CHAPTER 16
Sacrifice
"There he is Uncle Paddy, next to the wall!"
As Topac reached Sit-Nalta the night was closing in, hugging the shadows of the walls he froze rigid when a sentry walked on the ramparts above. Waiting until the sentry had passed he stealthily climbed up. Digging fingers and toes into the tiniest of irregularities in the surface of the great stones he ascended, exhausted he reached the top.
"Stand and be recognised!" challenged the sentry running towards him.
Topac dropped lightly to the ground inside. He ran swiftly away taking many turns and diversions to throw off any possible pursuit.
"he's heading to Lady Axa's place," said Paddy looking at a sketchy plan he had drawn of the city.
Topac scaled the palace wall and entered the chambers of Lady Axa. A hand across her mouth woke her. Sleep slowed her reaction nevertheless Topac barely had time to jump back, the swipe of her nails narrowly missed him.
"It is I Topac! Lord Axa's man!" he hissed.
"Topac! Are you alone?"
"I am alone, are you safe? Where is Lord Axa?"
"I am safe, for the moment. Wait while I send for Popacata."
She hurried to the door and spoke to her servant, Hunwa.
"Much has happened Topac, Lord Axa and our daughter have been taken, the Shaman has with him a strange old man, the people say that he is one of the gods, even warriors faithful to us will not act. All is lost."
In a voice that shook with anger Topac replied, "I was with my Lord Axa when we captured that old man, he is no god. The men who brought him to the land of the Inca are no gods, they are murderers!"
Popacata joined them. "Topac!" he embraced the tracker, "are you alone?"
"As you see," said Topac, "I was set by Lord Axa with Manco to watch the invaders..."
Popacata interrupted, "Where is Manco now?"
"Dead," answered Topac fiercely, " that dog Aquila's temple guards," he repeated his oath, "Manco will be revenged,"
"Tell me what you have learnt of these strangers that I may be better able to persuade the nobles and elders," said Popacata, "we have no time to waste, the child..."
"Murderers and thieves! they hunger for gold. From here to the great peaks their weapons roar and kill, great deer carry them with the speed of the wind, no obstacle can stop them. All this Manco and I saw."
"I do not wish to even think it," said Popacata, "but tell me, this I must know, is it possible that these strangers are gods?"
"Uncle! How can you even think such a thing?"
"My dear, what Topac says is so unbelievable, how can they merely be men? The hope of the people is that if the gods are returned then it will bring an end to the sacrifices of the Shamen. Perhaps good will come from this after all?"
Topac was aggressive in his reply, "I saw what they did to the villagers; men, women and children...." he looked at Lady Axa and held his tongue, "They are no gods, it is as Lord Axa said, 'gods do not bleed, gods do not die'. Expect no mercy!"
Popacata, like the good diplomat he was, never had a firm opinion about anything. He looked worried. He could not begin to think how to fight such men. "How many are they in number?" Topac answered that the warriors outnumbered the invaders fifty times over.
"Yes but the warriors will not fight, you can be sure of that Topac, that much is certain," Popacata gave voice to both their thoughts, "If only Axa were free...."
Lady Axa warned, "Topac, the guards who followed you will search the palace, go into hiding with the men from my husband's war party. Hurry, go now, rest and recover your strength."
"There is no time for rest, the guards shall soon return bringing the murderers into Sit-nalta, then the hand of the Shaman will descend like a plague upon our land."
Topac's words were spoken without emotion, Popacata knew them to be true. "Come Topac, I will take you to your comrades," he said leading Topac from the room.
"Well he got to Sit 'n' alter safely enough and we've seen what's happening with Axa's missus and Uncle Poppy - not a lot. But Toe-peg reckons it won't be long before the Spanish show up."
"I'll see how far away they are Uncle Paddy."
The column was proudly led by the Inca nobles and elders. A great conch was blown repeatedly announcing the return of the gods. Already people were beginning to line their route. Some fell to the ground, those that did not were struck down by the guards.
"That priest's having a natter, I don't like the look of him one little bit, get down and have a listen, he's another feller as got the potential to become a right idjit."
"What do you think Father?" asked Francesco of the priest gesturing towards the people, "are we not saviours to be welcomed by these savages with open arms?"
"My son, there is nothing I see which pleases me," replied the priest fingering his rosaries, "they are, as you say, savages. For them to say we are gods is sacrilege, I am not convinced that it is right to continue to mislead them."
"But if it leads to quicker conversion to the true faith then surely it cannot be so sinful Father?" asked Francesco.
"All sin provokes displeasure in the eyes of the Lord my son, however it is our holy duty to convert these ignorant people and I do not think our task will be an easy one," he added in such an ominous way that there was little doubt left as to his meaning.
"See what I mean lad, he's dodgy. Whip it along a bit, let's get to the meat."
The commander was addressing his officers who were gathered around his tent.
"We shall enter the city later today, the more we can impress these savages the better we will be able to act the part of their gods. It is their fate that our so-called return has been foretold, it is our destiny to make the most of their misguided beliefs. Tell the men their armour must shine like the shields of David."
Father Salamanga nodded in appreciation of the Biblical reference.
Men set to work grooming horses; polishing buckles, boots and halberds, thick mud caked onto the rims of the carriage wheels was scraped off, swords and armour plate were burnished until they shone. Squad leaders inspected their troops checking that nothing was out of place and that everything that could be polished gleamed.
The Inca nobles, guards and elders looked on in awe, only Aquila appeared to be aloof to what was taking place. Francesco watched him carefully he was not sure about him, no feeling escaped the leader of the guards eyes, they were blank and unfeeling. Finally he decided the man should be reported and with a hand upon the handle of his sword, walked under the Inca's gaze to the commander.
"Sire, I have been observing the Inca, the one named Aquila, he is surely a treacherous dog!"
"Couldn't have put it better meself lad, that feller'd put yer Mr Queerk to shame."
They both giggled with the memory of Mr Quirk's hasty departure.
The commander sat half-dressed whilst his servant fastened him into his clothes and armour, he merely laughed, dismissing the warning with a flurry of his hand. "There are far more important things at stake here than one solitary native," he gestured with the same hand towards the horizon,@ consider Francesco, all this will soon be under my rule!" Suddenly aware that the priest had approached them he searched his face for any sign that his statement had been overheard but saw nothing to concern him, he hailed the priest, "Good Father, the Incas have already shown their evil ways to us, the city shall no doubt hold more unnatural horrors within its walls. I ask you to bear with me in these matters - whatever ungodly things we may find in there. But I make myself clear, it is my intention to win over these people by whatever means, by force of arms if it be necessary but I counsel that we should make use of their strange disposition towards us."
The priest considered the commanders request before replying.
"The Church must condemn evil wherever it arises but for the greater good whatever evil awaits us in that city shall remain unspoken of until we are able to place it firmly under the yoke of His Holy Father."
He crosse
d himself then walked away, the commander would not have been so happy if he had seen the priest's face harden as deep suspicion set into his features. His thoughts turned to their present military concerns. "Francesco, once we have gained entry into the city seek out its strengths and weaknesses, assign men to this task for it is of grave importance. It shall be but a matter of time until force becomes necessary, let us ready ourselves for such a time."
Aquila turned towards them as they spoke, he had such a look of natural cunning about him that Francesco again cautioned the commander.
"I feel we should be very careful what we say in front of that man, there is an air about him which I do not like."
The commander looked at Aquila and smiled, Francesco knew that smile for what it was, it was a smile which warned, "Be ready for your time will come."
Aquila merely returned the smile with one of his own.
Davey felt Paddy fidgeting next to him and took the hint. He arced the sun through the sky.
The city sparkled like a distant jewel, across the plain its walls reflected the sun's rays so brilliantly that soldiers cried out as they saw it, "El Dorado! the golden city!"
Francesco rode along next to Drago who was a man whom he could trust, AThese people are not savages, this city outrivals Madrid and every other city in Spain.@
AIt is no wonder they regard us as their gods, we are men from another world. Yet this world is richer and far more beautiful than our own.@
They passed through fertile fields which were bordered with large trees, their branches swept low over canals and waterways which fed crystal clear water to heavy crops. Seemingly delicate wooden bridges did not even tremble under the boots of troops of men. They did not see anybody in the outlying districts but as they neared the walls they heard a great cheering, the sound was so loud that it boomed out from the city and caused some of the men to lower their pikes.
"Seems like they are expecting us," smiled Francesco to the commander.
"They have no idea what they are welcoming," the commander smiled back.
The scale of the city could not be appreciated from the plain but as they neared it they realised its immense size, the walls alone outscaled anything that they had ever seen before.
Francesco was concerned, "This place is a fortress, it would cost us dearly to have to storm it. Order the men to load muskets and make ready, it could be a trap."
The Incas led them in through the widest portal which was only just wide enough to allow the cannon to pass through, even then their hubs scraped against the huge stone cubes which formed the entrance. The huge blocks which made up the walls keyed together so perfectly that even a knife could not be forced between them, Drago was impressed, "These people have skills I have not seen in the whole of Europe," he said to Francesco.
"This is too easy," said Enrique, "I do not like it, should we leave a rearguard here Commander?"
"Thank you for bringing the matter to my attention Enrique. Assign a detail to guard the entrance. Remain with them and hold this position."
The commander turned to Francesco, "We shall have to fight our way out if it comes to it."
They talked together briefly then Francesco ordered the column into close order.
"Let us show these savages what we are made of, they shall not be so ready to cross swords with us if they know our strength!"
They marched into the city, every rank and every file was militarily exact; along the grand avenue they paraded, numerous people lined their route cheering, waving and singing. Proud warriors stood, some held children seated upon their shoulders who clapped their little hands in joy. Beautiful girls in the barest of costumes danced before the soldiers, they carried woven baskets filled with petals from exotic plants. The girls threw the petals high into the air to settle at the feet of the Spaniards whose heavy boots trampled them into the dirt and released the delicate scents they stored.
"What do you think of those then Joaquim?" said Carlos to the man who marched alongside him.
For men who had been away from home for many months Joaquim's reply was to be expected. However even their attention could not remain upon the dancing girls for long, they were amazed by the splendour all around, bright, white buildings towered above them, gardens that seemed to cling to the sides of the buildings burst forth with plants and shrubs of amazing variety, Winter was approaching but the flowers displayed were magnificent.
From elaborate arched windows the Incas waved and cheered, the buildings continued to grow in splendour and grandeur, finally the avenue opened out into the main square, ahead of them loomed the temple. A great roar rose from the assembled thousands deafening their ears.
Every man was amazed by the sights they had witnessed but the sight and size of the temple staggered them.
AFather Salamanga! Is this not a pyramid such as one might see in Egypt?@ shouted the commander to the priest above the roar.
AIt is of similar ungodly appearance,@ replied the priest, AI do not like the look of the small edifice on its top.@
As their mounts neared the huge structure the racks of skulls baking in the sun at the foot of the temples steps could clearly be seen. The priest was the first to make the discovery, he splashed them with holy water and blessed them, "Holy Father which art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name." But he had given his promise to the commander and held his tongue.
Three times the column paraded around the square whilst the people looked on in awe.
"Have the men display our firepower Sergeant," ordered the commander.
The sergeant-at-arms issued the orders in his loudest voice. "We will give a small demonstration of our skill at arms. Make ready!"
A succession of orders caused different groups of men to slope arms, shoulder arms, and to demonstrate their drill. Pikemen assembled in a square then wheeled and unfolded into single file the sergeant calling out the pace. Behind them a squad of musketeers fired off a musket volley, sections of the crowd became a screaming rabble as lead balls whistled through the air above their heads. Amongst their numbers, wearing a heavy poncho and a large workers hat, Topac could not be recognised. He stood with Popacata.
"It is as you say Topac," said Popacata, "these invaders are superior to us in weaponry, their very skin seems to be hardened, are they not the gods themselves?" Topac did not reply but his grip tightened on the club which he held concealed beneath his poncho. Popacata was soon to learn more, the high point of the demonstration was the firing of the cannon.
"Train the cannon on that thing over there," ordered the commander pointing to the edifice on top of the temple.
Swiftly, horses wheeled the cannon into position, men rammed the charge into the barrel and rolled a heavy iron ball into its mouth. With a fiercesome roar the cannon discharged itself leaping back across the square, the gaze of the people left it and turned to the top of the temple as the iron ball exploded against the target, totally obliterating it. Stone fragments scattered amongst the onlookers, cutting into them and sending out the first wave of panic.
"RELOAD!"
The cannon roared again, the panic became flight, people were trampled underfoot as the crowd surged around seeking to escape. What moments before had been a happy, welcoming throng was now a milling mass of confusion.
"RELOAD!"
Suddenly the people froze still.
"What is it, why have they stopped?" asked one of the officers of another, his eyes followed the people's fixed look to find his answer. At the temple top, in the ruins of the edifice stood the Shaman. He stood in his full ceremonial robes, arms folded, with his obsidian knife clutched in his hand.
"Seems like this is some sort of leader, should we take him?" asked Francesco of the commander. "Perhaps he is this Shaman of whom we have heard so much," replied the commander, "Let us find out what he is about before we upset these fine fellows." He looked around at the guards who stood stoney-faced with their razor sharp clubs cradled lightly in their arms.
; The Shaman cried out, "The Gods are returned, they are here to cleanse, to deliver. Witness their immense power. For long ages we have waited for this day, the prophecies of old are met. Give praise to the Gods! Honour their return!"
Someone in the crowd cheered, the cry was taken up until once more the people were cheering.
The Shaman raised an arm for silence, the people obeyed.
"STAND FIRM" yelled the sergeant-at-arms at a pikeman who turned his head to look towards the Shaman. The yell broke the spell which the Shaman's presence had woven.
"Fetch him down," ordered the commander.
Four pikemen ran to the temple, they crossed to where a wide stairway cut up to its top. Up this they ran until out of breath they continued at a walk, dragging the shafts of their heavy weapons behind them.
In stunned silence the people watched. They gasped when the leading man took hold of the Shaman and pulled him roughly round. "Come with us!" the man shouted.
The Shaman did not resist, he was forced down the steps at the end of a pike.
Warriors loyal to the Shaman were slowly raising their weapons. One of them was a little further advanced in his intentions, he slashed his club against the neck of one of the horses. Its rider fell heavily to the ground.
"Sergeant!" said Francesco calmly.
The sergeant nodded to a musketeer who lowered his weapon and pointed it at close range at the attacker. "Fire!" he was ordered.
The force of the shot lifted the man into the air before he fell flat onto his back at the feet of Aquila. Warriors moved to attack but the Shaman prevented them, he called, "It is the right of the gods to give life and to take it, the warriors have brought dishonour upon themselves." He shouted to the leader of the guards, "Aquila, select every tenth man that the gods might be appeased!
In the silence that followed the buzzing of the flies that rapidly swarmed to the blood of horse and man could clearly be heard.
Nobody but Aquila moved, the Shaman had demanded the greatest sacrifice, many warriors would die.
Topac whispered to Popacata, "If the warriors who are chosen are not those who are loyal to Lord Axa this will be good for us!"
Popacata's old head saw through the Shaman's plan instantly, "It will be warriors loyal to Lord Axa who are chosen Topac. Go, re-join the war party in hiding!"
Topac ignore the elders plea.
The commander ordered his troops to remain at the ready. They watched as Aquila walked amongst the assembled crowd, placing his right hand upon the shoulder of every man chosen, slowly a group of warriors gathered in the square, it continued to grow larger as Aquila continued his task. Some of the warriors passed their children to their wives as the cold, hard hand of death touched them.
"That dog!" snarled Topac, "why do the warriors not fight, if they must die let them die as men!"
Popacata said simply, "They lack a leader."
The fury rose in Topac, as Aquila neared him he saw his chance. Popacata sensed him about to explode, "Calm yourself Topac!" he hissed but the young warrior threw aside his poncho revealing his war costume, his club was already striking as he screamed, "Die dog!"
Aquila was unbelievably quick, he dropped to one knee so that the blow whistled harmlessly through the air above his head. A quick roll on the floor and then back to his feet put him at a safe distance from his attacker.
"Oh so the tracker has chosen to show himself has he?" shouted Aquila. His men moved to help him but Aquila ordered them back, "This feeble fool is mine!"
"If they wish to kill each other so much the better," said the commander to Francesco who looked towards him for orders.
The crowd fell back from the two fighters creating a ring about them. The two men eyed each other looking for an opening. Aquila was the more heavily muscled but Topac had greater speed, Aquila had the most fighting experience but Topac had youth on his side, the outcome of the contest was inevitable. Aquila had learnt every movement an opponent could make a thousand times over, he had practiced and rehearsed until his club was an extension of his arm, he easily evaded Topac's first wild swing and his club sheared across the younger man's back. The blow was not enough to finish him but it rendered him incapable of fighting effectively. Aquila showed no mercy as he side-stepped Topac's final brave lunge and finished him off with a mighty swing.
Topac's resistance had no affect upon the warriors who huddled together in the square, the guards disarmed and surrounded them ensuring that there would be no repetition of Topac's action.
Soon all the tenth had been chosen. Popacata's fear had been realised, he looked on in despair.
"I feel that it would be better for Father Salamanga to continue with a tour of this city. Do you not agree Francesco?"
"Father I would regard it as an honour to accompany you on such a tour."
"Yes my son, let us learn more that we may the more easily offer the gospels of the Lord to these primitives." He plied his stick across the donkey's flanks and Francesco and several other riders followed.
The Shaman looked at the commander. The commander returned his stare, it was as if they were locked together in some form of combat but as the Shaman's pupils began to narrow vertically the commander was the first to give way. "Release him," he ordered the men who guarded the Shaman.
The Shaman selected two groups of four nobles who would have the honour to assist him, they followed him back up to the temple top.
"I desire to observe their primitive customs," said the commander. "Sergeant, nine men to form a bodyguard," preferring to have Carlos with him rather than the other officers he called, "Carlos I may need you to interpret, join me," then he rode his horse towards the base of the pyramid. Carlos spurred his horse to catch up. They both dismounted and walked after the Incas with the bodyguard of pikemen trotting to catch up.
The guards selected a group of fifty warriors and herded them so quickly up the temple steps that they soon overtook the commander's small group.
"Such a loss of good fighting material," commented the commander although not yet knowing exactly what their fate was to be. They watched as the guards landed their clubs freely upon any warrior who was slow to meet their demands.
As the Spaniards climbed higher the extent of the city revealed itself, several times they halted to point out further sights that they had not seen. Near the top they passed the warriors who were lined up, one man to each step. The commander gloated over the splendid views below.
"This is to be a mighty conquest," he said to Carlos, "we shall go down in history. Observe!"
He waved his arm outwards as if to encompass all they saw and to take in the mountains which towered at the edge of the plain, "It shall all be ours, you can be sure of that," he said talking as much to himself as to the man at his side.
"We know what's going to 'appen 'ere lad, let's get out of 'ere eh."
Even the battle hardened Spaniards were sickened as group by fifty group the warriors were driven up the temple steps, from the square below soldiers shouted, "Let us destroy these devils, they do not deserve our mercy!" but officers quelled them into silence.
The commander had seen enough, he descended with Carlos who dared to voice an opinion.
"Commander, ought we not to run this demon through? Surely he acts against all that is right." The commander smiled at his favourite, "On the contrary my dear Carlos, this 'demon' has decimated our opposition."
Carlos tried another tack, "But might he not urge his remaining warriors to attack us?"
"You do not need to worry about him Carlos, he has shown his loyalty to his gods."
As they returned to the square the people began to disperse and make their way back to their homes. Elders with numerous slaves bearing stretchers conveyed the Spaniards shoulder high across the square and down a wide avenue. The procession passed beneath Lady Axa who, with Popacata and Panqui, stared out at the strange beings beneath them. Horrified Lady Axa cried out as the procession swung in through the great doors
which formed the palace entrance.
"Uncle quickly! we must seal off our rooms, the Shaman has sent these dogs into our home!"