But last night I prayed of you to dog
my steps and wherever I might go to keep close to me, that the knowledge
of your presence might be my comfort. Now my mind is different. If I
must be married to this Urco, I would not have you see me in my shame.
And if I escape marriage you cannot help me, since I may only do so by
death or by taking refuge where you cannot come. Also I have another
reason."
"What reason, Quilla?" I asked.
"This: I ask that you will stop with my father and give him your help in
the war that must come. I would see this Urco crushed, but without that
help I am sure that the Chancas and the Yuncas are too weak to overthrow
the Inca might. Remember that if I escape marriage thus only can you
hope to win me, namely, by the defeat and death of Urco. Say, then,
that you will stay here and help to lead the Chanca armies, and say
it swiftly, since that dotard, Upanqui, frets to be gone. Hark! his
messengers call and search; my women can hold them back no more."
"I will stay," I answered hoarsely.
"I thank you, and now farewell, till in life or death we meet again.
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