_How Gómez de Tordoya and other citizens of Cuzco agreed to send
messengers to the captain Pero Alvarez Holguin that, on knowing
of the death of the Marquis, he should raise the banner for the
King._
I am weary of trying to comprehend the events which happened in the
Realm at this time, because it was proper to narrate what passed in
Lima, and the steps taken by Vaca de Castro. God is my witness to the
vigils I have kept and the little ease I have enjoyed. I only want one
reward, and that is that the reader will look upon me as a friend, and
bear in mind the many journeys I have made to investigate the notable
events in these Realms. And as the labour of composing these writings
is so great, I am already tired and sincerely wish to get to the end
of it. But there! we must return to our story. Pero Alvarez Holguin
had come with a commission from the Marquis to invade the country of
the Chunchos from which Pero Anzures had returned unsuccessful. Some
say that, before he started from Lima, he had spoken to the men of
Chile and advised them to kill the Marquis and avenge the death of
Don Diego de Almagro the elder, and that, when he arrived at Cuzco,
several people heard him say that the Marquis was going to be killed.
This is not known for certain, being merely what was rumoured. I do
not believe that Holguin stated anything like that. But they say that
he did not seem to go off very well pleased with the Marquis.
Gómez de Tordoya, Gonzalo de los Nidos, Villacastin, and the other
citizens and knights who had gathered together, considered what they
should do that the result might turn out prosperous, and that his
Majesty might be duly served. The licentiate de La Gama and Captain
Castro, with others who had started with Pero Alvarez Holguin, said
that as he had not yet entered the region he was making for, they
determined, as good and loyal vassals and servants of his Majesty, to
take a very decisive step. This was to write to Pero Alvarez that,
as the Marquis was dead, and the murderers had got possession of the
Realm and held it, he, being so good a servant of the king, should
abandon the enterprise he had undertaken and join them with the men he
had with him; and that they would recognize him as Captain-general,
and raise the banner of his Majesty. He could then prevent the Chile
party from doing any harm, and march to join the licentiate Vaca de
Castro who, as they all knew, was coming as Judge of _residencia_.
They urged Pero Alvarez not to refuse what they now proposed, because
fortune appeared favourable, and in addition to honour and everlasting
fame, he would acquire a great reward in the Realm. They added that he
should know the city of Cuzco favoured Don Diego, and that Gabriel de
Rojas was there as his Lieutenant.
Having written this, and while they were all in a village of the
Collao called _Ayavire_, Martín de Almendras arrived there, on his way
from the town of La Plata. They agreed to send him to Pero Alvarez
with the news, and Almendras promised to go with all diligence. He
started in a litter, accompanied by many Indians, and travelled so
fast that in one day and one night he covered 37 leagues. For Indians
came in relays from all parts to carry the litter or hammock in which
he made the journey. Travelling at this speed Almendras arrived at
a village called _Chuquito_ where he found some soldiers of Pero
Alvarez, left there to await news of whether the Marquis had dismissed
him from the command or made any other provision to his detriment.
His suspicion must have arisen from having had some conversations
with the men of Chile at Lima, and he thought that if this came to
the ears of the Marquis he would deprive him of his command. Those
who were thus left were a knight, native of Cáceres, named Sancho
Perero, a veteran in these Realms who had served his Majesty, and
Hernando de Rivera, with two or three others. When Almendras arrived
where they were, they asked him what was the news, and why he came in
such a hurry. He answered very sadly that they would soon know, and
then went to rest, to be ready to start again. Sancho Perero, and the
others when they heard those words that "they would soon know what was
coming," believed that the Marquis was sending a new order to Pero
Alvarez countermanding the enterprise. So they determined to seize the
despatch or letters that Almendras was carrying. They went straight
to where he was, held a dagger at his breast, and said that if he did
not give up the letters they would kill him. Seeing himself in this
difficulty, Almendras said that there was no reason in what they were
doing, for that they might know that what he came for was to advise
Captain Pero Alvarez of the death of the Marquis. Having said this he
related to them all that was happening, and how he had been slain by
the men of Chile; and they were very deeply affected.
Sancho Perero told Almendras to stay there, as he must be tired by his
journey, and that he would go to Pero Alvarez with the news. Martín
de Almendras replied that he was content with that arrangement; but
presently he started in his hammock and travelled until he came to the
province of _Chuqui-apu_, where he caught up the captain Pero Alvarez.
When that officer heard the news he was moved by it, but gladly
accepted the appointment that was offered him, and declared that he
would either avenge the murder of the Marquis or die in the attempt.
Gómez de Tordoya came along with those who were flocking to where
Pero Alvarez was, and when he arrived at Chuquito he had got together
twenty-five Spaniards. There it was agreed amongst them to send
another messenger to Pero Alvarez, and that Captain Castro should be
the man; for celerity, in times like these, was a great help towards a
prosperous ending. So Castro went off at once and proceeded until he
met Pero Alvarez, who at the first news had raised the banner of the
King against the tyranny of Almagro. He entrusted the banner to Martín
de Robles, and went on in advance with such as were mounted to form a
junction with Gómez de Tordoya and the others who were at Chuquito.
They all showed great joy at the meeting. Don Pedro Puertocarrero and
Pedro de los Ríos had left Cuzco with the idea of reaching the town of
La Plata, and there joining Pero Anzures. But when they heard of the
assembling of troops in the Collao they repaired thither and joined
Pero Alvarez and the citizens of Cuzco. It was then decided to return
to that city, and have Pero Alvarez declared Captain-general in the
name of his Majesty, to punish the tyranny of the men of Chile and
their usurpation of the Realm.