How Viracocha Inca passed by the provinces of the Canches and Canas, and marched until he entered the territory of the Collao, and of what happened between Cari and Zapana.

HAVING determined to march to the Collao, the Inca set out from the city of Cuzco with a large force, passing by Muyna, and by the towns of Urcos and Quiquijana. When the Canches,[179] heard of his approach, they determined to assemble and come forth with their arms, to defend the passage through their land. The Inca, on receiving news of their intention, sent messengers to represent that they should not undertake such an enterprise, for that he did not wish to give them any affront, but rather desired to be their friend, and if their chiefs and captains would come to him, he would give them to drink from his own cup. The Canches replied to the messengers that the Inca should not pass by reason of what they said, and that they were there to defend their country which had been invaded. Returning with this answer, the messengers found the Inca Viracocha in Cangalla, full of anger at the small account in which the Canches held his embassy. He made a rapid march, arriving at a town which is called Compata. Near a river which flows close by, he found the Canches drawn up in order of battle, and here the combat between the two forces took place. Many died on both sides, and the Canches were defeated. Those who were able to do so, fled, and were followed by the conquerors, killing and taking prisoners. After a long time the pursuers returned with the spoils, bringing with them many prisoners, both men and women.

After this had happened, the Canches, throughout the province, sent messengers to the Inca, beseeching him to pardon them, and to receive them into his service. As the Inca desired nothing else, he granted the usual conditions, which were that they should receive those of Cuzco as sovereign lord, and submit their laws and customs, offering tribute of what they produced, in accordance with what was done by other subjects. After passing some days in arranging these affairs, and in making the Canches understand that they must live together in towns, and must not engage in quarrels or wars amongst themselves, he passed onwards.

The Canas[180] had assembled together in large numbers, at a place called Luracachi; and as they had news of what had befallen the Canches, and that the Ynca did not injure those who wished to be his allies, nor allow others to do so, they resolved to make friends with him. The Inca advanced and, when he approached Luracachi and heard of the good will of the Canas, he was much pleased. As there was a temple of Aconcagua in that district, he sent great presents to the idols and priests.

When the ambassadors from the Canas arrived, they were well received by the Inca Viracocha, who replied to them that the principal and most venerable of the Canas should be near, where they would see him; and when he had been some days at the temple of VilcaÑota he would hasten to be with them. He gave some fine cloth and ornaments to the messengers, and ordered his own soldiers not to enter the houses of the Canas, nor to take anything that belonged to them, that their good will might not be disturbed nor give place to any other thought.

The Canas, when they heard the message, caused plenty of provisions to be placed along the road, and came down from their villages to serve the Inca, who, with much regard to justice, took care that they should not be injured in any way. They were supplied with flocks and—— [181] which is their wine. On arriving at their vain temple, they made sacrifices in accordance with their heathen practices, killing many lambs. Thence the army advanced to Ayavire, where the Canas had brought more provisions. The Inca spoke to them lovingly, and arranged his peaceful pact, as was his custom with other tribes. The Canas, holding it to be an advantage to them to be governed by such wise and just laws, did not object to the payment of tribute, and the duty of going to Cuzco.

This being done, Viracocha Inca determined to set out for the Collao, where by this time it was known what had happened with the Canches and Canas. They were waiting in Chucuito, and in Hatun Colla. Zapana was aware that Cari had been received well by Viracocha, and that he was expecting the Inca. He, therefore, determined to attack him before he became more powerful by a junction with the forces of the Inca. Cari was equally spirited, and came out with his followers to a town called Paucar-colla. Near this place the armies of the two most powerful tyrants of the district faced each other, in such numbers that it was said they amounted to one hundred and fifty huarancas.[182] They joined in battle, and it is related that it was fiercely contested, and that the dead numbered more than 30,000. After it had lasted for a long time, Cari remained the victor, while Zapana and his people were defeated, with the death of many. Zapana himself was killed in this battle.