From these I could see no
escape for her, and the thought maddened me. Moreover, Kari was gone
leaving me utterly alone among these strangers, and whether he would
return again I did not know. Oh! almost I wished that I were dead.
The morning broke at last and I arose and called for Zapana. Then came
others who said that my servant, Zapana, could not be found, whereat
I affected surprise and anger. Still these others waited on me well
enough, and I rose and ate in pomp and luxury. Scarcely had I finished
my meal than there appeared heralds who summoned me to the presence of
the king Huaracha.
I went, borne in a litter, although an arrow from my black bow would
have flown from door to door. At the portal of the palace, which was
like others I had seen, only finer, I was met by soldiers and gaily
dressed servants and led across a courtyard within, which I could see
was prepared for some ceremony, to a small chamber on the further side.
Here, when my eyes grew accustomed to the half-darkness, I perceived a
man of some sixty years of age, and behind him two soldiers.
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