui._
After the Chancas had offered up sacrifices on the banks of the Apurimac
and had arrived near the city of Cuzco, the Captain-General or lord who
led them, named Hastu-Huaraca said that they should reflect on the great
undertaking they had entered upon, that they should show themselves to
be strong, and that they should feel no fear nor terror whatever of men
who thought they could frighten people by making their ears such a size
as these enemies did. He also told his followers that they would capture
much spoil, and beautiful women with whom they could enjoy themselves.
They replied cheerfully that they would do their duty.
As it was known in the city of Cuzco that the enemy was marching against
it, and that neither Viracocha Inca nor his son Inca Urco had made any
preparation to oppose them, the Orejones and principal people were much
disturbed, and offered up great sacrifices according to their custom.
They then agreed to ask Inca Yupanqui to take charge of the war, for the
common safety. One of the most venerable took the matter in hand, and
spoke in the name of the others. He replied that when his father wished
to confer the fringe upon him, they would not consent, but insisted that
his cowardly brother should be Inca. He himself had never pretended to
the royal dignity through usurpation and contrary to the will of the
people; and they should now do what was necessary for the public good,
as they had seen that the Inca Urco was unfit for the post. The Orejones
replied that, when the war was over, they would adopt such measures as
were best for the government of the kingdom. It is said that they then
sent messengers through the province, declaring that all who wished to
come and be citizens of Cuzco, would be given lands in the valley, and
would receive privileges; and so they came from many parts. This being
done, the captain, Inca Yupanqui, came forth to the great square where
was the stone of war, with the skin of a lion on his head, as a sign
that he must be strong as is that animal.
At this time the Chancas had reached Vilca-cunga, and the Inca Yupanqui
ordered all the men of war that were in Cuzco to be assembled, with the
determination of marching out on the road. Those who appeared most
resolute were appointed captains; but, on further consideration, he
determined to wait in the city.
The Chancas continued to advance until they pitched their camp on the
hill of Carmenca, which overlooks the city, and presently set up their
tents. The people of Cuzco had made deep holes full of stones at the
approaches to the city, and subtly covered them over on the top, so that
those who walked that way might fall in. When the women and children of
Cuzco saw the enemy, they were much afraid, and made a great noise. Inca
Yupanqui sent messengers to Hastu Huaraca, proposing that there should
be an agreement between them, to avoid the slaughter of the people.
Hastu Huaraca was proud, and thought little of the embassy. He wanted
simply to abide by the decision of battle; but to the importunate
prayers of his relations and others, he yielded so far as to agree to a
conference with the Inca, and in that sense he replied. The city is
situated between hills, in a naturally strong position. The slopes and
ridges were scarped, and in many parts sharp stakes of palm were fixed,
which are as hard as iron, and more hurtful. The Inca and Hastu Huaraca
had an interview, but, as both were ready to fight, it availed little,
for being further excited by the words which they spoke to each other,
at last they came to blows, at the same time shouting and making a great
noise. For the men in that country make an exceeding great noise when
they fight. They fought with each other for a long time and the night
coming on, the Chancas remained in their tents, and those of the city
were all round, watching in every direction, that the enemy might not
enter. For neither Cuzco, nor the other towns in those parts, are
surrounded by walls.
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.