The Story at a Glance

This tale brings Perusina and Perusino back to the early world of the Inca. This time it's not about danger or treasure, but a task of the heart: Lloque Yupanqui is to meet a companion who shares his values.

Historically, Lloque Yupanqui is considered the third Sapa Inca according to traditional accounts. Few details of his life are reliably documented. The plot of this story is therefore deliberately told as a fantasy and not as historical fact.

A Morning Full of Light

It was a beautiful, sunny dawn. Perusina and Perusino sat comfortably in their room, sensing that a new adventure lay ahead.

Birds chirped cheerfully, and outside, the sky shone a clear blue. Suddenly, the room flickered with warm, golden light. It was Inti, the sun god.

"Good morning, my brave friends," he said with a smile. "Today I have a special task for you."

Perusino immediately jumped up. "What is it this time, Inti? Are we to rescue someone again? Or perhaps find a treasure?"

Inti laughed softly and shook his head. "Today is not about danger or wealth. It is about the heart."

Inti's Task

"Lloque Yupanqui is a wise ruler," Inti explained. "But he is often alone with his thoughts. He wishes for someone by his side who understands him, talks with him, and shares his love for the people."

Perusina beamed. "That sounds like a wonderful task. But how can we help?"

"You will visit various villages," Inti said. "There live people with great knowledge, courage, and heart. Don't just pay attention to beautiful words. Look for who is kind, who can listen, and who keeps the well-being of all in mind."

Perusino nodded seriously. "Then we are not just looking for any queen. We are looking for someone who truly suits him."

"Exactly," said Inti. "And don't forget: she must also be free to choose. A heart cannot be commanded."

At Lloque Yupanqui's Palace

With these words, the golden light grew brighter. A moment later, Perusina and Perusino stood in the majestic Andes, right beside Lloque Yupanqui's palace.

The Inca ruler stepped out of the gate and greeted the children warmly.

"Inti sent you, didn't he?" he asked with a gentle smile. "I've long wondered if I'm ready to have someone by my side. But I trust you and Inti."

Perusino crossed his arms and asked importantly: "What do you look for in a companion?"

Lloque Yupanqui thought for a moment. Then he answered calmly: "I seek someone who loves the people, respects nature, and can act with wisdom and patience. Someone who understands the heart of this land."

The Village of the Weavers

With this answer in their hearts, Perusina and Perusino set off. Inti showed them the first place: a small village known for its skilled weavers.

When they arrived, they saw women sitting at looms. Colorful threads ran through their hands, and from them emerged fabrics with patterns that told stories.

A young woman named Coya immediately caught the children's attention. Her hands moved quickly and precisely over the threads. The fabrics glowed in vibrant colors.

"That's beautiful," Perusina said, impressed. "You're not just weaving fabric. You're weaving stories."

Coya smiled. "Every color and every pattern is a reminder of our people. Some tell of mountains, others of rivers, festivals, or families."

Perusino asked, "And how do you interact with the people here?"

Coya placed her hands on the loom. "We help each other. Everyone contributes something. If someone has too little, we share. A village is strong when no one is forgotten."

Perusina and Perusino were impressed. But they knew their journey was not yet over.

The Village of the Healers

Next, Inti led the children to a higher village. Women lived there who knew the plants of the mountains and prepared teas, salves, and healing mixtures from them.

Here the children met a young healer named Maya. She was helping an old woman and stirring a salve made from leaves and flowers.

"What are you doing?" Perusino asked curiously.

Maya looked up and smiled gently. "I use the gifts of the earth to alleviate ailments. Our ancestors taught us how to respect plants and use them carefully."

Perusina was fascinated. "You know many secrets of nature."

Maya nodded. "The earth gives much. But we must not exploit it. We must give thanks, give back, and be careful."

Perusino asked, "And how do you decide what is right?"

"I listen," Maya said. "To people, to the elders, to nature, and to my heart. Usually, the right path only reveals itself when you don't just think of yourself."

Perusina and Perusino looked at each other. Maya was kind and wise. But something told them they should go on.

The Encounter with Amaru

Late in the afternoon, Inti led the children to a final village at the edge of the jungle. There they met a young woman named Amaru.

She sat on a large stone, telling the village children stories about stars, mountains, and the Inca gods. The children listened to her quietly, as if each word lit a small light.

"She truly understands nature," Perusina whispered. "And the children love her stories."

Amaru looked up and smiled kindly. "Welcome, travelers. What brings you here?"

Perusino stepped forward. "We are looking for someone who suits Lloque Yupanqui. Someone who understands the people and can do good with them."

Amaru looked thoughtfully at the mountains. "Love is not something you find just because you seek it. It must grow like a plant. It needs time, care, and patience."

Perusina immediately felt that Amaru had a deep connection to her land. She loved nature, people, and the stories that held life together.

"I think you might be the right one," Perusino said carefully. "But only if you want to."

Amaru smiled. "Then I want to meet Lloque Yupanqui. Not because it's meant to be my destiny, but because I want to see for myself who he is."

Return to the Palace

When Perusina and Perusino brought Amaru to Lloque Yupanqui, evening had already fallen. The sun set over the mountains, and the stones of the palace glowed warmly.

Lloque Yupanqui stepped towards them. His eyes softened when he saw Amaru.

"Amaru," he said, "I have heard that you tell stories that give people courage."

Amaru calmly replied, "And I have heard that you are a ruler who wants to listen, not just command."

Perusina smiled. That was a good start.

Lloque Yupanqui and Amaru walked through the courtyard together and spoke for a long time. They talked about the people, about fields, water, children, elders, festivals, and how a ruler must be not only strong but also just.

Perusino whispered, "I think they are truly listening to each other."

"Then we have found the most important thing," Perusina said. "Not just a beautiful smile. But respect."

A Heart Needs Time

Amaru and Lloque Yupanqui did not immediately promise everything to each other. They decided to get to know each other better and find out together if their paths truly aligned.

Inti appeared above the palace in a golden evening light and nodded contentedly.

"You have fulfilled your task well," he said to Perusina and Perusino. "You didn't just pick someone. You paid attention to heart, wisdom, and free choice."

Perusina beamed. "So love isn't just magic?"

Inti laughed softly. "Sometimes it feels that way. But it grows through patience, trust, and good conversations."

Perusino yawned. "That sounds nice. But also a little tiring."

"It is sometimes," Inti said. "That's why it's so valuable."

Back Home

With a final look at Lloque Yupanqui and Amaru, Inti led the children back home.

Golden light again filled their room. Outside, it had grown quieter. The day had departed, and night gently settled over Peru.

Perusina snuggled into her blanket. "Today we learned that a heart cannot simply be found like a lost stone."

Perusino nodded sleepily. "You have to make sure it matches another heart."

"Exactly," Perusina whispered.

And even before they could talk further, the two fell asleep. In their dreams, they saw mountains, colorful fabrics, healing plants, and two people gently getting to know each other under the Andean sun.

(c) by ToPet

Context for Parents and Children

This story is a free fantasy tale. Lloque Yupanqui is a figure from the traditional Inca ruler succession, but the encounters with Amaru, Coya, and Maya are fictional.

The story was designed to introduce children to themes such as respect, mutual decision-making, responsibility, and connection to nature.

The Inca world serves as the narrative backdrop here. For historical knowledge, the PeruMagazin pages on the Inca, Inca gods, and Inca mythology are also suitable.

More from the World of Perusina and Perusino

These pages complement the story well and lead further into the world of the Inca, gods, and children's adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources and Classification

PeruMagazin – Lloque Yupanqui explained simply

PeruMagazin – Inti

PeruMagazin – Pachamama

PeruMagazin – Inca Gods

PeruMagazin – Inca Mythology

Britannica – Inca

General classification of oral tradition, Andean world, and early Inca rulers