Having docked and now been settled at their temporary quarters Alice was enjoying being outside, breathing in fresh air. Major Duncan Heyward had arrived earlier and requested a private audience with Cora. Alice amused herself by trying to identify some of the plants in the garden, and not so cautiously watch over the two of them. As time passed Alice could tell that the conversation was not going well, by the set of her sister's shoulders.
Deciding to give her sister a respite she called out "Duncan". Thus having been addressed, polite society dictated that Duncan now acknowledge Alice. Alice prattled on about adventures in the wilderness, not being able to sleep for the excitement of it all, and questioned Duncan about the natives. At least of this she was genuinely interested on the subject. Duncan responded accordingly although by his answers she could tell he held the natives in little esteem. But her intervention had served its purpose and the tension began to drain out of Cora.
The next day Alice is a horseback for the trip to Fort William Henry. And contrary to her conversation with Duncan she has slept. While Cora may be used to long marches, being in the saddle for so long was something Alice would have to get used to it. Per their scout, who's countenance had given Alice shivers and made her want' to cross herself, it would take about 3 days to reach Fort William Henry.
They had been but half a days ride, when Alice's world would be forever changed for a second time. The first shot fired initially didn't cause her panic, she had been to parades a few times in London and so the sounds of gunfire and cannon fire were not unknown. But then, then the chaos descended. She tries to manage her horse, but she herself is becoming agitated. And then she is thrown. It isn't till Cora brushes her hat from her head that Alice takes view of what was happening. The sheer violence, the blood, the sounds have her turning from the sight, into her sister, and burying her head against Cora's side. Alice closes her eyes but the sounds of men dying do not diminish, nor does the site of blood. But now, now Alice is in another time and place with blood on her hands. Had she appeared like the "Red Men" savage, wild and deadly? How long she sobs dry eyed, how much longer.
It is her sister and another voice she doesn't recognize that pulls her from her memory. She notes the silence that has fallen and this allows her to gather her wits. To push everything down as she has learned to do. Now, now is not the time to be falling apart, seeing her rosary off to her right, she reaches for it before climbing to her feet and pocketing it once more. As she stands she is relieved to see the horses still near. Turning back she sees the dead men and quickly focuses on the three men that have apparently come to their rescue. Cora pulls her to her side as the men start conversing with Duncan and each other.
The youngest of the three begins heading in their direction and as he passes Alice realizes he is headed to the horses. She turns her head to follow him and breaks away from Cora when she realizes he is chasing the horses off. " Stop, stop it we need them to get out," she cries as she approaches the young Indian. She had not expected to be grabbed by the young man and brought to a halt. For a brief moment their eyes meet and she has the thought, his eyes look like my rosary, before Cora grabs her and the young man turns and heads back towards the other out so much as a by your leave, Cora and Duncan exchange looks and Alice finds herself following their rescuers, towards Fort William Henry. Alice notes Cora stops to pick up a pistol, but Alice does not, and so they march.
Alice observers their surroundings as the walk, it a nice way to distract herself from what she has witnessed. Looking around she is awed by this country she finds herself in. It both resembles and in no way resembles her highland home, but for the first time since they have landed, Alice feels more like Scottish heather and less like an English rose. As they near the falls her breath is stolen, in a blow of physical homesickness. For she feels as though she is at Ben Wyvis again. She can not help but take in the beauty around her. Her breath coming back to her in a slow cadence she also becomes aware of the stare of the Red Man at her back. Shaking off her sentiments she takes one more look at the rushing water before climbing up. And once reaching the top they march on.
Time stretches and Alice wonders if they will ever stop, if he will ever stop watching her. Though she acknowledges his stare does not make her skin crawl. It feels measured and cautious and somehow curious. The do eventually stop for a few minutes to rest and discuss the next move. The young Red man approaches and offers to Alice a bag, "Water skin, you should drink," comes the deep timber of his voice. Alice nods and brings the skin to her lips allowing the warm water to coat her throat and quench some of her thirst. Another sip and she returns him the skin. "Thank you," she replies. And because she is tired and not truly an English woman blurts out "Are you Mohawk?". Alice immediate feels her face flush, but the young man cocks his head to the side and responds, "Mohican." Before Alice can either question him further or embarrass herself they are rallied to move. So they press on for their guides know of a cabin where they might take respite and spend the night. And as they continue onward, his eyes continue to watch her.
