Just a quick note--I'm not consciously trying to draw out the ending of my story. I'm actually conflicted on how to finish it. I would love for it to have a happy conclusion, but at the same time, I also appreciate the ending the movie gives as I think it is one of the reasons I'm so drawn to the Uncas/Alice story. I think what I will probably do is write two endings and post both of them. That way, readers can choose which ending they prefer.
Anyway, here's the next part of my story. Hope ya'll like it.
-----------------------------------------------------------
From their position on the ridge, Chingachgook and Uncas could see everything as it unfold below them. Though they couldn't hear what was being said in the beginning, both men kept their eyes and ears trained on the gathering. Chingachgook had lost sight of his white son after he had charged into the center of the crowd. His sharp eyes strained for even the smallest glimpse of him.
'Was Hawkeye in trouble?' he wondered. All he could do for now was watch and wait.
A sudden disturbance erupted in the village below, filling the afternoon air with angry shouts and screams. As the crowd spilt apart, Chingachgook caught sight of his son. Hawkeye was standing next to Major Heyward. Both men were gesturing and yelling frantically, their words soaring above the turmoil. The reason for their agitation soon became apparent. The sisters had been separated and were being led away from the gathering in different directions. Cora was in the hands of several Huron braves while Alice was being taken by Magua and several others. For the first time, Chingachgook and Uncas could hear what was being said.
"I am La Longue Carabine! My death is a great honor to the Huron! Take me!"
Unconsciously, the elder Mohican tightened the grip he had on his weapon. Hawkeye was bargaining for his woman, using his own life as collateral. Chingachgook was an old warrior, knowing little fear in his time, but his son's plan shook him. When the time came, would he and Uncas be able to react fast enough to rescue Hawkeye? He didn't know.
His white son had never been in love before; never shown an interest in becoming involved with any woman he had ever met in the past. Yet, a chance encounter with this dark haired beauty had changed all that. He was in love. There was no need for him to speak of his feelings. Chingachgook could see it every time Hawkeye gazed at the face of his beloved Cora Munro.
Taking a moment, Chingachgook glanced at his other son, Uncas. He had known since their leap into the falls that leaving behind Alice Munro had hurt his younger son deeply. He had witnessed the looks the two had exchanged with each other. Was it love? He didn't know and wasn't sure how he felt about it. Perhaps after the rescue of Heyward and the sisters he would speak to Uncas. For now, he brought his attentions back to the unfolding scene below him.
The crowd in the clearing had thinned and moved into another part of the village. Chingachgook caught sight of Hawkeye leading Cora away from the gathering. Now that Cora was free, what had become of Alice and Major Heyward?
War whoops and other sounds filled the air and it didn't take him long to see why. Heyward had been lashed between two wooden poles, a human sacrifice for the Huron fire pits. The Major was giving his life for Cora and his son. Chingachgook prayed briefly to the Maker of All Life, thanking him for the man's courage because he would need every ounce of it for what was to come.
While his father had watched for Hawkeye's return, Uncas's focus had been on the departing Magua. The Huron was leaving in a different direction with several of his braves and he was taking Alice with him. Why? What use was she to him now?
Her cries for Cora, as the two were separated, tore into his heart like a white, hot knife. He had to go to her. If he waited, there was every chance he might lose her forever. A terrible rage began to smolder inside of him at the thought of Magua touching her. He had to be stopped, here and now.
Silently, Uncas placed a hand on his father's shoulder. Turning toward his youngest, Chingachgook could see the grim resolve on his son's face. Without speaking a word, Uncas let his eyes tell his father he was going after Alice.
Knowing he couldn't stop him, Chingachgook watched as he tore through the scrub, moving swiftly up the hillside. As Uncas disappeared into the tree line above him, an unearthly fear seized the elder Mohican. Something was wrong. He knew he needed to follow his impetuous younger son, but he had to wait for Hawkeye's return. Thankfully, his wait was not a long one.
Nathaniel and Cora burst through the surrounding trees and in one smooth motion, Chingachgook tossed him his rifle before disappearing into the brush. Scrambling up the mountainside after Uncas, he hoped to catch him before he did something rash. He knew his son to be a strong, skilled fighter, but his instincts told him he should hurry. Pushing himself, the elder Mohican shot up the hill.
Turning with his weapon, Nathaniel aimed it in Duncan's direction. The brave man was strung between two wooden poles, burning to death in the Huron's war fire. Even at this distance, his agonized screams carried up the mountainside. Nathaniel knew what must be done.
Horrified, Cora realized what he was preparing to do. Her friend's torture had to end and she realized this was the only way. His cries of pain cut into her already demoralized spirit. Unable to witness the last few moments of his life, Cora turned from the scene, letting go all the tears she had kept at bay. They fell for the loss of her friend, for her father, for Alice, and for herself.
With a heavy heart, Nathaniel gently squeezed the trigger on his weapon. The bullet flew toward its target, striking Duncan in the head, instantly ending his suffering. Nathaniel lowered the rifle as smoke from its discharge floated ghost-like around his face. Unshed tears shimmered in his eyes as he took a moment, staring at Duncan's lifeless body. Turning from the tragic scene, he collected his bags, following his father and brother's tracks up the mountain.
With a heart heavy over the loss of her friend, Cora turned and followed Nathaniel. Struggling to keep up with him, her thoughts turned to Alice. Alice, who had been so excited over coming to America and seeing the wilderness, now was being taken into the heart of it by Magua. A man that had killed their father, and tried to kill both of them not once but twice. Climbing up the mountain trail, Cora said a short prayer that Nathaniel and the others would find and rescue her before she to was lost forever.
