How the Inca returned to Vilcas, and besieged the Rocky Fastness where the Enemy had taken Refuge.

THE Orejones relate very great things touching this Inca Yupanqui, and Tupac Inca his son, and Huayna Capac his grandson, for these were the sovereigns who displayed most valour. Those who may read of their actions, should believe that I rather detract from, than add to what I have been told; and I simply write what I have received from the Indians. For myself, I believe this and more, from the testimony borne by the remains and signs that these kings have left behind them, and from their great power, which shows that what I write concerning them is only a part of what really happened. Their memory will endure in Peru so long as any men of the native race survive.

Returning to the narrative, as the Inca strongly desired to have those who had taken refuge in the rocks in his power, he marched with his troops until he came to the river of Vilcas.[192] The inhabitants, when they knew that he was there, came in great numbers to see him and to perform services, and they established friendship with the Inca. By his order they began to build great edifices, in the place which we now call Vilcas. Masters were sent from Cuzco to trace the plans, and teach the method of laying the stones and tiles in the edifices. Arriving at the rocky fastness, the Inca used all reasonable means to induce those who had taken refuge there to submit to his alliance, sending messengers to them. But the enemy laughed at his words, and hurled many stones at the camp. The Inca, seeing their disposition, resolved not to depart until he had punished them. He knew that the captains whom he sent to the province of Condesuyo, had fought some battles with the people of that region, had conquered them and brought most of the province under his sway. In order that the people of the Collao might not think that they were safe, and knowing that Hastu Huaraca, the Lord of Andahuaylas, and his brother, Tupac Vasco, were valiant chiefs, he sent them to the Collao to keep the people in obedience. They replied that they would obey his order, and they set out for their own land, to proceed thence to Cuzco, and join the army which was to be assembled there.

The garrison of the rocky fastness still had the intention of defending it, and the Inca surrounded the place with his troops. The siege was long, and several great deeds were performed. At last the provisions failed, and the besieged were obliged to submit, and to serve the Inca like the rest of his subjects, paying tribute and furnishing men for the wars. With this servitude, they remained in favour with the Inca, who was no longer enraged, but ordered provisions and other things to be given to them, and that they should return to their homes. But others affirm that he killed them all, insomuch that not one escaped. I believe the first account, though as regards one or the other, I only know what these Indians relate.

This affair being ended, they say that people came from many parts to submit and offer their services, and that the Inca received them all graciously. He then returned to Cuzco. On the road, he found that many edifices had been built, and that, in most parts, the forts of the natives had been razed, and that they had formed regular towns in the lower country, as he had commanded and ordained.

He was received at Cuzco with the customary pomp, and there were great festivities. The captains who, in obedience to his orders had gone to the war in the Collao, advanced as far as Chucuito, and were victorious in several battles, bringing all under the dominion of the Inca. The same was done in Condesuyo. The Inca was very powerful; lords and captains arrived from all parts with the leading men of the districts, paying tribute with regularity, and performing personal services; but all was done with great regularity and justice. When they came for an audience with the Inca, they carried a light burden; they looked but little at his face; when he spoke, those who heard him trembled from fear or some other reason. He seldom appeared in public, but in war he was always to the front. He did not allow any one, without his permission, to possess jewels, nor to be seated, nor to be carried in a litter. In short, this was the sovereign who opened the way for the excellent government which was established by the Incas.