Page:The Incas of Peru.djvu/112

84 army, because it had hitherto always led them to victory. They called it

The news of the rapid approach of this formidable army spread consternation in Cuzco, in the midst of the intrigues about the succession of Urco. The old Inca had not the courage to face the enemy, and resolved upon flight to a strongly fortified position, called Caquia Saquis-ahuana, overlooking Pissac in the valley. His way took him over the highlands of Chita. His illegitimate sons, Urco and Sucso, fled with him, and a great following of Orejones and their families. Cuzco was deserted and left to its fate. The Inca encamped on the plateau of Chita to await events, before finally shutting himself up in Caquia Saquis-ahuana. He had hopes from negotiation with the Chancas.

The two old generals and the legitimate sons refused to leave Cuzco. They declared that they would die in defence of their homes, and of the gods of their people. Three other chiefs remained with them, but all the force they could collect consisted of little more than their own personal followers.

Who was to command this forlorn hope? There was not a day to lose. The enemy was almost at the gates. The generals declared for the youngest of the Inca's sons, Prince Cusi, who had just reached his twentieth year. He was a child of destiny. Rocca had laid the foundations. Cusi was the builder of the empire. It was a remarkable testimony to his genius that, not only the old