who sought to steal her away, into Urco's hands,
that he might kill me if he could.

When I had mastered all this I was filled with rage and bethought me
that I would cause Larico to be taken and suffer the fate of traitors.
Soon, however, I changed this mind of mine and placing the spy in close
keeping where none could come at him, I set a watch on Larico but said
nothing to him or to Kari of all that I had learned.

A few days later our fortunes changed and Urco, defeated, was in full
flight to the shores of Lake Titicaca. After this I knew we had nothing
more to fear from this fox-hearted high-priest who above everything
desired to be on the winning side and to continue in his place and
power. So knowing that I held him fast I bided my time, because through
him alone I could hope to come at Quilla. That time came after the
war was over and we had returned to Cuzco in triumph. As soon as the
rejoicings were over and Kari was firmly seated on his throne, I sent
for Larico, which, as the greatest man in the kingdom after the Inca, I
was able to do.

He appeared in answer to my summons and we bowed to each other, after
which he began to praise me for my generalship, saying that had it not
been for me, Urco would have won the war and that the Inca had done well
to name me his Brother before the people and to say that to me he owed
his throne.

"Yes, that is true," I answered, "and now, since through me, you,
Larico, are the third greatest man in the kingdom and remain High-Priest
of the Sun and Whisperer in the Inca's ear, I would put you in mind of
a certain bargain that we made when I promised you all these things,
Larico."

"What bargain, Lord-of-the-Sea."

"That you would bring me and a Virgin of the Sun, who while she was of
the earth was named Quilla, together, Larico, and enable her to return
from those of the Sun to my arms, Larico."

Now his face grew troubled and he answered:

"Lord, I have thought much of this matter, desiring above all things to
fulfil my word and I grieve to tell you that it is impossible."

"Why, Larico?"

"Because I find that the law of my faith is against it, Lord."

"Is that all, Larico?" I asked with a smile.

"No, Lord. Because I find that the Inca would not suffer it and swears
to kill all who attempt to touch the lady Quilla."

"Is that all, Larico?"

"No, Lord. Because I find that a woman who has been betrothed to one of
the royal blood may never pass to another man