Cuzco, capital of the Inca empire, is the scene of boiling intrigue and danger in the year 1450, as young Prince Cusi leads his first campaign against aggressive enemies. He is fighting to protect his people, to prove his courage, and to establish his right to be the future ruler, the next Inca. Battles, hardships, romance, and adventure finally teach Cusi the one all important law for ruling the empire—that war must sometimes be waged, but only to bring peace where otherwise it would not be. Although Cusi must lead his men in war, he learns that the arts of building, repairing, teaching, and healing must be part of his leadership to ensure a flourishing empire.

Mrs. Malkus, well-known writer and student of Inca civilization, has combined the brilliant history of the period with a thrilling narrative of pageantry, fighting, and devotion. Authentic and handsome line drawings by William Moyers helps set the mood for this magnificent story, which is told as fiction but based on historical fact.

From the dust jacket