Eldorado: City of Kings

By L. Norman Shurtliff

The City of Kings is the second part of the three-book Eldorado series. In this novel the beautiful Monica has been kidnapped by the Peruvian terrorist group, The Shining Path. Peter Martin, a young American geology student is dedicated to finding his true love and her mother. As the sinister plot of Monicas evil uncle is uncovered, Peter finds himself immersed in the middle of a battle between good and evil. It is a race against time to find Monica before the Shining Path does. The winner will get the coveted Inca treasure that Pizarro and the conquistadors found in their conquest of Peru. In the process Peter really discovers himself and his true feelings for Monica. The treasure is safely hidden in the ancient tunnels underneath the Incan capital city of Cusco, Peru, but will it stay safe? Peter is frustrated by the red tape and government bureaucracy that he has to wade through to get the help that is required. Time is of the essence and Peter knows that the terrorists will not hesitate to kill Monica if they receive the information they need from the Sacred Quipu to find the treasure cache. The parallel story of the conquest of the Incas is intertwined in the novel because of its historical importance to the location and quantity of the treasure. Francisco Pizarro the governor and conqueror of Peru is murdered in his own presidential palace in Lima. A struggle for control of the empire takes place between the remaining Pizarro brothers and the Men of Chile. These terrible civil wars between the Spanish conquistadors become not only a fight for power and the right to govern, but also agreed for Inca gold. Peter becomes entangled in a much larger plot that threatens more than just his life. He realizes that the terrorists arent really after a rich American kid, but this very special Peruvian beauty. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and it would prove to change the direction of his whole life. This fictional history is about their adventure together and if their love will overcome the differences between their modern day cultures that become entwined with the past and the search for Eldorado and Inca Gold.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Sep 23, 2014
• ISBN: 9781452098012

L. Norman Shurtliff

L. Norman Shurtliff, (Les) was born in St. George, Utah, and grew up on a small vegetable farm in Southern Nevada where he lived with his parents, four brothers and two sisters. After graduation from high school the family sold the farms in Nevada and moved to Canada. Les was able to serve a mission for the LDS Church in Argentina for two years where he learned the Spanish language and the culture of the wonderful people of South America. He attended Brigham Young University and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1979. Immediately after graduation from university the family moved from Vanderhoof, B.C. to the small town of Taylor, B.C. Les got a job at the local oil refinery as a chemist and held various positions there in the lab and in management for the next 25 years. Les and his family also developed a greenhouse complex to grow bedding plants and trees for reforestation. Eventually, Les would venture out on his own and build a gas chromatography lab which was later sold to Norwest Labs. Les managed the Fort St. John Norwest lab for three and a half years and built an environmental lab for the company until it again changed hands and was sold. After his mission 40 years ago Les was able to visit and see first hand the magical land of the Incas. Intrigued with the history and culture of South America Les has re-visited this land of beauty and mystery many times since and continues to search this Promised Land for its many types of treasure. The gold may now be gone or only found in museums, but there is still other kinds of treasure more important that can only be found in the wonderful people who live in the enchanted Andean Highlands. Les has spent a lifetime studying and visiting South America and has a unique passion for this people and their legends. The evidence of this passion is seen in the long hours and effort to write a series of novels which will bring to life the story of a chosen and elect people. Les and his wife, Christal, continue to live in Taylor, B.C., and they have four sons, three daughters and sixteen grandkids. Les now owns and manages several businesses of his own with his wife as his business partner including the original greenhouse and landscaping business, and a Quiznos Restaurant. His real passion is to visit South America during the cold winter months in Canada and thus escape to a land where dreams really have come true.

Book preview

1.jpg

Several important battles were fought over the capital city of Cusco here at the Fortress of Sacsahuaman on the north side of the city.

Eldorado

City of Kings

L. Norman Shurtliff

2.jpg

AuthorHouse™ LLC

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.authorhouse.com

Phone: [phone]

© 2014 L. Norman Shurtliff. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 09/22/2014

ISBN: 978-1-4520-9799-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4520-9800-5 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4520-9801-2 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2010917103

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Acknowledgements

Dedication

Preface

List of Photos and Maps

Chapter 1

Lima – Modern Day

Chapter 2

Cusco – Modern Day

Chapter 3

Lima, Peru – Present Day

Chapter 4

Las Vegas, Nevada – Modern Day

Chapter 5

Lima, Peru – Present Day

Chapter 6

Pachacamac, Peru – Present Day

Chapter 7

Cusco, Peru – 1533

Chapter 8

Lima, Peru – Present Day

Chapter 9

Cusco, Peru – 1535

Chapter 10

Lima, Peru – Present Day

Chapter 11

Pachacamac, Peru – Present Day

Chapter 12

Cusco, Peru – 1536

Chapter 13

Pachacamac, Peru – Present Day

Chapter 14

Cusco, Peru – Present Day

Chapter 15

Cusco, Peru – 1536

Chapter 16

Paracas, Peru – Present Day

Acknowledgements

Because this book is my own doing and work, I claim responsibility for any errors and mistakes. I am not an expert on the subject of Colonial History or even the life of Francisco Pizarro. I am, however, an avid reader and lifetime lover of the history of South America. My sole interest in writing this book is to promote the fabulous history of this wonderful people.

I would also like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all those individuals who have believed and helped on this project. I thank my brother, Wayne, and my friend Harry who helped on the book’s storyline. My sons, Norman and Ryan, worked on the book’s cover. Thanks I give to my wife, Christal, for her love and support through the years. She has truly blessed my life forever. There have been many who have read and lent suggestions to the manuscript. I thank these people for their friendship and valuable contributions to the finished product. And last of all, a big thanks goes out to the publishers and marketers who wanted to publish another book written by a poor country farm boy. Thank you…….L. Norman Shurtliff

Dedication

This series of novels is dedicated to my wife, Christal. She is the love of my life and mother of my children. She is a romantic at heart and we have traveled the lands of the Americas together. I dedicate this work to her because some of the adventures contained within these pages we have actually survived together. I love her forever, and this work is dedicated to her.

Preface

The story of the Inca people and the Spanish conquest of Peru is a fantastic true history all by itself. My only hope is to bring it to life in the modern era. It would not be my intent whatsoever to damage or demean this wonderful land and its people. In fact, hopefully, exactly the opposite occurs as the reader completely submerges his or her imagination into the amazing culture of the Andean Highlands. This work of fiction is all about history and romance and especially the search for ancient treasure that eluded Francisco Pizarro in 1533. The culture and history of Peru needs to be told to the whole world in a way that people will appreciate the greatness of races and kingdoms that have long since disappeared, with only remnants of its former glory left behind.

What prompts a poor country farm boy from Southern Nevada, transplanted to Canada, to write a book, any book? It isn’t money or fame writing to a limited audience. It is really simply a love of the land of South America and a people. Their history needs to be told in more abundance and celebrated. This book is a poor and humble attempt to bring their heritage to life, and I hope the reader will come to love this people, their land, and their history as I do.

List of Photos and Maps

1. Inside Front Cover Northern gate of Sacsahuaman

2. Chapter 1 Panorama view of Lima

3. Chapter 2 Sacred Quipu

4. Chapter 3 Artist’s rendition of Wiraccochan

5. Chapter 4 Golden Treasure

6. Chapter 5 Palace Guard in Lima

7. Chapter 6 Temple of the Women

8. Chapter 7 The Presidential Palace in Lima

9. Chapter 8 Temple of the Sun

10. Chapter 9 Painting of Francisco Pizarro

11. Chapter 10 Chimu Ceremonial Knife

12. Chapter 11 Sacred Pisonay Tree – Tree of Life

13. Chapter 12 Sacred Valley – Urubamba River

14. Chapter 13 Paracas National Park

15. Chapter 14 The Face of Wiraccochan

16. Chapter 15 Fortress of Sacsahuaman

17. Chapter 16 Nazca Line – Tree of Life

18. Inside Back Cover – Bay of Paracas

3.jpg

Modern city of Lima today as it sprawls along the coast of the Pacific Ocean. It is home to ten million people in the capital city of Peru.

Chapter 1

Lima – Modern Day

A ccording to Monica’s reckoning of time, it was the morning of the twenty-second day in their captivity. On the wall next to her bed, she had marked off each day according to the meals that were delivered to their two-room prison. Monica had come to know the daily routine because of scheduled visits of their guards. Usually, their morning meal consisted of toast and jam with hot tea. Sometimes, they would have eggs and always a basket of fruit. Lunch consisted of soup and some sort of sandwich, usually ham and cheese. Supper was her favorite meal with generous portions of either rice and chicken, or a beef steak. Her favorite was a milanesa steak that had been cooked to perfection. Monica and her mother were in the restaurant business and Monica had learned to appreciate nicely prepared and properly served food. Obviously, her captors had determined which nearby restaurants were the best suited for their needs. They were most likely eating the same culinary fare. Monica had to deduce whether it was day or night, because her watch only gave her the twelve hour exact time. There were no windows in this dreary cold basement dungeon. There were now only two different men that worked a twelve hour day schedule. Each man worked four straight days and then the other took over for the next four days. Neither guard spoke much. Each guard would just unlock the heavy metal door and deposit their two plates of food. Then, he would take up the previous meal’s remains and quickly slam and bolt the door again. The only exception to this routine was during the breakfast visit, when the guard would pick up the written pages from the work Monica’s mother had completed from the day before.

This morning their captor was late, but he had been late before. As the morning dragged on and Monica and her mother, Eva Rodriguez, grew increasingly hungry. Monica looked at her watch and frowned. It was past ten o’clock. This was unusual, but anything that broke the monotony of their captivity was actually exciting because she had become so bored. All of a sudden, the sound of footsteps announced the arrival of their jailors. Today, they were going to have company. Today would be different, thank goodness. The latch squeaked and the door sprung open. Their guard emerged quickly with another large man in the doorway. Monica immediately recognized the familiar face of Carlos Rodriguez, her used-to-be favorite uncle. The guard had the customary breakfast victuals, and Carlos was carrying a large cardboard box. Eva Rodriguez was on her feet and walking toward her brother with an angry determined gait. Carlos caught her hand just before it smacked him in the face. You…Barbarian! Why are you holding us here, against our will? shouted Eva. She was so incensed that her face was red hot.

Carlos still held his sister’s wrist in a strong grip that would have caused most women to wince in pain. If Eva hadn’t been so angry she would have given her younger brother a real tongue lashing, but the words wouldn’t come. Oh, my dear big sister…hush up! Settle down, now. I’ve brought you a present, he sneered. I have come all the way from Cusco to visit you and this is the way you treat me? Had Carlos not been so totally evil, the demeanor of this handsome villain with his brilliant white teeth and dazzling smile would have melted any normal human being, including his older sister. He had obviously practiced this deceptive countenance in the mirror many times to attain such satanic perfection. Carlos loosened his hold on Eva’s wrist, and shoved the box into his sister’s hands and midsection. Here! Try this on for size.

Eva stepped back a bit as the box caught her off balance. Monica moved instinctively to her side and helped her with the cardboard box. Quietly, together they peeled off the packing tape and opened the box. Eva gasped. She carefully pushed away the packing material and put her hands deep into the box. Eva brought out a beautiful cape made of colored knotted strings with gold and silver strands woven into the magnificent mantle. The Sacred Quipu! whispered Monica out loud. You brought it here?" This particular Incan Quipu had been handed down for generations and was several hundred years old. The Quipu was always kept in the Rodriguez home in a special cabinet built especially to preserve it.

Of course…I told you that I would come back as soon as I found it! You didn’t even hide it very well in your apartment. It was so easy. I didn’t have to look very hard for the Quipu cabinet at all. The hardest part was making up a lame excuse to borrow the key to your home from your housekeeper. But, all the people you hire are too trusting and stupid.

Carlos, you didn’t hurt anyone did you? gasped Eva.

Of course not, grinned Carlos. I don’t want anybody to know that I have you. I’m playing the perfect gentleman and loving uncle.

But Uncle Carlos, eventually they will find out and suspect you! interrupted Monica.

No they won’t. You see, I have decided to return you to Cusco unharmed after you give me the information that I need from the Quipu. No one will know I have detained you. You will tell everyone that you were delayed and stayed longer in California. I have already informed my office that you called and asked for more time off.

Carlos, interjected Eva disdainfully. Why would I translate the Sacred Quipu and give you all the mysteries of the Incas? It is punishment of death by the Inca Elders if I do so.

Because if you don’t, then, I will kill you and bury you in the desert. Certainly, if you ever breathe a word of this, either you or Monica, then you will suffer the same fate. If they take me, then my associates will still find you anyway and kill you. My son will eventually obtain the throne no matter what. Carlos had narrowed the gap between himself and his sister and now was looking down within inches of her tear streaked face. His eyes had narrowed and Eva did not recognize the black, lifeless holes that bore into her. You will abdicate the throne to me! He was a giant imposing man, but this was an evil side of him that Eva had never seen and it confused her. She did not recognize her own brother.

Oh, Carlos, this is the wrong thing to do! Eva pleaded. I can’t help it if you were adopted by our parents, and the Incan Elders wouldn’t accept you as our King!

Silence…! yelled Carlos. I am of royal birth and heritage even though it may be through adoption! You two are the only ones standing in my way to reach my goals, my destiny.

Oh, Carlos, why are you doing this? Eva pleaded.

Money, fame, and glory! came the response. To get back what is rightfully, mine! Carlos said bitterly. Now, finally, you have your Sacred Quipu. Translate it quickly, and I will let you go. I want it done by the end of the week.

No…Uncle Carlos, she won’t do it! said Monica defiantly.

Carlos was in front of Monica in an instant and slapped her across the cheek all in one motion. Monica fell back, and stumbled to the cold tile floor. Carlos, stop it! screamed Eva. I will translate it for you, but I must start at the beginning and do it slowly the way I have been taught since childhood. I must start over.

Then do it however you want, but I want it done by the end of the week! Carlos turned abruptly and started for the door. At the doorway he turned and snided, You know, Monica, I won’t have any problem whatsoever killing you and burying you in the desert alive and let the ants eat you; or leaving your bones to bleach in the desert sun if your mother does not finish this quickly. Don’t even think about holding back any secrets about the sacred treasure or the forgotten passage ways in Cusco. It would be more difficult, and more people would die, but I can always get the information that I need from the Incan Elders after you are out of the way! It would just take more time and be a little bit messy. It is just easier and less complicated this way. Carlos disappeared through the doorway and his unintelligent guard picked up the dirty empty dishes from the night before and started back towards the door as well. The large metal door was slammed shut and bolted. Monica and Eva were once again alone in their basement prison.

Eva carefully took the beautiful Quipu out of the cardboard box and placed it around her shoulders and caressed the knotted strings that she was so familiar with. Monica, I wish to go into the bathroom to be alone and to pray. Please do not disturb me for awhile, okay? Monica just nodded. She knew this was going to be very difficult for her mother. Monica fell onto her bed exhausted, but she couldn’t sleep. She just looked up at the ceiling and stared. Monica rubbed her hand on her face wincing at the searing pain that she still felt from her uncle’s brutality. Her once beloved Uncle Carlos had turned into a villain, a monster. What had caused him to become so evil? Monica closed her eyes and tried to empty her mind to take her thoughts off from the horrid situation in which they found themselves. After a few moments of blank thought she rolled over and her eyes began staring at the large poster of the presidential palace in Lima on the wall next to her.

I wonder what Lacoya Ines was like? Did she love her husband, Francisco? How did she get along without him? How did she cope with being a prisoner in her own palace? thought Monica to herself. As she lay back on her pillow looking at the picture, she started imagining in her mind’s eye that she could actually see Lacoya Ines Pizarro and what it would be like to be her famous ancestor.

Lima, Peru – June 26, 1541

Lacoya Ines Pizarro was an Inca Princess, and now the legitimate Queen of the Incas. Lacoya Ines was happy. No, she was not just happy; she was extremely happy and content. This morning it was Sunday the 26th of June, and Francisco her governor husband, had gone early to the new cathedral to meet with his priest and to pray. This was Sabbath morning and it was traditionally Lacoya’s day of the week to cook. The servants were all given the past evening and the day off, and were not expected back until the evening banquet for their guests. She enjoyed cooking for her husband and really only got to do it on rare occasions, now. Her days were spent in nurturing their three young children and in official activities of state. Francisco and Lacoya Ines had welded together a strong bond between the two cultures of the old and new worlds, the Spanish and the Inca. Peace prevailed, and their new country was growing and prospering. Lacoya had an important hand in it, and all that was going on around them. In fact, Francisco consulted and counseled with her almost exclusively. He trusted in her judgment and her common sense regarding this new country of Peru. But, it was more than that. Francisco loved her and she could feel it intensely. In fact she knew that he loved her more than any man had ever loved her. It was more than a marriage of state. There was respect and commitment between them, but it was more than that. It was love, true love.

Once, long ago she thought that she was in love with, and enamored by his younger brother, Hernando. Now, she realized that this was her fate, her destiny, to stand by this wonderful old gentleman, Francisco. To be his helpmeet, his companion for life, was her only desire and ambition. Of course, her children were her life and she loved and was devoted to them, and wanted to teach them everything that was possible to know in this new kingdom. She and Francisco were building a wonderful new city, a new world. She went with him everywhere to inspect the new construction sites and to view and preserve anything of worth from the Incan culture. Daily she received reports of Spaniards destroying pyramids and sacred Incan burial grounds looking for their precious gold and silver treasures. This was an obsession that Lacoya had never fully understood. Lacoya Ines consistently related these instances of abuse to Francisco and he would always instruct his clerks and commanders to reprimand and imprison the guilty parties. For the most part the Spanish conquistadors were devoted and obedient to their elderly governor. There were however a few rogues and enemies that would not conform to the governor’s mandates. Francisco was always quick and fearless in delivering judgment. However, he was also a politician and some things were just not expedient for Francisco to worry about. Lacoya understood the politics of the new country and that it was precarious at best. So, she did not press or push too hard. She was however, concerned about her husband’s enemies. There were rebel Inca groups and barbaric native tribes that were constantly a threat. There were also a couple of groups of Castilians that worried Lacoya. Their lust for blood, gold, and women were a constant problem in maintaining peace in the land. They were usually punished severely whenever the laws were broken. One such group of ruffians was the remnants of the ‘Men of Chile’, led by the son of Francisco’s former partner and adversary, Diego de Almagro. This notorious troublemaker was called Almagro the Younger, or ‘El