loves him because he is a butcher and liberal.  We quarrelled the other day over the small matter of this lady Quilla, and he threatened me till I grew wrath and said that I would not hand him my crown as I had purposed to do.  Yes, I grew wrath and hated him for whose sake I had sinned because his mother bewitched me.  Lord-from-the-Sea,” here his voice dropped to a whisper, “I am afraid of Urco.  Even a god such as I am can be murdered, Lord-from-the-Sea.  That is why I will not go to Yucay, for there I might die and none know it, whereas here I still am Inca and a god whom it is sacrilege to touch.”

“I understand, but how can I help you, Inca, who am but a prisoner in your palace?”

“No, no, you are only a prisoner in name.  At the worst Urco will be sick for a long while, since the physicians say that sword of yours has bitten deep, and during that time all power is mine.  Messengers are at your service; you are free to come and go as you will.  Bring this servant of yours to my presence, for doubtless he trusts you.  I would speak with him, O Lord-from-the-Sea.”

“If I should do this, Inca, will the lady Quilla be given back to her father?”

“Nay, it would be sacrilege.  Ask what else you will, lands and rule and palaces and wives—­not that.  Myself I should not dare to lay a finger on her who rests in the arms of the Sun.  What does it matter about this Quilla who is but one fair woman among thousands?”

I thought awhile, then answered, “I think it matters much, Inca.  Still, that this bloodshed may be stayed, I will do my best to bring him who was my servant to your presence if you can find me the means to come at him, and afterwards we will talk again.”

“Yes, I am weary now.  Afterwards we will talk again.  Farewell, Lord-from-the-Sea.”

CHAPTER IX

KARI COMES TO HIS OWN

When I awoke on the following morning in the splendid chamber of which I have spoken, it was to find that my armour and arms had been restored to me, and very glad was I to see Wave-Flame again.  After I had eaten and, escorted by servants, walked in the gardens, for never could I be left alone, marvelling at the wondrous golden fruits and flowers, a messenger came to me, saying that the Villaorna desired speech with me.  I wondered who this Villaorna might be, but when he entered I saw that he was Larico, that same stern-faced, cunning-eyed lord who had been the spokesman of the Inca when he visited the city of the Chancas.  Also I learned that Villaorna was his title and meant “Chief priest.”

We bowed to each other and all were sent from the chamber, leaving us quite alone.

“Lord-from-the-Sea,” he said, “the Inca sends me, his Councillor and blood relative, who am head priest of the Sun, to desire that you will go on an embassy for him to the camp of the Chancas.  First, however, it is needful that you should swear by the Sun that you will return thence to Cuzco.  Will you do this?”