lso they said that now the feud between him and Urco
was bitter, but that Urco had the upper hand and was still in command of
the armies. These armies, they declared, were immense and would fight us
on the morrow, adding, however, that certain regiments of them who were
of the party of Kari would desert to us in the battle. Lastly, they
said that there was great fear in Cuzco, since none knew how that battle
would end, which was understood by all to be one for the dominion of
Tavantinsuyu.

They had nothing more to say except that they prayed the Sun for our
success to save them from the tyranny of Urco. This prince, it appeared,
suspected their conspiracy, for now the rumour that Kari lived was
everywhere, and having obtained the names of some who were connected
with it through his spies, he pursued them with murder and sudden death.
They were poisoned at their food; they were stabbed as they walked
through the streets at night; their wives, if young and fair, vanished
away, as they believed into the houses of those who desired them; even
their children were kidnapped, doubtless to become the servants of
whom they knew not. They had complained of these things to the old
Inca Upanqui, but without avail, since in such matters he was powerless
before Urco who had command of the armies. Therefore they would even
welcome the triumph of Huaracha, which meant that Kari would become Inca
if with lessened territory.

Before they parted to play their parts, Kari brought them before me,
whom in their foolishness they worshipped, believing me to be in truth a
god. Then he told them to have no fear, since I would command the armies
of Huaracha in the battle.

Having surveyed the ground while the light lasted, for the most of that
night, together with Huaracha and Kari, I toiled, making plans for
the great fight that was to come. All being ready, I lay down to sleep
awhile, wondering whether it were the last time I should do so upon the
earth and, to tell the truth, not caring overmuch who, believing that
Quilla was dead, had it not been for my sins which weighed upon me with
none to whom I might confess them, should have been glad to leave the
world and its troubles for whatever might lie beyond, even if it were
but sleep.

There comes a time to most men when above everything they desire rest,
and now that hour was with me, the exiled and the desolate. Here in this
strange country and among these alien people I had found one so