Final answer:
The characteristic of historical fiction present in the excerpt is the blending of factual information with fictional elements, using a historical backdrop to create a narrative with a mix of real and imaginary characters and events.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristic of historical fiction that is represented in the excerpt “from the Inca chasqui” could include a factual setting into which the author integrates fictional characters, or the weaving together of real and fictional events and people. The references to historical figures like Pachacuti and the expansion of the Inca Empire, enriched with legends and mythological elements, exemplify this blending. Authors use historical backdrops to build the plot while adding fictional narratives, which is a common technique in historical fiction, seen in works of other authors mentioned such as Kjartan Fløgstad and Victor Hugo.