In which it is told how the Yncas ordered that the storehouses should be well provided, and how these were kept in readiness for the troops.

THE royal road of the Yncas goes from this province of Huamachuco to the province of the Conchucos, a distance of two short days’ journey, and half-way there were buildings and store-houses prepared for the reception of the Kings when they travelled this way; for it was their custom, when they visited any part of this kingdom, to travel in great state, and to be served with all things appertaining to their rank; and it is said that, except on occasions when their service required it, the Yncas did not travel more than four leagues each day. In order that there might be sufficient food to support their retinue, there were buildings and store-houses at every four leagues, with great abundance of all the provisions that the surrounding districts could supply. The lieutenants and overseers who resided at the chief stations in the provinces took special care that the natives kept these tampus well provisioned. And that one might not have to contribute more of this tribute than another, accounts were kept by a kind of knots, called quipu, which were understood, and thus there was no fraud. Certainly, although to us it may appear confusing and obscure, this is a good way of keeping accounts, as I will more fully show in the second part.[410] Between Huamachuco and the Conchucos, although it was two days’ journey, there were store-houses and tampus in two places on the road, which is always kept very clean. If some of the mountains were rocky, the road was made in steps, having great resting places and paved ways, which are so strong that they will endure for many ages.

In the Conchucos there were buildings and other things, as in the provinces we have passed, and the natives are of middle height. They and their wives go dressed, and they wear distinguishing cords or fringes on their heads. It is said that the Indians of this province were warlike, and that the Yncas would have had some trouble in subjugating them if they had not always managed to conciliate their enemies by kind deeds and friendly speeches. Some of these Indians, on various occasions, have killed Spaniards, insomuch that the Marquis Don Francisco Pizarro sent the captain Francisco de Chaves[411] against them with some Christians, who waged a terrible and awful war. Some say that he burnt and impaled a great number of Indians. At about this time, or a little earlier, the general insurrection of all the other provinces took place, when more than seven hundred Christian Spaniards were put to cruel deaths by the Indians between Cuzco and Quito. God delivered us from the fury of the Indians, which is truly fearful when they can effect their desires. Howbeit, the Indians said that they fought for their liberty, and to escape from the cruel treatment they received from the Spaniards, who had become lords of their land and of themselves.[412]

In this province of the Conchucos there have always been rich mines of gold and silver. Sixteen leagues further on is the province of Piscobamba, in which there was a stone building for the lords, which was rather broad and very long. The people go clothed, as do all the Indians who are natives of Piscobamba, and they wear certain small pieces of red wool on their heads. Their customs are the same as those of their neighbours, and they are now intelligent, docile, and well-disposed towards the Christians. The land, where they have their villages, is very fertile and prolific, and there are abundant supplies of provisions.

Further on is the province of Huaraz, which is eight leagues from Piscobamba, over very rugged mountains. Here it is an admirable thing to see how the royal road is made to pass over these mountains, always broad and level, and in some parts the live rock is cut away to form steps and resting-places. The Indians of this province also are of middling height, and they are excellent workmen. They worked the silver mines, and in former times paid their tribute to the Kings Yncas in silver. Among the ancient buildings there is a great fortress in the form of a square, with sides measuring one hundred and forty paces, the breadth being rather more. On many parts of it faces and human figures are carved with most skilful workmanship. Some of the Indians say that, in token of triumph, the Yncas ordered this memorial to be raised in memory of a victory. Others relate that, long before the time of the Yncas, there were giants as large as the figures that are carved on the stones, but time, and the wars which they carried on with those who are now lords of these districts, caused them to disappear without leaving any other memorial than these stones.

Beyond this province is that of Pincos, near which a river flows, and over it there is a bridge to pass from one side to the other. The natives of this province are well made, and, considering that they are Indians, of noble bearing. Further on is the great and splendid palace of Huanuco, the chief station between this point and Caxamarca, as I stated in the chapter where I described the founding of the city of Leon de Huanuco.