But the flank attack was so furious and so well sustained, that the Chancas were amazed and thrown into confusion. Prince Cusi was so dexterous with his weapon that no one could resist him, and he hewed his way straight for the standard. He was ably sustained by his followers, and there was great havoc. The Chanca chiefs lost heart and ordered a retreat.
When the crowds of recreant vassals on the hills saw this, they came down to join the little Inca force, converting the retreat into a rout. This explains the story, told by several writers, that the sun made armed men rise out of the earth to complete the victory. The Chanca standard and the spoils of their camp were captured.
The greatness of this victory, which saved the Inca realm from complete destruction, was as astonishing as it was unexpected. Prince Cusi was hailed as the Inca Pachacuti, the ninth bearing that title, counting those of the old dynasties. Henceforward he was known by no other name. He refused to allow a triumphal ceremony for himself, but sent Urco Huaranca with all the spoils to his father at the camp on the Chita highlands, that he might tread upon them, according to the usual custom. Uira-cocha refused to do this himself, but delegated the duty to his son Urco, as the heir to the kingdom. Urco Huaranca was furious, declaring that no coward should triumph by the deeds of Pachacuti, and returning with the spoils to Cuzco.
