The Red Dragon Ranger

by DragonRiderNinja

The Red Dragon Ranger must follow his teams arch enimey back in time to protect his team and the Ranger teams of the past, to stop his enimey from enslaving mankind, and to find The Gold Dragon Gem and ultimately find out who he is please Read & Review

39. Chapter 38 Legends Alive

Raising his gaze from the image Logan looked to where he could still feel Tommy before looking down at the image again. "I'm sorry Tommy but they need me more," he muttered, then streaked toward the others.

At the city limits led unknowingly by Green Ranger Tommy the others stared dumbstruck at him as he gave them a wicked grin. As Kim looked from on to the other she distantly heard Rocky bark. "HE'S SELLING US OUT!"

"That's because that's not Tommy!" and turning they were in time to see Logan leap over them throwing a flying sidekick.

Ducking under it, Green Ranger Tommy turned to face him and was nailed in the head by a spinning kick Logan threw after landing. "Just like when we first met wouldn't you say?" Logan taunted as Green Ranger Tommy regained his feet.

Facing both in shifting stances, they circled each other like a pair of alpha wolves. "Yeah and now I get to pay you back for some things," he muttered, whipping some blood from the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand then leapt forward.

Leaping into the air Logan flipped back as a wall of earth appeared where he had been that shattered under Green Ranger Tommy's kick. Leaping through the debris Logan nailed him in the chest with a double flying kick sending him back. Back on his feet, he parried a roundhouse from Green Ranger before retaliating with one of his own and a solid punch to Green Ranger's face.

After faking him out Logan wacked him on his other side with a kick. Blocking a backhand to his face, he locked out the arm by driving his forearm into it then nailed Green Ranger again with a backhand. After grabbing Green Ranger by the shoulders, he turned to drive his knee into his gut.

Blocking it, Green Ranger seized him by his leg and picked him right off the ground flipping him over his shoulder. Rolling back Logan hit him with both feet. Back on them, Logan using one knee like a stepping-stone Logan ran up and over him kicking him in the back of the head.

Facing him again, Logan ducked under a jumping spin kick but was nailed by the follow up spin kick. Going with it Logan threw a roundhouse that Green Ranger caught and pinned to his side and wacked Logan in the side of the face with a backhand. Leaping up Logan spun his free leg around that Green Ranger ducked under but was nailed in the face from the second kick Logan threw after landing on his side.

As Green Ranger fell back to the ground, Logan pounced coming down on top of his chest pinning him fist drawn back. "I guess some things don't change!"

With a wicked grin on his face Green Ranger retorted, "Oh this fight hasn't started yet I'm just stalling!" Eyes wide Logan looked up to see Wizard of Deception had appeared and had the others bound together by a ring of energy as he opened a portal through time. "Gotta keep your eyes on the prize!"

Glaring back at Green Ranger Logan growled. "I'll be back! That I promise you...but until then!" and he drove his fist into Green Ranger's face knocking him out.

Like a runner off the starter Logan sprinted full out, arms pumping toward the others just as Wizard of Deception opened a portal and threw them threw it with a wave of his wand. Throwing himself forward through the air and dived through the portal. Once inside he found himself in what seemed like an endless tunnel of energy.

Quickly spotting the others tumbling through the tunnel some dozen of feet apart from one another. Quickly formed streams of flames in his cupped hands and on the bottom of his feet he rocketed toward them. Reaching her first, he scooped up Kimberly in his arms.

"Hang tight to me!" he snapped at her.

"I didn't know you could fly!" she snapped back.

"I can't I'm just propelling us forward! Like what an astronaut does in space! Now get ready we're only going to get one shot!" he answered as they neared Rocky. "Grab him!" and snatching out her arm half blindly Kimberly's hand closed on Rocky's arm.

One by one they collected the others almost loosing Aisha until Rocky grabbed her. "Now whatever happens don't let go of each other! Or else we'll come out separated from each other! Here we go!" Logan snapped at all of them as they came to what had to be the end of the tunnel.

With a series of cries, they passed through and came down hard on the ground in a tangled heap with Logan at the bottom of the pile. "Where the hell are we?" Rocky demanded looking around at the forest around him.

"I might be able to tell you if you got the hell off of me!" Logan snapped his face half buried in the dirt. At that the others quickly got to their feet and he joined them brushing off the needles and dirt cling to him.

"Well judging by some of these pines, oaks and hemlocks… I'd say we're somewhere in the northeastern North America," Billy said, looking around.

"I'd have to agree with you on that but the better question is when the hell are we?" Logan commented nodded. Looking back, he saw all eyes had turned to him. "What don't you see it don't you smell it?" he asked, and they frowned looking around.

"What?" Aisha asked, confused.

"Car fumes…discarded trash…trail markers…," Logan counted off looking at her.

Frowning she looked around again. "I guess not," she muttered, taking a step.

"Aisha freeze!"

At once, she froze her foot about six inches above the ground and all eyes turned to Logan. Who was staring at the ground below it. "Red Dragon what is the matter with you?" Kimberly snapped.

Not looking at her, he picked up a stick and slowly approached on bended knee. Reaching forward with it he pressed into a spot right below Aisha's foot. And the teeth of the steel trap snapped closed. "Now that's a bad day waiting to happen," he muttered, picking up the trap and tossing it aside before looking at a wide eyed Aisha.

"I thought using those things was against the law!" Rocky snapped going to her.

"It is in most states," Billy said, then looked at Logan. "How'd you know it was there?"

"I saw the teeth," he answered looking around. "Look I think some of us need to do some recon…so Aisha, Rocky, Adam you're with me…,"

"Why them? And who put you in charge?"

Turning to look at Kimberly's hard stubborn face Logan snapped, "You want to get home alive?" for a few seconds she just stood where she was face hard a glint of steel in her eye. He ran his fingers through his hair sighing, "You're a great fighter Kimberly but they have special training…,"

"What kind of training?" Kimberly demanded crossing her arms.

Again, Logan sighed but before he could say anything, they all whipped around as what sounded like a small cannon going off. "You three suit up! And you two stay here!" Logan snapped japing his finger at Billy and Kimberly and pulling their clothes Rocky, Adam, and Aisha were suddenly in their Thunder Ninja Uniforms. "Any more questions about their training?" and after he revealed his Dragon Storm uniform and slipping masks the small group left.

Leaping from tree to tree, the group separated in groups of two they raced as fast as they could toward the noise while keeping out of sight. Ten minutes later crouched low on a branch above some kind of woodland path with tracks dug into the ground a kept from sight by the leaves. After glancing at Rocky next to him Logan cupped his hands over his mouth and gave a birds call and a second later Aisha answered from her and Adam's position in some foliage.

See anything from up there? she asked, once Logan connected to her mind.

Nothing yet but whatever had made that sound had to have come from somewhere around this area…wait! Logan started before stopping. 'I hear something,' and he turned his head toward the sound.

Keeping covered, he watched the path before his eyes went wide at what came round the bend. It was horse drawn wagon loaded with house good from chairs to an ornate wardrobe.

A man drove it. He was wearing breeches a waist coat a linen shirt with ruffled ends poking out of his British army red jacket and three pointed hat.

Then slowly Logan's eyes turned to the woman. Sitting at its seat was a middle-aged man and a younger woman in an old fashions stylish dress and cloak her equally stylish straw hat on her knee. But what caught his attention was her beautiful face with full lips, narrow chin, angled eyebrows, sharp cheeks, and long dark luxurious hair.

Are you seeing what we're seeing? Adam asked, and blinking Logan shook his head to clear it.

yeah and though history isn't my best subject, I think I know when we are…or at least can hazard a guess, Rocky said, and Logan looked at him.

Turning back to look at the couple as the man pulled the wagon to a stop as they talked. We gotta get back to the others…, he started when Rocky after grabbing his upper arm pointed. Two Indians dressed in a mix of traditional and colonial clothing and armed with bows and tomahawks appeared further down the road running toward the wagon giving cries, as they got close.

We gotta…, Rocky started but Logan grabbed him.

We can do nothing! They can't see us like this! And if I'm right, that is an Indian in his prime they can disappear and attack as easily as us…especially in this forest! he snapped to all of them as he watched the man pull a musket from the wagon and cock it.

As he leveled it, another Indian similarly dressed carrying a rifle appeared out of the bushes behind the wagon. "Take the one on the right white man!" he shouted leveling his weapon and with a blast like a small cannon fired.

At once, the ones on the left was thrown off his feet as the ball hit him. "Shoot white man! Now!" the Indian called again as he started to reload.

Taking a second to aim the man in the wagon fired and the second Indian fell. "Shot the savage! Did you see Elizabeth?" the man gloated while above them Rocky and Logan shared a glance.

"I saw William, I saw," Elizabeth said, in a light Virginia accent releasing the breath she was holding.

Smiling the other Indian shook his head. "You missed he didn't," he said, nodding to another man walking out of the bush carrying a rifle as well.

He was tall man with a thin face long black hair that flowed in the light breeze. As he gracefully as a deer on his moccasin covered feet moved through the underbrush Logan saw powerful lean muscles under his loose white shirt. Over one shoulder hung a black and white beaded belt that crossed to his opposite hip where a bag hung. Around his waist was tied a sash over his buckskin pants.

"No I beg to differ it was I that made the shot," William protested.

Smiling the man came around the wagon in front of the horses. "Good morning I'm Nathanial Bumppo, people around here call me Hawkeye," he said, leaning on his weapon the butt resting on the ground and Logan's eyes went wide. "Where you heading?"

"we travel to my by brother's command new post at Fort Bennington, I am Lieutenant William Monroe and this is my wife Elizabeth, my brother is Captain Monroe and my father is Colonel Monroe," William said.

"William I believe we owe this man and the Indian a debt of graduate," Elizabeth said, looking at her husband.

"To the savage yes but good sir please clarify to my wife it was my shot that struck the other dead," Lieutenant Monroe said, insistently.

After glancing at the Indian Hawkeye chuckled, "well sir I think I think that the truth of the matter if it's that important to you is however you saw it," waving his hand as the Indian went to a tree were the second dead man lied knife in hand.

Smiling the Captain nodded. "There you see Elizabeth it is as I said," he gloated regaining his seat.

What do we do? Adam asked, as the Indian returned to the wagon standing near the woman.

We get back to the others and report what we learned, Logan answered as the Indian discreetly got the woman's attention.

"This belongs to your husband ma'am, he might need it," he whispered handing her a slightly flattened musket ball.

Maybe he'll hit the broadside of a barn, Rocky comment leaping away.

Yeah in like a year, how the hell did he become a Lieutenant? But right now, I'm just more shocked that these people are actually real! Logan retorted following him.

Probably bought his way or his brother helped him…a lot, and what are you talking about? Aisha said.

I guess none of you have read or see The Last of the Mohicans.

Ten minutes later they landed in the middle of the clearing were the others were waiting. "Did you find anything out?" Billy asked, as they straightened.

"Yeah were somewhere in what will probably be New York in the mid-17000s," Logan answered removing his mask and Billy blinked. "So the first order of business is a change of clothes," and with that Logan spun on his heel. When he faced them, again he was wearing buckskin pants, knee high moccasins, buckskin jacket with frills over a white shirt. "Now for you guys," and he snapped his fingers.

At once Kimberly was dressed in a simple full dress while Aisha was dressed in a more ragged one; Rocky, Adam, and Billy however were dressed in breeches, white shirts, three pointed hats, and different colored vests.

After they looked their clothes over, they looked at him. "Thanks for the change man, but why do you get to be the mountain man?" Rocky asked.

Smiling Logan walked forward. "One because I'm the one who can do magic, two would you rather go out and steal the clothes?" For a few seconds they were silent. "I didn't think so," and he turned away.

"I have a question," and he turned back to Aisha. "Why did you dress me in…very shabby hand me downs?" she asked, lifting the skirt of the dress indicating the patches.

Uncomfortably he bit his lip. "Because…because…," he started trying to find the right words.

"'Because' why?" she persisted arching her eyebrows.

Letting out a puff of air he blurted out, "because this is the 1700s not the 1900s."

She blinked and the others frowned. "What does that have to do with it?"

Sighing he continued, "Aisha you have to remember that in this time…people like you…well…they're not generally seen as human beings…they're seen as…well…less than human…property you could say," when he was done they were staring at him mouths open.

"Oh no, oh no! Forget it! Not going to happen! I am nobody's slave!" she barked, sharply crossing her arms face hard.

Raising hands to quite her Logan said, "Aisha I know! But you have to understand that here and in this time, that's how things are! If you try to fight it here they…will…kill…you without hesitation or remorse!" he snapped back and she blinked her face going slack. "To the public eye you have to be a slave but in reality you're not. Now before we do anything else you have to pick who will be your pretend master or mistress!" For a few seconds Aisha held his gaze before lowering hers then slowly looked at Kimberly who looked at her.

"And besides I'm in more danger that you in this time," and they looked at him.

"How are you in more danger?" Adam asked, crossing his arms and frowning.

"Because of this," and he snapped his finger and flame appeared. "If anyone here found out that I can do magic I'll be killed. Without a trial and with extreme prejudice and my options would be drowning, cooked alive, or lynching," he told them and they looked at each other.

"And another thing Billy do you have your glasses?" Logan asked, looking at Billy who nodded. "Then loose the contacts, saline solution won't be invented for about two hundred years."

A few hours later in clearing where they had made a makeshift camp under Logan's supervision and direction. As others went to get water and fire wood, Logan was working on making a fire using a drill and thumb string method a tinder ball nearby. "Almost makes you wish the lighter had been invented," he said, as he felt Kimberly come close.

"Yeah I guess," she said, walking forward before dropping down to her knees her arms laden with sticks and wood for the fire. "How long do you think we'll be here for?" and she looked at him.

Keeping up the pressure and the motion, he looked at her shrugging. "Who knows time travel is a dangerous and strange thing. We maybe gone for a few hours there but…for us it could be days…even months," he said, and her eyes widened.

"I doubt they'll recognize us then," she muttered, looking away.

"I wouldn't worry about that," and she looked at him. "When we entered the time portal we passed through what might considered a checkpoint in a video game. When we return physically we'll be just as before, only mentally will we grow and be different."

For a few seconds she was silent. "Could we…go back…to anytime or place?"

He glanced at her as the end of the drill started to smoke. With smooth practiced movements, he transferred the coal into the tinder ball and gently blew on it until flames grew. "I know why you asked, that Kim but it won't be up to us. We can only go from one end of the portal to the next," he said, carefully putting the ball in the fire pit they had built and slowly fed it.

"But you can…,"

"We're talking about magic at the highest level and well beyond my capabilities; we have to rely on Tommy and Zordon to get us home. And even then if the opportunity I don't think that should…,"

"Red Dragon please…," she begged a plea in her eye. "All I want is a chance, if it's possible to save him."

For a few seconds he looked at her. "No promises. But you have to remember that your father died saving the lives of over a dozen women and children from the Rebels. What would happen to them if he's not there…," he said, and she lowered her gaze. "I have to go check the snares make sure to feed the fire like I showed you," and with that he climbed to his feet started walking toward the forest.

"Were did you learn all this anyway?"

Turning to walk backwards he answered, "when I was a kid a dear friend as his friend who is half Ndee and her husband who grew up in the Amazon Rainforest to teach me how to survive," and with that he walked through the forest.

"'Ndee'?"

"Apache, on her father's side her mother was Japanese," he said, over his shoulder.

Sometimes I wondered why Tommy asked, Alyssa and Cole to do that, red Dragon commented.

Me to now we know they were preparing me for what was to come, Logan said, as he neared the first snare.

And you know what that means, as they came to one and found a rabbit hanging from it.

Yeah sooner or later, they'll learn who I am, he said, getting the rabbit down.

Let's just hope it's later than sooner.

An hour later after Logan had skinned and gutted the rabbit he was slowly cooking it over the campfire on a spit. "So Rocky how do you like your rabbit?" and he looked at Rocky.

"Medium rare… but I wish we could have gone to the fort," he said, resting placing his hands behind his back as he leaned against a log.

"Why? I thought we all agreed that we needed to come up with a cover story," Logan asked, as he removed the spit.

"Because I wouldn't mind having some of the facilities they have there," and again Logan looked at him.

Unable to keep the grin off his face he shook his head as he started breaking the meat up. "Rocky the facilities you want to use won't be in use in the big cities for about a century. Even there any tree will do," he said, as the others laughed.

They were just finishing and Rocky telling a joke when Logan froze on his last bite. "What is it?" Kimberly asked, watching as he glanced around and they all looked at him.

"Quite, if their hostile nothing fancy and girls stay back," he muttered, slowly standing looking around. His eyes swiveling he scanned the area that he felt the people. "I may not see you but I know you're there!" he barked.

For a few seconds there was silence then with a series of cries painted up Indians charged from the forest and behind Logan, the others leapt to their feet. Stepping back into a stance Logan waited as one brandishing a tomahawk rushed him. When he reached him, he flipped the man onto his back disarming him.

Beside him, Rocky blocked a blow from on with a club before driving his fist into the man's gut before slipping behind him and choking him out. Next to him Adam, first driving a fist into the man's gut then after ducking under a swing nailed him in the back of the head with a backhand. As Billy drove his fist into his opponent's face knocking him out Kimberly leaping forward grabbed the shoulder of the man coming up behind him spun him around and knocked him out with a solid swing as three archers stepped into view and fired.

Tomahawk in hand Logan leapt forward and using it deflected two and stopped one a hair breath from Kim's face. She stared at it wide eyed as it quivered on the shaft of the tomahawk. Facing the archers Logan wrenched it free and snapped it in two.

Teeth bared they raised their bows to fire again. Just then, a shot from a musket or rifle rang through the night and one of the arches fell dead.

"And this was already an eventful night for me!" a voice called out and turning Logan saw Hawkeye step into sight. "Now it seems you fellas have already bitten off more than you can chew with these folks. Do you really want me and my Delaware brothers to add to those odds," he said, in hard voice.

For a few seconds the Indians were still as if weighing his words as they peered around them. Then as if making up their minds one by one they carried their beaten and dead back into the forest and out of sight. When they were gone, Logan released the breath he was hold and flipping the tomahawk around held it by the blade.

"Thanks we owe you one," he said, walking forward offering his hand. "And that was a hell of a bluff," he finished when he was close.

Smiling Hawkeye nodded. "You're welcome I already enjoyed their hospitality earlier. My name is…," he started.

"Hawkeye, otherwise known as Long Rifle, your reputation precedes you," Logan said.

Arching one eyebrow Hawkeye nodded. "I guess so, now what are you folks doing out here? Especially unarmed," he inquired.

"We were on our way to the Fort, but lost our supplies and animals several miles back at a river," Kimberly told him.

He nodded taking it in. "well it's too late to take shelter at the Fort you're welcome to join me at the Delaware camp not far from here. Though you seem to be doing fine by yourselves."

Smiling Logan nodded. "We'd like that by the way I'm Alec, this in Kimberly, Rocky, Billy, Adam, and Aisha," he offered as they prepared to leave.

Early the next day Logan awoke from his bed he had been given in the lodge. Sighing he stretched a bit before he started to get dressed. When he walked outside smiling around at the village as the people went about their daily routine.

"You're up awfully early."

Turning he smiled at Hawkeye. "So are you," he said, walking over to him as he polished his rifle sitting next to the Indian from yesterday, which had to be Chingachgook.

Smiling he nodded. "Yes we were planning on going to check our traps and hunting since we were interrupted yesterday."

"Mind of I join you?" and both looked at him.

After a few seconds, the Indian shrugged. "We have a few spare rifles your welcome…,"

"I prefer a bow," Logan said, sitting down.

Frowning Hawkeye eyed him. "Why? They not as accurate or have as much power."

"On the other hand rifles create a lot of noise, a lot of smoke, and a very bad smell when fired," Logan pointed out.

For a few seconds the two looked at him before shrugging again. "I guess you have a point," Hawkeye said.

"Or else he's as good a shot with a rifle as that white man from yesterday," Chingachgook said, a half grin on his face.

Arching his eyebrow Logan grinned back. "Now that sounds like a challenge to me, can I borrow that?" he said, standing indicating the rifle in Hawkeye's hands.

Nodding Hawkeye handed it over and Logan reveled in the idea of handling the man's rifle. "See that branch with twisted knot halfway up that tree?" he asked, cocking it and looking at the tree across from them on the other side of the village they nodded.

Raising the rifle, he took aim down the sight. Then fired, and with a snap the branch fell to the ground. "You were saying," Logan, muttered, rubbing his ear handing the rifle back.

For a few seconds Logan and Chingachgook looked at each other before the other smiled offering his hand. "Well I'm one to admit when I'm wrong, Chingachgook."

Logan took it. "Alec and who is that?" and he nodded toward two an Indian and young woman with blonde hair wearing a buckskin frilled dress. Though he could guess who they were.

"That would be by Brother Uncas and his wife Alice but she prefers…," Chingachgook started.

"Woapaneu Allanque or Morning Star," she interrupted. "Nice shooting," she complemented and Logan nodded.

A short while later Logan a quiver of arrows over his shoulder and bow in hand was out in the forest with Hawkeye, Chingachgook, and Uncas. As they were checking on their snares, they placed a few new ones.

As they finished with one and walking onto the next Logan glanced at Uncas. "So how did you get a girl like Morning Star?" he asked.

At that, Uncas shifted uncomfortably along with Hawkeye and Chingachgook. "Well she's actually Colonel Monroe's daughter," he muttered, and Logan looked from one to another.

"And I take it the Colonel isn't too happy with his son-in-law?" he commented.

Hawkeye shrugged. "According to him the Delaware and some of the Iroquoian tribes are good enough to be their allies but not human enough to be his in-laws."

"What about the rest of the family?" Logan asked, and Chingachgook looked at him.

"Well his first son Thomas is of the same mind as for his second son William he got here yesterday we'll have to wait and see," he said.

"And how did you come to be with the Delaware?" he asked, looking at Hawkeye.

"My parents came from here from Scotland. When I was a young boy, they were killed by a Huron war party. I had managed to take refuge in the forest where Chingachgook and Uncas's father found me. He took me back to camp and raised me as his own, and I've been with them ever since," he said, before facing him. "Now how'd you get that," and he indicated the scar down his eye.

Silently Logan ran a finger down it thinking. "Let's just say I got into an argument and got lucky," he muttered, and then the group froze as a shot rang out.

"That came from the lake!" Hawkeye snapped and the group broke into a run. Running through the forest, they leapt over obstacles and around the trees that got in our ways. Some of them looking at Logan as he leaped across a small ravine landing with a roll.

Stopping just inside the tree line they saw a canoe on it loaded with supplies and trading goods. Two woodsmen were paddling it feverishly with a third wearing a British uniform in the middle firing a musket at the canoe of Indians, which had to be Hurons, that was after them. And quickly closing the distance.

"Chingachgook, Uncas try to sink that Canoe form here Alec and I will try from further down!" Hawkeye snapped and the two of them darted forward.

Running full out, the two didn't stop until they were ahead of the canoes and they heard two shots ring out behind them. Looking at the canoes, they saw the Indians had dug their paddles into the water bringing their canoe almost to a stop. And the ball from Chingachgook's and Uncas's splashed into the water in front of it.

Dropping to one knee Hawkeye cocked his rifle and Logan drew two arrows. Taking aim Hawkeye and Logan bobbed the rifle and loaded bow with drawn back string up and down before they fired. A second later two paddles in the Indians hands snapped in half and the other two on the other side were thrown out of their owner's hands by the arrows.

Thanks Kimberly he thought.

"Nice shot," Hawkeye commented.

"Likewise."

"What?"

"Uh you to."

"Oh," and they both looked back at the second canoe at a loud splash and they saw the British soldier's head bob in the water. Looking up they saw two Indians dive from their canoe and swim after him. Just as they reached them Hawkeye fired again and Logan saw it impact at the waterline of the canoe.

At that the other two Hurons dived over and the group swam with their prisoner swam for the opposite shore. Standing straight, they watched as the Hurons dragged the man away when they landed as the second canoe rowed hard in their direction before they beached it and the woodsmen hopped out. Looking over Logan watched as Chingachgook and Uncas ran up to them.

"We thank you for saving our scalps, and that was some of the greatest shooting I've ever seen two paddles one ball. Not to mention such bow skill two arrows two paddles one shot," he said, offering his hand.

Looking from the man to the boat where a musket with shiny brass fitting lay. "Maybe we shot at the wrong boat," Hawkeye muttered, placing his foot atop a log and rubbed his heel a few times. Then without another word, the four of them left the woods men looking after them with frowns on their faces.

"We gotta get back to the fort and report what happened, that was the Colonel's second son they took," Hawkeye said, when they were out of earshot and again they broke into a run.

Logan nodded. "If it's on the way we'd also better stop by the camp to I can collect my friends."

"Don't worry it's on the way, and for that shot I'd call you Hawkeye if it wasn't my brother's name," Chingachgook said.

"What about Falcons or Eagle Eye," he suggested glancing at him a half grin on his face.

Glancing back, he shrugged as they leapt over some fallen logs. "The way you move Falcons Eye would probably be the best fit," he said, and the smile spread wide across his face.

A few hours later, after stopping back at the Delaware camp for the others and horses they rode back to fort as fast as they could. Billy I just can't believe you don't know how to ride! Logan hissed in his mind when they reached the gates Hawkeye and Chingachgook in the thick wooden stake front.

Well I'm sorry I just never felt comfortable with something with a brain between my legs! Besides, we don't live the backwoods! He hissed back.

Well we're in the backwoods now so learn fast! Logan retorted as the gate was opened.

After urging his horse forward (a palomino with a white socks on the hind legs) when he saw that Uncas wasn't coming. Turning back around he walked his horse back. "You coming?" he asked, when they were level.

Looking at him Uncas shook his head. "It's not that I'm not welcomed it's just…"

"The Colonel doesn't like to see you if he can help it," Logan finished nodding looking away. "Well I'll give him your best and the only opinion from his side of the family that matters is your wife…so far," and Uncas laughed as Logan turned his horse back around and galloped into the fort.

Pulling his horse alongside the others, he dismounted looking around him. Aside from the several barracks, there was a trading post, a tavern, a blacksmith forge, and a carpentry workshop. "Well there definitely ready for the war," Kimberly muttered, eyeing the drilling soldiers and the cannons lining the walls.

"What'd you expect they are at war," Logan muttered, adjusting the quiver over his shoulder. "Time to play the role Aisha," he muttered, next to her.

Slowly she turned her head to look at him. "Yes'sem boss," she said, sarcastically a blaze in her eyes.

Rolling his eyes Logan looked over at the trading post, which had a small crowd inside. "Wonder what's that all about?" he mused and both Kimberly and Aisha looked over.

"Maybe there's a sale going on," Kimberly put in the old shoppers gleam in her eye.

Sighing he glanced over at Hawkeye who caught his eye and nodded. "Okay let's go have a look," he moaned and the three walked over.

Opening the door at stepping inside they paused. "Okay that's defiantly something you don't see every day. Spitting contests in a store," Kimberly muttered, as a guy sitting in a chair on one side of the room tried to spit into a cup that Elizabeth had placed on the floor.

Even though the man had narrowly missed, Elizabeth smiled. "So you see Mr. Lodge though you were close. You have just proven my point that a spittoon is larger and better for this than a cup," and she picked up a spittoon from a shelf. As the man shrugged and the crowd dispersed and as some left the post some pushed right past or through Aisha.

Sensing the danger on her rock hard face Logan placed a hand on her shoulder. 'I warned you this might happen now let it go!' he hissed in her mind.

She turned glaring at him as Elizabeth turn and smiled at them. "Hello there how may I help you?" she said, walking over.

Smiling Logan leaned lightly on his bow. "No we're just admiring your pitch though I'm a little surprised that a woman is running the trading post."

Laughing at that she returned to spittoon to the shelf. "So was my husband when I suggested it to him spent most of the journey here persuading him that I could," as she walked back around the counter, she eyed them as they walked forward. "So are you new here as well?" she asked, her eyes narrowing on Aisha.

Noticing her gaze Logan nodded. "Yes for right now were staying at the Delaware camp, until we can find a place inside the fort."

At that, she looked at them. "You came all this way without a claim anywhere and yet you brought a slave with you!"

At the tone of disgust in her voice, Logan arched an eyebrow. "From your tone I take it you don't agree with slavery," he said.

She turned her hard eyes on him. "No I don't!" she snapped.

"And yet I hear the rolling hills of Virginia in that accent."

At that, she leaned against the counter. "No I don't I find it morally repugnant, unacceptable, and a sin, and just because I come from the Virginia colony does not mean I condone it," she half snapped.

Narrowing his eyes Logan glanced in her mind to see if she was telling the truth before ginning and leaning close. "Well in that case we'll let you in on a little secret," he said, and Kimberly and Aisha's eyes went wide.

"And what's that?" Elizabeth asked, frowning in confusion.

"Let's just say she was bought but never used," Logan whispered and she blinked.

Red Dragon I though you said…, Kimberly started.

Anyone from Virginia and hates slavery can be trusted besides I have my ways of detecting liars and tricksters; he reassured both of them as Elizabeth looked at her.

"What's your name?" she asked, Aisha.

After giving Logan and Kimberly a side-glance, she muttered. "Aisha," then slowly she turned and glanced over her shoulder. "And I must say it will be nice to speak to someone else other than my friends. Especially since, I speak and spell better English then most people in this fort. Present company excluded of course," she finished smiling.

Elizabeth blinked. "I guess so, so can I help you with anything? Like do you need oil for that tomahawk?" and she gestured to the tomahawk at Logan's waist. "Or can I interest you girls with some fur I traded for recently?"

Biting his lip Logan glanced at the girls. "Well we did come in to browse…but there is something else," he said, looking at her.

She frowned. "What?"

"It's about your husband," Logan muttered, and Elizabeth's eyes went wide.

"What about my husband?" she demanded just as the door behind them opened. "What is it?" she practically snapped at the two young men that walked in.

"Sorry Mrs. Monroe but Doyle and Cog are back," one with blonde hair and a sharp angled face said.

"My husband?" she asked a slight tremor in her voice.

"He an't with them," said the other with shorter dark brown hair and a round face.

Slowly Elizabeth looked at Logan. "Is that…?"

"I was there, so was a man called Hawkeye and his brothers Chingachgook and Uncas…he was taken by Hurons…I'm sorry that we weren't able to stop it," he said, but before he finished she was already running out the door.

When the group left the trading post Logan eyed the log building that held the Colonel's office. To him the wall disappeared and he watch Elizabeth argue with two men about his height wearing fancier red coats then the rest of the soldiers in addition to their white wigs. Both had similar hard faces with sharp features though one was clearly older than the other, the older whose uniform was even more fancily decorated looked slightly softer and kinder than the other.

Colonel and Captain Monroe I presume.

"You know I'm starting to think it might more hygienic to stay at the Delaware Camp," Kimberly said, as she eyed some of the people and piles of horse manure on the loose dirt ground. "I mean some of these people smell like they haven't had a bath in a month."

Looking at her then around he nodded. "Yeah I guess this would be a better place just to visit. Plus I for one don't want to fight many battles in this war. Look gather up the others I have to go find Hawkeye and Chingachgook," and he walked away.

He found them at the smithy Chingachgook on one knee and with a knife worked on Hawkeye's bare ankle. "What's going on here?" he asked, coming close after giving the tall well-muscled smith a curt nod in greeting.

"That's what we'd like to know," and they turned to see Doyle and Cog come over.

"We saw you come in here and thought we'd thank you again. Now what is the savage doing to your leg my friend?" the taller one said, while the shorter one with fancy gold fitting on his rifle leaned against it nodding.

Looking up at them, Hawkeye gave him a grimacing smile. "Last summer I caught a Huron…"

"Seneca," Chingachgook interrupted not looking up.

Looking down at him Hawkeye bared his teeth before looking back at Logan. "…a Huron arrow and the tip of the blasted thing got stuck and now its past beyond being ignored," he finished explaining and he grimaced again. "Now what happened in the boat?"

Looking back at the two men Logan saw them fidget. "It was like how we said, before friend, Lieutenant Monroe lost his balance and fell out," the shorter one said. "Hey you were there you must have saw what happened," he continued when they remained silent.

"I don't know about you Hawkeye but I find it a bit difficult to fall out of the center of a canoe," Logan said, not looking at them.

"He was trying to reload the musket and dropped the ball," the bigger one said.

"I see…it can happen…but didn't I run into you two cold winters ago? Hunting on the Manganic," Hawkeye said, his eyes narrowing at the shorter man.

"I doubt it…I stuck to the south…," the shorter one said, and Logan could smell the sweat build on him.

"well the fella I remember was a pretty good shot…and he carried a fine rifle…it had gold inlay on the strike plate…just like the one I saw in your canoe and the one you're carrying now," Hawkeye continued eyeing the weapon. "OW! That would be my bone Chingachgook!"

"Well come to think of it I did do some hunting on the Manganic," the shorter one said, as Logan turned to face them.

"you want to know what I also find curious…why would the best shot leave the shooting to a…lily white handed Lieutenant…who couldn't hit a target ten feet from him," Hawkeye continued.

"Just what are you saying Hawkeye?" the shorter one demanded stepping forward.

"I'm saying that next to me the best set of eyes here is Chingachgook and Falcons Eye…and what Chingachgook saw was a man being pushed…now what were you doing in the French territory?" and Chingachgook stood and went to the forge.

"I don't take to being called a liar!" the shorter one snapped leveling his weapon.

Face hardening Hawkeye growled, "put the gun down Doyle!" and Doyle remained where he was. "Or before the flint strike spark I'll shove…," and before Hawkeye could finish Chingachgook dropped a knife that had been heated by the fire on to Doyle's booted foot.

At once, the man yelped in pain and quick as a flash both Logan and Hawkeye acted. Logan fist kicking Cog in the gut sending him into the entrance wall before quickly rising it high to press the side of his foot into the man's throat cutting his breath short. Hawkeye leaping to his feet charged Doyle before he could recover and using the man's rifle pinned it under his chin against the wall next to his friend.

"We were paid to bring Monroe to the north! We were chased by heathens if you don't believe us…ask them!" Doyle said, struggling to breath.

For a few seconds the three looked at their prisoners. "Maybe Chingachgook was mistaken," Hawkeye said, stepping back and Logan lowered his foot slowly but kept his leg raise and cocked. "After all the only one who could say for sure is Monroe. By now he's probably resting in a Huron dog's belly that is if they hadn't turning him over to the French.

"Now you be on your way and prey you've told me the truth…I don't take the killing of men lightly," he warned.

For a few seconds Cog and Doyle stood were they were. "You heard the man be on your way!" Logan snapped be sound kicked cog across the face sending him to the ground.

The three of them watched them go before Hawkeye wobbled back to his seat and Chingachgook after kneeling down cartelized the wound. Not making a sound Hawkeye bared his teeth in pain. When it was over Chingachgook stood holding the tip of the arrowhead.

"Like I said, Seneca."

"I still say it was a Huron."

Chingachgook chuckled, "of course all white men know more about arrow heads then red man," and he tossed it into the forge.

Shaking his head Hawkeye turned to Logan who had been watching. "I'd put my money on his knowledge," Logan shrugged and Chingachgook nodded to him.

"Where did you learn to do that?" Hawk eye asked, slipping on his moccasin and adjusting his pants.

"Let's just say friends of a friend," Logan answered after a few seconds. "Now come on my friends are think of stay at the camp after all with your permission," and he looked at Chingachgook who after a few seconds nodded his assentation.

A while later after they had left the fort from ample cover Hawkeye eyed a Huron stalking a deer. As the man drew back the string of his bow, he leveled his rifle and fired. As the head of his arrow snapped off the man whipped around.

"We need to parley," he said, stepped into sight. With a cry, the Huron drew a tomahawk and charged him. Blocking the blow with his rifle Hawkeye before whacking the man on the side of the head with the butt of his weapon.

As the Huron turn to get back on his feet, an arrow shot down from a nearby tree coming to rest in the man's tomahawk. "A short talk or a short life!" Logan called before dropping down while Chingachgook and Uncas came into sight as well.

For a few seconds the man looked at them then sighed. "You know I never knew Hurons could sing so well," Logan said, when they rejoined the others on the trail.

"I still don't see why we couldn't come with you," Rocky moaned standing next to his horse and Logan rolled his eyes moving to mount his horse.

Before he could, a sound drew their attention. "What the…," and the group moved quietly through the bush.

Stopping behind some trees, they peered through he branches. "Oh hell fire!" Hawkeye cursed. "What are those two up to?" and they watched the two clearly lost boys from the trading post the blonde standing on their pack mule.

"It would be my guess that they're trying to rescue Lieutenant Monroe," Chingachgook answered.

"What are they crazy? Why would they do that?" Kimberly demanded quietly.

"The reward of course, ah its best to level them here, at the rate their going they won't reach the French fort until winter," Hawkeye said, then turned to leave with Chingachgook and Uncas.

After watching them go, Logan looked back at the boys. "Remind you of anyone?" and the others looked at them before they followed.

"I wouldn't be surprised if they were related," Aisha said, and the group gave a quite set of snorts.

When they were back at the camp Logan sat in one of the lodges rubbing a cloth along his bow when Kimberly and the others came in., looking up he frowned at their new attire of buckskin pants, shirts, and moccasins.

"Why'd you guys go native?" he asked, laying the bow across his lap.

"The skirts kept getting caught in bushes, not to mention it would be a pain to keep all those clothes clean," Kimberly said, and he nodded.

"You should have seen the look on their faces when the girls asked, for pants," Billy said, sitting down along with the others.

"I bet it was quite a shock, though you boys haven't gone completely native," he mused eyeing them.

Looking at each other they smiled before Adam started, "well we draw the line at loin…"

"Breach cloths," Logan interrupted.

The boys frowned. "What?" Rocky said.

"They're called breach cloths, not loin cloths."

"Whatever."

For a few seconds they sat in silence before Aisha said, "you know out of all of us you seem to have the looser tongue," and Logan looked at her.

"What do you mean?" he asked, resting an elbow on his knee.

"I mean when it comes to me we agreed that to everyone else I'm a slave and yet…," she started but was silenced as Logan raised a hand to silence her.

Looking at the entrance flap, he frowned his nostrils flaring as he inhaled sniffing the air then expanded his mind. "Do you two want to join in on the conversation!" he called out to Hawkeye and Chingachgook. Turning the others eyed the entrance for few seconds before the flap was pulled back and the two men entered. "But the question is can you be trusted?"

For a few seconds both Hawkeye and Chingachgook looked at them before smiling. "I think we've already proven that. You guys weren't really fooling us, she doesn't carry herself like a slave or act like it," Hawkeye said, walking over to join them.

"I wasn't sure it would she's a spirited girl," Logan said, looking at her.

"That she is and that not the only law of the white man you're breaking."

"What other law are you talking about?" Kim asked, arching an eyebrow.

"It's against the law for an African woman to be involved with a white man," Hawkeye answered looking from Rocky to Aisha.

"And I warned them to be subtle," Logan said, hard eyes looking at them and they bit their lips uncomfortably.

"To most they will be, I just happened to see them kissing in the forest. Now I must go," and Hawkeye rose.

"Where?" Logan asked, also standing.

"To the fort," and Hawkeye looked at him. "Apparently Elizabeth Monroe wants to see me for something," he said.

"Mind if I join you?" Logan offered and Hawkeye looked at him.

Elizabeth paced the trading post trying to think of a way to get word or find Hawkeye. Before throwing herself down at a table and picking up a quill loaded it and started working on a ledger. Deciding that however she did there was nothing she could do tonight.

"I heard you were looking for me.'

Nearly jumping out of her skin, she whipped around and saw Hawkeye and Logan standing by the open door. "I did not hear you come in," she said, laying down her quill.

"You seemed peaceful, didn't see the need to change it," Hawkeye said, as they walked forward.

Her eyes shifted to Logan. "Well I would embrace peace and you were in here earlier with Aisha and her friend. I'm sorry but I didn't catch your name then," she said, smiling.

Returning the smile Logan nodded, "I'm Alec but the Delaware have come to call me Falcons Eye," and she nodded.

"On top of William I now have to deal with the disappearance of Ansell and Cabe. I think they have gone after William," she said, standing up and looking out the window.

"I wouldn't worry about them," and she turned back to Logan.

"They're safe," Hawkeye put in and she looked at him.

"You've seen them?" she asked, stepping closer.

"Yes and judging by their progress they're likely to reach the French fort by next winter," Hawkeye said, and she smiled in amusement.

"Why didn't you two bring them back?"

"Because boys need to get a since of what The Creator had in mind for them. Him and the spirits will watch after them," Hawkeye explained. After a few seconds, she nodded. "Your…husband is with the French," and at that she stared wide eyed at them.

"How do you know that?" she demanded.

"We had a little chat with a Huron not too far from here," Logan explained.

"Then I must tell my father in law at once, to explain that William is not a spy…and that we'll trade…," she said, walking toward the door.

"It's not possible," Hawkeye said, getting between her and the door.

"What? Why not?"

"Because by now the French have asked, the good Lieutenant a river worth of questions, about how much the English know of their fort and this one. If his father sent another Red Coat to them now they will know for sure, they will attack. And the Colonel will probably not trade for him but hope to rescue him in an attack and thus elevate his career," Hawkeye explained.

"Are suggesting that I do nothing? That I just let my husband wallow in the hands of the French?" Elizabeth demanded stepping back.

"We're sorry but there probably nothing more you can do," Logan said.

"And it's the way of the land," and Hawkeye turned to walk over to a post where some fur was hanging. "The slow and the wounded become the meat of the swift and the hearty."

"Your compassion is inspiring," and they both looked at her as she crossed her arms face hard. "I miss judged you, both of you, I thought you would be different than the rest," and she turned and walked to the fire blazing in the grate. "I will pay one or both of you to take me to the French fort. The French are a reasonable and civilized people they will understand my plight," and she faced them again.

"Pay us?" Hawkeye said, confused and Logan arched an eyebrow.

"Yes rum and kettles." For a few seconds Logan and Hawkeye held straight faces then both started to laugh. "I will also give you a three month supply of powder and ball! What is your reply?" she demanded as they both moved toward the door.

Both their faces laced with amusement they faced her. "Pay us," Hawkeye said, half laughing and with that, they left.

The next day Logan was out with Hawkeye checking his traps still musing over the events of the night before. "I guess something's don't change thinking to pay us with rum and pots," Hawkeye said, as they laid a snare.

"I guess it won't change for quite some time, though I could have used a knife," Logan muttered.

Hawkeye looked at him as they walked through the forest. "By the way I've been meaning to ask you what is on the end of those necklaces you wear?" he asked, and they looked at each other.

Sighing Logan pulled them out showing him his dragon gem and locket. "Well this I can understand why you keep it close and hidden," and Hawkeye lifted his dragon gem. "But what is this?" he asked, indicating the locket.

"It's my locket it holds portraits of my parents. It also shows that you and I are pretty much the same Hawkeye," Logan said, stuffing them back under his shirt.

"How?"

"We're both orphans," and they stopped at the sound of singing.

"who could that be?" and following it the pushed back some brush by the river and saw Elizabeth on horseback leading a second animal loaded with goods.

"Well she's certainly is persistent," Logan commented shaking his head exasperated.

"Yeah but if she cross that river at the wrong point she'll get herself killed," Hawkeye muttered, as she turned the animals to cross. Right on queue as a branch passed in front of the animals and they gave a shriek becoming spooked.

The pair rushed into the river as she tried to gain control of the animals then with a mighty tug the packhorse pulled her off the saddle and into the rushing river. Swimming hard they reached her and help her get a grip on the saddle. Then turning Logan started to calm the animal as Hawkeye cut the supplies free and with a splash and a rush of the river, they disappeared from sight.

As the animal shot forward like a bullet from a gun Hawkeye, turn back and they helped Elizabeth to shore with her remaining horse. "You know there's an oxen bow up river for quitter swimming," he said, as he sheathed his knife and Logan bent to catch his breath.

"What have you done!" she snapped and they looked at her stunned.

"ma'am…," Hawkeye started.

"I needed those to barter with the French!" she snapped pointing to where the supplies had disappeared.

"And you would have lost your pack animal if he hadn't cut him free," Logan said, straightening.

Sighing Elizabeth looked away. "No matter I will simply present myself to the fort commander and explain the situation…I'm sure he will accept a line of credit…"

"That he won't be able to use until the end of the war," Logan pointed out.

At that, she glared at him. "I am grateful that you both happen to be here so I will not charge you for the loss of merchandise," and with that she turned to go.

Women, Logan thought rolling his eyes.

You're telling me, Red Dragon said.

"Inside your chest beats a heart of pure gold ma'am," Hawkeye said, sarcastically spreading his arms wide before stepping forward. "You're still set on heading toward the French fort?"

"Yes why?"

"Because unless they moved it, it's to the north and you're heading south," Hawkeye commented and she gawked.

"but don't worry keep going that way you'll eventually find it after circling the whole Earth that is," Logan put in joining them.

After looking at them, she looked back the way she came. "But that's impossible…," and she looked back at them. "I asked, your friend Chingachgook if it's true that moss gross on the north side of the trees, and he said, yes," she said, and Logan's face fell into his hand.

Chuckling Hawkeye said, "That's the trouble with Mohicans. You have to ask them the whole question." When she gave him a blank stare he continued, "You see moss will grow anywhere on this beautiful earth provided it stays out of the direct sun. South is as good as east, but I can't ever really recall seeing it on the west," and it was her face's turn to fall into her hand.

"Do you think this is funny?" she demanded raising her face to look at them. "Do you think losing a loved one is thought of for laughter?" and both of them looked at her. "Of course you do, it's just Bang! Another dead body, all in a day's work out here on the frontier!" she snapped and their faces hardened.

Slowly Hawkeye stepped forward. "I do not think losing a loved one is funny. It's just I reason this to be a fools journey," he said, quietly in a dangerous tone. She was silent for a few seconds before looking away. "Now if you still want to go to the fort I'll guide you."

Taking a breath, she nodded. "I will not be obliged to you good sirs; will you accept my original offer?"

"It's a fair one but I also want your best knife for Falcons Eye," he finished before Logan could object.

"Then I only ask for you to take me to the perimeter of the fort, from there I will extract the release of William," and Hawkeye nodded then moved to collect her horse.

After watching him go, Logan turned back to Elizabeth. "his parents were killed in a Huron attack when he was a boy a Delaware chief raised him as his own, I never knew mine," he said, to her and she looked at him eyes going wide then lowered he gaze in shame. "And for the record Chingachgook isn't his friend he's his brother and by marriage your brother in law," he finished and she looked at him in surprise.

When Hawkeye returned she muttered, "North," pointing downstream before walking forward.

Before she went far Logan stopped her a hand on her shoulder. "North," he corrected pointing upstream and across the river. "But first let's check out that horse."

After examining the animal, they found the right foreleg bruised and wound it up with some stray cloth. "So how long have you been married to William?" Hawkeye asked when they reached to other bank again.

"About five years next spring," and she mounted the horse.

"Is he anything like his brother and father?" Logan asked, retrieving the bow and rifle they had dropped in their haste.

"Not really William is more…steady, structured, sensible…more of a businessman then a soldier," she explained as she walked the horse them on foot next to it.

"Then why join the army?" Hawkeye asked.

She was silent for a few seconds. "Because of his father, he wanted both his sons in the army."

"He could have said, no," Logan, pointed out.

"Not to his father."

For the next few hours, they walked through the forest in silence. "So… Chingachgook is really my brother in law?" she asked, breaking it.

After looking at her Hawkeye nodded. "Yes, William and Thomas's sister married my other brother Uncas. She lives at the Delaware camp." And glancing up Logan saw a thoughtful expression on her face. "Did William disapprove of the marriage?" Hawkeye asked, catching the same look.

For a couple seconds she was silent. "I won't say that he disapproved…but he was sorry that Thomas and their father never spoke of her in their letters," and both men on the ground nodded.

At a sound, Logan turned his head and was in time to see Elizabeth fall from the horse and into Hawkeye's arms. "Are you okay?" he asked, concerned righting her.

Back on her feet, her eyes traveled up and down as she caught her breath. "Can we not stop for a few hours?"

"We have to reach the fort before night fall and when Monroe's column gets there and the shooting starts," Hawkeye pointed out.

"Yeah I doubt they'll be willing to negotiate when they got ball flying at them," Logan pointed out.

"But we'll stop in a little bit we have to get a canoe," Hawkeye said, and Logan frowned in confusion.

A short while later the three of them stopped and leaving Elizabeth in a well-covered area Logan and Hawkeye returned to the river. After walking along the bank for several minutes, they finally happened on a canoe that had been pulled ashore. Cautiously they looked around for the owner before walking forward and putting their things in it.

As they started to push it into the water, their head whipped up as cry sound and the Huron owner charged them throwing his spear. After dodging it, he drew his tomahawk and drew back his arm to bring it down on Hawkeye. After blocking the blow, Hawkeye bent down and threw the man over his shoulders and into the river.

"We were going to return it!" he snapped at the unconscious man after Logan dragged him to shore. "Oh hell fire," he cursed and before Logan could ask what was wrong he saw the spear had put a hole near the base of the canoe.

When they got back to Elizabeth, they found her sitting on a rock her eyes closed. Watching her for a few seconds and the peaceful look on her face, neither of them wanting to interrupt her. Finally, after a few minutes they remembered they didn't have much time.

"We found and canoe," Hawkeye said, and she whipped around to look at them.

"Good where did it come from?' she asked, regaining her feet.

"The previous owner was a Huron we didn't catch his name as he was not willing to part with. So he put a hole in the right side we need to patch up," Hawkeye explained then turned to walk back to the river.

"Mr. Hawkeye…," and they turned back to Elizabeth. "Your leg," she said, pointing.

Glancing down they saw the scratch on his leg. "Oh it was a powerful discussion," he shrugged off.

"Please let me bind it," she instead motion for him to sit on a rock.

Logan watched as he did and she tore a piece of her underskirt and bound it around his leg. "That feels nice," Hawkeye said, softly and she looked up into his eyes.

As a strange feeling rose in Logan's gut he said, "Ah I'll go start patching up that hole with some pine sap. Then set it on fire," and they said, nothing oblivious to his words as he left.

What the hell is wrong with me? He thought giving himself a mental slap.

It's not entirely your fault, she's a beautiful woman, Red Dragon reassured him.

I have a girl waiting for me back home!

True and it is also true that a lot of people would say that you and Ashley would work out. But Logan nobody is perfect not even the Dragons…though I admit we tend to be a bit on the arrogant side…but all we can really do in this life is do what we think is right and learn from our mistakes…, and with that Red Dragon went silent.

Ten minutes later Logan was applying pitch from pinesap sealing the hole in the canoe. He was half done when he looked up to see Hawkeye and Elizabeth walked out of the forest. "How's the leg?" Logan asked when Hawkeye got close and started to examine his work.

"Its fine," he said, as he started to help.

"She's got a healer's touch."

"That she does," he said, before glancing back at her.

"Mr. Hawkeye Mr. Falcons Eye?" and they looked at her. "Have you ever been married?" she asked.

Standing straight, they stared at her. "You'd best be getting some sleep Mrs. Monroe. We saw the fort, we'll go to night," Hawkeye said, then returned to his work and she fell silent.

A few hours later after Logan and Hawkeye had paddled them in the canoe down the river as close to the fort as they dared before putting the canoe to shore. Keeping to the cover of the forest, they continued their journey to the fort. It was near dusk when they finally arrived keeping low near the edge of the forests to keep out of sight.

"So there it is," Elizabeth muttered, looking at it from the strong wooden gate to the paroling men above, Logan, and Hawkeye nodded and she faced them. "I wish to thank you misters Hawkeye and Flacons Eye."

"Well we'd be obliged if you'd stop calling us mister," Hawkeye said.

"Mrs. Monroe," Logan put in and she smiled.

"Elizabeth," she conceded nodding.

After a few seconds, they looked back at the fort. "So what do you plan on telling he French?" Hawkeye asked.

"I will be truthful and tell them that William is of no use to them and will offer to trade food supplies for his freedom," she said.

"Last I checked your food supplies are at the bottom of the river," Logan pointed out. Sighing she nodded looking back at them. "But that probably won't be a problem."

"Just what are you two saying?"

After both shared a glance of discomfort Hawkeye continued, "We're saying that you're a woman and soldiers are not rumored to be gentle lovers."

For a few seconds she was silent before looking back at the fort. "If you two are saying I will be raped for his freedom then…so be it," and Logan blinked in surprise.

"If I were you I'd be more worried about what the Indians will do after the French will have their way," Hawkeye persisted.

Slowly she looked at him. "If you're trying to scare me…"

"The Indians don't care about the white man's soul Elizabeth! They've taken his land, they don't respect it, they cut down his trees, they dam up his river, they kill his animals just for their skins," Hawkeye interrupted counting off.

"And if they don't follow White Man's rules they're killed with extreme prejudice," Logan put in and she glanced at him.

"To them white men are walking dancing devils. And the better way they figure out how to break the white men the better chance they have of getting rid of them," he finished and Elizabeth held his gaze. "Yes I'm trying to scare you…so get a new plan Elizabeth."

For a few seconds she held their gazes before she lowered hers. "But either way we may have some help," Logan said, and they looked at him as he turned to face the wood. "Come on out guys I knew you were there since you started following us!" he snapped quietly.

For a few seconds there was silence then Kimberly, Rocky, Aisha, Billy, and Adam came into sight. "How'd you know?" Kimberly asked.

"You've been using a little too much sage when you bathe Kim," he answered. And I felt you the whole way he finished in her mind and she blinked.

"Well with all of us here I'm sure we could figure something out," Elizabeth said, hopefully.

For the rest of the day and a little ways into the night the group studied the fort. And as each hour passed both Hawkeye and Logan grew tenser. Nearly four hours into it both Logan and Hawkeye started to prepare the canoe for travel.

"This is puzzling?" Hawkeye muttered, looking around the riverbank.

"What?" Logan asked, looking up to scan the river.

"How did your friends get here without a canoe?"

Thinking fast Logan looked at him. "You sure they didn't," he said, focusing and walking to a clump of bushes pulled it back reveling another canoe hidden by branches. Hoping Hawkeye would buy it.

Don't worry it's not a complete lie Red Dragon soothed.

When they got back, they gathered the others with the exception of Elizabeth to leave. When they found her, she was still at the edge of the wood staring at the fort. "Elizabeth," Hawkeye said, stepping forward and she looked at him. "The canoe is ready time to go," and he urged her forward.

"Did you know the design of this fort is flawed?" she asked, and they all frowned at her.

"We can discuss the shortcomings of fort building on the boat out of here, but we have to leave before the column gets here," he said, and they turned to go.

"The flaw is that they built their armory to close to the forward wall," she pointed out and they paused turning back to her. "If we could get that door off we could ignite all that gun powder and create a massive explosion,' she explained." The soldiers would be so confused that we could simply slip into the fort without them noticing and rescue William," she finished as they gathered around her.

After a few seconds of thought Billy muttered, "It's possible, and if we act before the column gets here we'd have the element of surprise on our side," and Elizabeth beamed at him.

At that, both Hawkeye and Logan gave him hard looks. "Do you know that there are bugs in this forest that will give you fever and chills and you've been scratching yourselves a lot…" Hawkeye started.

"Be serious how can we blow open that door!" Elizabeth snapped quietly.

Sighing Logan and Hawkeye and to them those still sane looked back at the fort. "Well maybe if I took all of my powder and packed it into that door I might be able to blow it with one rifle shot," he admitted.

"And with another shot you could detonate all that gun powder," Elizabeth encouraged eagerly.

"It would be a hell of a shot," Logan mused.

"And a worthy challenge for men they call Hawkeye and Falcons Eye."

Slowly both of them looked at her. "Flattery won't get you as far as you think, especially with certainty of death and a small chance of success," Logan said, before returning his gaze to the armory.

"What the hell are waiting for then?" Kimberly piped in.

"We'll need a candle," Hawkeye said.

Half an hour later after watching a man lock up the armory Hawkeye crept forward from where he had hidden from sight with Logan covering him as he watched the patrolling soldier above. With baited breath, Logan watched with fleeting glances Hawkeye quietly moved closer and closer to the door. Upon reaching it, he gently and quietly placed his powder horn on the door before bending down to start a small fire with a few strikes of flint and steel.

As a soldier on the parapets above him came close, Logan sucked in a breath drawing the string of his bow back. Glancing down again he saw Hawkeye glance up as he lit the candle and standing poured a little wax on the horn to help the candle stick. Once it was in place the only time Logan relaxed was when they were both back with the others.

"I can't see the candle," Elizabeth muttered, squinting through the dark and Hawkeye braced his rifle on a fallen branch.

"We can," Hawkeye, said, taking aim, and Logan started a small fire for the flaming arrows he and Kimberly may have to use before freezing as a feeling overcame him.

"Do you want me to help?" Elizabeth asked, looking at him.

"You can help by being silent," Hawkeye said, cocking his rifle and Logan stepped back into the trees.

"Right."

"Evening folks," at once, the group leapt up and turning Hawkeye leveled the rifle on Cog who had come up behind them. "I have no quarrel with you Hawkeye," he said, raising his hands a smile on his face.

"Then don't sneak up on a man," and cog froze as the blade of Logan's tomahawk appeared at his throat. "Who knows what might happen."

"What do you want?" Hawkeye demanded.

"It seems the same as you I came to parley with the French about the Lieutenant, being how Doyle and me are partly to blame," he said, a bead of sweat running down his neck. "Do you mind removing the tomahawk I'm no threat," and after glancing at Hawkeye who nodded Logan stepped back keeping a hard eye on the man.

"Where is Mr. Doyle?" Elizabeth asked.

"Gone our separate ways," he said, taking a sip from his flask. "I relieved Doyle of his rum…Doyle and liquor didn't mix to good, made him crazy like the Indians," and he offered the flask.

For a second the group looked at him before Hawkeye pushed that flask aside with his rifle. "You said, your peace, now be on your way," then he turned dropping back to one knee to picked up the fallen branch.

Slowly cog turned to leave and a glint in the darkness caught Logan's eye. "Hawkeye!" Elizabeth warned as Logan heard a small twang.

Reacting his hand shot forward like a blur and caught the arrow in mid-flight. Back on his feet, Hawkeye watched both men take flight. Before a word could be spoken, he and Logan took off after them. Stopping a short distance away, they listen to the rustling in the underbrush and before Logan could stop him, Hawkeye leveled his weapon and fired. A second later, they heard a body drop but what was worse they heard alarmed French voices come from the fort.

"Nice going! I don't think they heard that shot across the river! And now we only have one shot left!" Logan hissed.

"That's why you and Kim are here, let's get back," Hawkeye retorted. When they were back with the others Hawkeye began to reload. "The candle's on out I can't see the horn," he cursed.

At a ripping sound, they saw Elizabeth tear more fabric from her under skirt. "What are you doing?" Rocky demanded.

"I'm making a torch I'm going to relight the candle," she answered tying it around a green stick.

"I'll help."

Pouring the rum on it, she slowly looked at Hawkeye. "Then who will make the shot?" and with that she lit it in the small fire and left.

Torch in hand she ran for the fort the soldiers leveling their weapons on her as she got near. Speaking to them in French she got them raise their muskets and lower their guard. Withheld breath they watched her approached the door and secure the torch while the soldiers talked amongst themselves in confusion.

"Come on Elizabeth hurry up!" Hawkeye snapped leveling the weapon and cocking it.

They watched as she spoke to the soldiers again then turned to leave. She hadn't gotten feet when one looked over the edge and spotted the torch. At once, he raised the alarm and they opened up on her. As she dived into a ditch Hawkeye fired and the door blew wide open.

As it did he darted for her while Logan a Kim immediately lit their arrows. All three leapt forward and both Logan and Kim let the arrows fly. As if in slow motion they watched them sail through the air then come down inside the armory. A second later as they landed in the ditch Hawkeye covering Elizabeth a deafening explosion rocked the night.

Pushing themselves up they saw the gaping hole in the fort and the soldiers running to and fro in confusion. "You ladies get to the canoe! We'll find William!" Hawkeye snapped at them and before they could protest, he and Logan darted into the fort.

Before they could cross the threshold, Hawkeye grabbed a blur crying. "Cabe wait up!"

"Ansell wait up son hold up!" he snapped turning the blonde haired boy to face him as Logan grabbed Cabe.

Looks like these two have reached the fort, Logan thought. But probably captured.

Now that I can believe.

"Are you boys alright?" and Ansell nodded. "Did you see William?" Hawkeye asked, the hysterical boy.

He nodded. "Yes sir…it was the Indians…they took his scalp…and they."

"Its okay boy I've seen it before now where is he now?"

"They were taking him out when they brought us in."

"Let's go!" and the four of them took off.

When they reached the canoes, Elizabeth turned and frowned. "Where's William?' she demanded.

"He's not at the fort…they took him somewhere else," Hawkeye answered as he, Logan, and the others started to push the canoes into the river.

"You must send someone to find him!" she moaned in pain.

"There's no time! We have to get down stream…," Hawkeye started.

"I will not be told what to do anymore!"

Slowly he faced her. "This is not a poetry reading! This is reality! This is truth!"

"The truth! Everything I hear turns out to be a lie and I will listen no longer!" and she turned back to the fort.

Grabbing her by the arms Hawkeye turned her to face him. "then listen only to this your husband has been tortured by Iroquois…he's endured pain that no man should endure…now whatever is left of his body whatever is left of his soul…needs caring for…do you hear me?" he said, to her.

Through his speech, her breath became deep and rasped and the knuckles on her hands holding him turned white. "Why must this be so hard? What has he ever done to deserve this?" she moaned out.

"Nothing just be thankful that he still lives," Logan said, her face falling into her hands burst into tears. "Come on we gotta get out of here!" and Hawkeye quickly got her into a boat and they paddled off.

From his paddling position in the rear of his canoe with Kimberly at the front and Rocky, Adam, and Aisha, in the middle Logan looked over at Elizabeth who sat in front of Hawkeye as he paddled. "I will keep looking for him," she said, determined.

"It is right that you do," he answered. "Just be ready that the man you knew maybe gone forever."

"As long as he lives there is hope," she said, turning to look at him.

"Then hold tight to that Elizabeth, and hold to life."

After a few seconds silence and when he was sure, it was a safe distance Logan called, "what's our destination? The Delaware Camp?"

Looking at him Hawkeye nodded. "Yes it's too late at night for us to be allowed admittance to the fort and Chingachgook will have food for us!"

Sighing in relief Logan smiled. "Good I could use some dinner then a bath!"

When they arrived at the Delaware Camp, they received a hearty welcome by Chingachgook, Uncas, and Morning Star. After watching Elizabeth meet her sister-in-law, the group retired to a lodge for dinner. Through dinner Logan laughed, talked, and told the story of what happened all the while watching Elizabeth interact happily with her in-laws.

After dinner before bed Logan went to a secluded spot of the river bathed in moon and starlight alone a small hide bag hanging from his hand. After stripping down naked, he walked in to the water. Submerged up to his chest and using the paste form the bag he washed himself clean. After submerging completely again he ran his fingers through his hair then paused. Slowly he dropped below the surface.

From her hiding spot, Elizabeth watched for him to surface again. "Do you do this often?" nearly jumping out of her skin she whipped around and saw Logan standing naked but for his buckskin pants.

"I'm sorry I saw you leave the camp and…," she started regaining her feet eyes drifting over his well-toned body. "I just wanted to properly thank you for your actions of the night."

Smiling he shook his head. "You can thank me by that knife you'll give me tomorrow," and she chuckled. "Was there something else?"

Smiling she shook her head. "No it's been an eventful night and I'm restless that is all," she said, and started back for the camp.

"How do you like your in-laws here?"

Turning back, she smiled. "I like them a lot and I enjoy Morning Stars company."

At that, he nodded. "Well to get more of it all you have to do is visit the camp more often," he said, and she laughed leaving him alone.

Over the rest of the week, Logan and the others began to settle in among the camp. In doing so they all made deep friendships with members of the tribe.

One day Logan, Hawkeye, Rocky, Billy, Adam, Chingachgook, Uncas, along with several other Delaware were running silently through the forest bows and rifles in hand leaping and dodging over obstacles. Ahead of them, they heard the sound of a bugle call. At one point they broke apart one group going one way the other going another.

Keeping his pace, Logan tossed his bow to Uncas who caught it along with Hawkeye's rifle. Both men stripped off their shirts and tied them around their waist after Logan slipped his quiver back on and Hawkeye his belt, horn, and bag Uncas tossed their weapon back to them. Leaping again breaking off from them Logan leapt over a small ravine landing with a roll.

When they came to a river, they stopped slightly out of breath and they bent to examine the ground Logan watching them. Finding the trail again they broke back into a run stopping at a high rise above a clearing each drawing an arrow or cocking a rifle or musket. Looking across from them Logan spotted the other on high ground like them before turning at the sound of the elk they had been hunting bounded into the clearing below.

Raising their weapons, they took aim and fired. Below them, Logan's arrow struck a buck in the heart falling dead while Hawkeye's struck down a second with a third and fourth brought down by Chingachgook and Uncas. Across from them, a few of the Delaware missed or brought down more deer while of the others missed or wounded their target.

Dropping down they cleanly killed the still living deer. "'We are sorry brothers, and we thank you for your food," Chingachgook said, over them before they each picked up their kill and carried it on their shoulders.

"You're getting better Rocky, you as well Adam," Hawkeye commented indicating their arrows on one stag as they started making their way back to camp. "And you Billy would hit your target cleaner if you would stop shutting your eyes when you fire."

"Sorry it's just the powder when fired irritates my eyes. And Falcon's Eye is right it stinks," he said.

Smiling Logan shook his head. "There's no need to apologize Billy that's what practice is for," he said.

Not looking at him Billy thought, I still don't see why we're doing this, I mean we could be going home any day now!

Rolling his eyes Logan replied, because we all agreed we might as well learn a few things while we're here. At that, Billy looked at him before moving away. Logan watched him go then paused at the sound of someone moving through the underbrush. "Did you hear that?" and Hawkeye nodded.

"Let's have a look, Chingachgook can you get the rest back to camp?" he said, and after Chingachgook nodded they left their deer on their shoulders the others following.

For a few minutes, they walked through the forest looking for the source of the noise. Then coming over a rise they found Elizabeth wandering through the wood. "Hawkeye, Falcons Eye! Rocky, Billy, Adam!" she called out at the sight of them.

"Morning Elizabeth," Hawkeye said, when got close.

"I…I lost my baring she said" she explained following them as they kept walking.

"What did they look like?"

"What did they look like?"

"What?"

"Your bearings, what did they look like?" he asked, again and when she was silent he turned to look at her not missing his stride. "What were your bearings?"

"I'm…I'm not sure," she admitted.

"Then it would be hard to find," he said, not looking back to see her huff at him her hands going to her hips.

"He doesn't have to be so smug about it," Logan heard her hiss.

Sighing he stopped next to her. "He wasn't being smug but you do have to learn how to live out here and mark your bearings otherwise you could get lost and die out here. Look come back with us the Delaware Camp so we can drop these off and we'll take you back," he said.

At that, she glared at him. "Nobody asked, you," and she pushed past him.

Staring dumbstruck after her he murmured, "What was that all about," and followed.

After they dropped off the deer at the camp and Elizabeth spent time with Morning Star, they rode back to for the fort. When they got there, the soldiers were still drilling as always. Walking their horses in they were met by Ansell and Cabe.

"Morning," they said, to Elizabeth but she said, nothing as she slipped from behind Hawkeye and stalked back the trading post. "Something wrong Mrs. Monroe?" one asked.

"I got lost!" she snapped and the boys looked at each other.

"She got real lost," Hawkeye clarified dismounting.

"That was uncalled for," Logan sighed slipped from his horse and the others joined him on the ground.

"Who found her? You?" Ansell asked, and Hawkeye nodded.

"So why is she mad?" Cabe asked, looking at his friend.

"Because women are creatures of emotion," he said, and turned walked right into Kimberly and Aisha. Gulping at the sight of Kim they slowly shuffled to the side under her glare.

As he walked to the post with Chingachgook, he watched the proceeding with amusement before a sentry called the approach of a supply wagon out. Just as he entered the post, he saw Captain Monroe exit the officer's quarters and meet the wagon at as it stopped in front of the trading post.

Inside the post, it was a little quitter then the outside with a people inside bartering and talking to Elizabeth behind the counter. As Chingachgook moved to the counter Logan stopped him by grabbing his arm.

"Let her cool down a little before you refill your powder horn," he suggested.

He frowned. "But I need black powder my horn is almost empty," he protested.

"I know but…," he started nodding to the counter as she snapped a little at a person trading fur.

Sighing Chingachgook shook his head. "I don't see why I have to be cautious I'm not the one who found her," she got what the man wanted to trade for.

"No you're just his brother."

About twenty minutes later she seemed to have calmed down a bit or at least enough for Logan and Chingachgook to feel safe enough to approach. Before they reached the counter, the wagon master came in to deliver the mail.

For a few minutes, the pair watched the man hand envelops from his bag to Elizabeth. "Dang gunit where is it," he cursed when his bag was almost empty and he rummaged around it.

Stepping forward Chingachgook laid his horn on the counter. "Trade for black powder," he said.

"I'll be with you in a moment Elizabeth said, in a kinder voice as the man handed her the last letter. But before another word could be spoken, Captain Monroe entered with some men.

Turning Chingachgook and Logan watched as he approached the counter. "Elizabeth on behalf of his majesty's army I am confiscating your munitions supply," he said, bluntly.

She gasped in shock and anger as men walked around the counter taking down the barrels of gunpowder. "Why?" she demanded facing Thomas again.

He gave her a side look. "Because our shipment did not arrive there for it is yours and I have deployed a scout to look for it," and with that he turned to leave with the men.

"Thomas!" he stopped to look back at her. "My customers need ammunitions!" she protested.

"I sent a scout Elizabeth! I was not required to do that!" he snapped at her before following his men out.

Great bedside manner, Logan thought before saying, "still sapping off others for your short coming Thomas?"

At once Thomas stopped shooting him a glared before leaving. Shaking his head Logan turned looking at Elizabeth who for a few seconds grasped the counter in frustration breathing hard to calm herself.

"I apologize Chingachgook," she said, when she was able to compose herself.

He waved it off picking up his horn. But as he, left he glared at Logan. "How was I supposed to know!" he protested in defense watching his friend go.

"What?"

Looking back at Elizabeth he explained, "I told him to wait so wouldn't bite his head off, by the way the knife is working great for me," and after giving the sheathed hunting knife attached to his sash opposite his tomahawk a pat he left leaving her frowning in thought.

Later that day Logan was siting against a tree in the forest eyes closed listening to the sounds of nature. Standing over him, Hawkeye redid the grip of his knife, which now had its tip in the bark of a tree.

"Hunting for another wild cat?" the man suddenly called

A second later unsurprising to both men Elizabeth stepped into sight. "Actually I was looking for you," she said, and Hawkeye looked at her and Logan opened his eyes wonder if there was going to be bloodshed. "I owe you an apology for this morning," and Logan arched his eyebrows in surprise.

I gotta mark this day down in my calendar he thought.

"You're forgiven," Hawkeye said, waving it off.

"This also came for you," she said, pulling a letter from her pocket. Thanking her, he took it and slipped it into his hip bag. "Aren't you going to read it?"

"No because I'm doing something else," he said.

"Well when I get a letter I have to stop and read it, find out if everyone is alright, if anyone's hand a baby or gotten married," she said, as Hawkeye finished and pulling out his knife sheathed it.

For a few seconds he looked at him. "No one would blame you Elizabeth if you left," he said, and her face fell a little. "Does your family know about what happened to William?"

After a few seconds, she nodded. "The letter must have reached them by now, but my place is here, near my husband," she said.

Standing Logan nodded. "But your husband would want you to be safe," he said.

"William might tell me to go but in his heat he'd want to stay," she said. "…that's what I would want. A man that would do whatever it would take to see the rescued. A man who would never give up…I'm just doing what I would want done for me." At that, both men nodded in understanding. "Well I'd better get back, good day to you," and with that she started back the way she came.

"Elizabeth," she turned back to them. "We'll be hunting across the lake tomorrow," Hawkeye told her

She chuckled, "are you trying to suggest I try not to rescue any wild cats tomorrow?"

"I believe I am."

For a few seconds she looked at the two before asking, "Were you watching me this morning?" and they shook their heads. "Then how did you know about the wild cat?"

"Your tracks told us," Logan answered. "It left its tracks and yours met up it."

Looking down at her feet and her tracks, she nodded understanding. "Good day," she said, pleasantly before leaving looking back once before she disappeared from sight.

When she was gone, Logan looked at him. "You didn't also tell her that you were going to be teaching the others more about woodcraft."

Not looking at him he said, "She didn't ask."

Not long after Logan and Hawkeye met up with Rocky, Kimberly, and Adam who were practicing with their bows by the river and Billy practiced loading his rifle with Chingachgook and Uncas. After another volley they turned to Logan who was watching the two men who were sitting on a rock Hawkeye staring at his letter.

"What are you eavesdropping?" Adam asked, looking him Logan shook his head.

"Well you seem more interested in them right now," Kimberly said.

"So do you so why don't you join me," he said, and they walked over glade she wasn't so moody lately.

"…change my life," Hawkeye was saying to Chingachgook when they got close.

"Change is apart of life my brother," Chingachgook said, as he took half of Hawkeye's powder the other not caring. "The wind tells the story of White Feather. When White Feather was a young brave, he fought the bear who had desire to eat his spirit.

"White Feather put up a great fight and the bear ran away. Many winters passed and White Feather grew into a warrior. He wore many feathers because the Great Spirit honored him in battle many times.

"One day White Feather came across the bear he had fought as a child," he said, laying down his horn on the rock.

"What happened?" Hawkeye asked.

"They decided they had much in common, and that they would become good friends. So for many moons they came into each other's life shared the same campfire, and listen to each other's stories," he said, finishing his story. "So what does it say?" and he indicated the letter.

Looking from it to Hawkeye, Kim started to say, "You can't…"

Kim let him find his own path in this, Logan interrupted in her head as Hawkeye as if he hadn't heard her picked up the letter again.

"And you Dancing Herring are you still mad that we didn't let you come on the hunt this morning?" Chingachgook asked, smiling at her Kim and Logan grinned at her.

"I still don't see why I couldn't have come after all," and she loaded an arrow and turning on the rock shot it into the tree. "I'm as good a shot with the bow as Falcons Eye," she protested as the others looked at her.

"We'll you're coming tomorrow, and besides it's new for the Delaware to see a warrior women," Logan said, and Chingachgook nodded.

The next day the group with the exception of Chingachgook and Uncas was readying some canoes on the lake when a voice called out, "wait!" and looking up they saw Elizabeth coming toward them with a musket, a powder horn, and a shoulder bag of food. "Good morning," she greeted and they replied in turn.

"Ah I have a proposal for you," she said, standing where she was as the group kept working shooting glances at her. "The thing is I would like you to teach me how to use this," and she lifted the musket. Not pausing Hawkeye looked at her. "I brought powder and I brought food, I was thinking maybe you all could take me with you today," and she stepped closer. Logan glanced at Hawkeye as he lifted his rifle looking at her. "For pay of course I would insist in paying. Well what do you say?" she asked, as Hawkeye laid his rifle in his canoe.

"I mean to stay here until my husband is found. And if I'm to survive I'd best learn a few things," she continued.

"That sounds familiar," Kim murmured under her breath and Aisha nodded.

"We all agreed," Logan murmured back.

Picking up the paddles from the ground Hawkeye eyed her. "Alright," he finally said, and motioned toward the one end.

Smiling Elizabeth nodded. "Oh good, by the way, how much would you charge?" she said, eagerly as she moved forward laying her musket next to his.

"That depends on how much trouble you are," Hawkeye answered leaning against the paddles in his hands.

"We'll if I'm just moderate trouble how much would you charge?" she said, smiling the businesswoman poking out as she climbed in. "just a general idea so neither of us are taken advantage of."

Smiling back Hawkeye motioned for her to sit. "No the other way so you can paddle," he said, when she sat the wrong way. "I'll tell you what…I'll teach you forest craft and how to shoot your musket…if you…if you teach me how to read the letter I got," he said, as Rocky climbed in the center. Slowly she looked back at him. "Deal?"

Smiling she nodded. "Deal." At that, Logan looked at Kim a half grin on his face and winked.

Soon after the small group of three canoes were paddling for Warricaka Island through the glassy surface of the lake barely making a sound. "You knew that was going to happen? Didn't you?" Kim asked, from her position in front of Logan looking back at him.

"Didn't have a clue, just a feeling," he answered as he looked over at their canoe as he instructed her on how to paddle right.

"It's so different here than back home," and Logan looked at Kimberly.

"What more peaceful?" he asked.

"Well that, but the air is so fresh, and the water…it's like a completely different world," she said, trying to explain.

He nodded. "That it is. Man is trying so hard to reach their destination when they don't just stop and look what right in front of them," he said.

"I guess that's one way of putting it but there's also the chance that…"

"Kim I said, no promises," he interrupted and she looked at him.

"And I said, all I wanted was a chance, nothing more," she said, after a few seconds.

They enjoyed the rest of the journey to the island in peace and when they landed and pulled the canoes ashore, they covered them with underbrush. "Has canoe thievery always been a problem?" Elizabeth asked when they were done.

"Only since humans arrived," Logan said, joining her.

"Well it's just as you said, from the lake you'd never be able to see it was there," she commented whipping away their tracks.

"See the track?" Hawkeye said, down on one knee waving at the ground. Bending down also she shook her head no as the others watched as well. "See how the dirt's flatter here…with the twig pressed in," and she nodded seeing it. "It tells you that something has put its weight here…but it wasn't something with a paw… because a paw has too much give…it won't press things into the dirt like that. Only two things can, a man, or a hooved animal," he instructed.

"Like a deer or a moose?" Adam asked.

"It's a deer, it's too small for a moose and a man," Aisha said.

"Very good Standing Bear," Hawkeye said, and the group moved on further into the island.

A short while later after a few more lessons on tracking Hawkeye stood next to Elizabeth and Billy who stood side by side, as she aimed her musket him his rifle at an oak. "Just aim at the tree," she said, again as the others watched some practicing some of the other things they learned. "What if there's a bird in it?"

"Birds don't favor that kind of tree," Hawkeye reassured her.

"Is it going to knock me off my feet?" she asked.

"More than likely."

"And the lag time…"

"Elizabeth," Hawkeye interrupted quieting her.

For a few seconds they were still then they fired and it did knock her off her feet and the ball snapped the top part of a sapling off. Fifteen feet from her target. As Hawkeye caught her, a wide eye Billy stood rubbing his shoulder where her musket had hit him.

"Next time I'll wait until after you're done to take my shot," he said, shakily.

"Ow, I'm sorry Billy, ow thank you, did I come close?" she said, regain her composure rubbing her shoulder.

"Well within fifteen twenty feet you hit that tree over there," Hawkeye said, pointing.

"Well I guess that does make me rather dangerous," she muttered.

"To everybody else but your target."

"Hey!" she snapped at an amused Kimberly as she reloaded.

"How can a man bring a wife out here and not teach her how to fire a weapon?" Hawkeye asked, cutting an apple.

She looked at him. "Well how can people parent a child and not teach him how to read scripture?" he was silent then shrugged lifting the knife and eating the apple piece there. "Besides William nor my family didn't find it proper for me to learn survival skills anyway they just assumed he will protect me. Now what tree should in aim at now?"

"Let's stick with the tall was and see if you can hit it by the end of the day," Hawkeye said, as he and Logan cocked their head at a sound.

As she stood and leveled her weapon, everyone to the side of her took several steps back. "Oh very amusing," she muttered, cocking it. At a flash both Logan and Hawkeye acted just as she fired again at the same time of another shot and when the smoke cleared, the whole group was gone.

From various hiding spots they listen to booted feet moving toward them passing by where Kim and Elizabeth his on its way. Looking around the tree he had climbed Logan eyed the bearded man with musket as he drew closer and closer. Then both he and Hawkeye dropped from the tree onto the man tackling him to the ground.

Standing up they turned as everyone came out of hiding and Hawkeye asked, Elizabeth, "any idea why one of the wagoner's would want to shoot us down?" and she shook her head.

After they had the man hog tied and hidden away, they moved silently through the forest looking for the rest of his party. When they found them, they were still piling the missing barrels of gunpowder into a neat pile. Laying on his stomach Logan looked at Hawkeye who glanced him before they returned his gaze back to the men in front of them.

"That shot was a while ago, Sty should be back by now," one said.

"I don't like it either, and once the sun goes down I don't want be caught in these woods," the wagon leader from the fort said, looking around.

"I'll take a gander," one of the men below said, walking away and the group drew back.

After looking at the sky, Hawkeye turned to Elizabeth. "No much daylight left and by the time I take you back the French would have taken the powder away," he said, to her.

"That's not an option," she said.

"Figured you'd say that," and the group moved into the forest. After almost ten minutes of moving through the trees and underbrush, they scaled a small ledge to higher ground. Once he made it, Hawkeye turned and helped Elizabeth. "We're almost there," he murmured to her.

"I'm fine," she protested his concern and they moved forward again.

When they stopped, Hawkeye pulled back some branches reveling well-hidden cave. "How's you know about this?" Aisha asked.

"When I come here to hunt this is where I sleep," he answered then stopped Elizabeth as she stepped forward. "Wait," and he and Logan moved forward weapons at the ready. After glancing in, they motioned the others forward. "Its safe nothing else is inside," and they piled in.

As night fell, they lit candles in the cave trying to keep their minds preoccupied from what was to come. From his position near the entrance Logan was watching the sun go down before looked back at the other as they tried to keep warm. Not far from them Hawkeye and Elizabeth sat together as she drew letters in the dirt for him with a stick.

After looking at the others again, he expanded his mind to see if anyone was close by before moving over to where Hawkeye was. "Hawkeye I think it's safe to have a fire now it's getting dark and we're far enough back that it might not be seen through the underbrush." Hawkeye looked from him to the others and nodded. "Can I borrow your powder horn Elizabeth?" he asked, and she frowned.

Soon enough after using the powder in the horn they had a good fire going and the others gratefully gathered around it warming themselves. Smiling Logan looked back at Elizabeth and Hawkeye as she continued to teach him by the flickering fire light. The word SAM between them.

"How would you spell Samuel?" he asked, in a low voice.

"Well you would add a U an E and an L," she said, drawing the letters.

For a few seconds he stared at it before saying, "that was my white father's name," and she fell silent and Logan walked over. "He had it printed on his scripture book in gold letters," he told her and Logan sat down.

Smiling Elizabeth nodded. "My father had his name inscribed on his bible to…when I was little I used to think it was Gods handwriting. I thought he wrote in gold."

"What happened to your father?"

Slowly the group looked at Kimberly. "He was killed along with my mother by Hurons," Hawkeye said.

For a few seconds the party was silent before Kim asked, "if you had the chance would you go back and save them?" He was silent for a few seconds then very slowly shook his head. "Why?"

"Because it's not my place to change my fate…or theirs…but I remember them as best I can…and as long as I remember them they're never really gone," he answered then picked up his rifle. "You all had best get some sleep we have a long day ahead of us, I'll take the first watch," and he moved to the entrance.

Watching him go Logan looked back at Kim as she stared into the fire as the rest curled under fur pelts that Hawkeye had left here from previous hunting trips. "I'll join you," and he followed him. At the mouth of the cave, both men peered into the dark of the night for danger. "Her father was killed a week before we met you…he died saving the lives of others…they were very close…let's just say that…she wants him back," Logan answered the unasked, questions.

Hawkeye nodded. "There was a time when I was of the same mind."

Logan nodded. "I envy you, you know,' and he felt Hawkeye's eyes turn to him. "At least you have the memories."

The next morning the group left Elizabeth sleeping in the cave to set some traps for the men. Logan was just helping Billy with his when a feeling came over him. Motioning to Hawkeye and the others rushed back toward the cave. They arrived just in time to see three of the Wagoner's dragged Elizabeth from it.

Logan rushing forward leapt through the air just as he was he called out for his friends nailing him with a flying sidekick. As he fell out cold Aisha and Hawkeye appeared behind the other two and quickly had them in a chokeholds. Once he fell limp, she dropped him and Elizabeth looked from on to the other.

"Thanks," she muttered.

"Don't mention it," Aisha said, and they dragged the men away.

They arrived back when they had placed the gunpowder just as twenty or so French arrived and walked down to the wagon leader with several Huron. "Have you plan?" Elizabeth asked, moving close to Hawkeye.

"Yeah," he answered. "We surround them," and she stared at him.

Quickly getting into position around the soldiers, they waited for Hawkeye's signal. Just as the wagon leader was shaking hands with the French Captain, they heard Hawkeye's rifle fire. At once, the Captain drew his pistol and the soldiers dropped down weapons at the ready.

"Thank you Mr. Falk!" Hawkeye called out and the soldiers spun around looking for the source. "Captain you and your men are surrounded you and your men put your arms down! Now!"

From his position in a tree, Logan watched the French officer accuse Falk of betraying them. "It's a bluff! I tell you a bluff!" he retorted.

"Section A! Make ready!" Hawkeye called out after moving to a different position.

"At the ready!" Adam called from his hiding spot.

As the soldiers spun around and Hawkeye moved to a different spot. "Section B! Cover the flank!"

"Yes Sir!" Billy called out and soldiers spun again.

"Surrender now captain!" Hawkeye said, behind some rocks. When they didn't reply level his rifle on the powder keg they had brought from the cave and fire. Soldiers ducked at the sound of the explosion. "any time one of your men moves it will be you we're shooting at," Hawkeye called out," and to emphasize it both Billy and Elizabeth fired their balls going into trees while arrows Kimberly, Adam, Aisha, and Logan fired went into the ground at the soldiers feet.

Dropping down from the tree Logan peered at the soldiers through the underbrush. Stepping forward face hard the Captain tucked his pistol into his belt and drew his sword.

"No wait!" Falk protested almost in panic. "There's no army pout there it's a bluff!"

Almost as soon as the words were out of his mouth, there was a cry and Thomas appeared with fifty red coats. "Front line! Form up! Rear line close up! Make ready! Present!" he ordered and the red coats leveled their weapons.

Standing out of hiding Logan watched as the French Captain broke his sword over his knee tossing it to the ground. Then one by one, his men surrendered.

As they were led away, they gathered up with Elizabeth asking Hawkeye, "how did you know they were coming?"

"I didn't," he answered taking her musket from her and after checking the powder chamber blew the remains our before safetying it and handed it back to her.

"My shooting still lacks a bit," she said, as they walked over to Thomas.

As Logan, Hawkeye, Kimberly, Adam, Billy, and Rocky passed he nodded to them before turning to Elizabeth. Stopping at the top of hollow Logan turned to watch. "Elizabeth what are you doing here?" he demanded.

With a smug smiled she stated, "I found my missing gun powder," and walked past him.

Snorting in amusement as she walked up him, he nodded giving her a wink. How long do I have to remain hidden here? I'm getting a cramp, Aisha said, in his head once he was connected.

Until they're gone, he answered truthfully.

The next day the group rode with Hawkeye to the fort in high spirits from the events of the day before. When they got there Rocky was still debating with Adam whose arrow was closest to a soldier's foot. Dismounting they tied their horses to the post and was stopped by Ansell.

"I don't think it's a good I dead for you to go in there right now Hawkeye," he warned.

"Why not?' he asked, frowning Logan joining him.

"Because they're…," Cabe started but stropped as Kim turned to him and quickly went back to what he was doing.

"And right now…she's a might strange," Ansell continued quietly as if hoping Kim wouldn't hear.

Looking from one to the other before continuing inside. Once inside they stared at the empty shelves and the piles of fur pelts. Turning they saw Elizabeth by the fireplace sipping tea.

"What the hell happened here?" Logan asked, as they moved close.

Turning to them, she shrugged. "Apparently there was a panic of a French attack and a run on supplies," she told them and they nodded.

"I see," Hawkeye said, sitting down on a stool. "How's your shoulder?"

Looking at it, she nodded. "Quite a bit sore actually," she answered rubbing it.

They all stood or sat in silence for a moment before Hawkeye said, "you know Elizabeth when an Indian warrior shows great courage in battle. He receives one of these…" and de drew a feather from his shoulder bag. "The feather of an eagle. This one belongs to you," he said, offering it to her.

Blinking in surprise, she reached out and took it. "Thank you," she said, smiling running her finger gently over it. "I also have something for you," she said, stand and retrieved a book from one of the piles of pelts. "This was my father's, it's called a dictionary," she said, holding out the book to him.

"It's like your gun, it's a great tool a great weapon you could say," and after giving her a soft look he tenderly took it from her. "I hope you make use of it. I even wrote your name in it," and he open to the first page and saw it along with hers and the date.

"Thank you," he said, softly.

"What about you all? Did you get one?" she asked, indicating her feather as Hawkeye examined the book and she turned to face Logan and the others.

"oh we got ours," Rocky reassured her showing her his that he tied to his bow like Logan, while Kim's hung down her quiver, Billy's on his rifle strap, Aisha's from her hair, and Adam's from his waist.

Almost a month later just as fall was setting in Logan, Aisha, Adam, and Rocky was out with Chingachgook and Hawkeye. Stalking a Huron party lead by a man called Black Eagle that had been taking scalps and collecting the French bounty for them. From his hiding, spot with his three friends nearby Logan watched as the party armed with clubs, tomahawks, and bows came into sight on the side of the trail he and gave a birds call.

Upon its answer, he sank further into cover of the tree he was in. Just as they were about spring on them, they herd someone coming down the trail. Turning his head Logan saw a young beautiful woman with blonde hair leading a doe on a leash dressed as a puritan walk down the trail humming a song to herself. With what looked like a medicine bag around her neck.

Teeth bared he watched her progression down the trail then she paused her eyes looking to the side. Suddenly she began to chant driving her walking stick into the ground and drawing circle around herself and Logan frowned at that. Stopping she faced where the Huron party was and drawing small pumpkin from her shoulder pack she held it high singing a version of 'The Balled of Barbra Allen'.

Stopping she pointed toward them with wickedly curved fingers and began to chant again. Then without warning, she threw the pumpkin at them and what seemed like a smoke bomb went off when it landed. When it cleared, Hawkeye and Chingachgook were standing on either side of her while all but Black Eagle scattered.

"Club against rifle friend we both know whose going to win that one," Hawkeye said, leveling his rifle in one hand.

"Same match with arrows!" Logan called leveling an arrow on Black Eagle who looked up at him while around him Aisha, Rocky, and Adam stepped out of hiding arrows leveled.

"We've been tracking you for the better apart of two days; you shouldn't have stopped to collect another scalp!" Hawkeye said. "Chingachgook would you like to do the honors?" Chingachgook started to step forward before slowly glancing at the woman he stepped forward and taking Black Eagle tied his hands behind his back. "Take him back to the fort we'll be right behind you!"

"No my brother she has powerful medicine come with me now!" Chingachgook protested.

At those words, Logan dropped to the ground. "We'll look after him Chingachgook go!" and he walked forward with the others.

"And I'll bear your council in mind," Hawkeye reassured him.

"I will know the taste of your heart! White Man!' Black Eagle called out and after one last glance, Chingachgook led him away.

After watching them go Logan turned back to Hawkeye and the woman a curious frown on his face. "You almost got your top knot lifted," Hawkeye commented looking at her. "Black Eagle has been scalping everything that moves to collect the French bounty," he told her and her eyes shifted to Logan who held her gaze.

"We would have managed," she said, looking back at Hawkeye taking up the leash again turning to go.

"Are you lost?"

"I have walked some five hundred miles from Massachusetts and have never not for one moment been lost," she said, looking back into the tree. Then slowly she faced them. "Do I appear to be lost?"

"I can't rightly say what you appear to be," Hawkeye said, stepping forward. "But to our friend seems to think you're a spirit walker."

She smiled and dropping to one knee slipped the leash from the doe and whispered into its ear. It bobbed its head then turned and walked into the forest. After watching it go, she looked back at them. "Then you'd best not trifle with me, adieu," and with that she walked away.

"No ma'am, I don't reckon you're one to be trifled with," Hawkeye muttered, watching her go before following.

Watching them go Rocky stepped close to Logan. "Is she what I think she is?" he asked, in an undertone.

He looked at him. "A witch?" he said, in the same tone. "I'm not sure but either in this time period being different is lethal," and he looked back at her. "And she's different."

By the time, they had gotten back to the fort they had met up with Kimberly and Billy. Once inside they noticed a change from their last visit and as they led Black Eagle inside Logan narrowed his eyes as he looked around. There seemed to be less soldiers on duty and more than half the usual men were gone from the wall.

"What's going on here?" Aisha asked, in an undertone following his gaze.

"I'm not sure but remember looked subdued," he replied.

As they entered, Thomas came over to stand in front of Chingachgook, Black Eagle, and Hawkeye. "You've captured him," he commented almost hiding his surprise.

"That we have," Hawkeye muttered, nodding.

"From what I hear he's particularly favored women and children, Yankee women and children," a trapper said, stopping to look.

Instinctively Logan and Rocky stepped in front of Aisha as Thomas drew closer. "Well I see the savage has been brought to face justice," he leered walking forward.

When their faces were barely inches apart Black Eagle jerked forward but Chingachgook held him back. "I will be free again, and I will take ten scalps in revenge! Ten scalps of Yankee children!"

At the threat, Thomas chuckled. "The next time you see the outside of my stockade savage…you will be swinging from the end of a rope," and with that he backhanded Black Eagle.

Leaping forward Logan seized his arm and Thomas glared at him. "Only cowards strike men who can't strike back," Logan growled before jerking Thomas's arm away.

Stepping back Thomas pointed at him. "I could have you flogged for that scout," he threatened.

Logan smiled shaking his head. "And yet I'm not a scout in your army. I hold no allegiance to the English."

"And he's also right Captain!"

Looking over they saw Colonel Monroe in the front of his office door. "Only a coward strikes a bound man. Do it again and you'll be in the stockade!" he threatened. Thomas was silent for as she looked at his father as he walked out. "Well done Hawkeye, you as well Delaware," he said, and both Hawkeye and Chingachgook nodded. "Captain see to the prisoner," he said, after a few seconds of looking at Black Eagle before turning going back inside.

"Johnson!" Thomas snapped and a solider ran up. "Shackle him in the parade ground let us put him on display for the public to see," he said, and the soldier salute stepping forward.

"Easy there remember your father wants to interrogate him," Hawkeye warned Thomas.

"Stop!" Slowly all eyes turned to the woman. "The pestilence, where is the pestilence?" she asked, eyeing some of the soldiers taking off her cap.

"How does she know we have the fever here?" the trapper asked, Thomas.

"She knows because she is a Spirit Walker!" Black Eagle declared. "Death walks with her!" and with that Logan eyed the people as they began to murmur.

Ignoring him the woman continued. "I must go to the infirmary," and she looked around. "Of course you put in the tavern, outside the fort to keep pestilence out," and with that she swept from the fort.

"I think I'd better go with here," Kimberly said.

"I'll go with you," and Logan followed.

Once outside the fort Kimberly muttered, "I don't need a chaperone Logan, I probably know more about healing that surgeon they have here. Bleeding and leeches…Jesus…how medieval can you get."

"I know that I took first aid with you under your father! But you gotta remember this is a man's world in a man's time! You go against him alone you could be charged as a witch!" he whispered back.

"Then what do you suggest we do?"

"What we can…discreetly!"

As they tried to catch up with the woman, Kimberly glanced back. "Rocky told me what happened on the road," she mentioned looking at him.

He glanced at her. "Don't take what happened in the fort as a sign she was just using common since," he said, and before he could catch up to the woman to deliver the same warning, she was in the tavern. Logan and Kimberly a second behind her.

Looking around the tavern Logan eyed the cots that had been crammed inside. But what really caught his attention was the men lying on them and there moans of suffering. Looking up he saw the woman going from bed drawing the blankets off the men.

"What are you going?" Elizabeth demanded putting the blankets back on. "You'll have these men dead of chills!"

"The poisons they must be released…and the perspiration must be allowed to escape!" the woman said, continuing while Logan and Kim watched both women taking off and putting on the blankets.

It's like an old black and white movie¸ he thought to her and she nodded.

"She might actually know what she's doing," she muttered, and Logan nodded.

"Who are you? Are you trained in medicine? What are your credentials?" Elizabeth demanded.

"We've been with here for a good two hours and we don't know her name," Logan said, walking forward and Elizabeth turned.

"Falcons Eye good to see you," she said, stepping forward to hug him.

Both he and Kim stepped back. "How long as this been going on?" Kim asked, rolling up her sleeves.

"For the last few days," Elizabeth answered then she turned back to the woman. "What are your credentials?" she demanded.

"Credentials I have none trained I am though," the woman said, facing them. "What of yourself do you know what ails these people?" and she waved her hand about.

For a few seconds Elizabeth was silent. "No, I wish I did," she admitted.

"It's called Bone Break Fever," the woman said, and Logan looked at Kim as she sighed in relief. "The convolutions are what so wrack the body that sometimes hard bones break."

What? What is it? He asked, Kim.

It could be Dengue Fever, that's what they used to call it my father mentioned it a few times it's not air born its transmitted my mosquitos.

Well that's good news. Is there treatment?

I'm not a doctor and in this time probably not.

Returning his attention to the woman Logan watched as she knelt next to a bed occupied by a young teenage boy. "Lord, you're so week little lamb, you are burning up with fever,' she said, in a soft mother like voice. "You look so like someone I once knew, he is little more than a boy. Isn't he?" and she looked up at Elizabeth.

She nodded. "Yes."

Slowly the woman looked at the teen. "They need you back at home do they not? It is the middle of sheep shearing season, and you are trapped here," Logan caught a frown from on Elizabeth's face. "You will be well, well and healthy, and home in time to sheer all the sheep you like," and with that she stood. "Show me your pharmacopeia and make haste.'

"You've not shown me why I should place my confidence in you," Elizabeth retorted.

"Because you have no choice," the woman said, and Logan arched an eyebrow.

For a few seconds Elizabeth remained where she was. Then making up her mind she went to a cupboard on a far wall. Opening it, the three examined the bottled contents.

"Mercury…sulfurs…calomel…there more here to torture a man to death then ease his suffering!" the woman snapped taking a bottle down.

"And the surgeon wonders why I prefer Delaware medicine to his?" Kimberly muttered, allowed and Logan snorted.

"How did you know what you did about Gabriel?" Elizabeth asked, as the woman shifted bottles.

Slowly she pulled out some dry herbs not looking at her. "How would you be thinking? By some dark power?" and she smelled the herbs.

"Why would you think that?"

"She comes from Massachusetts," Logan clarified and Elizabeth nodded.

Looking at him, she arched an eyebrow. "I heard what happened, but the question is, are you from Salem?"

She smiled. "Just outside the village…I left when…when the trouble started," she said, before lowering her gaze. "And besides that which is more than…common sense and observation is commonly misinterpreted…," she said, returning to the herbs in her hands. "Small minded men often fear what they do not understand…"

"I hear that, and I had a feeling it was your observational skill at work back there," Logan muttered, jabbing his thumb over his shoulder.

She nodded. "But it is easier to brand a woman a witch and…hang her," she putting another bottle down.

Slowly Elizabeth took her hand. "Nobody at this fort will ever harm you," she reassured her.

Logan glanced at Kim who looked at him. Unfortunately, prejudice and ignorance runs deep…very deep here, and she nodded.

"You actually have something of use here," she said, holding up a yellow pedal flower. "I can show you how to brew this into a tea," she said, handing it to Elizabeth who smelled it. "His hands," and everyone looked at the woman. "The boy's hands…they are calloused from the sheers and yet soft…soft from the sheep's wool…plus the boy positively stinks of mutton."

For a few seconds they held straight faces then burst out laughing. "That he does, that he does," Logan said, whipping away a tear as she and Elizabeth closed the cupboard and turned.

"What in all that is holy are you doing!" she snapped rushing away.

Turning Logan watched under the surgeon's protests took the blade he was about to cut into Gabriele's wrist and broke it on the floor with her heel. "Who my good women might you be?" Thomas demanded standing nearby.

"She has come to help us nurse these unfortunate men back to health," Elizabeth explained coming forward Logan and Kimberly close behind.

"If you bleed this man he will die!" the woman exclaimed.

"You question the decision of a surgeon in his majesty's service!" the surgeon said, sounding outraged.

"I'll do a lot more than that if you don't shut your mouth and listen," Logan said, and the surgeon's eyes swiveled to him.

"This is what they need!" the woman said, and Elizabeth hand the flower back to her. "Herbal infusions! I can gather enough to cure the lot of them from a meadow I passed not two miles from here!"

At that, the surgeon chuckled. "Charmers I must have my men restored to health. What do you know of these infusions?" Thomas said, indicating with his hand.

"I know them to be useless. Would you listen to the mindless prattle of a mad woman?"

"How dare you!"

"Tell us what's your method is bleeding them dry like a vampire? Or mercury which causes anything from hair loss to blindness?" Kimberly demanded and Logan put a hand on her shoulder while Charmers glared at her.

"I am Hester Adams of Danvers Massachusetts and I have healed more people then you have with all your black arts!" Hester said, waving her free hand back at the cupboard.

At that the surgeon laughed. "You speak of black arts was Danvers not known as Salem? Site of the trials that rid that town of an infestation of witches?" he said, slyly.

"From what heard of what happened it was the Putmans doing most of the talking and accusing because they wanted all the land for themselves!" Logan snapped stepping behind Hester and Chambers shot him a look.

"Hester," both Hester and Logan turned to Elizabeth. "You were correct when you said, some small minded idiot would brand you a witch," and Thomas sighed shaking his head.

"And the problem is to most he's considered educated," Logan said, and he could hear Charmer's teeth grind.

"Elizabeth," Thomas started and she rounded on him.

"Thomas what possible harm can her infusions do, especially if they correct," she said, waving her hand at Logan and Kimberly. "And she is well versed in folk medicine," and she waved it at Hester.

"'folk medicine,' strange folk indeed you traffic with the dark one!" Charmer said, leaning close to Hester.

"Butcher! You're kind took everything I loved from me! I will not be…!" she snapped in retaliation and Logan put a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"Enough!" Thomas snapped silencing her. "Private escort this woman out," he ordered and a soldier came forward taking Hester by the upper arms. "See to it she doesn't not return to this infirmary," and he started to drag her out the surgeon looking smug.

"You're making a mistake Captain," Logan said, glaring at him.

"I will be the judge of that," Charmer said, full of himself.

"Shut up you idiot," Kimberly muttered.

When she reached Elizabeth, Hester handed her the flowers. "Elizabeth its Feverwort, there is enough for one! Use it! Save that boy!" and the door was shot behind her Logan and Kimberly following.

"And you white savages what do you know of education?" Charmer demanded and both froze half way out the door.

After taking a breath to steady himself Logan said, "I believe it was Socrates who said, 'True knowledge exists in knowing that you know nothing'," and with that both he and Kimberly left them stunned.

When they got back to the fort, they found the private still manhandling Hester. "There's no need for that Lester!" Hawkeye warned coming close.

"You can tell me that when you got rank Hawkeye!" he growled.

"It's more a question of manners then rank soldier, now let her go," Hawkeye warned again his voice growing dangerous.

For a few seconds Lester looked at him. "I'd listen to him," Logan said, behind them and Lester looked at him then noticed Adam, Rocky, and Billy coming over and released his grip on her.

"What seems to be the trouble…," Hawkeye started and saw Logan mouth a word. "…Mrs. Adams."

"Your captain makes a poor welcoming committee woodsman," she answered rubbing her arm a small smile on her face.

"He's not my Captain."

"Nor ours," Rocky said, coming close to Hawkeye.

"No matter I will…be on my way," she said.

"There's no need for that," Logan said, coming close.

"Why do you help the demon Hawkeye? And you Falcons Eye!" and they all looked at Black Eagle now chained to the cannon in the center of the fort. "To bring more illness in the fort!"

"I would cure the illness not cause it!" Hester snapped stalking forward.

"Ignore him Hester, he a bladder full of hot air," Kimberly said.

"Nothing!" he said, quietly. "Unchain me and I'll show you what I am," and he emphasized it by trying to raise his arms.

Walking close Logan said, to his face, "keep it up and you get what you wish for, she could take you with her hands tied behind her back," and he laughed.

"And you could also run to the French and tell them of the sickness here," Hawkeye put in.

"The French will not kill you. The Yankee is a demon woman! The Yankee kill themselves!" he shouted out.

"He speaks nonsense!" Hawkeye said, turning to the forming crowd.

"Do I! Do you not believe she is not a demon woman?" Black eagle shouted again.

Before he could continue Logan after seeing, some people murmur seized him around his mouth silencing him. "Keep it up, and I'll try to fit this in your mouth," and he raised a fist.

At once, he fell silent and turning Logan saw Hester leave the fort everyone giving her a wide berth. A short while later both Logan and Hawkeye were in Thomas's office as he had his wig…well salted.

"Tell me scouts has she bewitched you also?" he asked, through the rolled up paper cone he was using to shield his face from the salt.

"All we did was afford her safe passage to the fort," Hawkeye said.

At that, Thomas raised his hand and the man with the saltshaker stopped. "In return for?" he asked, lowering the cone a sly smile on his face.

"A kind word and gentle smile," Logan said, shaking his head a look of disgust on his face for his thought.

At that Thomas laughed. "I was present when she assaulted…"

"I was there to and the only assault I saw was to a rusted blade he was going to cut into a sick boy," Logan protested.

After giving him a look Thomas continued, "…Doctor Charmers she was severely lacking in kindness."

"Maybe she wasn't given a reason," Hawkeye pointed out.

"Do you believe in witchcraft Hawkeye?" Thomas asked, returning the cone to his face. And Logan felt his heart skip.

"I believe there are those who can see what I can not see and hear what I can not hear."

"'There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy' Hamlet, Act 1 Scene 5, William Shakespeare," Logan said, and again Thomas stared at him. "You two challenged I'm rising."

"Do you believe she is one of those?" Thomas asked when he recovered.

"I don't believe I know her well enough to make that judgment," Hawkeye said, and Logan's jaw tightened a little.

At that, Thomas sent the groomers off. "Well the inspection process is rather simple. We could place her in water and see if she floats…," he said, letting the paper float to his desk.

'That would be more of a test of whether or not she could swim," Hawkeye pointed out.

"…we could look for the devils mark on her…shave her head…strip her naked…what think you scouts?"

Standing straight both Logan and Hawkeye stalked forward. "I think we'd be more likely to find the mark on the inspectors," Logan said, voice hard.

"Really," Thomas said, smiling.

"Come on Thomas I figured you as one who believed in the neither world," Hawkeye said.

"Oh what I believe… Hawkeye, Falcons Eye," he said, then pushed himself to his feet. "I could care less if she could hear what I can't hear and see what I can't see. But if she can heal what I can't heal. She gives me troops I need to kill Frenchmen.

"And if that power comes from some dark place…what does it matter to me," he said, half mockingly.

At that, Hawkeye nodded. "Well a king would admire your feelings, I'm not so sure about the Church of England," Hawkeye said, and with that both left.

As they, left Elizabeth was running for Thomas office not stopping as they called out in greeting as she rushed past. Shrugging it off they went to their horses at the trade post where the others were gathered. They were tying supplies for the Delaware camp when Elizabeth came out and headed for them.

"Hawkeye, Flacons Eye I'm sorry for ignoring you," she apologized and they waved it off. "Thank god you haven't left already. Where's Hester?"

"She left," Hawkeye sighed out.

"'she left'!"

"What'd you expect after her reception," Aisha said, close to her.

At that, Elizabeth nodded. "Well I managed to persuade Thomas to give me twenty four hours to try Hester's tea but we don't have enough of this. And I don't know where to get more, I'm not even sure what it is," she said, holding up the flower Hester had pointed out.

Frowning Hawkeye walked around his horse to look at it. "The Delaware call it No'ben'Na white men call it Feverwort. My mother used it on us when Chingachgook, Uncas, and I were children," he said, examining it closely before handing it back.

"Well we need more, a lot more, enough to treat every sick man in this fort," Elizabeth said.

"Well if I recollect correctly there's a whole field of this stuff not too far from here," Hawkeye said, nodding.

"Well that's exactly what Hester said…Hawkeye could you…," she started taking his hand.

"I could," he said, and she smiled.

"We could," Kimberly said, swing onto her white horse.

"Thank you thank you all," she said, turning to leave and they rode out.

About two hours later joined by Chingachgook, Uncas, and Morning Star found them all at the meadow gathering the flowers into bags. "Thanks for helping us you guys," Logan said, next to Uncas and Morning Star.

Morning Star nodded. "Think nothing of it Falcons Eye, those people need help even though…I just can't stand by and do nothing."

"It shows you're the better person, though I think we can do without the music now," Logan said looking at Hawkeye as he started singing 'The Ballad of Barbra Allan'…again. "I mean his voice isn't bad but seriously that's the umpteenth time he's sung it! He keeps it up I'll get it out of my head!"

Hear, hear, Red Dragon murmured in agreement.

Just then, a new voice joined the chorus and straightening Logan saw Hester walk through the meadow towards them. Still singing she walked forward Hawkeye walking to meet her and joining in together, they finished the song.

"If they start singing together I'm putting cotton in my ears," Logan muttered, and he heard Morning Star snort.

I can make you deaf to them.

"You have a lovely voice woodsman," Hester said, blushing.

"Why thank you I've won my share of hog calling contests," he replied and she laughed. "I thought you'd be back in Massachusetts colony by now."

"I was not running home!" she said. "I too came to collect the herb, though I am wondering why you have," she continued putting her now in the air.

Hawkeye nodded as they all gathered around him some nodding in greeting to Hester. "The Captain gave Elizabeth twenty four hours to try the tea, and of course you never ever get lost?" he said.

"That is right."

"You just picked an alternate route?" Aisha said.

"Yes."

"Because you never ever not for one moment get lost," Logan said a half grin on his face.

For a few seconds Hester was silent. "Well perhaps for one moment," she admitted and giant grins spread on their faces.

"Yes one very short moment," Hawkeye said.

Smiling at Hawkeye, she took some flowers from his bag. "You should…come over here…because you missing all the best plants," she said, waving her hand.

As she and Hawkeye moved, away Morning Star murmured. "So that's the sprit walker Chingachgook, was talking about dear. She's real pretty," and she looked at Uncas a sly grin on her face.

He returned her gaze. "You know he only has eyes for one woman Woapaneu Allanque," he said, before bending down to pick more flowers.

At those words, Logan looked at him frowning. Before shaking his head and continuing with his work.

About an hour later, they were just about done when Hester came up saying. "Why not rest a moment?"

At that, Hawkeye and the others looked at her. "Why with Elizabeth and the men at the fort we ought to be getting back," Hawkeye said, tying off his bag.

"A moments of rest will not hurt," she amended sitting on the ground whipping sweat from her brow with a handkerchief. "After all the Captain gave Elizabeth twenty four hours."

Sighing they conceded and sat down with her. For a few seconds they sat in silence listening to the forest enjoying the peace. Then Hawkeye turned to Hester. "When we first met you were wearing a widow's peak…" She paused looking at him. "How did your husband die?"

After looking at him, she sat up and began twirling her finger around a flower still in the ground. "You afraid I cast a spell on him?" at that Hawkeye lowered his gaze. "Do you to believe me to be a witch?"

Looking up again he held her gaze for a few seconds before answering. "I believe you could cast a spell on any man Hester Adams. And I don't believe you have to use witchcraft to do it. And now that we both know that you're not going to turn me into a toad would you like to answer my question."

She held his gaze for a few seconds before nodding and looking away. "It is a sad tale," she started and everyone shifted to get more comfortable and sighing she continued, "My husband was bled to death. Just as a fool of a surgeon purposes for those young men back at the fort.

"We married young, too much in love to wait. I was with child when he fell ill…he wanted so much to healthy in order to help me…that he called for the doctor to attend him. And when this practitioner came to us with his…leeches…and lancets…I…I made a mighty protest. And I was ordered to hold my tongue…and god forgive me I did…I held my tongue even as they…drained my husband's life from his body."

Logan lowered his gaze before the sound a sniff met his ears and turning he saw a tear run down Morning Star's cheek. Reaching out she tightly grasped Uncas's hand as if to never let him go.

"The child died the fortnight following his father…after I laid each of them to rest…this earth lost its hold on me. And I swore that no power on it would ever again force me to hold my tongue. So I was cast from…decent society…and thrown to the fringes where other troublesome women dwell," she finished whiling away a tear and fidgeted with one of the bags of flowers. "I have spoken too much."

"No," Hawkeye murmured. "You have not."

She looked at him as she continued to fidget with the book. "If we tarry we will not reach the fort before night fall," she said, looking at him.

For a few seconds they held each other's gaze then very tenderly, she leaned forward and kissed his cheek. Feeling a little uncomfortable Logan looked away then frowned as a familiar feeling came over him.

"DOWN!" Hawkeye barked, grabbing Hester and they both dropped less than a second later an arrow came to rest at sharp angle next to his head.

Looking up Logan saw Black Eagle and some of his band come charging out of the forest issuing cries brandishing clubs and tomahawks. Back on his feet, he charged them and leaping forward kicked one in the gut before spinning in midair to kick another while Hawkeye bent low and grasping Black Eagle by the ankles flipped him over him. Beside him Rocky had swept the legs out from under another while Aisha circled one man's arm before spinning around to drive her elbow into his chest. As Adam and Billy, flipped men onto their backs Kimberly grabbed a man by the wrist making him drop his weapon before driving one elbow then the other into his face.

Looking around them, they saw the band of Hurons regain their feet and take off running in to forest, Chingachgook, and Uncas who had been guarding Morning Star relaxed. "You got to get back to the fort!" Hawkeye snapped helping Hester to her feet.

"Are you not coming?" she demanded.

"Black Eagle is heading to the French to tell them of the epidemic I can't let him do that!"

"I don't want to leave you…"

"They're heading north you'll be safe! And the fort…" Chingachgook said, coming close.

"No, no its not…"

"Hester Adams," Hawkeye interrupted silencing her. "Those men need you back there…especially the ones who not but boys," he said, and after a few seconds she nodded.

"I'll go back with them," Logan said, stepping forward. "Standing Bear, Lone Wolf, Swift Deer, and Cunning Wolf you go with Chingachgook, Hawkeye and Uncas," he said, and Aisha, Rocky, Adam, and Billy nodded. He turned to Kimberly and Morning Star. "Why don't you come to Morning Star it's too late for you to make it back to camp alone," and she nodded.

She then turned walked to Uncas and after kissing him murmured, "be safe my darling," and he nodded before the group ran after Black Eagle.

As the others readied the horses, Logan eyed the arrow that was still in the ground. Remembering how it had sharply turned before striking it. "One more thing before we go, Hester," he said, drawing his knife ready to face what was to come.

"What?" she asked, turning to face his back.

"Think fast!" he snapped turning and flinging his knife at her.

Time seemed to slow as it sailed through the air him ready to use magic to stop it or alter its course if he was wrong. But in a swift instinctive motion, she stepped back raising a hand and the knife stopped an inch from it. For a few seconds everyone stared at her in stunned silence as Logan stood straight nodding.

"You really are a witch," Morning Star murmured and Hester lowered her hand and the knife dropped to the ground.

"Yes," she murmured facing her. "If it would make you feel better I'll leave…but please take the flowers with you for the men. Or if the price for that is my death…so be it?"

"No one is going to harm you Hester," and they all turned to Logan.

"Falcons Eye she…," Morning Star started.

"…saved Hawkeye back there. And besides…," he interrupted and raising his own hand his knife shot into it. "We all have our little secrets," and he sheathed it before walking closer to her. "Did your husband know?" he asked, when he reached her.

For a few seconds she was still before nodding. "Yes and god love him he accepted me for it. He said, 'the devil can't be the only one who created magic' when I told him," she answered and Logan smiled nodding.

"Then you were indeed fortunate, just be more careful in the future when you use your magic. Or else this might happen again. But I promise nobody here will see harm come to you," he said, and glanced at Morning Star. "Nobody," he repeated.

For a few seconds she held his gaze the walked in front of Hester. "You didn't cause the pestilence?" she asked.

Hester shook her head. "No I felt the sickness and came to help. I'm a healer in both magic and herbal remedies nothing more, besides most of the time it's just a use of common sense and observation," she said.

After a few seconds, Morning Star nodded. "I believe you, though I suggest we keep what happened here between our selves at the moment," and everyone nodded.

"I think we can all agree on that after all I've been keeping Falcons Eye's secret for a while now," Kimberly said, swinging on to her horse.

"But how did you know?" Hester asked, as Logan bent to help her onto Rocky's chestnut.

"Look at the arrow," and she turned to look at it. "For it to get that angle it would had to have been fired to the wrong direction, now do you mind I'm getting a cramp?"

Turning back, she smiled. "There's no need," and with that she floated into the air coming down on the horse. "One of the best parts of being a witch, you get to fly," she murmured and urged the horse forward.

Watching her go Logan nodded murmuring, "no doubt about that, and I gotta learn how to do that," and with that he swung onto his horse and they headed for the fort.

When they arrived, they headed straight for the tavern. Upon entering, they froze at the sight of Elizabeth protesting as Charmers sat next to Gabriele, Thomas, and Colonel Monroe standing behind the doctor.

That butcher he's…! Hester started but Logan held her back.

Wait for the right moment he said, in her mind.

Just then, they heard Gabriele say, "Hey what are you doing! You nicked me with the sheers!" and all three sets of eyes turned on him. "Are you…an angel…have I been called home?"

Reaching forward Elizabeth cupped his cheek. "By his mercy…you're still alive…," she said, and a broad smile appeared on his face as he laughed joyfully. "Do you see? Hester's medicine works!"

Looking like an angry bull leaning forward Charmers growled, "Her witchcraft you mean!"

"No! Her healing!" Elizabeth snapped sounding disgusted at the man's abstinence. "I would think that you would be happy to see this boy restored to his health!"

"What does it prophet to cure his body, when he loses his immortal soul?"

"Charmers that is enough," the Colonel snapped. "Witchcraft or no. it makes little difference…because we do not have the witch," he said, slowly.

"Would you mean me?" Hester said, stepping inside and they all looked at her.

As he walked forward, Logan saw Thomas and Colonel Monroe's eye flare at the sight of Morning Star. "What are you doing here?" Thomas demanded.

Standing straight Morning Star said, "I have come to help, dear father, and dear brother." And Logan got between them.

When she reached her, Hester offered Elizabeth the bag she was carrying. "We have gathered enough feverwort to cure every man here," she declared proudly.

"Captain! Colonel! I inset!" Charmers started springing to his feet.

"Charmers…!" Colonel Monroe said, silencing him. "If she be a fiend from hell…it would be best to send a few French back with her," he said, before he walked forward. "Minister to them all woman but for god sakes cure them," he said, and not giving his daughter, another look left the tavern Thomas in his wake.

As he followed them Charmers paused. "If you believe I shall let this past…you're sadly mistaken…," he threatened then he to left his cain clicking on the wood.

I smell trouble on the horizon, Logan murmured to Kimberly and Hester.

Yes and its name is wounded pride, Hester agreed. "Let us get to work," she said, aloud and they went into action.

For hours, they worked in the tavern tending to the sick. Making the tea, helping the sick drink it down. As time passed, they noticed marked improvement to the men around them as their fevers began to break. With this good news, their determination grew anew and they continued.

Finally after the sixth hour standing from the cot of the man he had just helped drink a tinkered of tea Logan stretched his aching muscles and noticed Morning star by the window. Frowning he walked over to her.

"Something wrong?" he asked, and she jumped.

Looking at him, she shook her head. "No it's just…strange being back," she murmured.

After a few seconds, he nodded. "Yeah I guess it would be," he said, following her gaze to the fort. "He'll be alright Morning Star, Uncas is a great warrior, and his brother won't let hard come to him," he said, trying to reassure her.

Slowly she looked at him. "Can your magic do anything to reassure that?" she asked, quietly.

After a second, he shook his head. "No I'm still learning. But I'm glad you're one of the few who know that…it's what you with the gifts granted in life that determines who and what you are. Not the gifts themselves."

She smiled and nodded. "I married an Indian what you expect," and he laughed.

Back in the forest following the trail Hawkeye, Chingachgook, Uncas and the others stopped examining the trail. "They met up with at least twenty others then split off here," Hawkeye murmured.

"Why the French are to the north?" Uncas asked, pointing.

"Black Eagle swore he'd take scalps as revenge," Adam muttered.

"The Mitchel farm is that way, across bear creek," Hawkeye said, pointing in the direction of their trail.

"Then let's take the quicker route and cross at the rapids!" Chingachgook said, and at once, they took off again.

Later that night after warning and evacuating the farmhouse Hawkeye, Chingachgook, and Uncas waited inside. While Rocky, Adam and Aisha waited outside.

Peering through the glass of the window Hawkeye murmured, "He'll send at least ten in here."

"Me and Uncas will take three each," Chingachgook murmured back.

"Good," Hawkeye answered then paused. "That leaves four."

"You take the extra one."

Again, Hawkeye nodded. "Why do I have to take the extra one?"

Chingachgook paused in thought. "Because you're bigger," Uncas answered.

"What has that got to do with it?"

"Everything," they both said, lightly laughing.

Outside Black Eagle signaled and ten of his men stalked to the farmhouse. As the ones still hidden left behind to cover them fidgeted uneasy with the thrill of battle Rocky, Aisha, Billy, and Adam crept up behind four them. In one motion, they had them in chokeholds that they held until the men stopped fighting.

Moving on the remaining men Aisha rushed forward nailing him in the chest with a flying sidekick. As he fell on the ground, she flipped forward driving her heel into his gut.

Not far from her Rocky and Adam dispatched there. One sweeping the legs out from under him from the side the other nailing him with a spin kick at the same time.

Meanwhile Billy flipping over his nailed him with a hard back kick before an alarm could be sounded. Turning he was met by one coming up behind him. Before the Huron could, attack rocky appeared and locking the man's arm out swept him to the ground and drove his elbow into his chest.

"Thanks," Billy said, helping him up.

"Don't mention it, but why did I get the extra one?" he asked, as the other two gathered up.

"Because back home you're The Red Ranger," Aisha answered and Rocky moaned.

Inside with a cry Black Eagle burst through the door and was met first with Hawkeye's rifle tripping him then Hawkeye drove the butt into his face knocking him out. As the second charged through Chingachgook shot him. The third was knocked out as Uncas drove the butt of his rifle through the glass window against the man's head. The fourth was knocked out as Chingachgook drove the door closed on him as Hawkeye shot the fifth.

As Uncas shot the sixth through the window, Hawkeye drove his knife into the seventh and he fell it standing up from his gut. With a flick of his wrist, Uncas threw his tomahawk into the head of the eighth while Chingachgook knocked out the ninth with his fist. "The extra one!" Uncas snapped and Hawkeye kicked Black Eagle in the face as he started to get up knocking him out again.

"Nice work," Hawkeye said, as the other four came in. "can you and Uncas keep an eye on this until I send help?" he asked, looking at Chingachgook.

"You're going back to the fort?"

"Yes I need to see that Hester Adams is safe," he said.

Looking at the men around them both Uncas and Chingachgook nodded. "Go we do all the work around here," and he motioned through the door.

"My brothers the English want Black Eagle alive," Hawkeye warned.

"They always want things the wrong way," Uncas muttered, and with that, Hawkeye and the others left.

Back at the fort, the nursing group had moved to the trading post for tea and some food. "Charmers shall have the final word. Of that there can be no doubt," Hester said, laying her cup and saucer on the table between her and Elizabeth and the others looked at her.

"But surely the man recognizes that he's been fairly beaten?" Elizabeth protested lowering her cup. "The men recovered."

Slowly Hester shook her head. "His kind recognizes nothing fair, this is not a game I play for the first time," and she looked into the fire where Logan was leaning against the mantle with Kimberly.

"Hester you have nothing to fear, my father and brother are many things but they will not allow you to be harmed," Morning Star said, walking close.

Slowly Hester looked at them all. "Things happen at night Elizabeth that most men would not allow to have happen in the light of day, and yet they happen," she said, and a chill ran up Logan's spine. "I wish Hawkeye were here also." At that, Elizabeth turned to Hester who returned her gaze. "Elizabeth tell me something…is Hawkeye promised to someone?"

Logan's eyes went to Elizabeth who took a few seconds to answer. "No…," she said, and then cleared her throat. "I mean I wouldn't really know, I don't believe he is," and she quickly took a sip from her cup.

Studying her Hester nodded. "And yet I felt there within him…a bond of some kind to another woman…," she said, and Elizabeth slowly looked at her. "I knew if I pursued him he would have moved away," and Elizabeth looked away and Logan saw the hint of a smile on her face. "He is a man of honor…once bound to a woman he will follow her to hell."

"Yes…I believe he would," Elizabeth said, looking back at Hester and the two woman shared a smile.

Laying her saucer and cup on the mantle Kimberly said, "hey how about some music to pass the time?" and they all looked at her.

"Not a bad idea," Logan said, mimicking her. "You got a guitar here?" he asked, Elizabeth who nodded and getting up got one from the one of the shelves behind the counter.

"I didn't know you played," Kimberly commented as Elizabeth handed it to him.

Sitting down on a stool, he tuned it. "Who do you think helped teach Logan? Now this is an oldie where I'm from but I hope some here will get meaning in it," and she plucked a few cords.

As they looked at him, he started to strum the cords. "If you leap awake In the mirror of a bad dream And for a fraction of a second You can't remember where you are Just open your window And follow your memory upstream To the meadow in the mountain Where we counted every falling star

I believe a light that shines on you Will shine on you forever And though I cant guarantee There's nothing scary hiding under your bed I'm gonna stand guard like a postcard of a Golden Retriever And never leave till I leave you With a sweet dream in your bed

I'm gonna watch you shine Gonna watch you grow Gonna paint a sign So you'll always know As long as one and one is two wooo There could never be a father who loved His daughter more than I love you

Trust your intuition It's just like goin fishin' You cast your line and hope you get a bite You don't need to waste your time Worryin' about the market place Trying to help the human race Strugglin to survive its harshest hour

I'm gonna watch you shine Gonna watch you grow Gonna paint a sign So you'll always know As long as one and one is two wooo There could never be a father who loved His daughter more than I love you

I'm gonna watch you shine Gonna watch you grow Gonna paint a sign So you'll always know As long as one and one is two wooo There could never be a father who loved His daughter more than I love you," he said, and as the last note resonated he saw Kimberly whipe a tear from her face.

At a sound from outside his eyes darted to the window. Motion for them all to remain where they were put the guitar to the side and climbed to his feet. Peering through the window into the gloom of the night, he cursed at the sight of the angry mob carrying torches one with a noose.

"What is it?" Elizabeth asked.

"It's a lynching mob!" he snapped turning.

"They're coming for me," Hester said, standing an edge of fear in her voice.

"No one will have you!" Elizabeth snapped and she, Logan and Morning Star led her to the back storage room.

Do you know how to use a portal spell? He asked her.

Yes.

Use it when you're in here and I'll meet you later in the forest! He instructed.

"You'll be safe here I promise," Elizabeth said, opening the door.

"No Elizabeth I will never be safe in your civilized world," Hester said, hugging her. "I see that now," and she hugged Morning Star. "You bid Hawkeye adieu for me?"

"Hester you will see him tomorrow," Elizabeth reassured her handing her a lit lamp.

"Now hurry," morning start said, and Hester backed in. One she was inside they closed, bolted, and locked the door with a padlock.

The angry voices grew louder as they walked to the front door and Elizabeth threw on her cloak. "COME ON OPEN THE DOOR! OPEN THE DOOR! WE KNOW YOU'RE HIDING THE WICTH! SO OPEN THE DOOR!" someone shouted pounding on the door.

Taking a breath, they looked at each other, went to the door, and opened it and stepping out the crowd stepped back. "Good evening what is that you all want at this late hour?" Elizabeth said, calming though Logan saw a bead of sweat form.

"We have no quarrel with you Mrs. Monroe just send out the witch we'll trouble you no further," Lester said.

"And what makes you think we'll do that?" Logan demanded.

"Life is hard enough here without letting in trouble makers!" the trapper from before shouted and people shouted agreement.

"And yet I see decedents of Quakers, Amish, and Huguenots! All deemed by your home lands as trouble makers!" Kimberly snapped and some men hung their heads.

At that, Charmers pushed to the front. "Are you all to be swayed women prattle?" he demanded and the crowd roared again. "The demon inside has cast a spell on them, now you all know what has to be done here!" and the crowd roared louder.

"Then listen to me and let's get to the heart of the issue!" Logan said, stepping forward. "Because if you all do what you plan to do you might want to know the real reason why. Because the only thing the women you want to kill is caring for the people of this fort!

It wasn't until the ranting of a defeated Huron and a so-called Doctor whose pride she's bruised was just another traveler to you! So why are you listening to them!"

"Because I am a respected man in the British Army! I am the best Doctor in The Colonies!" Charmers shouted back.

"Then maybe you should tell your patients that most of your treatments will more than likely leave them blinded, crippled, and dying!" Kimberly retorted.

"This man doesn't care about you and his recent actions prove it!" Logan shouted at all of them. "All he cares about is building his reputation and inflating his own dame ego! Don't you see that he's using all of you to rid himself of the woman who did what he could not because if he did it he would held as a murderer!

"Because the real reason wasn't that she healed them and made them well! The real reason is that Chambers…! Can't…! Take…! Credit…!" Logan said, slapping his hand against his palm to emphasizing the last three words by slapping the back of his hand against his palm

"Look at yourselves yesterday you were just folks hoping that your loved ones would regain their health and live! Now look at all of you! Acting like crazy people looking to kill the woman who answered your prayers!" Kimberly picking up where Logan had left it. "Every sense the woman came here Charmer has been doing two things and two things only! Making you afraid of her and tell you she's to blame for what happened!

"And that's when things don't go his way he goes to the people he considers lower than himself and first telling them of happy easier times. Talk to them about their family values and character then you talk about the recent trouble they've all had and he points a finger…saying that she's to blame their bad luck…and brands her a witch!" she said, and they looked at Charmers as the crowd listened to them.

Slowly Logan stepped into Charmers face. "Hester Adams has done nothing to you Doc except heal and care for the sick. You what to debate about proper medicine you'd better stick with me…because she is at a much higher caliber then you," he said, slowly as if the man was deaf and dumb.

At that, Morning Star stepped forward. "Now I know better than most how some of you feel about…Africans…Indians…or anyone who is different! But I'm asking you all if you really want to kill a woman?" she shouted looking around at them mob. "…for healing your friends, neighbors and loved ones?" she finished quietly.

At that, the crowd looked at each and some turned to leave. "Do not let sentiment interfere with what you know is right! Let us do what we came here to do! Especially since this one has already been tainted by the red man!" Charmers shouted pointing at Morning Star.

At that Lester, brandishing the noose leapt forward. "I SAY WE LISTEN TO THE DOCTOR! HANG THE WICTH!" he called half the crowd roared again. As Logan and the others stepped back, a shot rang out and Lester dropped the rope clutching his bleeding hand. Slowly the crowd looked over and saw Hawkeye lower his rifle with Rocky, Adam, and Billy all bearing looks of disgust. "LOOK WHAT YOU'VE DONE TO MY HAND!"

"Could have been a lot worse," Hawkeye said, and they started walking forward and the crowd parted for them. "Now I don't believe there's anything left for you gentlemen to do here this evening. Except to go home to your now healed loved ones. As for you doctor, Johnson here may need your services…no one else will," and he and the others joined Logan his group before the door.

"That is not your decision woodsman. There is a witch inside and you shall rue the day…and suffer for consorting with her," Charmers said, pointing a finger at them.

"If she is a witch she's already proven to have a kinder and more forgiving heart than yours. After all she's already proven herself the better doctor," Logan said, before Hawkeye could speak.

"And as to what we suffer…," Hawkeye said, glancing at Logan. "…I don't believe that is your decision," for a few seconds Charmers glared at them then like a child about to have a tantrum stalked away. And with his leaving, the rest of the mob broke up.

Sighing deeply Logan looked at Hawkeye as Elizabeth said, "thank you."

"I didn't mean to interrupt your sermons, I just didn't think all of them were listening," he said, and they laughed lightly as Aisha came round the corner of the trading post. "How is Hester?"

"Hester," Elizabeth muttered, and they all went back inside.

Reaching the back storage room Elizabeth undid the padlock and bolt before pushing open the door. And with the exception of the lantern, it was empty. In a stunned silence, Elizabeth stepped inside before turning to look at Hawkeye.

"Where did she go?" she muttered, worry lacing her voice.

"My guess someplace a lot safer than here," Logan muttered, as Elizabeth picked up the lantern and stepped out.

"Hawkeye, Falcons Eye…I don't understand," she muttered, then moved away to the front window where she peered out. "You admired her," she said, looking back at Hawkeye and Logan. "Didn't you?"

Logan nodded. "We did."

"She's a woman to test the mettle of any man," Hawkeye put in. "A woman to walk the long road with."

Elizabeth smiled. "She said the same of both of you."

"Did she now," Hawkeye said, straightening.

Walking to the wall near the door, she slipped of her cloak and hung it up. "I wonder how she managed to escape the storage room…let alone…escape the fort," she said, before facing the group.

Smiling Hawkeye stepped forward. "Well I can't rightly say…but do you mind telling me who that fellow it," and he pointed out the window over Elizabeth's shoulder. "With the pointed ears and the pitch fork," he said, half laughing. After looking over her shoulder, she faced the others and they all started laughing.

A short while later as promised Logan walked through the forest several miles from the fort looking for Hester. Stopping next to a large oak, he looked around. "You can come out Hester," he said, turned. For a few seconds there was nothing then she stepped around the tree. "I'm glad you decided to stick around."

She smiled. "Only long enough to thank you for everything," she smiled and he nodded.

"Where will you go?" he asked, leaning against the tree.

At that, she looked away shaking her head. "Apart from maybe the Native Tribes and the Magical Realm there really is nowhere safe for people us," she said, sadly and he nodded.

"Well you can't stay with us at the Delaware because you might be found. So the question is how do you plan to get to the Magical Realm?" he asked.

"I will take her."

At once, both of them whipped around to see a cloaked hooded figure bearing a staff walk toward them. "You again," Logan muttered the hood turned slightly toward him.

"Have we met?" the figure asked.

"Not lately," Logan answered.

For a few seconds the figure looked at Logan then turned back to Hester. "you've been through so much child…it's time for you to come home," it said, and it thrust its hand to the side and in a blinding flash of light and portal of swirling blue energy appeared.

After staring at it with a look of wonder and joy, Hester turned back to Logan. "Are you coming?" she asked, offering her hand.

After looking at her for a few seconds, he shook his head. "There are still things for me to do here."

At that, the cloaked figure approached him silhouetted by the light of the portal. For a few seconds they looked at each other than letting go of the staff, which floated at its side. With gentle hands, it took his right hand in tis and pulled back his sleeve exposing his morpher.

"Yes there is many things for you to do here, or rather back where you come from. Young Rider," it said.

"Rider?" Hester said, moving forward a shocked look on her face. "The Riders have returned?"

For a few seconds all were quite. "no he's a little ahead of his time," the figure said, before turning and taking Hester by the arm the staff in its other hand led her back to the portal. "I have a feeling we'll meet again," the figure said, turning to face him.

He nodded a half grin on his face. "As do I, but Hester I'm curious," he said, and she frowned. "I heard that witches and wizards live exceptionally long lives," and she nodded. "Sorry to put it bluntly but how old are you?"

Laughing at that she said, "two hundred and seventy five."

Arching his eyebrows over wide eye in surprise, he nodded. "You look good for your age," he muttered, and with that, they turned and walked through the portal closing behind them.

Well that was interesting, Red Dragon mused.

Deciding it was too late to return to the Delaware camp Logan and the other took up rooms at the fort. As the boys settled into bed of one room in the Trading post Logan closed his eyes for sleep. Before Hawkeye leaned in to blow out the candle when to Logan's annoyance he sang a little of The Ballad of Barbra Allen then blew it out.

Logan waited for him to close his eyes then let out a silent puff of air. And the candle relit itself Hawkeye's eyes going wide. Hiding his smile Logan rolled over wondering what Tommy was doing.

1900s

His head still a little funny from the fight Tommy walked through the park looked for the others. "Hey Janet have you seen the guys?" he asked, a girl with blonde hair from their class.

"No have you tried Ernie's?" she suggested.

"Okay thanks," he muttered and continued down the path holding his head.

As he was walking down a deserted part of the path not really looking ahead of him he saw, a pair of feet step out in front of him from some bushes. Looking up to ask the person about the guys, he recoiled back in surprise. For what he saw was…him…in a green bandana chewing on a toothpick.

"Hello Tommy," the…whatever of him said pulling out the pick. And in his voice. "Allow me to introduce myself."

"What the hell is going on here?" he demanded aloud. "Who the hell are you?"

At that, the other teen chuckled. "I'm The Green Ranger."

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