The people of Otavalo, Cayambi, Cochasqui, Pifo, and other districts had made a league with many other tribes, to resist subjugation by the Inca, preferring death to the loss of their liberty. They made strong forts in their country, and resisted the payment of tribute, or the sending of presents to so distant a place as Cuzco. Having agreed on this between themselves, they awaited the approach of the Inca, who came to make war upon them. The army advanced to their frontier, where the Inca caused forts (called _pucaras_) to be constructed, and sent messages to the people with presents, asking them not to make war, as he only desired peace with fair conditions; that they would always find favour from him, as from his father; that he desired to take nothing from them, but rather to confer benefits. These kind words availed nothing, for their reply was that he should leave their country at once, and if not, they would drive him out by force. They then advanced against the Inca, who was much incensed, and put his army in battle array. They attacked him with such fury, that if it had not been for the fortress he had caused to be built, his troops would have been defeated at all points. But, knowing the danger, they retired into the _pucara_, where all who had not been killed or captured were assembled. CHAPTER LXVII. _How Huayna Capac assembled all his power, gave battle to his enemies, and defeated them; and of the great cruelty with which he treated them._ When the natives saw how they had shut up the Inca in his fortress, and had killed many of the Orejones, they were very joyful, and they made so great a noise that they could not hear themselves. They brought drums, and drank and sang, sending messengers over all the country, with the news that they had the Inca shut up with all his people. Many believed it and rejoiced, and some even came to help their friends. Huayna Capac had provisions in the fort, and he had sent to summon the governors of Quito to come with reinforcements, for the enemy would not desist from their attacks. He tried, many times, to pacify them, sending embassies with presents; but it was all of no avail. The Inca increased his army, and the enemy did the same, resolutely determined to attack and defeat him, or die in the attempt. They assaulted the fortress, and broke through two lines of defence. If there had not been others round the hill, without doubt the enemy would have been victorious. But it was the custom of the Incas, in their defensive works, to make a circle with two doorways, and further up another, and so on until there were seven or eight, so that if one was lost, the defenders could retire to the next. Thus the Inca and his army retreated to the strongest part of the hill, whence, at the end of some days, he came forth and attacked the enemy with great courage.