Down the Huron came, the harsh torchlight invading the sanctuary of what had once been a safe hiding place.
As Erin's eyes adjusted to the unwelcome brightness, she saw no forms of men, only dark figures moving like menacing vampiric shadows along the rock wall. The search party entered the final large cave and all were illuminated in a warm glow, but there were no warm faces.
The two English soldiers moved, positioning themselves as a barrier, defending their commander and all three women with a wall of their bodies, weapons drawn and resolve of will ready. Erin wanted to feel emboldened by their bravery but she could clearly see the droop of their shoulders, the feverish sheen of sweat upon one man's brow, and the sheer obvious exhaustion of physical energy which now made them all easy prey. The invaders swept upon them with ease, engaging those in their path in a one-sided battle. The injured man was struck down first with a careless blow, his form landing lifeless upon the cave floor. Then the next solider was targeted, harsh rings of sword meeting metal, a short scuffle and a sharp intake of desperate breath, then he too fell.
Erin could hear her own breaths and blood rushing within her ears, the pounding of a distant sea that was rushing to engulf them all. Then her eyes were drawn to the tall form of Magua descending into the flame light. His war paint was now faded, his black feather plumes seeming a little bedraggled after the long day of fighting, but he still held himself proudly. He had a shawl casually slung over one shoulder, looking in every way as if none of what was happening was of any significance to him.
Erin squeezed Cora's hand all the tighter, hearing the two women beside her breathing hard in trepidation. Duncan stood ready, daring any man to approach further, sword pointing to each warrior in a challenge that they suddenly seemed a little reluctant to act upon, all eyes watching Magua and awaiting instructions.
Erin could only assume they'd seen Duncan commanding forces on the battlefield and knew his value, as he had nothing left to show his rank. Perhaps it was also the way he held himself, proud and a little haughty, a nobility to his entire aura that told all these men he was worth more alive than those dead privates now lying cold upon the cave floor.
Alice clung to her sister, a small soft whimper escaping her lips at what the arrival of these men meant, and in response Cora tried vainly to wrap her completely in her arms, hiding her from the looming threat.
Suddenly, Duncan lunged at one man who came too close, but his thrust was dodged and a club was brought down with a sickening thunk upon his head, he fell to the floor groaning, a fresh wound on his scalp pouring blood.
The women let out a shared gasp of alarm.
Magua stepped over Duncan's body and reached out, his hand finding a lock of Cora's dark hair, and he inspected it with that same tilt of his head Erin had seen him give her bonds back on the battlefield. He then reached for Alice's hair and the young girl's eyes widened in terror as she stood, as if paralyzed, while he gave her the same cold scrutiny. His face was unreadable, but there was something dark and indulgent in his eyes, a smug pleasure perhaps.
His gaze flicked to Erin, as though just noticing her lowly presence, and the tiniest ripple of surprise crossed his features, the expression so small, that if he had not been this close, Erin would have been unsure she'd seen anything at all. He knew her, but it seemed for a moment he could not place her, and his eyes crawled to each of her features with a callous gleam of flint. Then his composed demeanour fell back into place and he looked away, disinterested.
He gestured for a warrior to come forth, and without hesitation one did, like a dog called to a task. Without a single word, Magua flicked a hand towards Erin, his mouth a cruel hard line, and without hesitation or seemingly any thought at all, the man drew his knife and stepped forward ready to attack.
Erin's eyes widened, her gaze darted to Magua's face and for a brief moment she thought she saw him smile, a cruel thing clinging to the edge of his mouth, the look plainly stating he had been right, he knew she was a liar.
The warrior reached, and within a second his hand was around Erin's arm, pulling her away from the comfort of those she knew, towards the peril of his deadly blade, and all three women let out a collective sharp cry of distress.
"No!" Cora said, with more firmness than any of them had a right to feel in this moment. "Stop, you cannot harm her, she is the daughter of a British General whom you have no quarrels with, but he will have cause to hunt you down, Sir, make no mistake of it, he is ruthless! You will not be forgiven!"
Magua held up a hand and the warrior stood as if frozen, waiting for his next command. Magua's gaze was upon Cora, fierce, and full of silent, threatening, bitter curses for she who had dared to speak.
Erin could see Cora's bottom lip tremble, through fear or cold, she didn't think even Cora was sure, and under Magua's intense glare Cora faltered, her eyes looking down, feeling the weight of his potent hatred.
"She will fetch you a good price if you sell her back to the English." Duncan groaned out the words but seemed to still be understood.
Erin felt a little warmth flood into her numb limbs with the act of being defended by these people. The ruse appeared to be working as Magua again shot Erin a curious, if sharp look, head tilting like a bird of prey deciding if the animal he had clutched within his deadly talons was worth the effort.
With nothing more than a firm nod Magua made his decision, and gestured to his men that they were leaving. The frozen warrior thawed and his blade was sheathed, his grip falling harmlessly from Erin's arm.
Erin allowed a small huff of relief to pass her lips, but was given no time for more, as rawhide ropes were roughly placed around Alice and Erin's hands. Cora, it seemed, was being singled out for the audacity to speak at all, a rope was placed around her neck and she was led like a mule as punishment. Erin wanted to reach out and offer a consoling touch to her friend, to reassure her and thank her, but she dared not under the hardened gaze of so many enemies, who felt ready to strike any of them down without a qualm. Duncan, dazed and unsteady, was tied with his hands behind his back, a piece of wood brought and wedged at the crooks of his elbows, making struggle or protest on his part near impossible.
They emerged from the treacherous refuge of the cave into the dark of the night, the torches their only light upon the uneven path.
They were led along hidden narrow animal pathways that looked forgotten, avoiding all major roads and well-used trails, and going further into the wilderness. Up rocky inclines and through dense undergrowth, the way hard and full of unkind pitfalls. Dawn finally broke many hours later, the rose glow of the sun making everything about them appear soft and hazy, colours diffused in the light. Erin couldn't help but wonder at the scenery and how it felt like they were stepping into a dream, a beautiful and terrible dream.
The sun rose higher, bringing with it a new day, and all were already exhausted. Alice looked pale and far beyond what could be called just tired anymore. The smudges of dark circles lay like vivid bruises against tender fair skin, telling a tale of many days of little to no sleep. Cora's face was pinched with the effort of staying upon her feet, working in the infirmary allowed her more access to stamina and dealing with long gruelling hours, but this was pushing even her to the limits. Duncan was a short way in front of them, his leg obviously paining him, his limp more pronounced, the carefully scavenged and wrapped bandages slowly being overcome by a steady flow of fresh blood, the forced trek not giving his wound time to heal. The side of his face was covered in drying blood, a sight Erin was glad she could only catch glimpses of, if he attempted to look over his shoulder.
They stopped for a short rest but were offered no food and only a little water to keep them moving, then they returned to walking again. If they lagged they were given a sharp cruel push, many times only just managing to keep their footing. Cora fell heavily into a bush after one such harsh urging, the sharp twig ripping into her sleeve and cutting her arm, staining the verdant green with a smear of red. No aid was offered or given, and she was hauled back onto her feet with a rough pull of the rope around her neck.
Erin wasn't sure how long they had been traveling, hours, endless painful hours, was her only guess. She knew where they were heading, she had informed Uncas all about the Huron village at the base of the mountain when they'd talked in the cells of Fort William Henry. Uncas had known of it, although Mohican and Huron held no love for each other in this war torn land, so he had never had cause to go there before now. But Erin knew that was where all three men would be making their way to in pursuit of them, and their path would be just as arduous as her own, if not more so. The jump and fall into the water could have injured one of them, or god forbid, they could have drow-
'Stop it, Erin!' her mind scolded, this wasn't the time to dwell on what might be, but what would come.
She turned her mind back to the endless trudge, and the empty time filled with nothing but walking gave Erin unwanted chances to linger upon everything since she had arrived in this world, but especially upon Uncas. His words to her the night before had both chilled and exhilarated her, despair and hope battling to win out in the moment they had found themselves in. The kiss, the way he had faintly tasted of the musky dried berries he kept in one of his pouches. The way he had held her in his arms, it was the first time since she had come to this time that Erin could say she had felt safe, even for just one fleeting moment. It had all been effortless, being with him had been so easy, and it had felt like the only right thing in this whole harsh world, until that same harsh world rushed back in to sweep her away and remind her of all its myriad of flaws.
For a brief moment, wrapped within his arms, Erin had allowed the distinct day dream that this could indeed be the start of something more, perhaps it had already begun and she wouldn't know until it was too late... Could she give up her life for this man? Did she feel that flame inside her growing strong enough to stand against the cruelty in this life and the wake of pain she would leave in the one she would leave behind?
Erin cast an eye about their surroundings, the hard countenance of their captors, the frightened and exhausted faces of her friends, and the untamed wilds that stifled all around them. Then she went inward, stark imaginings of Ada sobbing alone, thinking Erin had died somewhere out in the forest, lost and alone. Erin's parents, losing their only child. Never knowing what became of her, never finding closure. Her mother staring with harrowing sorrow at a picture of her lost daughter and knowing a never ending heartbreak. Erin would never get a chance to tell them she was sorry, or that she loved them, and her own heart threatened to break under the weight of that consequence.
Erin doubted she had the courage to withstand such guilt and regret and she also doubted she had the strength of will to live in this time. It seemed impossible.
The bleak day had cast its unrelenting light upon all the faults and questions that she had no time or desire to find answers to. For the moment, her own complex and muddied feelings would have to wait, the only thing that mattered now was Alice and Uncas surviving, everything else was a fading dream.
"If Magua give women to Yengeese soldiers... will receive many gifts."
Erin was drawn out of her inner contemplations by the sound of Duncan speaking up ahead. He was trying to keep up with the fast pace of Magua who seemed wholly unconcerned with the British officer.
Magua looked for a short moment like he was casually considering these words. "Gifts?"
"Three... four oxen... much wampum."
Erin squirmed in discomfort, Duncan was really trying to manipulate Magua, the man given the nickname of 'Wily Fox'.
"Wampum?" Magua almost seemed like he was enjoying himself.
"Yes." Duncan looked like a lost puppy craving attention, and Erin rubbed her face in frustrated irritation, knowing where this conversation would lead. He didn't understand just how useless this all was, Magua didn't want treasure or riches, he never had. But Duncan, a British officer from a wealthy, well connected family, was used to seeing himself as always having the upper hand when talking to anyone from these lands, his superiority complex yet unchallenged.
He was soon to receive a hard lesson.
"Does Yengeese Major have property across salt sea?" Magua glanced at him as if willing to engage in the conversation, but his eyes were distant and cold.
"Yes." Duncan looked a little confused.
"Yengeese Major give all property to Magua. Magua give Yengeese Major much wampum, many gifts, maybe three, four oxen." He looked at Duncan like he was a tiny buzzing fly, his contempt now clear and bright.
"Well..." Duncan sounded flustered as he grappled for any other wager. "Gold... gold could be arranged." Duncan was now unsure, but he still wasn't understanding. He was grasping for the only things he knew to be of great value to his own people, and still relying on his false assumptions that Magua was simple and easy to manipulate, just as Duncan ignorantly assumed all men who were not like him were.
"For Munro children?" Magua was now looking about the forested canopy below them, taking a short moment to drink languidly from his water skin.
Duncan licked his dry lips in response. "Yes."
"How much gold has the master of the Yengeese?" Magua surveyed the area again, his eyes unconcerned.
"The King? The King has mountains of gold!"
'Dear god.' Erin inwardly groaned, this was painful to witness, so much so that she almost felt bad for Duncan, but she could not say whole heartedly that he didn't deserve this trick being played at his own expense, or that he wasn't in sore need of his own lofty ideals being taken down a few pegs, but she wished it hadn't felt so cruel.
There was a long silent pause from Magua as if he was truly weighing up a bargain with King George II of England.
"Not enough," Magua finally said, with a casual lift of his shoulders as if he had tried his very best to accommodate the Major's request.
A look came across Duncan's face, the first ripples of true realization. This was just a game, an amusing little game, Magua was toying with him like a cat with a mouse.
"What is enough?" Duncan sounded like he already knew the answer and it would be impossible to match.
Magua turned to look at the Major with a casual air, his tone so matter of fact that he could have been asking for something meaningless, and perhaps he was. "Heart. Give Magua a new heart." With a disdainful sneer Magua powered forward, his steps taking him further than Duncan could travel in his current state.
Duncan watched, bewildered and unsure about exactly what had just happened, he turned just a little and Erin caught his eye, he tried to offer a kind smile but was quickly forced back into walking by one of the Huron warriors.
Erin felt a mixture of distress and anger flow through her.
'Damn pompous ass!' her thoughts chastised, wishing she could run over and shake sense into him! Why had he even tried to talk their way out of this with the assumption he was above other men, did he think he wasn't being a condescending ass?! He'd just made things more difficult for himself.
'Stupid, pompous ass!'
Erin felt the anger ebbing out of her with each word her mind pushed out, because she knew she wasn't really being fair.
He could be an ass, it was true, and he could just as easily be Duncan, the man she knew, who had made her laugh, saved her life, and tried his best to offer her what he thought was comfort and compassion. Once again Erin felt her eyes stinging and had to force the emotion back down.
She understood in that brief breathless moment that he wasn't being a buffoonish fool, his actions were propelled by a want to save the women, the friends, under his protection, and he would dance to whatever tune these men wanted of him, to obtain that outcome. Erin knew with a galling certainty that even now, he would happily have given his own life to save them, a trait that may still come to pass if Erin didn't try and prevent it.
She glanced up at Duncan's lumbering form and swore a secret oath to herself that if she could, she'd save him too.
/
A/N
Friday and hello.
Coming back to this chapter for spelling etc today was most amusing as my spell check kept insisting I replace Magua with Mogwai and all I could imagine was a cute little Gizmo type creature having this back and forth with Duncan, now I have also put this image in your head, I am sorry :)))
So (as some of you will know) this scene of Duncan bargaining with Magua was in the script but never made it into the finished movie. I don't know if it was filmed and left on the editing floor or if it was never filmed at all, but I was always a little sad they didn't include it. We get so little time with Magua that it can become quite easy to paint him as a classic unfeeling villain, but this scene, where he says the only thing that he will accept is a new heart, says so much about how unimaginably devastated this man is, his whole world ripped away from him and along with it all his hopes, dreams and meaning. Now all he has to fill that hole is revenge. I thought it brought out his humanity, we do see it a few times (with Montcalm and when he beckons Alice back) but I would have liked to see it more.
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed and let's see what happens next time as we get closer and closer to those cliffs.
My thanks again to Eilan21, Mohawkwoman and Flowangelic for sticking with me through these weekly updates. Your thoughts and feelings are always appreciated and make my days brighter :D
