How when this Ynca wanted to make war in the province of Collao, a certain disturbance arose in Cuzco; and how the Chancas conquered the Quichuas, and got possession of their dominions.

INCA Yupanqui being in Cuzco with the desire of ennobling it, he determined to go to Colla-suyu, which includes the provinces to the southward of the city, because he had received intelligence that the descendants of Zapana, who reigned in Hatun-colla, were very proud and powerful, and that they had assembled forces to march upon Cuzco. So he ordered his people to prepare. The Indians relate that many men had arrived for the campaign which Inca Yupanqui wanted to undertake, and, being on the point of setting out, some captains of Condesuyo, with their warriors, plotted amongst themselves to kill the Inca. For they said that if he returned victorious, he would be in such high estimation that he would desire to bring all men under vassalage and servitude. At the time when the Inca was engaged in his festivities, and somewhat joyous from the quantity of wine he had drunk, one of the conspirators approached and delivered a blow with a stick on the royal head. The Inca, disturbed and excited, rose up saying, “What do you do, traitor?” By this time, the men of Condesuyos had killed many persons, and the Inca himself thought of seeking safety in the temple. But it was of no avail to think, for he was overtaken by his enemies and killed, with many of his women.[169]

There was great confusion in the city, insomuch that one man could not understand another. The priests had retired to the temple, and the women tore their hair, horrified at the death of the Inca by bloodshed, as if he had been some vile person. Many of the inhabitants were preparing to abandon the city, and the murderers wanted to plunder. They relate that at this juncture there was a great noise of thunder with lightning, and there fell so much water from heaven that those of Condesuyo were afraid. Without following up their success, they retired, contenting themselves with the mischief they had done.

They further state that, at that time, the Quichuas were lords of the province called Andahuaylas, and that from the neighbourhood of a lake called Choclococha there came a great multitude of people under two captains named Huaraca and Uasco; who went forward, conquering as they advanced, until they came to that province. When the inhabitants knew of their approach, they prepared for war, encouraging each other, and saying, that it would be right to kill those who had come to attack them. Coming forth by a pass which leads towards the Aymaraes, these Chancas with their captains approached their opponents, until they were close together, when some speeches were made between them. Then they joined battle. According to the tradition, the fighting was desperate, and the result long doubtful. Finally, the Quichuas were defeated and cruelly treated, for all who fell into the hands of the enemy were killed, without sparing tender youth or helpless old age, and carrying off the women. Having done other evil things, they made themselves lords of that province, and possessed it as their descendants do to this day. And I have related this event because hereafter there will be frequent mention of these Chancas.

Returning to the previous subject of the retreat of the Condesuyos from Cuzco, the city was cleared of the dead, and great sacrifices were offered up. Moreover, it is said to be certain that, in the interment of Inca Yupanqui, the same honors as were done to his ancestors were not accorded to him, nor was his image set up, and he left no son.