Huáscar and his army, at the news…

Huáscar and his army, at the news of Atahualpa’s proclamation, move north in a surprise attack at Tumebamba.

The local Cañari, despite being positioned in the northern area inherited by Atahualpa, support the attack, in order to expel the nearest source of power, with the ultimate aim of ousting the Inca.

The earlier Cañari people had defended their territory for many years against numerous Incan armies.

Through wars and marriages, the Inca Empire under the leadership of Huayna Capac had finally conquered their territory.

The Cañari have become loosely assimilated into the vast empire, allowed to manage their own affairs but adopting a new language for communicating with the Inca.

The tribe primarily occupies the Tumebamba area.

Due in part to Incan influence and mandate, Cañari construction reportedly rivals that of the Incan capital, Cuzco.

The city has become the most important of the northern part of the empire, known as Chinchay Suyu.

Of particular repute is the impressive and beautiful architecture of Tumebamba, which has often been referred to as the "second Cuzco."

Initially, Huáscar's generals Atoc and Hango are successful, defeating Atahualpa's army, capturing many of his soldiers, and seizing the large cities of Cajamarca and Tumebamba.

Atahualpa is captured and imprisoned.

While the army celebrates, Atahualpa’s guards get drunk and allow a woman in to meet him.

She sneaks in a tool that he uses that evening to drill a hole in his hail and escape.

He immediately prepares a counterattack with his large, experienced army from Quito.