It was another beautiful night in Perusina and Perusino's room. The moon shone brightly, and the wind outside whispered softly through the trees.

But sleep was out of the question. Perusina and Perusino lay awake, still thinking about the adventure they had recently experienced in the land of the Incas.

They had found out who the third Inca was: Lloque Yupanqui, a ruler from the early days of Cusco. But one question kept nagging at them.

"What would it have been like if we could spend a day with Lloque Yupanqui himself?" Perusina asked softly.

Perusino smiled excitedly. "That would be a real adventure! Imagine all we could learn!"

No sooner had they spoken these words than the warm, golden light that had once before illuminated their room reappeared.

Inti Opens the Way

It was Inti, the Sun God, who had helped them before.

"I hear you want to know more about Lloque Yupanqui," Inti said with a loving smile. "How about you meet him yourselves?"

Before they could answer, Inti spun around once. Suddenly, Perusina and Perusino found themselves in the middle of the Andes.

The mountains majestically rose into the sky. Before them stood a large stone house, glowing warmly in the morning sun.

"This is where you will meet Lloque Yupanqui," Inti said. "Today, you will see what it means to bear responsibility for a people."

With these words, the Sun God disappeared. Perusina and Perusino now stood alone before the mighty structure.

Suddenly, the gate opened, and a tall, friendly man stepped out. He wore magnificent robes and a golden headdress.

"Welcome," the man said, smiling. "I am Lloque Yupanqui. Inti told me you wish to learn more about my people."

Morning in the Village

Perusina and Perusino bowed slightly, impressed by his appearance.

"Yes, Lloque Yupanqui," Perusina said reverently. "We want to learn as much as possible about the Incas and your people."

Lloque Yupanqui nodded contentedly. "Then come with me. Today you will see how we live here in the mountains and why a good people must stick together."

First, Lloque Yupanqui led the children to a small village nearby. Everywhere they saw people working in the fields, tending animals, and helping each other.

"The most important thing for a people is that everyone has enough to eat," Lloque Yupanqui explained. "For that, you need water, good fields, and people who work together."

He pointed to long canals snaking through the land. Water gurgled softly in them and flowed to the plants.

"Look at that!" Perusino exclaimed. "That's so clever!"

Lloque Yupanqui nodded. "Without water, there would be no harvest. That's why we must take good care of the mountains, the earth, and the canals."

Noon in the Ruler's House

After their tour of the village, Lloque Yupanqui invited the children back to his large house. There, they were led into a bright hall where a meal had been prepared.

There was corn, potatoes, fresh fruits, and chicha, a drink made from corn. Perusina and Perusino cautiously tried everything and marveled at the variety.

"We have many things to eat that come from these mountains," Lloque Yupanqui explained. "The earth gives us what we need. That's why we must also take care of it."

"Everything tastes so fresh!" Perusina exclaimed enthusiastically.

Lloque Yupanqui smiled. "A people lives well when it not only takes but also gives back. Those who tend the fields provide for tomorrow."

Afternoon at the Sun Temple

After the meal, Lloque Yupanqui led the children to a quiet stone place. The sun fell warmly on the walls.

"Here we thank Inti, the Sun God," he explained. "The sun gives light and warmth. Without it, nothing grows."

Perusino looked reverently at the stones. "How did you manage to build such structures?"

Lloque Yupanqui smiled. "With patience, knowledge, and many hands. In the world of the Incas, people learned to precisely place stones, build roads, and construct places that would last."

Inside, it was quiet and peaceful. Perusina felt that this place didn't need to be loud to be important.

"We thank Inti every day for his power," Lloque Yupanqui said. "Without him, there would be no life."

A Problem is Solved

Just as the children were looking around, an excited messenger came running.

"Lloque Yupanqui, we have a problem in the village! A canal is blocked, and the water cannot flow!"

Lloque Yupanqui immediately stood up. "Come with me. We must act quickly."

Perusina and Perusino ran back to the village with Lloque Yupanqui and the messenger. There they found the villagers desperately trying to clear the canal.

"What can we do?" Perusina asked worriedly.

Lloque Yupanqui remained calm. "Don't worry. If we work together, we can do it. We must combine all our strengths."

He called the villagers together and showed them how to clear the canal. With combined efforts, they moved stones and earth.

Soon the water flowed back into the fields.

"Hooray!" the villagers cried as the water gushed again.

Perusino beamed with joy. "You showed them how to solve the problem together!"

Lloque Yupanqui put his hand on his shoulder. "That is the key to everything: Together you are strong. No one can do everything alone."

Evening Falls

As the sun slowly disappeared behind the mountains, Lloque Yupanqui led the children back. The golden rays bathed the land in a warm, peaceful light.

"You have seen a lot today," Lloque Yupanqui said gently. "A good ruler cares for his people. He listens, remains calm, and helps people overcome challenges."

Perusina and Perusino nodded. They felt happy and fulfilled by everything they had learned.

"Thank you, Lloque Yupanqui," Perusina said. "We will always remember this day."

"And what you taught us," Perusino added. "Together, we can achieve so much more."

Lloque Yupanqui smiled proudly. "Live in harmony, and you will always be strong."

With these words, the golden light grew brighter again. Perusina and Perusino found themselves back in their room. The moon still shone softly through the window, and the two snuggled tiredly under their blankets.

"That was the best day ever," Perusino whispered.

Perusina nodded. Then they closed their eyes and dreamed of the Andes, the Incas, and a wise ruler who had shown them how to share life.

Bedtime Rhyme

Sleep, my child, in Peru,
Llamas rest, clouds too.
The moon shines bright on mountain and dale,
dream sweet in the starlight trail.

(c) by ToPet

What is Historical, What is Narrative?

This story is a child-friendly narrative. Inti's travel magic, the palace visit, and the specific day with Lloque Yupanqui are literary creations.

Historically, Lloque Yupanqui is considered the third Sapa Inca of Cusco in the traditional Inca succession. The early Inca period is strongly influenced by oral tradition and later chronicles.

Therefore, individual deeds cannot always be reliably proven. The narrative uses Lloque Yupanqui as a figure to introduce children to themes such as community, water, fields, and responsibility.

Perusina and Perusino Discover

These matching PeruMagazin pages and products lead further into the world of the early Incas and Perusina and Perusino.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Story

Sources

Pedro Cieza de León – The Second Part of the Chronicle of Peru

Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa – Historia de los Incas

Britannica – Inca, History

Specialized literature on early Inca rulers, Cusco, and oral tradition

PeruMagazin – editorial children's story by ToPet