ter morn. Here
sentries stopped us and I descended from my litter. When the Chancas saw
me in my armour come back to them alive, they set up a great shouting
and presently I and the lords with me were led to the pavilion of King
Huaracha.

We found him lying sick upon a couch, for though he showed no wound he
had been badly bruised upon the body by a blow from Urco's club and, as
I feared, was hurt in the bowels. He greeted me with delight, since he
thought that I might have been killed after I was captured, and asked
how I came to appear in his camp in the company of our enemies. I told
him at once what had chanced and that I was sworn to return to Cuzco
when I had done my business. Then the Inca's ambassadors set out their
proposals for a truce, and retired, while Huaracha discussed them with
his generals and Kari, who also was overjoyed to see me safe.

The end of it was that they were accepted on the terms offered, namely,
that Huaracha and his army should withdraw to the valleys of which I
have spoken, and there camp, receiving all the food they needed until
a peace could be offered such as he would be willing to accept. Indeed,
the Chancas were glad to agree to this plan for their losses in the
battle had been very great and they were in no state to renew the attack
upon Cuzco, which was still defended by such mighty hordes of brave
warriors fighting for their homes, families, and freedom.

So all was agreed on the promise that peace should be made within thirty
days or sooner, and that if it were not the war should re-commence.

Then privately, I told Huaracha all that I had learned about Quilla and
that I had still hopes of saving her though what these were I did not
tell him. When he had thought, he said that now the fate of Quilla must
be left in the hands of the gods and mine, since not even for her could
he neglect the opportunity of an honourable peace, seeing that another
battle might mean destruction. Also he pointed out that he was hurt and
I who had been general under him was a prisoner and bound by my oath to
return to prison, so that the Chancas had lost their leaders.

After this we parted, I promising to work for his cause and to come to
see him again, if I might.

These matters finished I went aside with Kari to a place where none
could hear us, and there laid before him the offers of Larico, the
high-priest, showing him how the case stood. Of Quilla, however, I said
nothing to him, though it