A Brief HistoryOf The Incas: From Rise, Through Reign, To Ruin by Foerster Brien

Author:Foerster, Brien [Foerster, Brien]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Brien Foerster
Published: 2010-09-03T00:00:00+00:00

Fine example, of few remaining sections of the Incan road system.

Pizarro sent word back to Piura of his location and present condition, and then resumed his march, taking a route south. He chose not to follow the Incan road, as this could make him vulnerable to attack. Hernando Pizarro was sent forward, and, upon reaching a group of Indians, interrogated one as regards the Sapa Inca. Refusing to answer his questions, Hernando tortured him until he spoke. The native said that Atahuallpa was camped with three separate divisions of infantry, and was aware of the approach of the Spanish, and their small number. Also, Atahuallpa was purposely decoying them towards his present location, in order to have them more completely in his power.

This account caused Pizarro much anxiety. He instructed one of his native interpreters to go as a spy into the Inca`s quarters, and learn of Atahuallpa`s intentions towards the Spaniards. He was to inform the Inca of the uniformly considerate way that he and his men had treated the natives along their journey, and to assure him that they were now coming in full confidence of finding him with the same amicable feelings towards themselves. Also, the interpreter was to observe if the Inca road on which he would be travelling was being defended, or if any preparations of a hostile nature could be discerned.

With this, Pizarro continued his march, and after 3 days, found himself at the base of the mountain rampart behind which lay Cajamarca. This was a pivotal moment in the conquest, and in order to bolster the spirit of the troops, Pizarro made a speech in order to strengthen their resolve. `` Let every one of you, take heart and go forward like a good soldier, nothing daunted by the smallness of your numbers. For in the greatest extremity God ever fights for his own; and doubt not He will humble the pride of the heathen, and bring him to the knowledge of the true faith, the great end and object of the Conquest.``

That night Pizarro held council with his principle officers. It was decided that he should lead advance, with forty cavalry and sixty infantry; the rest, under Hernando, would remain where they were, until further orders were given. At dawn the small party embarked on the Inca road, which drove deep and high into the mountains. The road was of excellent condition, but was so steep that the cavalry had to dismount in order to keep moving forward. After all, the Inca architects had not designed the grade of the road for horses, but for the sure-footed Chasqui and trains of llama.

Late in the afternoon Pizarro sent a few of his troops back to tell Hernando to proceed forward, as they had advanced without opposition. As night fell, Pizarro and his men camped out in a deserted fortress.

The next day he continued on, rising higher and higher into the mountains. The rich vegetation of the lower altitudes gave way to thin pine forests, and then to the yellow grass of the altiplano.

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