Story Bible

This page provides a detailed structure and overview of the main elements of the "Inca" story. Once complete, the creative team will dive in, so make sure all details are on point.

Logline

Francisco Pizarro and his brothers lead a rag-tag group of Spanish mercenaries into the heart of the powerful Incan empire, coming face-to-face with the emperor Atahualpa, and striking political alliances for their own survival.

Summary

The story opens with dueling flashbacks of Francisco Pizarro and emperor Atahualpa, seeing each man in their formative moments and setting the background for their characters. Pizarro is seen in poverty in the extreme terrain of rural Spain. He is driven by jealousy of his successful cousins. He finds his way to the New World as a conquistador, with a single-minded goal of gaining validation among his countrymen, through wealth. He strikes an alliance with a common criminal and sacks a small port city on the outskirts of the Incan empire. Atahualpa is driven by a fierce rivalry with his brother, each seeking the approval of their father. Atahualpa chooses the way of the warrior, his brother the way of the statesman. When the old emperor dies, Atahualpa is passed over for the crown in favor of his brother. This incites a civil war, which Atahualpa mercilessly wins. He puts his brother to death.

Pizarro and his small band of conquistadors march from the sea into the heart of the Incan empire, unknowingly falling directly across the path of Atahualpa’s victorious army as it returns to the capital. Pizarro’s group of two hundred is dwarfed by the forty thousand Incan warriors, fresh from battle. Pizarro takes a defensive position in the stone plaza of a small town, a coincidently perfect place to minimize Atahualpa’s superior numbers. Knowing his advantage, and angry with the Spanish invasion of his coastal port, Atahualpa visits Pizarro with his royal retinue, striking fear into the hearts of the conquistadors. Using this display of arrogance to his advantage, Pizarro uses his two cannons to create the element of surprise and successfully captures Atahualpa as a prisoner, while blocking the rest of the army from entering the stone plaza. With his new valuable prisoner, Pizarro negotiates for great wealth in ransom, however as the ransom is being collected, Atahualpa is secretly arranging for an attack to arrange his freedom. Atahualpa’s youngest brother Manco, betrays his plans to Pizarro in exchange for being named Emperor. Pizarro agrees to Manco’s coup and Atahualpa is executed. Pizarro sends his brother Hernando to Spain for reinforcements, as he struggles to maintain his influence over a five million person empire with two hundred soldiers.

Hernando’s pleas for help are granted and reinforcements arrive just as an Incan army loyal to the dead emperor arrives at Pizarro’s doorstep. The Spanish are victorious and march on the capitol, Cuzco. The conquistadors loot the city for three days straight, giving Manco pause as to who he has allied himself with. Meanwhile, in Spain, Hernando negotiates the recognition of his brother as Governor of New Spain, while Pizarro’s allies are given nothing. The clouds of conflict are on the horizon as the new masters of Cuzco each plot against each other, each with a path to becoming the true master of the Incan Empire.

Themes

Greed: The lasting historical characteristic of Spanish conquistadors is greed. This element is rooted strongly in the reality of their actions. Most conquistadors came from the lower levels of Spanish society, and these expeditions provided upward mobility in the chance of establishing themselves in a better place. But greed feeds upon greed in these collections of money hungry individuals, armed with superior weapons and invisible disease, mixed a lethal cocktail of Shakespearean proportions. Laying out a canvas of human nature upon which to paint a ghoulish image. In this story greed seeps in to the small cracks between relationships and freezes, creating large fissures. It drives whatever humanity may have existed within both the Spanish conquistadors and the Inca Royals into the furthest corners of the mind.

Compassion: The countercurrent to greed in this story is compassion. It is a rare commodity amongst our characters and inhabits the ones we care for most, namely Hernando and Cuyoc. However compassion does not lead to spoils of war. The reward is often internal and fleeting. The merits of compassion in a lawless land are difficult to both describe and defend. In our story compassion is a fools folly. It is the downfall of those characters we love most. If greed is the plot engine, then compassion is the trolley on which our characters move.

Loyalty: Loyalty is the complex tie that binds all sides of conflict in our story. Loyalty amongst the Pizarro brothers. Loyalty between Francisco and Almagro. Loyalty between Atahualpa and Cuyoc. Between Cuyoc and Manco. Between Atahualpa and Huascar. And eventually between Manco and Francisco. Loyalty is a pliable entity in many instances. It is a political weapon and a character flaw at the same time. Loyalty provides the surprises and non-logical reactions that make our story more than a military conquest.

Characters

Francisco Pizarro: Francisco is a tall wisp of a man, in his 50s during the course of the story. His sinewy frame has been crafted into one of hidden strength and guile from decades of fighting native inhabitants as a conquistador in Panama. He is a savvy politician and deft negotiator. He is well versed in the motivations of men and the manipulation of those in power, trying to maintain their hold. His internal struggle stems from his birth in the poorest region of Spain's Western wasteland. He was the illegitimate son of a penniless woman, who deserted him and fled to a nearby city. Francisco fended for himself from the age of five and always envied his more prosperous cousin Cortez whose family had much but did not care for him. Francisco dreams of conquering an empire greater than that of his cousin Cortez. He dreams constantly of this feat as a goal of legitimizing his own life. He has never married or taken a native mistress, until he is gifted the royal bride Ynez from his captive Atahualpa. Francisco cares deeply for loyalty as he was shown none in his youth. He prizes his brothers, Hernando, Gonzalo, Juan, above all others. This familial loyalty drives a wedge between him and his longtime comrade in arms Almagro.

Hernando Pizarro: Fernando was tall like his brother but well-built and far more handsome. He is the youngest of the Pizarro brothers, often derided by Gonzalo and Juan, but valued for his even temper and resourcefulness by his brother Francisco. Hernando sets himself apart from the Pizarro brothers with a strong moral compass. He is of the few Spanish conquistadors who shows compassion for the natives, although his greed for power and gold often wins out over his heart. Hernando did not suffer the same extreme poverty of his brothers’ youth. He does not possess the same overwhelming urge for legitimacy or power. Hernando is the key to our story and he provides the bridge between the Spanish and the Incas through his relationship with Atahualpa’s eldest sister Cuyoc. Hernando feels a strong sense of allegiance to Francisco, but less so to his other brothers. When he receives his first load of gold payment, he is ready to cash it in and return home, valuing a long life and mild respect. Hernando suffers for his moral direction and since of compassion, making him one of the most tortured characters in the story. However he is the heart, if not the main plot driver.

Cuyoc: Cuyoc was among her father's most trusted advisors before his death due to Spanish diseases. She is the eldest of his legitimate children and retains a sense of respect amongst her siblings after his death. When Atahualpa is passed over as Emperor in favor of his brother Huascar, Cuyoc does not choose sides. She advises them both to quell their disputes for the sake of the Empire. When Huascar demands her allegiance she joins Atahualpa and his resistance. For this she is never forgiven by Manco. When the Spanish arrived she is the first to see them for what they truly are and cautions her brother not to toy with them but to eliminate them quickly. She has no respect for the conquistadors, aside for Hernando who shows his compassion and opens a door. They get to know each other during Atahualpa’s incarceration and she reluctantly agrees to accompany him back to Spain to gain the king's favor. Although their attraction is mutual, she resists his advances during their travels, not believing it to be politically prudent. After Hernando risks everything to save her from the Spanish King, her resistance to her feelings towards him fades and they are married.

Atahualpa: A legitimate son of the dead Emperor and most competent military and political Royal son. He battles his brother Huascar and wins the crown, uniting the Empire once again. Although brave and intelligent, he suffers from the arrogance that attaches itself to absolute power. He underestimates the Spanish until it is too late. But he does impress them with his intelligence and political dexterity while in captivity. It is the presence of his many virtues that pushes Francisco to execute him as he would not heel to be a suitable puppet ruler.

Manco: Manco is the full brother of Huascar, who is killed by Atahualpa during the struggle for the crown. Manco is a prisoner of Atahualpa, his life only being spared due to Cuyoc and her advice. Manco is very young and quiet, but takes his opportunity to seize power when Francisco offers him the crown. Manco does not feel gratitude for Cuyoc and would have her killed if it were not for Hernando.

Almagro: Almagro is Francisco's longest military comrade. They fought with Balboa in Panama and were the first Europeans to see the Pacific Ocean. Almagro lost an eye during this campaign, and elects to stay behind in Panama when Francisco ventures into Peru. He promises to raise more men and funding and then join Francisco there. This small division festers over the course of the story, driving a wedge between two stalwart allies. Almagro desire for power rests in his physical appearance, which is abhorrent to men and women alike. He is stout and swarthy and his face is disfigured beyond help.

Hernando DeSoto: Hernando is Almagro’s Lieut. and accompanies Francisco to Peru in order to report back to Almagro. De Soto proves his worth in battle as the most able military mind of the conquistadors. He develops a fast friendship with Hernando and shows some of the compassion which his friend holds. However Hernando himself is driven by the need for power and riches that will appease his noble family back home.

Juan Pizarro: One of the middle Pizarro brothers Juan is a living container of combustible materials. He enjoys killing humans for sport and spends his money as quickly as he gains it. He and his brother Gonzalo are clear weaknesses for Francisco, but his allegiance towards his family will not allow him to discipline them or cut them loose.

Gonzales Pizarro: Similar to his brother Juan, Gonzales is a bubbling cauldron of passion and poor decisions. More time is spent saving Gonzales from the face of death than any of the other Pizarro brothers. He and Juan are close and form an alliance that often undermines Hernando and pits Francisco against the rest of the conquistadors.

Story Arc

Outline

We meet Pizarro on the bow of a large Spanish galleon. Not 50 years has passed since Columbus discovered the New World. The instruments are rudimentary and the ship small compared to the expanse of the sea. In ragged clothes Francisco Pizarro looks out into the wide blue ocean before him in silence. His brother Hernando joins him. They discussed the journey and the time left before they reach Panama. They review the men on board and those who will follow. A mere hundred soldiers with 50 horses. Not nearly as many as they'd hoped to make up their conquering force. As Hernando and Pizarro hold their logistical conversation, Juan and Gonzales bet dice with the sailors behind them, swigging from jugs of booze and yelling towards the crows nest.

Flashback: Young Francisco, hardly five years old. He is in rags hiding on the corner of the street in a small dusty town on the Western frontier of Spain. He watches his mark carefully, an elderly man slowly walking the street. Francisco waits for his moment and then sprints forward, digging his hand into the old man's pocket and rushing off down an alley, out running the old man's cries for help. Francisco hides as several men with swords search for him. Once the evening has set in, under cloak of darkness Pizarro retreats to a den of drunkards and prostitutes, handing over his freshly gotten coin and receiving a small slop of porridge in its stead. The young Pizarro eats in the corner, watching the vice as it surrounds him, promising himself that one day he will be a powerful man to be reckoned with. He will possess the gold and the esteem of even the richest of his uncles who pretend he does not exist.

Flashback: The young Pizarro sneaks into the wagon of a friar as he slowly coasts through the backcountry of the forgotten Western lands of Spain. When they reach the outskirts of a town, which dwarfs the size of the village we last saw Pizarro in, the young thief jumps from the wagon and sneaks into an alleyway. In broad daylight the young Pizarro knocks on a nondescript door. After a few moments the doors open, revealing a middle-aged woman wearing plain but clean clothes. The woman's face turns quickly from welcome to shock. She quickly closes the door as the young Pizarro hears her feet shuffling away. He waits for a moment before turning and slowly walking back down the alley. He's interrupted by the noise of the door opening again. He turns to see the woman holding a small loaf of bread as she thrusts it into his arms. You cannot be here she says. If my husband sees you he will beat me and may leave me. Young Pizarro takes the bread hungrily eating it as the woman finishes her words. He looks up at her with open saucer eyes and says the final words he will ever say to his mother. Thank you. She rushes back inside and he slowly pads down the alley, finishing the bread and enjoying the rare full stomach.

Flashback: in his 20s, Pizarro sneaks in to the back of a crowded courtyard. This is the royal residence. Pizarro must have stolen his clean clothes to be admitted amongst such an august crowd. He climbs up a cart to see his cousin Cortez leading his retinue towards the king's throne, who watches in awe. Behind Cortez walk a dozen Aztec prisoners of war, beautiful flowers from Mesoamerica, and caged jaguars snarling at the crowds. This is pure spectacle and it's working. The King is in amazed. He stands and raises his hands to quiet the crowd. He declares Cortez the governor of Mexico and confers upon him the blessings of noble blood. Pizarro's blood boils. Cortez was his cousin, from the wealthy branch of his family. The branch of his family who has forgotten him. The branch of his family who allows him to live in poverty. He wants nothing more than to kill Cortez as he fingers a rusty dagger on his belt, but then a more powerful urge overcomes Pizarro. What would be greater than killing his cousin? Gaining more power and more wealth than his cousin and forcing him to kiss his boot. Pizarro's eyes sparkle with his dream.

Flashback: Atahualpa beside the bed of his dying father, the Incan Emperor. He is joined by his brother, Huascar. The two could not be more opposite. One a warrior. One a statesman. The distrust between the two is palpable. The emperor asks Huascar to leave and speaks to Atahualpa directly. He tells him that he will name Huascar and him as his joint successors. Huascar is more fit for managing the empire. Atahualpa will stay in control of the armies. He wants his sons to learn how to work together. They must continue to grow the empire. Atahualpa does not argue with his father.

Flashback: Pizarro in his late 30s, fully clad in armor with a sword on his belt. He walks beside Almagro, behind the Explorer Balboa as they trudged through the Panamanian jungle and exit onto the white sand beaches that greet the Pacific Ocean. One of Balboa’s attendants plants a Spanish flag in the sand and a priest declares the land for the crown of Spain. Pizarro and Almagro warmly embrace, screaming shouts to God and country. Balboa congratulates both of them and promises them large portions of the treasure they have captured from the locals. Balboa is sure to be named the governor of Panama and each of his lieutenants have the world at their fingertips. Pizarro pulls Almagro side and asks him to enter into a formal partnership where they both will pursue greater treasures in the lands to the south. Almagro agrees, their eyes twinkling with the thought of gold.

Flashback: At the emperor’s funeral, the elders conspire behind Atahualpa’s back and name Huascar the sole emperor. Atahualpa is enraged by this dismissal of his father’s wishes. Cuyoc, the eldest and most respected daughter of the late emperor, sides with Atahualpa and they flee from Cuzco.

Catching up with real time, Pizarro leads seven boats and 200 conquistadors on an expedition hugging the coast of northern Ecuador. They come across a small coastal port, buzzing with activity. Initially offering to trade goods in a peaceful manner, they are allowed into the city where they pull their swords and sack this Incan outpost named Tumbez. The locals are shocked by the butchery displayed by the conquistadors, handing over golden valuables in an effort to spare their own lives. Hernando attempts to stop the carnage, but his other brothers lust for gold will not be contained.

Also catching up to real time, we see the aftermath of an Incan battlefield which decided the fate of the Civil War. Atahualpa used his expertise in the military arena to defeat the numerically superior forces of his brother Huascar. Cuyoc stands next to Atahualpa and begs for him to spare his brother's life. She asks him to allow him the joint rule that her father envisioned. Atahualpa refuses. Cuyoc again asks for him spare Huascar's life as it will reunite the blood torn country. Atahualpa considers this, but knows that he cannot trust his brother and that he will always seize the opportunity to take back the crown. Atahualpa watches as Huascar is executed.

Pizarro and his brothers organize the conquistadors and begin the march into the heart of the Incan Empire. They rise up in the mountains from the coastal plains and run directly into Atahualpa's victorious army as it is returning along the grand highway to Cusco. Frightened by the overwhelming sight of this army, which out man his force 100 to 1, the Spanish take refuge in the center stone plaza of the nearby town. The inhabitants flee and the Spanish set up defenses around the well fortified, rough hewn stones of the city. They hide their cannons under the shadow of courtyard overhang and quarter their horses out of the line of sight.

When Atahualpa hears of the Spanish presence, he also learns of the savage sacking of Tumbez. Angered by this foreign invasion but confident in his numerical superior army and riding high on a wave of excitement after the vanquishing of his brother, Atahualpa decides to call for an audience with these foreign invaders. Although Cuyoc attempts to convince him to send a lesser retinue of nobles for the initial discussion, Atahualpa feels invincible. He takes a detachment of 500 of his fiercest warriors and boards the royal litter to be carried into the central plaza.

As Atahualpa arrives Pizarro emerges from his hiding place at the side of a Dominican friar. The friar offers the official proclamation from the King of Spain, declaring all of the Empire to be under his dominion. He then calls for Atahualpa to convert to the one true religion of Christianity, and have his sins forgiven.

Although a rough translation is provided to the Emperor, he does not understand this audacious demand and laughs in the Friar’s face. Without stepping down from the litter he stands, pointing a menacing fist at Pizarro and says for him to leave his lands, return what was taken from the coastal city, and never be seen again. He explains that his forgiving nature is only in celebration of the gods grace for his great victory.

Pizarro does not know which way to turn, he's outnumbered and his demands are clearly not to be met. Atahualpa motions to his warriors who begin to move forward. At this Pizarro gives the signal, and cannon fire rushes out from the shadows, shredding through the unarmored Incan warriors. Next come the discharge from their primitive guns, which do similar damage.

Several of the litter bearers are struck by the projectiles and drop their holds. Atahualpa falls from the litter and conquistadors rush towards him, fighting their way on horseback through the dazed and confused Incan combatants. They reach the Emperor and pull them on to their horses, rushing him back into the safety of the courtyard shadows. To finish the deed, Pizarro orders a calvary charge across the plaza. These armored beasts with their riders wielding 10 foot lances cannot be matched by the Incan warriors and their less sophisticated weaponry. They shred through the crowd like butter. 200 men easily dispatching those before them. Within minutes the brave Incan warriors are in disarray and begin to flood out of the courtyard the way that they came. It is utter destruction as the Knights chase them a few hundred yards into the country side, cutting down all in their path. Before reaching the main army which could easily overcome them, they return to the courtyard and reset their defenses. In one afternoon Pizarro had cut off the head of the Incan Empire. This day could not have gone better.

Pizarro quickly begins negotiations with Atahualpa, knowing that he cannot control the entire empire with his few men. He agrees to a ransom. Atahualpa offers to fill the courtyard up to a height of 10 feet with gold, as he has noticed the Spanish value this above all else. In Incan culture, while gold is religious, it is not valued as a currency like in Europe. This was a fairly insignificant pledge from Atahualpa. In response to his helpfulness Pizarro agrees to let Atahualpa continue to manage and run his empire from his imprisonment. Pizarro treats Atahualpa well. Allowing him visitors and allowing messages to be sent from him to his generals instructing them not to attack. Pizarro intends to keep Atahualpa happy as long as he is cooperating.

During this Puppet Court, Cuyoc comes to visit and stay with Atahualpa at his behest. Several others also come. Cuyoc is not trusting of the Europeans and sees through their claim to release Atahualpa once the gold arrives. Cuyoc establishes a connection with Hernando. She recognizes him as one of the conquistadors with some sense of value and honor. Hernando learns what he can from Cuyoc as far as the culture and customs of their ways. They teach each other bits of their languages and customs. Pizarro is distrustful of this friendship, but is assured by Hernando it is only in the sake of understanding the enemy. Likewise Atahualpa but does not like Cuyoc's closeness with Hernando and questions her motives.

This arrangement continues for several weeks as gold arrives one llama-load at a time. Pizarro sends a detachment of three soldiers to accompany Atahualpa's closest advisers to Cusco, to both see the city and inspect the removal of the gold from the highest temples. The citizens of Cusco are shocked and alarmed by the crass nature in which these conquistadors rip intricate gold carvings from the walls of their most prized relics. Among these conquistadors is Hernando DeSoto, the future explore of the North American Southeast.

Cuyoc's advice to Atahualpa begins to take effect as he sees the Spanish demeanor change towards them as more gold arrives. He gets the sense that he is now expendable. He begins to send coded messages out to his generals. Telling them that he suspects treachery and asking them to mobilize the armies for an attack on his imprisonment camp. Pizarro also begins to suspect as Atahualpa’s demeanor changes. Nonetheless Atahualpa continues to try to placate his captors. He plays chess with Hernando although Francisco refuses.

Meanwhile Juan and Gonzales Pizarro run roughshod over the Incans in their proximity. They take women as they wish and Juan in particular sets his sight on the prized youngest sister of Atahualpa. This sister was renowned for her beauty and promised as a wife to a future Royal figure. Although Atahualpa has chosen not to marry her himself he considers her a prized political piece and untouchable especially by these foreigners. This pursuit of Gonzalo creates deep distrust and animosity amongst the two camps, even resulting in the drawing of blood when Juan lays his hands upon her. However Juan is frustrated from making her his own, when Francisco steps in to demand detante. This only serves to make his blood rise further.

As the gold arrives to reach the 10 foot line, Atahualpa's worst fears are realized. Francisco demands four feet more of gold. Knowing that Cuyoc’s advice was correct and the Spanish never intend to let him go, the Emperor sends out coded notes to his generals to attack at once. However Manco Inca, a younger brother of Atahualpa who had remained loyal to Huascar, intercepts one note and presents it to Francisco.

Manco offers a deal. If Francisco will execute Atahualpa and Crown Manco as the Incan emperor, Manco will do his part to quell the rebellious generals and once again bring peace back to the Empire. Cuyoc becomes aware of this plan and begs Manco not to move forward. However it is too late. Unceremoniously Francisco pulls Atahualpa out into the stone courtyard and slits his throat, tossing Manco the crown as the blood still pours from Atahualpa's neck.

Seeing the clouds on the horizon, Francisco decides to send Hernando for reinforcements as well as the blessing of the King of Spain. Francisco had invaded without direct consent from the monarch. He believed that by showing the wealth of the conquered lands he could convince the King to grant him governorship over the Empire, vaulting him into the elite ranks of his cousin Cortez. This was a tricky endeavor as the king was fickle with his favor and could easily demand Francisco to turn his power over to a court favorite. To this end, Francisco cobbles together great mounds of gold, exotic animals from the Incan Empire, and many slaves of the Incan people to accompany Hernando.

Hernando is not pleased by this assignment, but will not argue with his brother. He fears that without his tempering voice Juan Gonzalez will get the better of Francisco and the invasion could turn into a bloodbath. One of those selected to accompany Hernando is Cuyoc, who has become the most gifted translator and most knowledgeable figure of the Incan people. She is not loyal to the Spanish and resists the mission, until Hernando personally guarantees her safety and promises to return her to her homeland in a few months time.

Hernando, Cuyoc, and their entourage leave for Panama just as Francisco and Manco organize their march to Cusco. Manco sends word to all of Huascar’s loyal generals for them to meet him there. Meanwhile Atahualpa's generals have heard of his death and vow vengeance. They also amass their armies on the outskirts of Cusco. A great battle appears to loom. Francisco knows that he has little chance without reinforcements.

When Hernando arrives in Panama City, he searches for Almagro, who had been tasked with finding recruits and reinforcements but should have made his way to Peru months ago by now. Hernando finds Almagro in a drunken state, although his brother’s friend promises that he has amassed the necessary reinforcements and they were only waiting for ships to transport to Peru. Not fully trusting Almagro, but having little choice, Hernando gives Almagro enough gold to transport the troops and hastily leaves for Spain. Before leaving, Almagro demands that Hernando agree to make him and Francisco joint rulers of the future empire. Hernando will not agree to this but claims Almagro and Francisco can discuss that amongst themselves.

Hernando arrives in Spain and shows Cuyoc the wonders of the European capital. She is dutifully amaze, but also appalled by the disparity of rich and poor in the single-minded focus on wealth and gold. She partakes in the presentation to the Spanish King, adding colorful description to the animals and relics that Hernando presents. The court is quite taken by her wisdom, eloquence, and beauty. The King himself shows great interest in her, to the irritation of his queen. Privately to Hernando he inquires as to whether she could become his mistress. Knowing no other way to save her, Hernando explains that he and Cuyoc themselves have been married before God and that breaking this union would surely take blessing of not only the Spanish King but also the Pope in Rome. This gamble works out in Hernando and Cuyoc’s favor, as the King retracts his request. However this does displease the King, and he claims to need more time to make his decision on the governorship of Peru.

Meanwhile outside of Cusco the conquistadors and Manco prepare for their battle against Atahualpa's loyal generals. The lines are drawn and the Spanish side is outnumbered 3 to 1. Although they are joined by several thousand native Incan warriors, they are untested. The great generals of the land are arrayed against them, as are the veterans victorious from the Civil War. The odds are against them but, not being able to withdraw, Francisco agrees to begin the battle. At the last moment as the troop movements are commencing, Almagro and a well armored group of one thousand knights arrive on the horizon.

The sight of these reinforcements instills bravery in the men and their help on the battlefield is nearly incalculable. The armor, strength, and weaponry of the Spanish cavalry allows them to drive deep holes in the advancing Incan combatants. Short of surrounding a knight and pulling him from his mount, Incans have no way to slow this advance. As long as the calvary continues to move forward, they are virtually indestructible. Using this advanced weaponry and skillful troop movements, Manco and Francisco win the day. The rebellious generals are scattered and broken. They triumphantly enter into Cusco as inhabitants loyal to Atahualpa flee.

Meanwhile in Spain, Hernando receives the word from the pleased Spanish King. He grants Francisco the governorship of Peru. He does not grant any authority to Almagro. All decisions will flow through Francisco. Hernando and Cuyoc take their exit, boarding a ship back to her homeland as he had promised. On the ship he confides to Cuyoc how he had secured her freedom from the Spanish King. There is little way to avoid that they must be married. If this secret came to light they both would certainly be executed. Although Cuyoc feigns some reticence, her affection for Hernando has grown and they agree to be married in secret by a friar while aboard the ship.

In the newly won city of Cusco, Francisco sets up his residence in the Emperor's Palace. Juan and Gonzales also take royal residences that overlook the main square. Manco takes a temporary home in a smaller building near the great Temple. He plans to build himself a new palace to indicate the new era of the Incan Empire. He also plans to marry the prized youngest sister of the royal family. Gonzales fights this decision, but Francisco agrees with Manco. Theirs is a tenuous relationship, with Francisco clearly on top but with Manco's needs apparent. Francisco must appease him in order to keep control of the vast empire.

The book concludes here, with simmering tensions between Francisco and Gonzales. Between Manco and the Spanish. Between Almagro and Francisco, who has still not promised him the treasure or authority that he desires. The future of the Incan conquest is long from complete. There is more of this story to tell.