_How Garcilaso de la Vega arrived in Cuzco; of the imprisonment
of Don Diego, and how Vaca de Castro travelled to that city._
After the rout at the battle of Chupas, Don Diego de Almagro and
Diego Méndez rode away together, with the intention of seeking refuge
with the Inca Manco. They could have done this easily, if Diego
Méndez had not caused delay by going to see a woman he kept as his
mistress at Cuzco. To induce Don Diego to go to that city, he said
that without fresh shoeing the horses could not take them anywhere,
and that they must go to Cuzco to provide themselves with what they
required, and that, after that, they could go to where the Inca was
staying. Don Diego had to consent, although it was against his will,
and they arrived in the city. Diego Méndez went off to the arms of his
mistress, just as if he had come home victorious, but at that time
the news of what had happened had not reached Cuzco. Don Diego made
haste to start; but, when at last they did, the result of the war was
public knowledge. When Don Diego and Diego Méndez had got clear of
Cuzco, they took the road to the valley of Yucay, intending to make
their way thence into the mountains, in search of the Inca. Barragán,
who had been left as Lieutenant at Cuzco, had by this time been made
a prisoner; and when they heard that Don Diego was gone, Rodrigo
Salazar, Juan Gutiérrez Malaver, and some others went in chase. After
some exigencies he was captured, with Diego Méndez, in the valley of
Yucay, brought back to Cuzco, and lodged in custody.
Garcilaso de la Vega, and those who left Chupas with him, proceeded
to Cuzco and at once took possession of the city in the name of the
King, to keep order there until the Governor should arrive. Vaca
de Castro left Guamanga as we have related, and travelled until he
arrived at the ruined edifices of Vilcas. He remained there a few days
to provide for the despatch of Pedro de Puelles as his Lieutenant to
install settlers in the city of León. He selected those who were to
go, gave them warrants for _encomiendas_, and ordered Pedro de Puelles
to proceed on this duty. News arrived that Juan de Vargas, a veteran
_conquistador_ in those parts, had, after much trouble, cleverly
captured Illa Tupac, one of the Inca's captains who had risen in
rebellion and done much mischief. This was, indeed, a notable service
that Juan de Vargas, who was a native of La Higuera, near Fregenal de
la Sierra, performed; and the Governor approved of it. Having received
his warrants, Pedro de Puelles set out from Vilcas with the Spaniards
who had been told off to accompany him, and travelled until he reached
the province of Huanuco, where, in the name of his Majesty, he founded
the city of León.
While the Governor Vaca de Castro was still at Vilcas, news came to
him that one of young Almagro's captains was near by. In a former
chapter we made mention of all who were put to death, and among them
was included this one, named Juan Pérez. The Governor ordered that he
should be sought for by the Indians, and that when he was captured
he should be quartered. After giving this order, Vaca de Castro
left Vilcas, and proceeded to the province of Andahuaylas. There
he received word that there was scope for founding a city near the
Bracamoros and Pedro de Vergara's territory, and, as it was desirable
to arrange about the disposal of the people, he appointed Juan Porcel
to be captain there. So Porcel started off with the Spaniards of
his following for the place we have said. Vaca de Castro continued
his journey until he arrived at the buildings of Limatambo, whence
he sent off despatches to his Majesty informing him of the victory
God had granted him, of how the Realm had been brought back to the
royal allegiance, that Don Diego was a prisoner, that sentence had
been duly executed on his captains, and other matters relating to the
administration. Before he left Limatambo, there came certain captains
from the province of Chile, where the captain Pedro de Valdivia was
in charge, requesting the aid of more Spaniards for the subjugation
of those parts. After Vaca de Castro had taken note of what those
captains had to report, he set out for the great city of Cuzco, where
a solemn reception was accorded him, and he was welcomed by all the
people with great joy.