Uncas finds himself captivated, Alice's voices is haunting and the language rolls over his skin merging with his bones. As she quiets she speaks "It's called Tir Nan Og, its a song of lament and longing in my native tongue." Uncas' head spins, isn't she Yengesse. Before anymore can be shared a pounding on the door interrupts them. "Miss Munro, the Colonel requires your presence." Uncas has Alice up and on her feet in seconds, as she steps away she finds his braid has become entangled with her necklace. "I need a moment," she says as Uncas and she work to untangle themselves. Eyes dancing at each other. Alice straightens her skirt and heads to the door, not opening it until Uncas is securely behind it. Eyes meeting both wonder if this is their final time together. Before heading out she reaches for Uncas' hand and presses a fleeting kiss to his palm.

Stepping out she gestures to the private to lead on. While Uncas slips away unobserved, heart aching the further he moves from her. Alice approaches her father with caution. "Papa you wished to see me?" Edmund Munro looks up at his youngest daughter. "Girl, I will be meeting with the French general Montcalm, later this afternoon. I'll not lie tae ye' things are grim. Should he offer, ye, ye sister, and the other women and children will leave." "What about you Papa and the rest of the men?" "Its our duty to crown and country to hold until Webb arrives. Din-nae argue with me gael, just promise tae stay close to ye sister." Alice hugs her father tightly, "I promise, Papa."

Uncas finds himself safely away from Alice only to be facing his Nuxa. Chingachgook looks at he son long and hard, and Uncas does not shy away. "She is your Aholkwësit?" "Òsòmi , Nuxa." Uncas bares the hurt in his fathers eyes. Both of them know Alice would not be Chingachgook's choice for his blood-son. Chingachgook sighs, but clasps his son shoulder. "Wètënëmao." Uncas shoulders unwind, knowing his father will accept her. He learns from other scouts that the French have called parley.

It is with shock, relief, and despair that Alice mounts behind her sister Cora. Her father has surrendered the fort, General Webb having abandon her fathers request for relief. Per the demands of surrender all those sheltered in the Fort are given clemency to leave. Yet Nathaniel will still leave in chains, the French's clemency has not softened her father's heart and he still intends to hang Nathaniel. Alice's head hangs heavy, unlike Cora, who would prefer to be sitting backwards in hopes of catching a glimpse of the man she loves. The forgiveness given to her by Uncas in her room doesn't seem sufficient in the cold light of day. How can she accept the care of a man, who's brother her father will kill.

Alice feels old and worn, and is now riding away from the one person able to make her feel semi-whole and clean. She also has no doubt that Uncas and his father will attempt to rescue Nathaniel, she knows she can not witness his death. That would shatter her completely. As they continue to ride along, Cora has finally settled, and as the sounds of the forest die down around them, both the girls shiver for the likeness of their previous experience. Alice would like to feel surprised when she hears the yells of the Indians, but somehow she has known something is coming, so it is only that familiar feeling of fear that settles in her bones. Cora's quick maneuvering of the horse lets her know Cora is not surprised either. Both the girls quickly dismount and try to assume a defensive position.

This time Cora can not shield Alice from the ruthless slaughter. The Natives are coming from all sides and they must attempt to run. As they are running, Alice's attention become riveted on her father. A target on his horse. She watches, as evern her sister's maneuvering of her can not prevent Alice from seeing. Seeing her fathers horse collapse, watching as the scout known as Magua stands over the body of her father, lifting something bloody and shiney, and staring her down as bites and chews and swallows. She doesn't even react when she and Cora are seperated. Doesn't react when an indian grabs her face. Can not react as Cora attempts to save her. Alice is thrown, collapsed and frozen. Only when Chingachgook helps her to her feet, can she move and then is running. Always running.

Gaelic and Lenape Vocabulary

Air falbh leis na sìthichean (away with the faeries)

Aon chois, an uairsin am fear eile (one foot, then the other)

Aholkwësit (beloved person-lenepe)

Hìtkwike kwëchkwëna (among the trees; burial)

Kwènishkwënayas (panther, mountain lion, cougar, puma)

Chan e leanabh a th 'annam (I am not a child)

Tha mi moiteil a bhith Albannach (I am proud to be Scottish)

Nuxa (Father)/ Nuxati (dear Father)

Kishux (sun; moon; month)

Neyo na kishux këshkinkwink (I see the moon in your eyes)

Òsòmi (certainly; oh yes)

Naxans (my older brother)

Naxisëmës -or- xàta (my younger brother/sibling/cousin)

Wètënëmao (accept it from him)

Tha mi a 'gealltainn leannain (I promise beloved)

Fàg slighe, mas urrainn dhut (Leave a trail, if you can)

Chan e, chan urrainn dhut a bhith agad (No, you can't have him)

Nichan (my child, daughter)