The expedition to Raura
Huayna Capac spent many years in the northern part of his territories, and it is possible that, as he was born in Tumibamba, he preferred to reside there rather than in Cusco. Besides, there were many wars to be fought with the local tribes that he had set out to conquer.
Some time after these events, reinforcements were sent from Cusco. Heading this army was general Mihi, who due to his high rank was the bearer of the statue of Huanacauri. Huayna Capac, forgetting the tradition of reciprocity, ordered the general to engage in battle immediately. Indignant and deeply offended, Mihi decided to return to Cusco. When Huayna Capac was told of the general's reaction, he ordered that important gifts be sent to him according to ancient custom. Mollified, Mihi returned with his armies, marched to war and returned victorious.
This episode serves to illustrate the difference between the Andean and European attitudes. In Europe, Mihi's action would be considered treason, but in the Andes, the Inca was at fault for having forgotten reciprocity.
After some years news came from Cusco on the death of many of the Inca's relatives, causing Huayna Capac to go to Quito in order to prepare his return to the capital. At this moment, however, he became seriously ill and his body became covered with boils. Feeling near death, he called the priests to designate Ninan Cuyuchi as his heir. However, when the dignitaries arrived in the presence of the prince he was already dead. Meanwhile, the Sun priest, whose name was Cusi Topa Yupanqui, performed the calpa ceremony to discover the chances of success of the heirs-apparent, by sacrificing a white llama.
The augury was unfavorable both for Ninan Cuyuchi and for Huascar, the other pretender to power. In view of the ambiguity of this situation, at the bidding of the high priest the colla Mama Raura, left for Cusco to force the naming of her son Huascar. The lords decided to keep the Inca's death a secret, in order to avoid possible rebellions, and after mummifying his body, started out on the return to Cusco as though he was still alive.
While the court made slow progress southwards, Atahualpa, who had remained in Tumibamba, kept a low profile and stayed with his generals, who were trying to guard the country against possible rebellions by the natives of that area.
