How, when Huayna Capac was about to march from Quito, he sent forward certain of his captains, who returned flying before the enemy, and what he did in consequence.

HUAYNA CAPAC being in Quito, with all his captains and veteran soldiers, they relate as certainly true that he ordered certain of them to go forth and conquer some countries whose inhabitants had never desired to obtain his friendship. These people, when they knew what was intended at Cuzco, sought aid from their neighbours to resist any invaders that might come against them, and they had prepared forts and strong places, with plenty of arms of the kind used by them. Huayna Capac marched past their county to reach another land which bordered upon it, all being within the district we now call Quito. As the captains and troops were marching along, despising those of whom they were in search, and thinking they could easily possess themselves of their lands and farms, they found that things were different from what they supposed. For suddenly the natives came out with great clamour, and attacked the invaders with such resolution, that they killed and made captive a great number, entirely defeating the rest, who turned their backs and fled precipitately, the natives pursuing and killing the fugitives, and taking many prisoners.

Some of the fleetest of foot ran until they came to the Inca, to whom alone they reported the disaster, which annoyed him not a little. Considering the matter prudently, he came to a decision becoming a great man. This was to order those who had brought the news to keep silence, and to tell no one what they knew. They were directed to return along the road, and tell the fugitives to stop at the first hill they came to, without fear, for that the Inca would attack the enemy with fresh troops, and avenge the affront. With this message they returned. The Inca felt anxiety, because he reflected that if his soldiers heard the news in the place where they were encamped, all would be in confusion and he would be in greater straits. But he dissimulated, and told them to prepare, as he wished to march against a certain tribe whom they would see when they reached their country. Getting out of his litter, he marched in front of his army for a day and a half, and those who were flying in great numbers, when they saw that the approaching army consisted of their own people, stopped on one side, while the pursuers began to attack them, and killed many. But Huayna Capac surrounded them on three sides, which amazed them not a little, and even those who had been conquered, rallied and fought in such sort that the ground was covered with dead. When the pursuers wished to retreat, they found the pass occupied, and so many were slain that very few remained alive except the prisoners, who were numerous. So that all was altered, the Inca himself having defeated and killed those who came to defeat him. When the result was known the conquerors were very well satisfied.

Huayna Capac recovered those of his people who were still alive, and ordered tombs to be made over those who were dead, and honours to be paid them according to their heathen practices. For they all know that the soul is immortal. They also set up figures and heaps of stones on the battle-field, as a memorial of what had been done. Huayna Capac then sent the news to Cuzco, re-organised his army, and advanced to Caranque.

The people of Otavalo, Cayambi, Cochasqui, Pifo, and other districts had made a league with many other tribes, to resist subjugation by the Inca, preferring death to the loss of their liberty. They made strong forts in their country, and resisted the payment of tribute, or the sending of presents to so distant a place as Cuzco. Having agreed on this between themselves, they awaited the approach of the Inca, who came to make war upon them. The army advanced to their frontier, where the Inca caused forts (called pucaras) to be constructed, and sent messages to the people with presents, asking them not to make war, as he only desired peace with fair conditions; that they would always find favour from him, as from his father; that he desired to take nothing from them, but rather to confer benefits. These kind words availed nothing, for their reply was that he should leave their country at once, and if not, they would drive him out by force. They then advanced against the Inca, who was much incensed, and put his army in battle array. They attacked him with such fury, that if it had not been for the fortress he had caused to be built, his troops would have been defeated at all points. But, knowing the danger, they retired into the pucara, where all who had not been killed or captured were assembled.