Now as there was nothing I desired more than to return to Cuzco where Quilla was, I answered that I would swear by my own god, by the Sun, and by my sword, unless the Chancas detained me by force.  Further, I prayed him to set out his business.

He did so in these words: 

“Lord, we have come to know, it matters not how, that the man who appeared with you in this land is no other than Kari, the elder son of the Inca, whom we thought dead.  Now it is in the Inca’s mind, and in the minds of us, his councillors, to proclaim the Prince Kari as heir to the throne which soon he would be called upon to fill.  But the matter is very dangerous, seeing that Urco still commands the army and many of the great lords who are of his mother’s House cling to him, hoping to receive advancement from him when he becomes Inca.”

“But, Priest Larico, Urco, they say, is like to die, and if so all this trouble will melt like a cloud.”

“Your sword bit deep, Lord, but I have it from his physicians that as the brain is uncut he will not die, although he will be sick for a long while.  Therefore we must act while he is sick, since it is not lawful to bring about his end, even if he could be come at.  Time presses, Lord, for as you have seen, the Inca is old and feeble and his mind is weak.  Indeed at times he has no mind, though at others his strength returns to him.”

“Which means that I deal with you who are the chief priest, and those behind you,” I said, looking him in the eyes.

“That is what it means, Lord.  Now hearken while I tell you the truth.  After the Inca I am the most powerful man in Tavantinsuyu, indeed for the most part the Inca speaks with my voice although I seem to speak with his.  Yet I am in a snare.  Heretofore I have supported Urco because there was no other who could become Inca, although he is a brutal and an evil man.  Of late, however, since my return from the City of the Chancas, I have quarrelled with Urco because he has lost that witch, the lady Quilla, whom he desires madly and lays the blame on me, and it has come to my knowledge that when he succeeds to the throne it is his purpose to kill me, which doubtless he will do if he can, or at the least to cast me from my place and power, which is as bad as death.  Therefore, I desire to make my peace with Kari, if he will swear to continue me in my office, and this I can only do through you.  Bring this peace about, Lord, and I will promise you anything you may wish, even perchance to the Incaship itself, should aught happen to Kari or should he refuse my offers.  I think that the Quichuas might welcome a white god from the Sea who has shown himself so great a general and so brave in battle, and who has knowledge and wisdom more than theirs, to rule over them,” he added reflectively.  “Only then, Lord, it would be needful to be rid of Kari as well as of Urco.”

“To which I would never consent,” I replied, “seeing that he is my friend with whom I have shared many dangers.  Moreover, I do not wish to be Inca.”