Chapter 8: Saying goodbye

John Ran into the camp shouting trying to wake the other men. Help quick! Easy smith, what's wrong? Ben asked. T-They took him. Who took who asked Lon. The sav-The Indians took Quasimodo.

The savages really? Said Lon shocked. "T-They captured him, dragged him off!" He said panting. "Where'd they take him?" They headed north. How many were there? "I don't know. At least a dozen." I think.

Poor kid! said, Lon. "Filthy beasts! Ratcliffe was right!" Said Ben. John however disagreed. These people...Were not savages. They had only captured his friend because he'd ran away and now they'd kill him for a crime he did not commit. And it was all his fault!

Ratcliffe stood in his tent with his manservant Wiggins. The wicked man grinned at the unfortunate news. "It's perfect, Wiggins. I couldn't have planned this better myself. The gold is as good as mine!"

"We've got to save him! I know he'd do the same for any of us!" John pleaded. "John's right!" said Ben. "We've got to do something!" And so we shall. The men turned to stare at Ratcliffe. Governor Ratcliffe. John said shocked. What did this man want he knew very well that the man loathed the boy.

"I told you those savages couldn't be trusted." That's right! Ben shouted. That poor boy tried to befriend them and look what they've done to him! John glared at the man confused. What was he doing? He knew this man did not care about his friend! Then he realized what he was doing.

His friend...Was being used as a scapegoat to rile the men up so they would attack the natives. "But now I say it's time to rescue our courageous comrade." At daybreak, we attack! John shook his head. This...This wasn't right.

Ratcliffe: "What can you expect"

Ratcliffe: "From filthy little heathens?"

Ratcliffe: "Their whole disgusting race is like a curse"

Ratcliffe: "Their skin's a hellish red"

Ratcliffe: "They're only good when dead"

Ratcliffe: "They're vermin, as I said"

Ratcliffe: "And worse!"

Colonist: "They're savages! Savages!"

Ratcliffe: "Barely even human"

Colonist: "Savages! Savages!"

Ratcliffe: "Drive them from our shore!"

Ratcliffe tossed a loaded musket to every man including John Smith who looked uncertainly at the weapon.

Ratcliffe:"They're not like you and me"

Ratcliffe: "Which means they must be evil"

"We must sound the drums of war!"

Both: "They're savages! Savages!"

"Dirty redskin devils!"

"Now we sound the drums of war!"

Meanwhile in the village Powhatan and the other warriors were preparing for the battle that would follow tomorrow, sharpening their spears and painting their faces with war paint.

Powhatan: "This is what we feared"

Powhatan: "The paleface is a demon"

Powhatan: "The only thing they feel at all is greed"

Kekata: "Beneath that milky hide"

Kekata: "There's emptiness inside"

He turned to look at the tent where the boy was being held.

Kekata: "Still-"

Warriors: "I wonder if they even bleed"

Warriors: "They're savages! Savages!"

Powhatan: "Barely even human"

Warriors: "Savages! Savages!"

Powhatan: "Killers at the core"

Kekata: "They're different from us"

Kekata: "Which means they can't be trusted"

Kekata: "Yet-"

Powhatan: "We must sound the drums of war"

Warriors: "They're savages! Savages!"

Warriors: "First we deal with this one"

They sang referring to the fearful boy in the tent behind them.

Warriors: "Then we sound the drums of war"

All: "Savages! Savages!"

Ratcliffe: "Let's go kill a few, men!"

All: "Savages! Savages!"

Ratcliffe: "Now it's up to you, men!"

All: "Savages! Savages!"

All: "Barely even human!"

All: "Now we sound the drums"

All: "of"

All: "Warrrrr!"

A storm was brewing outside the fort and beyond. John Smith sat outside the fort staring at the forest. His friend would die soon if he didn't do something. This was after all his fault. "What am I Going to do?"

Suddenly he felt a tug at his sleeve. He looked down to see a small fox cub staring up at him. Was this the same one he'd seen hanging around his friend? "What is it, little guy?" The Fox gave a sound that sounded similar to a bark and the little fox ran towards the woods.

He looked at the little creature confused. The little fox whined as if begging him to hurry. John followed the fox into the woods and they soon came upon a familiar clearing. This was the place...Where he'd killed that man!

For the first time in his life, he felt guilt for killing a native. Why had the fox led him here? Suddenly to his surprise he felt a rigid knife made from bone pressed against his neck. "You tried to kill me!" The voice growled. He supposed he should be relieved that he actually hadn't killed the man but maybe he deserved to die for what he did.

"Well?" What are you waiting for? Go ahead. The man grimaced almost dropping the knife. The man was clearly still injured. You alright there? Why do you care? He growled. Just asking? "To be honest I'm surprised you're still alive."

"The warrior gave a dark chuckle. Then why don't you finish the job?" You already tried to kill me once. "You tried to kill my friend!" He yelled offended. Well, he-The warrior sighed. She really loves him, doesn't she?

John was not expecting this from the angry injured native. What do you mean? "Your...Friend she loves him." I don't know...I guess. John sat down across from him. "I guess, I never really loved her." I only saw her beautiful face, but I didn't know her...Not really. I suppose that's not real love.

I knew her sister...Nakoma we were once friends growing up His eyes widened in shock as he realized the truth. He remembered how close they'd been it was no wonder she always seemed to avoid him.

John smith sighed. "Well good for you, not that it matters. My friends going to die tomorrow cause of you. And why...Are you blaming me? Because...They think your dead...And they think he's the one who did it!

He gave a cold laugh. "I think you meant yourself." You must have escaped but it won't be long before they find you!" John shook his head. "I'm not lying." He took my place. He's going to die tomorrow and it's your fault so...I hope you're satisfied. Now you don't have to do it yourself!

A look of what appeared to be guilt washed over his tan features. "I know that look all too well." "Look. I know we're supposed to be enemies but...I need your help. My friends going to die soon if we don't stop it. So...Will you help me?" The man growled. Fine! I'll do it for Pocahontas I owe her that much.

Meanwhile, Pocahontas sat on the tree stump in front of Grandmother Willow tears streaming down her face. "They're going to kill him at sunrise, Grandmother Willow." The tree spirit looked shocked.

"You have to stop them!" I...I can't. "Child, remember your dream?" Pocahontas shook her head distraught. "I was wrong, Grandmother Willow." I followed the wrong path. "I feel so lost." Meeko's eyes widened in realization as he climbed the tree searching the small hole in which he hid most of the things he collected from the colonists.

Percy sat next to her whimpering sadly. Suddenly Meeko slid down from the tree he stopped in front of Pocahontas holding a small circular object out to her. She recognized it immediately as the Compass Meeko had taken from Quasi.

"The compass?" She said looking at the front of the device in amazement. Underneath the glass was an arrow and as she moved it slowly started to spin. "Spinning arrow!" She shouted her eyes wide with disbelief.

"It's the arrow from your dream!" Said Grandmother willow shocked. "I was right! It was pointing to him!" Suddenly sunlight hit her face. Her heart instantly filled with dread. Sunrise! "It's not too late, child." Grandmother willow encouraged her. "Let the spirits of the earth guide you! You know your path, child… Now follow it!"

Meanwhile, as the light of dawn grew ever closer Ratcliffe and the other colonists marched to battle. While The natives prepared for an execution.

Ratcliffe: This will be the day.

"Let's go, men!" Ratcliffe shouted as the other colonists marched behind him some dragging cannons.

Powhatan: "This will be the morning"

"Bring out the prisoner!" The chief shouted as the deformed man was dragged out a rope around his neck. He didn't bother to fight; he knew what was going to happen. No one could save him now!

However, little did he realize there were three people rushing to stop his execution John smith, Kocoum, and…Pocahontas. Pocahontas stood on a hill she could see her village in the distance. She had to hurry before it was too late! Please don't be too late she thought fearfully to herself.

Colonists & Natives: "We will see them dying in the dust"

Pocahontas: "I don't know what I can do"

Pocahontas: "Still I know I've got to try"

Colonists & Natives: "Now we make them pay"

Pocahontas: "Eagle help my feet to fly"

Colonists & Natives: "Now without a warning"

Pocahontas: "Mountain, help my heart be great"

Colonists & Natives: "Now we leave 'em blood and bone and rust."

Pocahontas:"Spirits of the earth and sky"

Colonists & Natives: "It's them or us."

Pocahontas: Please don't let it be too late!

Pocahontas sang tears streaming down her face as she ran even faster.

Colonists & Natives: "They're just a bunch of"

Colonists & Natives: "Filthy, stinking"

Colonists & Natives: "Savages!"

Colonists & Natives: "Savages!"

Colonists & Natives: "Demons!"

Colonists & Natives: "Devils!"

Ratcliffe: "Kill them!"

Colonists & Natives: "Savages!"

Colonists & Natives: "Savages!"

Ratcliffe: "What are we waiting for?"

Colonists & Natives: "Destroy their evil race."

Colonists & Natives: "Until there's not a trace left"

Pocahontas: "How loud are the drums of war"

Pocahontas sang as she ran through the woods her eyes filled with fear and desperation.

Colonists & Natives: "We will sound the drums of war"

(Savages! Savages!)

Colonists & Natives: "Now, we sound the drums of war"

(Savages! Savages!)

Quasimodo was forced to his knees as he stared down at the army fast approaching. This is all my fault. He thought bitterly. At least I won't be here to see it. He glanced behind at the chief his eyes widening in fear as the man grabbed a club from one of the warriors. "So this is how I die?" Please let it be quick.

Colonists & Natives: "Now we see what comes"

Colonists & Natives: "Of trying to be chums"

Colonists & Natives: "Now we sound the drums ... of ... war!"

Colonists & Natives: "Of course, it means the drums ... of ... war!"

The chief raised the club above his head ready to kill the monster in front of him his eyes filled with rage and anger. The boy glanced up him before closing his eyes awaiting his death. Pocahontas pushed her way through the crowd her eyes wide with fear.

Pocahontas: "Is the death of all I love"

Pocahontas: "Carried in the drumming of…"

Colonists & Natives: "War!"

NO! Pocahontas Shouted as she threw herself over Quasimodo's body the club inches from her head. Quasimodo felt Pocahontas's head resting on his own. "Was he dreaming?" His shoulders sagged with relief. She had come to his rescue.

"If you kill him, you'll have to kill me, too." Powhatan looked at his daughter shocked. "Daughter stand back!" I won't! She shouted. "I love him, father." The chief stared at his daughter in disbelief. She acted as if she knew this creature. But for how long? Pocahontas spoke up pulling him from his thoughts.

He killed Kocou- "No he didn't" John smith Kocoum stepped from the woods. Kocoum was alive and well somewhat injured but otherwise alive. "Great Powhatan this man is innocent!" Kocoum shouted the chief looked stunned and Quasimodo sighed with relief however the chief still held the club in his hand.

"Look around you. This is where the path of hatred has brought us. This is the path I choose, father. What will yours be?" The chief was frozen. "Look at him father, Please." She begged. "Do you see a monster?" Do you see a killer?

For once Powhatan, during this whole ordeal actually looked at the creature in front of him. His eyes met the creatures. In his eyes, he saw nothing but fear and terror and pain. He suddenly felt sick to his stomach almost dropping the club in his hand.

This poor creature this…Boy was almost the same age as his daughter! He had let his anger and hate blind him! He had almost taken this boy's life! His daughter was right! She was right! He supposed that maybe she'd been right all along. For he did not see a monster or a murderer. All he saw…Was a frightened boy. He couldn't do it!

He raised the club. The boy flinched closing his eyes. However, he did not feel the club strike his head. He opened his eyes in disbelief the chief had the club raised above his head as he stared down at the people below.

"My daughter speaks with wisdom beyond her years. We've all come here with anger in our hearts, but she comes with courage and understanding. From this day forward, if there is to be more killing, it will not start with me." Quasimodo stared at the man speechless. "Release him," Powhatan ordered as one of the natives cut the ropes binding his hands. "T-Thank you." He said smiling thankfully at the man.

However, the war was far from done. One man wanted to keep fighting. "Now's our chance, fire!" Ratcliffe shouted. No! Said Ben tossing his gun on the ground. "What?" The evil man said confused. "They let him go." Said John standing his ground. "Yeah, they don't want to fight." Said Lon.

"It's a trick! Don't you see? Fire!" The men glared at him. "Fine. I'll settle this myself." He said snatching a musket from one of the men aiming it right at Powhatan. "NO!" Quasimodo shouted jumping in front of the man as the gun went off.

Quasimodo fell to the ground blood stained the ground where he lay. Quasi! John glared at the man furiously. "YOU SHOT HIM." John roared furiously. "He stepped right-right into it. It's his own fault." Ratcliffe stuttered as the men surrounded him.

"The kid was right all along!" We never should've listened to you! Get the gun! Smith shouted. "Traitors!" Ratcliffe growled. "Unhand me, I say! How dare you!" Put him in chains! Smith commanded them. "I'll see you all hanged for this!" Ratcliffe growled. And don't forget to gag him! John shouted as he rushed to his friend.

Powhatan stared at the fallen boy in disbelief the boy…Had just saved his life! He had almost killed him, and yet the boy had risked his life to save him. Why? There was more to this stranger then he'd realized. This boy was not only brave but selfless! He was...a hero!

A week later they were planning on heading to Paris with a short stop in England to offload a certain angry tyrant. "Is he gonna make it John?" Said Ben looking at the nearly conscious boy in the cot. "The sooner we get him back to his friends in France, the better."

"Well, let's hope the wind is with him. Is the ship ready yet?" Lon asked. "Any minute now. Just loadin' the last bit of cargo." Ben snickered pointing at Ratcliffe who was chained and gagged his face red with rage. "How dare you! Untie me at once! I'll have your heads for this!" And he came so highly recommended. Wiggins said drying his eyes.

"The ship's almost ready. We'd better get you on board. We'll lose the tide." Quasi shook his head at his friend "N-No, n-not yet." He looked up at his friend. "S-S-She said she'd be here." - "Look." John said smiling pointing at the fog bank in front of them.

Pocahontas and the rest of her people stepped from the fog in their arms they carried baskets of food for the long journey home. Pocahontas approached Quasimodo making her way down through the row of men that stood on either side of him. They took off their hats as she approached. John Smith took off his helmet.

"Going back is his only chance. He'll die if he stays here." Pocahontas nodded. He wasn't wrong. They'd tried everything to heal him here. Nothing had worked and the colonists didn't have enough supplies. Going back really was his only chance. Yes, it was risky, but what choice did they have if he stayed here, he would die but if he left, he might still die! She wasn't sure if it was a risk she wanted to take.

"Here." She said handing him a small pouch. "It's from Grandmother Willow's bark." It'll help with the pain. "W-What pain?" He Joked trying to sit up. I-I don't feel any-He winced lying back down. "I-I've d-dealt with worse." He said giving her a tired smile.

Powhatan approached the two placing his shawl over the brave man like a blanket. "You are always welcome among our people." Thank you, my brother. The young man smiled as the man stepped back.

Flit landed on his outstretched hand. "I-I thought you d-didn't like s-strangers." He said chuckling. The bird chirped and flew behind them Percy and Meeko held Pocahontas's necklace which they had fixed. "My mother's necklace." She said smiling placing it around her neck. Quasimodo smiled. "I-It suits you." "G-Goodbye Percy." He said petting the pug on the head. Meeko gave him a dried biscuit as a farewell gift, and he smiled. G-Goodbye to you to M-Meeko."

He looked back at Pocahontas's sad eyes. "W-Will you c-come with me?" She looked surprised. "Y-You don't have to s-say yes." I-I'll understand. She looked up at her father. "You must choose your own path." She looked between the settlers and her people. "I'm needed here."

"I…I understand, I just…I just wish I could stay with you." I know, but you can't! "You have to go back!" Tears streamed down his face. "B-B-But I can't leave you! She smiled stroking his face. "You never will. No matter what happens, I'll always be with you. Forever."

She kissed the man she loved as the people around her watched. There was not a dry eye on the shore that day. Even Nakoma cried. (well except maybe Kocoum I think he's very good at hiding his emotions, lol.") Pocahontas pulled away her hands slipping from his own as she stepped back. He looked up to her determined. "I'll come back," I promise when I'm better I'll come back! She smiled at him tearfully

"Good luck, lad." Said Ben Godspeed, my friend. John said as he helped Ben bush the boat into the water. The man in the front of the boat rowed slowly toward the ship. The shouts of the crew could be heard from the shoreline. "The crew a-ready? - Aye, sir!" Set the mainsails! Weigh anchor! Let go of the topgallants! - Aye, sir!

Pocahontas felt her father's hand on her shoulder. She slipped away as she started to run. She ran faster and fast to the cliff overlooking the sea. The wind blew around her. The wind drifted to Quasimodo who sat already on the ship he looked at the cliff in the distance to see a familiar figure.

Quasimodo raised his hand making the same waving motion she'd shown him the day they first met. "Goodbye Pocahontas." I love you. I swear I won't forget my promise! "I will come back. Pocahontas repeated the motion back. "Anah my love we will meet again."