How Viracocha Inca threw a stone of fire with a sling at Caitomarca, and how they made reverence.

AS soon as Viracocha Inca had despatched the messenger, he ordered the camp to be raised, and a march to be undertaken in the direction of Caitomarca. Advancing by the road, they arrived at a river, where the Inca ordered a halt for rest. Being in this place, the messenger arrived, who reported how those of Caitomarca had mocked at him, and how they had said that they felt no fear of the Incas. When this message was understood by the Inca Viracocha, he rose up on the litter with great anger, ordering the troops to advance with all speed. This was done, until they came to a large and rapid river, which I believe must have been the river of Yucay.[175] Here the Inca ordered his tents to be pitched, intending to attack the enemy’s town on the other side; but the current was so strong that this was not possible. Those of Caitomarca came to the river side, whence they hurled many stones from their slings at the Inca’s camp, and began to utter cries and great shouts. For it is a strange custom with these people, when they fight with each other, how little they allow their mouths to rest.

For two days the Inca was on the banks of that river without being able to cross it, for there was no bridge; nor is it clear whether they had those which are now in use before the time of the Incas: some say that they had them, while others maintain the contrary. They relate that Viracocha Inca ordered a small stone to be put into a strong flame, and when it was very hot he applied a certain preparation to it which would make it set fire to anything it touched. He then ordered it to be put into a sling made of gold wire, with which, when he was inclined, he was accustomed to hurl stones, and with great force he threw the heated missile into the town of Caitomarca. It fell on the eave of a roof which was thatched with very dry straw, and presently the thatch burnt, so that the Indians cried out to know what had happened, and who had set fire to the house. Then an old woman presented herself before them and said, “Listen to what I declare, and to what is certain. Think not that the house has been set on fire by any one here, but believe that the fire came from heaven. For I beheld a burning stone, which, falling from on high, struck the house and destroyed it as you see.”

When the principal leaders, and the elders of the town heard this, being such great soothsayers and wizards, they believed that the stone had been sent by the hand of God as a punishment for disobeying the Inca. Presently, without waiting for an answer from the oracle or offering up any sacrifice, they crossed the river in balsas, bringing presents to the Inca. When they were brought into his presence, they asked for peace and made great offers of their persons and estates, as their allies had previously done.

The Inca Viracocha, on learning what those of Caitomarca had said, replied with great dissimulation that if they had not quickly come on that day, he had determined to attack them on the following morning, in great balsas which he had caused to be prepared. The agreement was then made between those of Caitomarca and the Inca; and that sovereign gave to the captain or lord of Caitomarca one of his own women, a native of Cuzco, which was esteemed a great favor.

The fame of the Inca’s deeds was spread abroad in the neighbouring districts, and many, without seeing the arms of the Cuzco army, sent to offer friendship and alliance with the king Inca, who was well pleased, speaking lovingly to one and another, showing great kindness to all, and providing them with what they needed. Seeing that he was now able to assemble a great army, the Inca determined to call troops together to advance in person into Condesuyo.