Though very much alive, they spent their first night on the trail to the Fort amidst the dead.

Despite understanding the reasons behind choosing a burial ground as their place of refuge, to Alice, the fact that corpses were suspended above her head was not a particularly comforting sight. Duncan had explained to her that some Indian tribes were superstitious about disturbing the dead and as such, it was the safest place to be.

So, after a supper of more jerky and water, they settled down for the night. Not that she knew how she'd ever get a moments rest when death was quite literally staring her in the face. If anyone had told Alice that she'd soon be spending an evening beneath the stars she might have found the reveal exciting. However, had they added that she'd also be sharing that space with the mummified remains of deceased natives, she would have balked. This was definitely not the turn she'd envisioned her adventure taking.

Uncas, who'd left a while earlier to do some scouting, returned with the somber news that they were being tracked, probably by the same war party who'd raided the Cameron's cabin. Having seen what they were capable of, the news was more than a little frightening. In preparation, the men checked their ammunition and took up defensive positions. Chingachgook headed to the back, standing in the shadow of a tall tree, his eyes deftly staring into the night. Nathaniel was behind a grassy bank, his rifle laying in wake beside him should it be required. Uncas, also behind the bank but further away, was the closest to her. This arrangement was a tremendous relief, though for what reason she couldn't say, or more accurately, refused to examine.

She and Cora had been instructed to stay hidden amongst the taller grass where it would be difficult to spot them in the bright light being cast by the full moon. Duncan was at their side, his musket at the ready. While they all waited, armament at hand, to see if they would be discovered, the tension inside her body slowly mounted to nearly unbearable levels.

Cora, who'd been distracted ever since her confrontation with Nathaniel, had been sneaking looks in his direction all evening. Alice knew this to mean that her sister felt guilty about her harsh words and was probably thinking of the best way to approach him without having to sacrifice too much of her pride. She must have reached some inner settlement because without warning, she stood and hastily made her way over to where he lay crouched on the ground. Out of ear-shot, Alice couldn't decipher what they were saying, not that she would have been interested in eavesdropping even if she could. Duncan, clearly unhappy with the new arrangement, turned his back to her as he watched the couple through narrowed eyes.

Sitting with her legs drawn up, her hands circling her knees, Alice laid her head down and tightly squeezed her eyes shut. Everything was so still it felt as though they'd been frozen in time, no one moving, no one making a sound. Except for her. In the silence, her breathing sounded about as subtle as rain on a tin roof, at least to her own ears. She was hyperventilating; a condition she tried desperately to gain control over, but seemed to be failing miserably.

Suddenly there was a rustle in the grass, the faint breeze carrying words in a language she didn't understand. Prompted into action, the men grabbed their weapons and got into position, the clicks of their collective guns as they were cocked shattering her nerves. She was shivering uncontrollably, her breaths now coming in gasps. There was something out there and she was afraid. She could hear those whispers drawing ever closer, her heart pumping faster with each passing second.

Even with Duncan at her side, she felt exposed, at risk. The sentiment was unjust and she felt disloyal for even thinking it, but it was true. The only time she'd felt completely safe since they'd left the carnage of George Road behind them, had been when she was with Uncas. She didn't understand it, why he specifically had a way of making her feel so protected, as though nothing could harm her with him at her side. Perhaps it was the way in which he went about things, with a quiet determination that held no hint of arrogance or conceit; so capable. Or perhaps it was because he always seemed to be there when she needed him, someone she could count on, no matter what. Or perhaps it was because he'd never been anything but kind and gentle, even when her own sister would have long since lost patience with her. From the moment they'd met, he'd done nothing but help and support her, always with the same unwavering forebearance that she'd come to attribute to him.

Now, huddled and slightly isolated from everyone else, she felt more alone than she ever had and that feeling caused all those fears and doubts she'd managed to subdue all day to push forward, weakening her cognitive defenses. She wished to God that something would happen; a shot, a scream, anything to release the loathsome tension threatening to choke her.

She wanted it to go away. I just want to feel safe again.

Raising her head, she glanced over to where Uncas lay, so still she could barely make out his form in the grass. Craving the asylum of his presence, she scrambled to her knees and crawled as quietly as she could in his direction. It seemed to take her forever, the distance miniscule in reality, but in her mind there may well have been a continent separating them.

When she finally drew equal to him, her breathing was harsh and uneven as though she'd run a mile.

He's here. Relax, she kept telling herself.

Out of the corner of her eye she saw him waver, glancing at her, then back ahead, then back towards her. Suddenly he dropped his weapon, his arms coming around her, his one hand clamping over her mouth to muffle the sounds of her ragged breathing while the other one held her close.

"Shhhh," he whispered soothingly into her ear, the tone of his voice calming her like nothing else could.

His embrace was tight, his arms like bands of steel around her, and yet she was not afraid. The heat of his body against hers was such a welcome relief, such an affirmation of life, that she closed her eyes, instinctively pushing closer to him. He smelled like earth and sun and forest, a combination that was inexplicably comforting. She knew it was not decent, that she should maintain the correct distance between them, but at that moment she was just so mollified to feel ensconced within the shelter of his embrace, that she couldn't care that her reputation would be in ruins if this moment was ever revealed to anyone of consequence.

Alice felt his heartbeat at her back, strong and steady and she naturally matched her breathing to it, her fear subsiding in increments until it disappeared completely. She wasn't sure how long they stayed like that, it could have been mere moments, but when he eventually released her, his arms retreating as his body moved away, she felt cold and empty.

"They're gone," he said softly, a shiver running through her at the feel of his warm breath on her neck.

She nodded, sneaking a look over her shoulder at him. He was so close, the gold of his earring twinkling in the moonlight as he leaned over her.

"They won't come back?" she asked, hopefully.

He shook his head, his features obscured by the darkness. "Get some sleep, Miss. We're starting early tomorrow."

"I-I'm sorry about earlier," she babbled, lowering her voice. "I could have revealed our location to-"

He touched her shoulder, his hand warm and heavy and her words died in her throat. "It's all right."

Too embarrassed to say any more, her belly aflutter, she curled onto her side and willed sleep to claim her.

She slept deeply, waking only once in the night to turn over, her eyes cracking open slightly. Uncas was still there, sitting up against a tree, his rifle between his legs. Inexplicably soothed by the sight of him, she blinked, her eyes meeting those deep, dark orbs as they stared straight at her. Her mind a haze of exhaustion, her eyes fell closed again, her body relaxing as a feeling of extraordinary reassurance washed over her.


The following morning they were up at dawn. Tired, her body aching in places she hadn't known existed, Alice forced down the familiar taste of dried meat, knowing that she needed the strength it would provide for the slog ahead. They would reach the Fort today and she would see her Papa again. That thought spurned her on as they made their way through the forest, the weather as hot and humid as before. Pushing her damp hair off her forehead, she was glad that there were no mirrors around because she was sure that she looked a sight. Judging by Cora's bedraggled appearance, she knew it would be naive to assume that she appeared any better.

The day progressed quickly. Perhaps it was her eagerness to see her father, or perhaps it was because the effort to cover the necessary ground was thankfully easier than what had passed before. It was nearly dusk Nathaniel indicated that they were almost there.

"At the top of the next ridge, the Fort's downhill a bit."

"The men of the regiment will fetch water from the lake, build fires and provide every comfort you desire," Duncan promised.

Alice smiled at him as he helped her up a steep slope. "I cannot wait to see Papa."

As they crested the hill, they dropped slightly as Nathaniel had predicted. Worrying though, were the deep rolling roars growing louder and louder, like thunder in the distance. Eager for a glimpse of the Fort, Alice stood on her toes in order to see beyond Cora. When her sister finally moved, she inhaled sharply. The horizon was red and orange; puffs of thick black smoke ballooned into the atmosphere while balls of fire flew across the sky and exploded in spectacular flashes of lightening.

The Fort is under attack! she realised frantically. Why would their father have sent for them if this was happening? It made no sense at all.

Hurrying, they reached the edge of Lake George and waited. Nathaniel had spotted a canoe further down the embankment and went to commandeer it so that she and Cora wouldn't have to swim. Bringing it closer, he helped her sister inside.

Without a word, Uncas appeared, lifting her clean off the ground and depositing her carefully in front of her sibling.

"Stay low," was all he said before he helped Duncan push the canoe deeper into the water. Swallowing nervously, she crouched down as instructed, her hands gripping the sides of the boat as it gently swayed from side to side. Above their heads, glowing embers continued to fly lighting up the sky. In the distance she could see the red and gold uniforms of the soldiers at the top of the ramparts, their black tricorne hats bobbing up and down as they moved around in a flurry of activity. There were screams too, some from ahead of her and some from behind. The only thing that appeared calm in the midst of all the pandemonium was the lake as the canoe slid silently through the black water towards the dock.

The closer they got to land, the louder the sound of the cannons became until she visibly jumped every time one launched.

Uncas, now fully submerged beneath the water, his hand on the side of the canoe, inched it forward slightly until it just touched hers. Surprised, she looked down to where their fingers rested side by side, knowing intuitively that his action had been deliberate. Consoled by his thoughtful yet discreet gesture, she reciprocated, moving her index finger ever so slightly until it overlapped his pinkie, curling to hold it captive. That connection between them, however nebulous, was like a lifeline to her, boosting her plummeting spirits.

Soon they reached the other side. Chingachgook and Duncan held the vessel steady as Nathaniel and Uncas helped them alight, soldiers running to their aid once they recognized Duncan's uniform. Cora was already walking ahead of her, Nathaniel with a hand at her elbow. The noise deafening, Alice reached for Uncas at the same time that he reached for her, assisting her up the ramp leading into the Fort.

They moved quickly.

"Can you manage?" he asked, his voice raised so that she'd hear him over the commotion.

"Thank you, yes," she called, out of breath.

When they reached the top of the rise, Duncan interceded, guiding her away from Uncas and towards Cora. She felt the loss keenly. Her sister reached for her hand and Alice grasped it tightly as they were escorted towards their fathers quarters.

The Fort was in chaos. Men, some in regimental uniforms, some local militia, some Indians, hurried around frantically towards their destinations, many knocking into one another in their haste. It all passed in a blur; the sights, the sounds. It was too much for her senses to absorb all at once. There were calls of, "Hello boys!" and "Nathaniel!" but she didn't know from where they were coming.

When she heard, "Uncas!" she instinctively turned, her eyes scanning and meeting his just as a man she didn't recognise reached his side to embrace him. Pulled forward again, she stumbled over her dress just as an explosion went off to her right. Ducking, she looked up, relief washing over her when she saw her father striding purposefully towards them.

"Papa! Papa!" she exclaimed, running into his arms.

"Alice! Cora!" Her father hugged her close with one arm, his other one reaching for her sister. "Why are you here?!" he demanded angrily.

He glanced towards Duncan. "And where the hell are my reinforcements?"

Wrapping his coat around her, he hurriedly walked them inside his accommodations. "Get Mr Phelps!" he shouted at someone.

As he threw the coat on a nearby chair, Alice turned towards her father. He needed to explain what was happening. Out of the corner of her eye she could see Nathaniel, Uncas and Chingachgook enter the room.

"I told you to stay away," he said, looking at her and then towards Cora. "Why did you disobey me, girls?"

Confused, Cora replied, "When? How? I-"

"My letter," he explained.

"There was none," her sister informed him.

"What?!"

"There was no letter," she repeated.

"I sent three couriers to Webb," he said to Duncan.

"One called Magua arrived," the Major explained.

"He delivered no such message," reiterated Cora.

"Does Webb not even know we're under siege?"

"Sir, Webb has no idea...and he certainly has no idea to send reinforcements!"

Her father's face fell, worry washing over his features. Then realising where he was, he gave them a small smile, taking each of their hands. She knew he meant to reassure them, but Alice wasn't convinced.

"What happened to you?" he asked.

"On the George Road," Duncan explained, "attacked."

"We're fine," Cora assured him.

Alice looked at her father. "Are you all right?" Everyone had been asking about them, but she wanted to know about him. He'd been stuck in a place that was presently under siege.

"Yes," he replied, squeezing her hand.

"What will happen here, Papa?" With no reinforcements coming, things were bound to get worse.

Her father hugged her close. "It will be all right, girl."

"This Magua led us into it. Eighteen killed. These men came to our aid," Duncan said, his head jerking in the direction of Nathaniel, Uncas and Chingachgook. "They guided us here."

Alice noted the way Cora looked at Nathaniel and the way he looked right back.

Something's happened between them, she realised, surprised that she hadn't picked up on it before. Then again, she'd been a little distracted herself.

Her father turned towards their three saviours. "Thank you," he said, sincerely. "Do you need anything?"

"Help ourselves to a few horns from your powder stores?" Nathaniel asked.

"And some food." Her eyes fell on Uncas as he said the words. He looked beyond her father, his eyes connecting with hers just as she looked away, her cheeks flushing.

"Indebted to you," her father said just as another blast sounded, closer this time. Sand filtered down into the room from above.

Alice snuck a worried look at Uncas, noticing for the first time that his shirt was torn and bloodied on the left.

He's hurt? she wondered, concerned.

"Miss Cora, how are you?" came a male voice Alice recognised as the military surgeon's.

Cora smiled politely, greeting the newcomer. "Hello, Mr Phelps."

"Mrs McCaan will get some dry clothes for you," he offered politely.

"Thank you," she said.

Her father turned back to her. "Go with your sister, Alice," he instructed gently. She knew he wanted them to leave so that he could talk with Duncan and the others. Since she knew he'd never allow her to stay, even if she asked, she hugged him tightly, glad to see him alive.

"It will be all right, girl," he said again, rubbing a hand against her hair. "It will be all right."

Pulling back she walked past him, her eyes lifting to meet Uncas's. She wanted to ask him where he'd been injured and if it had been on account of her, but that was impossible. Her eyes lingering on his enigmatic gaze, she was forced to leave without comment.

Following Mr Phelps and Cora blindly, she was suddenly seized by the most unsettling thought: was that was the last time she'd ever see him? After all, now that they'd fulfilled their promise to escort them to the Fort, there was no reason for any of them to stay. The idea that he'd leave, that their last moment in one another's company had been one filled with no words passing between them, suffused her with an acute sense of agony. Surely this was not how things were meant to end? Would she not at least have an opportunity to thank him for everything that he'd done for her? For all of them?

She wanted to stop and turn around, but knew it was hopeless. How could she possibly explain to others what she herself did not understand?

Frustrated and perplexed in equal measures, she recognised the now familiar emotion flooding through her: fear. Only this time, its source was not only the current danger surrounding her, but also the very real possibility that she'd never see Uncas again.

Clasping her sister's hand tighter, the latter, rather than the former, made her eyes well with tears.