_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.
He was received at Cuzco with the customary pomp, and there were great
festivities. The captains who, in obedience to his orders had gone to
the war in the Collao, advanced as far as Chucuito, and were victorious
in several battles, bringing all under the dominion of the Inca. The
same was done in Condesuyo. The Inca was very powerful; lords and
captains arrived from all parts with the leading men of the districts,
paying tribute with regularity, and performing personal services; but
all was done with great regularity and justice. When they came for an
audience with the Inca, they carried a light burden; they looked but
little at his face; when he spoke, those who heard him trembled from
fear or some other reason. He seldom appeared in public, but in war he
was always to the front. He did not allow any one, without his
permission, to possess jewels, nor to be seated, nor to be carried in a
litter. In short, this was the sovereign who opened the way for the
excellent government which was established by the Incas.