Sacrifice and Prophecy
Meanwhile, one by one, the Nustakunas (chosen women) and warriors gathers to represent the four sides of the empire. The Inti Churin makes a toast with chicha and offers up a llama in a convincing reenactment of a sacrifice. He raises his bloody hand with the animal’s heart in it and the high priest foretells the future through the animal’s innards: “The fat, the blood, the heart and the lungs say that there will be an invasion of enemy people!”
The high priest and the military general then descend from the Ushnu carrying lighted torches, which they use to light small heaps of straw. After studying the tongues of fire, smoke and the embers, the prophecies and wisdom continue: “The empire will achieve prosperity. There are reserves of many riches, but man finds wellbeing through his labor. He must not be lazy, much less a liar or a thief!