A few years later, a similar series of events unfolded in South America. One day, a messenger dropped to the ground before the Sapa Inca. He delivered startling news.

“A house!” he exclaimed. “It drifts on the sea along the coast!” He went on to speak of bearded ones with white skin. They were masters of lightning and thunder!

The Sapa Inca felt fear. There had been frightening signs in recent times. Violent earthquakes had split the ground. The sea had tossed gigantic waves ashore.

Not long after, the bearded ones disappeared in their “sea house.” But they left something behind—deadly diseases the natives had never had before. Those along the coast became sick first. Later, travelers carried the diseases inland. The Inca people had no natural ability to fight off the European germs. They became very ill and died by the thousands.

When the Sapa Inca died, two of his sons claimed the throne. This led to a civil war. The fighting was as bloody as any the Inca people had ever waged. When the battles were over, the son named Atahualpa (/ah*tah*wahl*pah/) had won. Atahualpa would not rest easy on his throne, however. Before long, another message arrived from the coast. The bearded ones had returned!