6

Magua had led everyone to a river; the soldiers took the time to refill their flasks and enjoy a moment of peace. But that was soon broken by the sound of gunfire, followed by war cries and the next moment they were being attacked by a war party

Three strangers appeared and helped to drive the attackers away; Gwen took note that one man was American and the other two were Indians. Yet soon the cries of the wounded soldiers had Gwen in action and she began healing the men, her being engulfed in bright gold flames that made her look angelic.

She took no notice as she moved among the wounded; drawing out any bullets, shedding healing tears and using her own energy to heal. By the time Gwen healed the last soldier and drew her Powers back; she was losing consciousness and heard her name being called.

Fool; you nearly drained your-self, Gwen heard Lady scold as darkness fell.

When Gwen came to and learned that everyone had moved into some caves to camp, she was relieved that everyone was safe and she took Cora's scolding with humility. She was introduced to Nathaniel Poe also known as Hawkeye, adopted son and brother of the Mohicans; Chingachgook and Uncas.

The soldiers whom Gwen had saved owed her a life debt and swore to protect her no matter what. The men saw Gwen as a symbol of hope and she tried to talk them out of such a vow but soon realized it was pointless.

Alice and Cora made sure that Gwenhwyfar ate; the sisters' mother henning was getting on Gwen's nerves. Luckily Chingachgook saved her and waved the Munro sisters away as he sat from Gwen.

 

"What are you?" Chingachgook asked curiously and deciding to trust the Mohican Gwen answered honestly: "I am the Phoenix of Nature; the first and only of my kind, but I am also the last Phoenix!"

The wise man inquired: "How?"

"The Dark Witches began hunting and killing Phoenixes; they discovered that consuming the hearts of Phoenixes gave them youth and beauty, and drinking Phoenix blood boosted their Powers in the Dark Arts," Gwen explained solemnly as she gazed into the small fire. "The Dark Witches are ruled by the Dark Queen, the most powerful Dark Witch of all, and she discovered that when a Phoenix is sacrificed during a Blood Moon; she can absorb the Phoenix's Powers and extend her life!

The Dark Queen over time murdered her Dark Sisters so that none would dare challenge her and she absorbed their Powers becoming the only Dark Witch alive;" she continued knowing the older man listened quietly. "She seduced men into her bed, turn them into her Hunters and bestowed certain Powers to them; the Dark Queen wants more Power so that she can start her conquest to rule the world!"

"Who opposed the Dark Queen?" Chingachgook inquired.

"Mother was Mother Nature; she was married off in an arrange marriage that remained unconsummated for seven years," replied Gwen with some sadness. "My Mother was still a virgin when she came upon a dying Phoenix who gave its soul to her womb; her husband was the one who was hunting the Phoenix, he was furious that he lost the bird and he took his anger out on my Mother!"

Chingachgook took Gwen's hand and stopped her from continuing; he could already guess the rest and he said: "What is the Phoenix's name?"

"Lady;" answered Gwen with a smile.

It was at dawn that the second attack came; David Gamut had slept outside with the rotating guard keeping watch, he had slept on a rock and was the first to be injured. The men fought back as Mr. Gamut was brought inside the cave and the red coats stood their ground, sending their attackers to retreat.

 

Gwen healed the singing teacher as everyone grabbed what they can carry, Alice gave Gwen her satchel as everyone began moving out. The soldiers split into four groups; Major Heyward and Hawkeye led their groups, and the Mohicans led the other two groups.

The men knew that they did not have enough gunpowder and yet they were determined to fight; Duncan Heyward and Hawkeye lost their men who were picked off, the groups led by Chingachgook and Uncas protected the three women and singing master. The river was a dead end and the war cries of the war party echoed of the enemy's approach, arguments broke out over what to do...stay and fight to the last man or separate?

Gwenhwyfar made a choice for her friends and the five men before her; she manipulated the water of the river and created a boat of ice around the seven. Cora, Alice, the Major, Mr. Gamut, Hawkeye and the two Mohicans were surprised to find them-selves standing in a boat of ice.

Ten redcoats moved quickly as they pushed the boat into the water, causing the men and women to collapse into each other as the river current took hold.

"Gwen...Firebird;" cried Alice, Cora and Heyward in surprise and Gwen called: "I will find you!"

This was what Magua and his war party found at the river, and the remaining redcoats fought bravely but fell beneath knives and tomahawks. Only Gwenhwyfar Moonshard remained and none of the warriors dared to approach; her beauty and gold markings made her look fierce, and none could stare into her eyes out of slight awe.

"Where are they?" Magua demanded as he approached the girl and roughly grabbed her arms.

Gwen calmly gazed into Magua's eyes; she saw a madness of rage and vengeance, and a darkness eclipsing his heart and soul.

"They're gone and safe;" said Gwen calmly as her eyes flashed Phoenix eyes.

A Huron curse was spat out as Magua struck Gwen to near unconsciousness and the last thing she remembered was being swung unto his shoulders, and being carried as everything went black.