Page:The Incas of Peru.djvu/116

88 We hear no more of the great generals, Vicaquirau and Apu Mayta. They either found a glorious death on the battlefield or died soon afterwards at a great age. Pachacuti's eldest brother, Rocca, was his most trusted general. There was no longer any difficulty about raising troops, and an efficient army was organised, well drilled and armed with slings, arrows, axes, and clubs. For the Chancas, though repulsed, were by no means crushed. They retired to the great plain of Ychupampa, received large reinforcements from the other side of the Apurimac, and prepared for another march upon Cuzco. But now the Inca Pachacuti was strong enough to take the initiative, and he made such a rapid march that he found the Chanca army still encamped on the great plain. The hostile chiefs, encouraged by the arrival of large reinforcements, had regained much of their confidence. Their army was as numerous as before the defeat, their principal weapons being long lances. When the chiefs saw the approach of the Inca army, they sent an insolent message threatening to dye their lances with the Inca's blood if he did not at once submit and become a tributary vassal. Pachacuti calmly replied that no more time could be wasted in talk, and that God would give the victory to whom he pleased. He marched onwards with his army, following closely on the heels of the messenger.

The contending forces closed in deadly hand-to-hand combat, and the battle raged for a long time