Chapter 2

Michael and the Priest were tied up on two large pole like sticks. Ropes circled their bodies, keeping them in place.

It didn't take long before Declan ordered everyone to pack up and get ready to move out. The deer was ripped of its fur and meat, leaving the carcass behind.

Declan had a plain and, though I didn't know what it entirely was, it was my job to trust him. He made his way over to the small fire that still lit itself near Michael and the Priest. "Mr. Harp. Mr. Harp, have, have mercy on a poor Priest! Maybe just a drop of wine?" Dimanche and Samoset joined us, Dimanche not waiting to waste a slap on the Priest.

In seconds, Samoset had the ropes cut and the two proceeded to haul him off. His fearful voice, thinking that this might be the end, rained down. "Just a minute! Wait, no, no! No!"

My eyes watched the two carry the Priest off, my knees kneeling next to Declan who now scorched his knife over the flames of the fire.

"Let me guess, scaring him into the truth?" I whispered to Declan, making him look at me and smirk slightly. "You know me all too well."

That was true.

Before I could respond or enjoy smirking smile Declan gave to me, Michael spoke up, ruining it all. "He's sufferin' lack of drink. If you kill him you'd just be doing him a favor. I told ya, I'm here to make my fortune. I have many skills. I'm a quick learner. I can help ya. You wouldn't hurt a fellow Irishman, would you?"

Declan looked at Michael, his hand still twisting the blade over the fire, "Do I look like an Irishman to you?"

"I was told your father was."

"Were you told I was raised by a Cree mother?" Declan asked, Michael not answering. Clearly, he didn't know.

Finally, Michael's eyes moved to the blade, a nervous smile collecting on his face. "Whatcha doin' there?"

I couldn't help but smirk slightly at the nerves that overtook his tone. Declan's face joined mine as he said, "Can't rush a thing like this, skin won't peel right, ruins the hide."

Declan stands up, causing Michael to struggle against the ropes. "Oh Jesus! I've told you everythin'. I swear, the truth!"

Stopping right in front of Michael, Declan held his blade up to show Michael. His voice didn't stop the questioning, "What's your connection with Lord Benton?"

"Nothin'. I told ya I came over on his ship. He hates your guts. Wants you and your wife dead. That's all I know, that's..." His voice was cut short when Declan lightly laid his blade on Michael shoulder blade, creating a small burn. That was enough to get the true answer, though I have no doubt that some of what he said before wasn't true.

"All right! I made a deal with him! I made a deal with him! He made me an offer, he said, he said I needed to come find ya, Declan Harp. He said I had to tell him where you were and how many people was here."

Declan turned his head slightly, holding his determined, annoyed face, "And what did he tell you about me?"

"That you worked together. That you had a disagreement. That you ran off with her," His head nodded towards me, my knees still sitting on the ground while my eyes watched from afar. Declan glanced over his shoulder, in my direction before looking back at Michael, "And that you've both become wild."

"And he offered you what? Money? Land?" Declan asked, but Michael was silent. This caused the blade to press against his skin again, making him speak up. "There's a girl! There's a girl! I love her. Her name is Clenna. Benton said he'd hang her if I didn't do it."

That was it, that was the one right thing that Michael could have said to get Declan Harp to let him live. When it came to love or kids, it was a hard thing for Declan to just ignore it.

There was a pause, my eyes watching Declan's back to see what he'd do next. As predicted, Declan circled Michael, stopping behind him. Michael freaked out, worried that he'd be killed from behind. Instead, the knife cut through the ropes like string, releasing Michael from the post.

"You trust Benton's word your girl's as good as dead," Declan said, moving around Michael once again and heading towards me. "I hope you paddle better than you lie," He yelled behind him.

I stood, joining Declan in the walk back to the canoes while Michael rubbed his wrist in shock.

We continued our journey until nightfall, camping out near the water. Declan created a fire for all of us, setting Michael and the Priest away from us to cuddle in the cold beach ground.

Even though they were a bit a ways, their voice could still be heard if you tuned into them. Declan just stared at the fire while Dimanche, Samoset, and Sokanon talked about what would happen once we made a deal with the Lake Walker Tribe. I listened in on Michael and the Priest.

"They're called the Black Wolf Company. They've been undercutting English businesses, murdering English soldiers," The Priest said, describing what our group was called.

"His men, who are they?" Michael asked, clearly trying to understand more of who he was riding with.

The Priest lightly nodded over to us, seeming to be unaware of my listening ears. "Mostly metis and Scots. The women, his wife, she's an Emberly. Or was until she married."

Michael's voice filled with shock, "As in Grace Emberly?"

So, they've been to see my half-sister. Wonder if they got drunk there too?

The Priest, as if knowing how much it hated me when people just called us sisters, said, "Half-sisters." He paused, seeming to let his words soak in before turning to a different subject. "The canoes are full of trade goods. My guess is we're on our way to the Lake Walkers. I suspect Harp wants their trade, along with everyone else."

Smart man.

"Do you think he's gonna kill us?" Michael asked as my attention subsided. I reached over, ripping off a piece of the deer Declan had cut down just only a night ago. Two little pieces sat in my hand as my eyes glanced up at Declan, who watched me intently.

Standing up, I made my way over to the Priest and Michael, kneeling down between them. I turned to the Priest, handing him one of the pieces. He was hesitant at first, seeming to know my surprise kill of a reputation.

Eventually, he took it, saying, "Thank you kindly," my attention then turning to Michael. I handed him a piece, his hands quickly taking it and thanking me, "Thank you. I'm starved."

There was a pause, my eyes watching Michael closely. His eyes would wonder to me, his nerves rising to the surface.

When I talked, I didn't miss the Priest jump a bit behind me. "Tell me, what stories do you hear about us?"

Michael looked to the Priest as if he needed the okay to speak from him. Then his eyes, only seconds later, looked back to me. "Not much, in all honesty. From what I've been told, you and Harp met awhile back. Fell in love instantly. I've heard some say that you're the only thing that Declan Harp has ever loved."

My eyes look towards the ground, my heart lightly skipping a beat. Of course, everyone would rather forget our son that was taken from us. If Declan Harp loved anything more than me, it was our son. But, the world would rather forget that little detail.

"Not always," I said, my knees pushing me up to my feet before I turned to walk back to the warm fire. I could over hear Michael whisper something to the Priest, my ears hearing it as, "That girl scares the crap out of me."

Declan must have heard something different or predicted something else because in seconds he had removed himself from his spot and fast walked over to Michael. "What did you say about my wife?" Declan half yelled, his fist wrapping itself around Michael's shirt and lifting him up off the ground.

"Nothin', I said nothin...'" Michael stammered.

My voice came out strong behind him, my tone matching from the night we killed those red coats. "Declan! He's fine," I said, but Declan didn't budge. I could see his eyes looking over Michael, debating something in his head before dropping him to the ground.

Declan quickly turned and walked away, my eyes watching him intensely while his only glanced at me. He returned to the fire, my feet ready to carry me when I heard the Priest speak to Michael.

"Should've warned you. He's very protective of his women."

"So I've noticed," Michael said, his voice low and almost unheard.

By morning, we climbed back into the canoes, Michael joining Declan and I while the Priest road with Dimanche, Samoset, and Sokanon.

Michael sat quietly, watching Declan and I row our way into the direction of the Lake Walker's Tribe. He would take turns when one of us decided to stop and rest. Or when we just wanted to see him struggle a bit.

"So, uh, how did you two meet?" Michael asked, his hands still tied together, sitting in his lap.

"What? Benton didn't tell you? It's his favorite story," Declan said, clearly sarcastic with his words. Benton hated me, so of course when Declan met me, there wasn't much love.

Shaking his head, Michael said, "No. Nothin'."

"Long story short," I said, continuing to pay attention to the rows. "We met at the Ale House. He was a returning customer, and I was a returning trickster."

"Trickster?" Michael asked, clearly not understanding what that word meant. I couldn't help but laugh at his stupidity. "A trickster is someone that tricks people into giving up more money than normal while making them think their giving up less. That's why, when I got into the fur trading business, I was so good at it."

Michael nodded, seeming to understand it more. He shrugged slightly though, "So, you tricked him or something?"

I heard Declan scuff behind me, making me smirk slightly and turn to look back at him. "Quite the opposite," Declan said, look off at Samoset's canoe.

I continued the little story, "He sat down in front of me, said he wanted to negotiate. Let's just say at the end of the conversation, I had met my match. But that was before I even knew his name."

"How'd you learn his name?" Michael asked?

"A bar fight," I simple said, making Michael's mouth drop slightly as he said, "Oh." I smirked slightly, watching as Michael's posture changed slightly. Declan must have caught this action because he chuckled slightly behind me, amused.

Once we arrived to the Lake Walkers Camp, Dimanche and Sokanon started to unload our offerings to the Lake Walkers. Samoset stood by the Priest and Michael, watching over them, while Declan and I met with the Chief.

"We are honored to be here. These gifts extend our wishes for your prosperity," Declan said gesturing to the guns, fur, and lanterns laid near them.

The Chief looked towards the man next to her, Machk, giving him a small nod. The Chief turns and walks inside the large tent while Machk quickly pointed to the two of us before nodding for us to join them.

The four of us sit around a fire burning inside, Declan and I on one side while the Chief and Machk sit on the other.

"The muskets that we brought are well made. Flints that won't freeze in the snow," Declan explained.

The Chief seemed to pause, hearing our words but not addressing them. "You've been killing English soldiers. We hear you're consumed by a blood rage."

"I have enemies, yes, but I'm consumed by no rage," Declan said plainly, not wanting them to think otherwise.

My eyes watch the Chief as she stares at me, Machk speaking to her in Cree. In my journey's with Declan, I've managed to only pick up a few understanding words. Most, are words that we'd need to understand in a trade.

Seconds before another word could be said, the Chief holds up her hand and silences Machk who seems to sigh in annoyance. Her eyes never left me as she lowered her hand and nodded to my neck, "What is that, that hangs around your neck?"

At first, I reach up, feeling the man made necklace around my neck. It was a necklace that Declan's Cree mother made for him, telling him to give it to the first girl he married. When we did get married, it was the Cree's who married us, Declan using this necklace as a sign of our marriage.

It had different color beads leading to a dream catcher that was also made of beads.

"A necklace made by my husband's Cree mother. She stated to him to give it to the first girl he ever married."

The Chief seemed to smile slightly, leaning forward a bit and holding out her hand. My eyes turn to Declan for a minute before looking back to the Chief. I reach up and slip the necklace off before handing it to her. She takes it, examining it before handing it back where it rested over my neck.

"You have come a great distance, but now's not the time to be talking about trade," The Chief said, worrying Declan and I. We both look at each other before I quickly said, "Have we offended you?"

Shaking her head, the Chief eased us by saying, "No." But when a distressed sigh left her lips, we grew worried again. "My grandson's been taken, his friend's been shot."

"By whom?" Declan asks? All the Chief does is look at him, a look that answered our question and explained why she mentioned the Red Coats. Declan grunted slightly before asking, "Your grandson, what is his name?"

"Kitchi. He's merely a boy," The Chief said.

Declan looked at me, waiting for me to give the call. He had given me so much power that sometimes I wasn't used to it.

I nodded, making Declan turn and look at the Chief, "I will make you this promise. If he is alive, I will find him. I will bring him home to you. My word is good."

The Chief nods to us as Declan and I stand, leaving the tent. With one nod from Declan towards Sokanon, Dimanche, and Samoset they were rushing to get ready to go. We filled them quick on the new mission, none of them lagging away from their words.

"It was Benton who did this, I'm sure of it," Samoset, thinking the same as us. He stood near the canoes with Sokanon while Dimanche continued to hand them things. Michael and the Priest stood near us, whispering to each other as we talked.

Dimanche spoke next, "He's a fool. He thinks he can intimidate these people into trade."

My eyes looked to Declan who stood next to me, "You think the boy's alive?"

His eyes moved me to me, his voice not wavering, "He's no good to anyone dead."

"I've seen the English do this before. Take a prisoner and then threaten to hang them to motivate trade negotiations," Samoset said.

Michael suddenly took a step towards us, speaking up, "I don't think it was Benton." Dimanche didn't appreciate this and was quick to snap at him, "Be quiet, boy."

Declan eyed Dimanche, "No. Let him speak," our attention turned on the boy.

"All he thinks about is killing you and your wife. How many other companies want to trade with the Lake Walkers? Any one of 'em could have taken the boy."

Though he had a point, it was hard to think that it could be anyone else.

Keeping Michael's thoughts in mind, Declan said, "Well, we're going to be the ones that find Kitchi. It's the only way to secure their trade. We're going to Fort James."

"Excellent choice! Right behind you," the Priest was quick to say, making his way over to the canoes. My own body moved over to Michael, my hand laying on his shoulder, "It seems you're still with us." I pushed him towards the canoes, watching as he stumbled slightly before settling in.

My feet carried me next to Declan, looking over the water. "So much for never going back," I said, making Declan only hum in agreement. He lightly placed his hand on my back, rubbing it only for a second before we both climbed onto the canoe and headed down the river.

When night arrived, we had hit Fort James, all of us creeping in the shadows. Declan lead the way, sticking close to the buildings.

A fire crackled near us, next to one of the buildings. My head turned to Dimanche, Michael, Sokanon, and the Priest, "Stay by the fire. We'll be back soon." They nodded, rushing off to the fire.

My eyes looked to Samoset and Declan, "I'll talk to her. See what can be learned about Kitchi. Samoset will wait inside, Declan, you wait in the back, just in case."

They both nodded, taking their lead while I headed inside the building called The Ale House. Seconds into gathering in, the sound of loud drunk men were heard. Beer and other alcohols clashed together in joy, no one seeming to know my presence.

As I made my way up to the bar, I saw the red haired girl look up, her mouth dropping slightly in shock.

"Hello, Grace," I said, making her head quickly look around. She sat a half filled up down on the counter before nodding towards the back. She moved towards the door while my hand gripped the glass in front of me, downing it before following her.

The second the curtain closed behind me, Grace didn't waste a second. "Christ, Anna, it's not safe for you here."

"I need to talk to you," I said, making her eyes look me over. "Where have you been?" She asked, holding her sisterly love somewhere in her words. I didn't want to waste time with her love, getting right to the point. "I need information."

Grace's mouth dropped in shock, "Are you serious? I've not seen you in almost a year."

I sighed, looking around before stopping on her, "Same old, same old. Now, I need information."

She shook her head, "Not for nothin', I won't."

Shaking my head, done with this back and forth, I turned, ready to walk out, "This was a mistake." In seconds, Grace's hand gripped my arm, stopping me, "No wait!" She paused, releasing me when she realized I wasn't going anywhere. "Tell me why you're here."

"There's a Lake Walker boy named Kitchi. He was taken captive. Do you know anything about it?"

"He was here a few nights ago," Grace nodded, still struggling with the fact that her sister was actually standing in front of her. "And?" I asked, needing her to continue. She shrugged, "Well, his wounds were festerin'. I kept him hidden here, took care of him until his fever broke."

I asked, "Who brought him in?"

"Cedric Brown. He stole the boy," She said, making me study her for a minute. "Not Benton?" I asked, making her shake her head. "No, Cedric first. Then Benton's man, Chesterfield came along and took him."

I knew it, I knew Benton had to have had a part in this. One way or another.

Continuing to ask questions, I asked, "And where are they holdin' him now? Where's the boy?"

Grace paused, lightly shaking her head, "Ana, you can't keep chasing him."

"Where's the boy, Grace?" I asked again, my voice a bit more demanding.

She still didn't budge. "Look, I know you and Declan have been through hell, but you shouldn't do this. It won't fix anything."

Now I was angry and annoyed, a match that was never good when it came to me. My feet took a step closer, my voice showing my emotions. "He killed my son, Grace. And after I told you, you didn't even shed a tear. Now, one way or another I'm going to find out where he's at. And you can stand here and watch people die, or you can tell me where's he at."

Grace paused, sucking in my words with a breath before whispering, "The Governor's house, edge of town."

I nod to her, the closes thing to a thank you I could give her at the moment. My body turned, ready to leave the back and join the drinks once again. But Grace's voice stopped me, "Anna. Tell Declan I say hi."

Though in pass, whenever she'd say that, she never wavered from a sarcastic tone. But this time, it seem true and real. Like the years that had passed had finally made her realize what she had lost and she wanted it back.

My head didn't nod and no words left as I stared at her. Finally, I turned and left the back, joining Samoset who had taken his place next to the door. At the sight of me, he quickly opened the door and joined me back outside in the cool air.

Declan caught our figures and left the back entrance way, joining us by the fire. The first thing I caught sight of was that the Priest was gone.

Good riddance.

"Kitchi is being kept in the Governor's house, edge of town," I said as Declan joined us. They all nod, getting up from the ground and reading to move.

I felt a hand on my shoulder, familiarized with it. My head turned, jumping slightly when my body was right and it was Declan. "Are you alright?" He asked, knowing that the feelings my sister and I had for each other was strained.

"I'm fine," I said, giving him a reassuring nod before leaving the fire.

The dark woods hid our figures as we made our way towards the Governor's house. Some rocks helped us with our hide, blocking the world from us but not us from the world.

Two guards stood outside of the Governor's house, some of the windows lit up while others remand dark.

Sokanon was the first to speak up, holding his voice in a whisper, "That's where they're keeping the boy? Do we know where? What room?"

"No," I said plainly, my eyes tracing around the house in hope of finding something. But nothing stood out to me.

"Cellar maybe? He'll be tied up, under guard," Declan seemed to join me in my thoughts. His eyes looked around for a possible cellar but none seemed to stand out, out front.

Sokanon looked to Samoset, "How many soldiers?"

"Ten, fifteen."

"At least," Dimanche added, his angry look seeming to never change. He reminded me of Declan and I, graving for revenge. Only his angry face just happened to be his actual face.

Michael nodded, pointing towards the door, "Look." All of our eyes went towards the door, a figure walking towards it. When his hood fell I felt my body tense and my hands grip into fists just at the sight.

"Benton," Declan whispered next to me, his body seeming to do the same. Everyone turned to look at Declan and I, waiting to get the call. But our eyes didn't leave Benton until he had disappeared inside.

Declan took control this time. "We use knives. Go room by room, slit their throats as they sleep."

Dimanche shook his head, "Too dangerous. We're too outnumbered. We should wait, keep watch, see if we can catch a glimpse of Kitchi."

"I have an idea," Michael piped in, angering Dimanche once again, "Quiet, boy."

Declan stopped him, "No, go on." We watched Michael as he looked around before shrugging and speaking. "I walk through the front door. I'm returnin' from the wild, I'm there to see Lord Benton. I'll tell him that I've worked my way into your trust but I don't know much, and you're expecting me back in the morning."

"And in the meantime?" Samoset asked?

"I'm desperate for a proper bed and a decent meal. I'll ask if I can stay the night. When all is quiet, they're all asleep I let you in," Michael said. As much as I still wavered on this kid, he had a good plan. Just as long as he didn't fuck it all up and turn us in.

Dimanche shook his head, "It's too risky."

I smirked slightly, looking past everyone towards Dimanche. "And when have we ever been ones to turn something down because it's risky?" Dimanche grumbled something as he looked away, taking my point.

Declan nodded, looking towards the boy, "All right, Michael Smyth. Let's see how you do when the wind picks up."

Michael nods before making his way out of the woods, stumbling a bit.

"If this kid is going to stick with us, he's going to need some practice," I said towards my husband, my eyes watching Michael. The guards stopped him but with just a drop of his name, he was let in the front door.

"Well then, I hope your prepared to train him," Declan said, turning to look at me.

Quickly, my head turned to him, my face scrunching up, "Don't expect me to teach him shit. I got my own things to worry about. Besides, I think Sokanon wouldn't mind taking time out of her day to teach Michael and few, tricks," I said, smirking as I looked over to her.

She glared at me, turning her head to look away in anger and annoyance. But she knew better than to just shoot anything back in front of Declan. But when Declan was away, I didn't mind a little argument.

We sat and waited for Michael, the dark night bringing on the cold air. Winter was almost here, which meant that before we knew it there would be snow on the ground.

The sound of a small whistle was heard, making the five of us quickly look towards Benton's house. Michael stood outside, motioning us to follow him.

Looks like he came through after all.

"'Round back there's two storehouses. The large one is full of men, maybe three or four. I think Kitchi's in the other one," Michael stated to us.

Declan didn't waste a second before asking, "How many men in the yard?"

"None. There's maybe eight in the house," He said, making me wish that we would have gone into the house. With six of us, we easily could have taken them on. Once my eyes looked toward Declan, I knew the thought had ran across his mind as well.

I expected him to speak up and change the plan around, but instead Samoset spoke and destroyed that plan. "There's a garrison on the far side, another ten, twenty men. If an alarm is raised..." He starts, not needing to finish.

Declan looks around the corner, watching two men as they disappeared inside one of the storehouses. He turned back towards the group behind him, "Samoset, Michael, and Anna, you are with me." He looked to Dimanche and Sokanon, "You two go to the well. You can see the entire property. You watch our backs. Move."

Sokanon and Dimanche quickly turn back, heading off to the well while we moved on ahead. We stay close to the one Storehouse, Declan peeking through the window slightly before ducking down again.

A door sits right by us, if it opens then we'll be caught for sure.

Samoset quickly makes his way towards the other side of the door, my feet following in pursuit. He grabs the handle of the door, looking towards Declan who takes ones last peak before nodding towards us.

Swinging open the door, Samoset and I quickly step in while Declan throws a knife at one of the sitting soldiers. It pierces his skin and he drops to the ground with a thud. Two soldiers sit across from him, setting down their drinks in shock. Before they can react any further, Samoset and I go up behind them and cut their throats.

This is the way to do it; in, kill, and out.

We all turn back towards the door, Michael standing there with his mouth open in shock. Samoset moves past him, outside while I smirk and pat his cheek. "Keep your mouth closed, you'll catch flies." In seconds, his mouth snaps shut as he looks at me then the dead soldiers once again.

Now he can see what will happen if he sells us out.

The four of us move towards the other storehouse, the door securely locked up top. Declan doesn't even have to reach to pull the lock down and swing open the door.

In seconds, the door is swung open and a boy, maybe a little younger then Michael, quickly cowers back in fear. At seeing this, I quickly step in, being the first, and calm him down. "Shh. It's okay, it's okay. We're here to take you home."

My eyes look down, Declan's doing the same as we see chains holding his feet and hands together. No wonder he didn't run, he couldn't even if he wanted to.

"We have to go back for a key," Declan said, ready to turn and leave the storehouse.

"Wait," Michael says, and moves into the small storehouse, "I can do it."

Declan and I side step away, letting Michael bend down near Kitchi. He pulls something out of his pocket before starting to pick at the chains. In a minute tops he has the chains picked and rolled off of him.

Once the chains are off of him, Declan quickly swoops him up in his arms, turning, and running out of the storehouse. Michael, Samoset, and I join him, the woods seeming closer than before. My eyes catch sight of Sokanon and Dimanche, giving me hope that this was an easy rescue and we can secure the Lake Walker trade by nightfall tomorrow.

But, being a Harp, you never get that lucky.

One of the soldiers walked out of the Governor's home, his eyes spotting us as we ran towards the woods. "Oi! Stop! They're takin' the boy!"

I heard Declan growl next to me, his body stopping as he stood Kitchi up on the ground. He looks to Sokanon, Michael, and Dimanche as he quickly yells, "Take him to the canoes!"

My body turns just in time for a soldier to run up to me with a knife in his hand. I quickly grab his wrist, twist it, and knee his stomach. He falls to his knees, giving me enough time to yank out my knife and stab him in the head.

Looking up, two soldiers are on Declan and Samoset while another readies his gun to shoot at me. Before he can shoot, I flip the knife in the air and throw it at the soldier. It sticks out of his neck, blood slowly pouring from it which makes his eyes go wide before he falls to the ground.

By the time I look over, Declan and Samoset have already killed their two men, leaving any red coats to be dead.

For a minute.

Another round of them, like Samoset had said before, came out from behind a corner, reading their guns to shoot at us.

Declan stretches out his arm, pushing Samoset and I towards the woods, "Let's go! Let's move! Samoset go, go, go!" We run into the woods just as the guns fire, another round being shot off again before we can even make it half in the woods.

My eyes look around, noticing Declan taking the lead while Samoset held his side, falling back. I quickly stop, turning to face him, before rushing towards him. I quickly wrap one of his arms around me before I help him limp towards the direction of the canoes.

The fire from Michael and Sokanon's torches can be seen, creeping closer and closer to us as we move.

Once we've reached the opening, near the lake, Kitchi and Michael wait on one of the canoes. Dimanche is standing in front of one canoe while Sokanon stands next to him, and arrow at the ready.

"Declan! Declan!" I yell, causing Declan to stop and turn around. His feet immediately took a turn, rushing back towards Samoset and me. Samoset struggles to walk any further, the bullet wound on his side already bleeding through his layers and onto his hand.

"Samoset, hang on. I got ya," Declan says as he rushes over and picks Samoset up. He hisses in pain, but Declan ignores it and rushes towards one of the canoes. I'm right by his side, already grabbing the canoes and readying them. The sound of soldiers are off in the distant, but with the two fires bringing us light, there is no doubt they'll find us soon.

Suddenly, Samoset lets out a yelp as Declan tries to lay him down in our canoe. "Ah don't! Stop. Stop!" Samoset quickly yells, causing Declan to stop and lay him on the sandy ground.

My eyes watch as Declan holds our friend close to him in his arms, "Look at me, Samoset! Samoset! Samoset!"

Samoset smiles as he looks up at my husband, "I am grateful, brother," He chokes out. It took no genius to know what happened only minutes later. He sucked in his last breath, his eyes rolled to the back of his head, and the only sound that could be heard was Declan's emotional cries of his best friend's name.

Tears rushed to my own eyes, my hand covering my mouth to hold back a sob that threatened to leave.

Samoset was our friend, predicting many times since the beginning that Declan and I would be together. When it happened, he was right by our side. When our son died, he was at the ready to help us avenge our son.

Now, as quick as a bullet, he was gone, leaving us with only a lifeless, cold body to lay into the canoe and carry off.

We waited until mid-day the next day before we stopped near the woods and buried Samoset. Declan made it a point to take no help from anyone in digging and burying Samoset, not even letting me join him.

Sadness took over the group, no one saying a word. Even Michael and Kitchi, two people who barley new Samoset like Dimanche, Sokanon, Declan, and I did, were sad.

Once the moment of silence had ran its course, Declan spoke up, "Let's get Kitchi home." He walked past Sokanon and Dimanche, ready to walk past me when I stopped him. I waited until everyone had turned and left the settled ground before I looked into my husband's eyes.

"Samoset was a great man. Now he can join our son, share stories with him, and take care of him for us."

Declan was quiet, his eyes looking towards the ground as his body tensed slightly. His body relaxed and I reached up and kissed his lips, his quickly returning the kiss before we pulled away.

We returned to the canoes and finished our journey down the river in silence.

As predicted, by mid-day we returned to the Lake Walkers Tribe with Kitchi hot on our side. Once into the camp, his grandmother wasted no time yelling out his name. Kitchi quickly ran towards his grandmother, calling out to her before embracing her in a hug.

The reunion was humble and loving.

Kitchi pulled away from his grandmother, speaking to her for a moment before taking a step away. Declan and I walked up to her, hoping to hear that the trade was secure and life-lasting. We did, in a different way.

"What was his name?" The Chief asked us, looking at the two of us with sympathy.

Declan must have understood what she was saying because he answered with a sad tone, "Samoset."

The Chief looked at us with sadness for a second before smiling and putting her hands on Declan and my's outside arms. "He has begun the next stage of his walk. Come. Let's honor him."

We turned and followed her, my mind wandering. Was all of this worth it, losing a friend just to get the Lake Walker's army?

In some cases, like avenging our son and friend's death, it was. In others, it seemed like only another disadvantage.

By night, Chief Kamenna prepared tents for us to sleep in, letting us stay there for the night. Declan and I laid down on some fur, his arm draped around me as we held each other close.

"Well, we've secured the trade with the Lake Walker Tribe. What is it that we do now?" I asked, moving my head to look up at Declan. His eyes stared up at the tent, but feeling me move slightly his eyes looked down at mine. A small smirk like smile played on his lips as he said, "I can think of a few things."

I couldn't help but smile, laughing slightly when he grabbed my waste and brought me up to sit on his lap. He smiled at my laughter, one of the things he loved most about me yet heard less from me.

He kissed me, my kiss returning to him.

A couple of hours later, I found myself asleep in Declan's arms. The sudden sound of someone screaming made my eyes quickly open and sit up. Declan did the same, looking towards me like he was fearful that it was me screaming. When it was heard again, we quickly changed back into our clothes and left our tent.

Snow now covered the ground, falling in fast motions. Sticks of fires were made, showing the people as they ran around or cried over dead bodies.

Sokanon and Dimanche quickly rushed over to us, looks of worry on their faces. "Some of the Lake Walker people were killed during the night, including Kitchi," Dimanche said to us, making my mouth drop slightly in shock.

"Michael is missing," Sokanon said, making Declan and I turn to face her.

Once again, when you're a Harp, you tend to get dealt a lot of shity cards.