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Updated: May 19, 2025
"My brother," said Kari, "I have learned all that has passed and I give you praise who are the most daring among men and the first among warriors; you who slew the giant Urco with your naked hands." "And thus made your throne safe for you, Kari." "And thus made my throne safe for me. You also who clove Larico to the breast in the death-house of Upanqui, my father "
Now it was needful to me to learn how things went, and for this reason I listened to the talk between you and a certain lady. It told me that Upanqui, my father, comes here to-morrow, which indeed I knew already, and much else that I had not heard.
Suddenly the old dotard's manner changed: he became quick and shrewd, as doubtless he was in his prime, for this Upanqui had been a great king. At the beginning of our talk the two women of whom I have spoken and the chamberlain had withdrawn to the end of the chamber where they waited with their hands folded, like those who adore before an altar.
"'What sin? shouted Urco. "'The sin of setting you before my eldest lawful son, Kari, whose wife you stole; Kari, whom also it is said you poisoned and who at least has vanished and is doubtless dead. "Now, Lord, when I, Kari, heard this my heart melted in me and I was minded to declare myself to Upanqui my father.
"The only thing that you will take, Lord the lady Quilla herself. Hearken, Lord. Outside the city is the palace of Upanqui whom Urco slew. There in the great hall the divine Inca sits embalmed and into that holy presence none dare enter save the Virgins of the Sun whose office it is to wait upon the mighty dead.
It is most strange that she should have turned her mind towards an aged man like Upanqui." We looked at each other. "Very strange," I said. "It seems to me sad also that this beauteous Quilla should be immured in a nunnery for life.
Here Upanqui, who hitherto had been listening in silence to the words of Larico, spoken on his behalf, broke in, saying: "Yes, yes, that is right, only make him understand that the Inca will be his over-lord, since the Inca can have no rivals in all the land."
"Who is this that carries the emblems of the Holy Blood and is clothed like a Prince of the Sun?" asked Upanqui, affecting ignorance and unconcern, though I saw the colour mount to his cheeks and the sceptre shake in his withered hand. "One who is indeed of the holy Inca blood; one sprung from the purest lineage of the Sun," answered the stately Kari in his quiet voice.
We camped upon the hill Carmenca and that night there came to us an embassy which spoke in the names of Upanqui and Urco, as though they reigned jointly. This embassy of great lords who all wore discs of gold in their ears asked us what was our purpose. Huaracha answered to avenge the murder of the lady Quilla, his daughter, that he heard had been poisoned by Urco.
One great sigh went up and then there was silence, since no such deed as this was known in the annals of that empire. For a moment the aged Upanqui stood upon his feet, the blood pouring down his white beard and jewelled robe. Then he turned a little and said in a clear and gentle voice: "Kari, you will be Inca sooner than I thought.
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