The Incredible Escape. The Adventures of Radisson 3 (8 page)

Ononta broke the silence.

“Disease has already struck us down, and our spirits are powerless to cure us. We need to send the Frenchmen on their way while there is still time.”

“The Dutch, too, brought disease to the Mohawks,” Andoura retorted. “And yet you don't hear our brothers complaining. Far from it. The Great Spirit of the white men wishes us no harm; it can also be helpful and kind. Look at yourselves. You're all wearing a blanket that the French or Dutch exchanged for your furs. The Mohawks scoff at us with their Dutch muskets. How many victories have iron weapons brought us? How much effort have iron tools spared us? The Great Spirit of the white men is also working
for
us, my brothers. Let us not turn our backs on the French because the Hurons let themselves be taken in. Let us be wiser than they and restrict the French influence without forcing them to leave.”

“Nonsense!” exclaimed the Mohawk chief who had been urging the Onondaga to break the peace for weeks. “Andoura is confusing everything. Our fathers imposed their will on the Dutch with their arms. Now the Dutch stay home in their villages and do what the Mohawks tell them. You must do the same with the French. You must vanquish them and show them who's in charge. The Mohawks will show you the path to follow. Do as we do. The Onondaga behave like women. They allow themselves to be led about by the nose and their attitude leaves us open to great misfortune. If the Onondaga are afraid of the French, let them call on the Mohawks, who will show them the path to victory. Because a Mohawk fears nothing. He is the most powerful of all.”

Takanissorens grimaced as he glanced at the Cayuga and Seneca chiefs who had not yet spoken. They could no longer bear the Mohawks' arrogance and had met the previous day to agree on the message they wanted to convey. The other chiefs gave a slight nod to show that Takanissorens could express their point of view.

“It is not the first time we have heard this story from Osweati,” Takanissorens began firmly. “We have heard it from the mouths of plenty of Mohawk chiefs who consider themselves to be masters of the Iroquois Confederacy. We have had enough. The Mohawks are too vain to realize that they are the ones threatening the League of Five Nations through their pride and injustices. Are you speaking on your nation's behalf, Osweati? Who gave you the mandate to spout such nonsense? Give me the names of the chiefs who insult us through your words.”

Osweati tried to reply, but Takanissorens cut him off.

“Be quiet. Listen to what we have to tell you. Because I am speaking on behalf of the war chiefs from the other four nations of the Confederacy. This is what you can tell your Mohawk brothers.”

Takanissorens—the bravest and most successful Onondaga war chief—was not going to be talked down to by anyone, especially not in Onondaga, which had always been the centre of the Iroquois Confederacy.

“The Mohawks are not wise enough to understand why we welcomed the French among us. Or perhaps they're pretending not to understand. Know that all of us—Onondaga, Seneca, Cayuga, and Oneida—invited the French because our Mohawk brothers have been turning a deaf ear to our pleas for years. Less than a moon ago, the Frenchmen gave us more powder than the Mohawks ever have. The French repair our muskets, while the Mohawks couldn't care less. The French give us more furs than the Mohawks who claim to be our brothers but keep everything for themselves. Osweati is threatening our Confederacy with great misfortune if the Frenchmen stay among us. He is mistaken. For too long now, the Mohawks have been trying to dominate us, in spite of our traditions. For too long now, the Mohawks have been looking down on our brothers and looking to reduce them to slaves. You, Osweati, you are even arrogant enough to demand that we send the French on their way under the command of the Mohawks, while the French give us everything we need to destroy the Mohawks. Listen very carefully. While we continue to discuss matters of concern to us, you are going to return to your nation and tell all your war chiefs, all your peace chiefs, and all your clan mothers that if our Mohawk brothers do not undertake to give us equal access to the Dutch goods, if they do not agree to regain the place that is theirs within our Confederacy—keepers of the eastern door, and not the centre door or the door at the top—well then the Mohawks can prepare for war. Contrary to what you believe, we do not fear the Mohawks or the French or the Dutch. If your nation does not mend its ways, we will destroy it like we destroyed the Hurons. The League's other four nations will at last have access to all the goods they desire from the Dutch, or the French, whichever they prefer. I am giving the Mohawks one moon to reply. If not, then war it is. Now go. We have much to work out among ourselves.”

***

Despite everyone's delight in spending Christmas together at the French fort, the information the missionaries and Radisson had come back with had been a blow. Each missionary had identified in his village one or more chiefs who were openly hostile to the French. Baptisms in particular were met with more and more fear and disapproval since they were viewed as a means of casting a spell on the Iroquois.

Radisson had witnessed more and more diplomatic visits in Onondaga. An impressive delegation of Mohawks, which included two war chiefs from his old village, had come bearing wampums. An impressive ceremony had been held at the Confederacy council house. Delegations from other nations had followed days later.

According to Radisson's sources, things had taken a dramatic turn for the French. By their calculations, a majority of chiefs were now against the alliance. A rumour was even circulating in the village that the French were being fattened like pigs for slaughter. The Iroquois intended to keep them in the fort all winter, like pigs in a pen, before executing them in the spring.

The Iroquois were convinced that the men they now looked upon as their prisoners were incapable of returning to New France by their own means. They were at their mercy; and the Iroquois were in no great hurry. They also believed they had no inkling of the fate that awaited them. As they waited to exterminate the French who had come to live in their country, the Iroquois wanted to make the most of the gunsmith and the blacksmith, who repaired their muskets and made the iron items they needed, for as long as possible. They continued to trade with the French, vowing that they would take back all the furs they exchanged.

The situation was so serious that Superior Le Mercier believed the time had come to inform Commander Dupuys, although he was sworn to secrecy. It was vital that the Frenchmen in the fort not panic or act rashly and aggravate matters.

“Our priority,” Father Ragueneau explained to Commander Dupuys, “is to save every last Frenchman. One false move and many will die. That's a certainty. And it is to be avoided at all costs.”

Dismayed at a threat he hadn't seen coming, Zacharie Dupuys was lost for words.

“We must return to our communities,” said Ragueneau. “Otherwise the Iroquois will see that we know what they're up to and might attack right away. We need to play for time.”

“We need a plan,” added Father Le Moyne. “For as long as we don't have a detailed plan to get ourselves out of this mess, there's no point letting anyone know. There are already eight of us in the know. That's plenty.”

Radisson, who had been looking for a way out for days, began to speak.

“We need a ploy to outwit the Iroquois. I know them well enough to know that it's best to outsmart them rather than confront them. I have an idea...”

T
he four men trudged forward, heads down against the flurry of snow. Huge snowflakes smacked against their faces. The weather was unrecognizable from the sunshine that had marked their departure from the fort. Violent, snowy gusts blocked the sun a second time and caught them by surprise on the path to Onondaga.

It was a day of surprises.

Radisson was pulling one of two sleds laden with goods to be traded. Vincent Prudhomme and Father Ragueneau walked ahead. Their snowshoes flattened the terrain, making it easier for the sleds to follow behind. Robert Racine brought up the rear. Commander Dupuys had imposed new rules since Christmas: there was to be no travelling in groups of less than three. The official reason was to make sure no goods were stolen and to keep everyone safe in the wintry conditions. Ragueneau was returning to his post as a missionary. His three companions would travel back and forth between the fort and the village to step up trade.

Radisson was struck by the magic of winter. The tangled silhouettes of bare tree trunks, half white with snow, stretched as far as the eye could see. They were interspersed with towering balsam firs, crowned with white branches, ghostly intruders in this deciduous forest. When everything was swallowed up for an instant in the squall, it seemed like a fairy wand was busily painting the forest white.

Once they reached the village, the four Frenchmen headed straight to the home behind the chapel, where Ragueneau and visiting Frenchmen stayed. It was also used to store trading goods because the Iroquois believed the Jesuits were protecting the house with magical powers. They were safe there. Only Radisson was to stay in the Turtle clan longhouse with Andoura. Ragueneau had consented, although hesitantly. Once the home for the Frenchmen had been heated and the trading goods were unwrapped, Radisson got ready to leave. He chose and hastily bundled together items for Andoura's family.

“Are you certain it's a good idea?” Ragueneau asked him again, out of earshot of Prudhomme and Racine.

“I already told you, Father,” Radisson whispered back. “The longer I spend with the Iroquois, the more they trust me. That's how I get my best information.”

The Jesuit noticed the eagle feather attached to a leather lace that Radisson had tied around his neck.

“Now what is that? Isn't that taking things a little too far? Just be careful you don't turn back into an Iroquois.”

Radisson didn't want to reveal the real reason for his attachment to the feather and the others he had left behind at the fort. Ragueneau would be annoyed and would no doubt hold it against him.

“Andoura's daughter gave it to me,” he claimed. “Her family will be pleased to see me wearing it.”

“A woman now!” Ragueneau exclaimed, doing his best to keep his voice down. “That's all we need! Just be careful, Radisson. Love can turn a man's head. Remember that the fate of the French lies largely in your hands. If ever you were to tell her too much…”

“Don't worry, Father. I know what I'm doing. My plan is a good one, and I'm not enough of an idiot to ruin everything for the sake of a pretty smile.”

“The Indian women have much more to offer than just a pretty smile, my poor child…”

“Andoura is waiting for me. I have to go. I'll be in touch soon, Father.”

Andoura welcomed Radisson with open arms. Lavionkié came over to join them right away.

“What did you bring?” she asked Radisson, staring at him with her big, bright eyes.

“Take a look,” he said, unpacking the goods.

Radisson was won over by the happiness radiating from the young woman. He forgot Andoura for a moment. She seemed even more beautiful than in the dreams he had at the fort. Turning each object carefully in her hands, she stopped to give him a red-hot look. Radisson couldn't take his eyes off her graceful body, her hair glistening in the light of the fire, her angelic face.

Andoura could see the two were both hopelessly in love. The thought had crossed his mind, but now it was clear for all to see. Ogienda, who had known for a while now, was less enthusiastic than her husband about the relationship. Andoura could see no objection: his daughter was happy, Radisson too, and having a French trader in the family would no doubt come in handy. Ogienda worried that people in the village were claiming to be allies of the French through thick and thin, while others were already turning their backs on them.

Lavionkié sat down to take in all the goods she had scattered on the ground. She had never seen so much—all shiny new—within reach. Her eyes gleamed. Radisson was elated. He felt as though the world was only just beginning. Lavionkié took a blanket, squeezed it between her delicate fingers, and brought it to her cheek. The red cloth accentuated her dark skin.

“It's so soft,” she said, ecstatic.

Radisson couldn't resist.

“You can keep it.”

Lavionkié was set aglow in a blaze of happiness, like a forest set ablaze by a gust of wind. Her eyes were limpid. Radisson dove in, as into an ocean. The distance between Onondaga and Trois-Rivières was behind them. Nothing else could ever come between them. As lithe as a cat, Lavionkié stood to kiss him. The Frenchman's head was spinning. In his culture, such outward displays of affection weren't permitted before marriage. But they were here. Lavionkié's body became one with his, openly, boldly. Radisson could barely breathe.

The rest of the evening was spent around the fire. Lavionkié didn't let go of her sweetheart, caressing him with her hand, shoulder, or leg. The Frenchman gradually grew used to her touch and regained some of his composure. Ogienda gave them something to eat, silently remaining in the background. One of the couple's sons ate with them, but Radisson barely noticed. Late that evening, he gave a knife blade to Andoura and a copper pot to Ogienda. He then put away his goods underneath the bed that had been set aside for him. As he tried to fall asleep, he was surprised at just how at ease he felt here, despite the fate that lay in store for the French. This house was a haven of peace.

The following day, Radisson waited until Ogienda had put her daughter to work before he got up. From his bed, he couldn't help but admire the grace and determination Lavionkié put into crushing corn in a huge wooden mortar. But there was something he needed to do and he couldn't allow himself to be distracted. Once he was out of bed, he walked Andoura over to an empty corner of the house to let him know of some of the decisions made by the French.

“We are courageous. We do not fear death,” Radisson told him. “That's why we will do everything we can to convince the Iroquois that the French are their best allies. We want to prove that it is better for you to trade with us than with the Dutch. We want to join forces with the Iroquois forever, and we are prepared to do anything to see that happen. You will not be disappointed you supported us, Andoura. You will see we can be of use to you, even more useful than you think. But if we are to succeed, we need the support of all those who are still our friends. I need you, Andoura.”

Radisson paused to see what impact his words were having, and to make sure the chief had not changed camp while he had been away. Andoura took a few moments to take everything in. Since the Mohawks had responded favourably to the other Iroquois nations, he believed the alliance with the French to be lost forever. He had given up siding with the French in public, even though his feelings had not changed. But Radisson's words rekindled his hope. Perhaps it might still be possible to avoid war. Perhaps the alliance and peace could be saved. It was his duty to at least try, to make one last effort.

“Your words hearten me greatly,” he replied. “You are right. Perhaps we can reconcile our peoples. How can I help you?”

Radisson had scored a point. At the very least, he had to keep this influential ally on their side; Andoura was one of the few that remained. But he was aiming higher than that.

“I promise you,” Radisson went on, “there will be fewer baptisms. We want to reassure our brothers who are worried, and convince them that our Great Spirit is the most powerful, that he can help you. At the next full moon, we will celebrate an important festival in our religion: Candlemas. We want to celebrate with you. We will invite all the Iroquois to a huge feast we will be giving that day. Out of love for our Iroquois brothers and love for our Great Spirit. I ask you to please convince the people of Onondaga to come in droves, especially those who wish to wage war against us again. It is they who should understand that the Frenchmen are great and that it is best to keep the peace with them. Can you help me, Andoura?”

“Readily,” he replied. “You can count on me.”

***

Father Le Moyne had been right. Ouatsouan was easily bribed and had been a surprisingly reliable informant. Even though Radisson could no longer stand the sight of him, he had to visit him once more.

Ouatsouan greeted him with his usual two-faced smile. As usual, they sat around the fire of his family of origin, in the Deer clan house. Ouatsouan had married a woman from the Turtle clan, but his wife had left him after a year or two. He had had to return to his mother's house, where he now lived as a bachelor.

Ouatsouan gave Radisson something to eat, making a show of revering the young Frenchman who deigned to trade with such a humble man, even though he wasn't a chief like his brother Awenissera, a shaman, or a famous warrior. This was part of the smoke and mirrors surrounding their secret agreement. His attitude grated on Radisson's nerves as Ouatsouan milked his role for all he was worth. He might have been worth his weight in gold to the French as they made the most of his greed, but Radisson couldn't understand why his information was always so specific each time he betrayed his brothers. A love of personal possessions had led to a slippery slope. To cover himself, Ouatsouan made sure everyone thought he was fond of stealing French goods.

The scrawny Iroquois with the devilish eyes handed him a beaver pelt and a deer hide. Radisson felt them between his fingers to gauge their worth.

“I'm feeling generous today. I'll give you three axes and five knives. It's a very good price.”

“That's all?” Ouatsouan replied. “That's not much for such fine pelts.”

“I don't need the deer. Give me another beaver pelt and you can have what you want.”

“But the deer hide is so soft… I'm sure Lavionkié would love it.”

How did he do it? How did this man manage to find out so much? Radisson had never been seen in public with Lavionkié. Someone must have been spying on him and talking behind his back. He would have to be more careful.

“Very well,” said Radisson, keen to bring the deal to a close. “I can give you five axes and five knives. That's all I have with me. It's a very good deal for you.”

“I know. You are good to me. You make me so happy.”

And now he was making fun of him…

“If you have other pelts for me,” added Radisson, as he laid out the axe and knife blades at the Iroquois' feet, “let me know and I'll come back. You know where to find me.”

“In Lavionkié's arms or at my dear brother Awenissera's house, yes, yes, I know.”

“Go to hell,” Radisson thought.

He stood and motioned for Ouatsouan to follow him. They walked over to one of the doors of the house, where nobody could hear them, and Radisson added softly:

“I left a barrel of powder in the usual place. Be quick about it. It's going to be dark tonight. Make the most of it.”

It was Ouatsouan's turn to look around.

“After the last big hunts,” he whispered, “in the springtime, the younger warriors are going to come for you…”

He sliced his hand across his throat with a grin.

“Thank you,” said Radisson, eager to leave now.

After the big hunts… That didn't leave much time to put their plan into action.

***

Vincent and Robert were preparing the sleds outside Ragueneau's cabin. They were getting ready to return to the fort with Radisson to leave the pelts there and bring back new goods to trade. Radisson made the most of his time alone with the Jesuit, inside the house.

“We need more canoes,” he said.

“We can't very well ask the Iroquois for them,” Ragueneau replied. “It's the middle of winter. They'll be suspicious.”

“Even in the spring, they'll say no. They're too clever to give us just what we need to slip away from them. We need another solution.”

“Do you know how to make a birch-bark canoe? Do you know a Frenchman who can?”

“No. I've seen them do it, but I wouldn't be able to do it alone. You need to know what you're doing to make a canoe that's watertight and solid. The river will be rough. We'll need canoes that can stand up to anything.”

“And the clock is ticking.”

Both men thought hard.

“Perhaps I have an idea,” said Radisson. “I'll ask the carpenter if he can put together some kind of flat-bottomed barge. If we tell him it's for moving the pelts, he won't suspect a thing.”

“Good idea. Have a word with him as soon as you reach the fort. Things can't go on like this,” the Jesuit added, once he had made sure they were still alone. “Soon we will have to let everyone know that our lives are in danger. We can't keep the truth from them any longer. Maybe fifty heads will come up with better solutions.”

“If you think that's necessary, Father. But I would wait, if I were you. According to what I'm hearing, lots of Iroquois will be coming to the feast. If all goes according to plan, we'll have better news to give them after Candlemas.”

“Very well. Let's give your plan a chance first. Speaking of which, I want you to stay at the fort until I arrive with the Iroquois. Send someone else back here with Vincent and Robert. I have a few things I want you to prepare to help your plan along.”