Page:The Incas of Peru.djvu/114

86 made all the preparations that were possible with the small means at his command, Cusi retired to a lonely place to pray to his god. There is a fountain called the between Iscuchaca and Cuzco, a secluded spot where a stream, shaded by molle trees, falls over some rocks. Here Prince Cusi knelt in prayer. He had a vision. A figure, resplendent and dazzling, appeared to him in the air, which he knew to be his father the sun. He was consoled and animated for the battle, with the assurance that he would conquer the Chancas. The prince returned to his followers, and imparted to them the enthusiasm by which he was himself inspired. A number of vassals came from a distance, but more inclined to look on than to fight. They took to the hills to watch the event.

The Chancas advanced in great numbers, full of confidence, without order, and expecting little or no resistance. One of the scouts sent by Urco Huaranca rushed into the prince's presence crying, 'To arms! To arms! The foe is upon us.' The Chancas were entering Cuzco, but met with a stubborn resistance in the Quilliscancha suburb. Prince Cusi was ready, and all his plans were laid. Followed closely by the aged generals, his elder brothers, and their followers, in a compact phalanx, he made a sudden and furious flank attack, forcing his way in like a wedge, and making straight for the statue and standard of Uscovilca. While a furious battle was raging in the suburb, Asto-huaraca and Tomay-huaraca rallied their guards to defend their standard.