"
"Farewell! I feared it would be thus, but why so soon, Quilla?"
"For this reason, Love and Lord. I have seen my father the King, and
made my report to him of the matter with which I was sent to deal among
the Yuncas. It pleased him, and since his mood was gracious, I opened
my heart to him and told him that no longer did I wish to be given in
marriage to Urco, who will soon put on the Inca fringe, for, as you
know, it is to him that I am promised!"
"What did he answer, Quilla?"
"He answered: 'This means, Daughter, that you have met some other man to
whom you do wish to be given in marriage. I will not ask his name, since
if I knew it it would be my duty to kill him, however high and noble he
might be.'"
"Then he guesses, Quilla?"
"I think he guesses; I think that already some have whispered in his
ear, but he does not wish to listen who desires to remain deaf and
blind."
"Did he say no more, Quilla?"
"He said much more; he said this--now I tell you secrets, Lord, and
place my honour in your keeping, for having given you all the rest, why
should I not give you that also? He said: 'Daughter, you who have been
my ambassador, you, my only child, who know all my counsel, know also
that there is about to be the greatest war that the land of Tavantinsuyu
has ever known, war between the two mighty nations of the Quichuas of
Cuzco whereof the old Upanqui is king and god, and the Chancas whereof
I am king and you, if you live, in a day to come will be the queen.
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