The Voyage South {a film script}

[Autodidact_33]

The Voyage South

an original screenplay by Matthew Bissonnette

and John Windsor

ext. Washington d.c. noon

The city of Washington D.C. in the year 1811 during a clears summer's noon. Between the white capitol buildings are dirt roads which horse's pulling wagons ride down. Men and women in period attire also walk along the dirt streets. The White House stands against a blue sky. Nearby is the Senate, the circular white building now has the voices of many men arguing coming from inside.

INT. inside the senate building seconds later

A large circular room full of older men in dark suits sitting at desk spread out behind the room. They are all talking loudly. Then a portly man with white hair and glasses stands up, Senator Adams. All the arguing men stop and look at him.

senator Adams

Gentlemen, there is no doubt that the British Navy's practice of forcible conscription proves the hostile intent of the monarchy. Our men, forced aboard British ships and forced to serve as crew, it is outright slavery!

Senator Adams sit down and all the senators rap their hands on their desks. Then another senator stands up, a gaunt elderly man with slicked back gray hair named Senator Freeman. All the senators look at him as Senator Freeman sticks a hand inside his coat and speaks.

senator freeman

My colleague speaks the truth. Our boys taken by force, it is an act of war no doubt. But we must fight them a sea! Do we risk another war within our borders. We where all children when our fathers, grandfathers and uncles shed their blood to win our nations freedom. But if we ignite a war with the British upon the land, then enemy armies will march through the streets of our cities and our towns. Our young men, our sons, slaughtered in front of their mothers. We must not allow war to erupt within our shores!

Then Senator Freeman sits down as all the Senators rap their fists against their desks. Then another Senator, a large imposing man with balding white hair and cold eyes stands, Senator Henderson. He then walks out from behind then desk and begins to walk around the room.

Senator Henderson

I must most adamantly disagree with Senator Freeman. Now, since we all now the hostile intent of England and its monarchy is still a threat to our people, we must face the true threat.

Senator Henderson points North and all the Senators look in that direction then look back at the talking Senator.

SENATOR HENDERSON

To the North, the remaining British colonies still are a stronghold from which the British army can mass their forces! To the North is a vast land from which our enemy, the same enemy which shed the blood of our fathers, can prepare to attack! If we love our children and our wives, our very families; then can we afford to ignore this looming specter which hangs over the head of our people!

Senator Freeman stands up and frowns at Henderson.

SENATOR Freeman

What are you suggesting!

Senator Henderson points North again.

SENATOR HENDERSON

Attack! Drive the British armies from North America and then this whole continent will belong to the American people and it will be a bastion of freedom! Our fathers shed their blood for our liberty, our we not prepared to do the same! I say we begin to mass our army, train men and then train more then! And when we are ready, attack!

Senator Freeman falls back into his seat and seems worried. The rest of the Senators get to their feet and start yelling.

Senators

Attack! Attack!

ext. outside senate seconds later

The Senate building in the distance as the voices of the Senators yell from inside.

Senators

Attack! Attack! Attack!

ext. a dirt road morning

A dirt road which cuts through the countryside in one of the Northern British Colonies a month later. A man walks down the road, on either sides are fields and rustic cabins. He, Fletcher Harrison, is a tall muscular man with a square jaw and steely eyes; he has brown hair and a thick beard upon his face and is also seems stone faced. Fletcher is wearing a brown leather outfit, a large knife in a sheath in his belt and a musket hanging from a strap over his shoulder; he also has a leather satchel over his other shoulder. When he see's a cabin in the distance; Fletcher smiles and walks quicker.

EXT. Harrison home seconds later

A large cabin which sits between fields under a blue sky as puffy clouds drift lazily over it. There is a porch in front, on it is two rocking chairs. In one of the rocking chairs is a young woman; a handsome lady with long red hair who is knitting a quilt and is wearing a blue faded dress. She is Emily Harrison, Fletcher's wife. She is looking down when a voice calls outs.

Fletcher Harrison

Emily!

She looks up when she see's Fletcher approaching quickly. She smiles, stands up and drops the quilt. She smiles and calls out.

Emily Harrison

Fletcher!

She then runs off the porch and rushes towards Fletcher, he then runs towards her. Once they reach each other on the dirt road in front of the house, they embrace then kiss. They continue for a moment then pull away from each other, yet are still in each other arms. She seems happy as does he.

EMILY Harrison

I'm so glad you are back.

FLETCHER HARRISON

There has not been a single minute of the past ten months I have not wanted to hold you in my arms again.

EMILY Harrison

I missed you.

Then Fletcher pulls away from her then pulls the satchel from his shoulder and hands it to her. She looks at it for a moment and then looks back at Fletcher.

EMILY Harrison

How much did you make during your time in the Northern Wilds?

FLETCHER HARRISON

I was able to trade in enough furs to keep you warm and fed for another year.

Emily then drops the satchel to the ground and holds Fletcher again.

EMILY Harrison

I wish you did not have to go back North in two months,

Fletcher begins to stroke her hair.

FLETCHER HARRISON

As husband must do what he must for the wife he loves. But the two months we have together makes every cold night I spend alone for the ten moths worth it.

Emily then pulls away from Fletcher then takes his hand.

EMILY Harrison

Come inside your home Fletcher, and have dinner with your wife. I'll make you a cup of tea.

Emily then leads him towards the cabin.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I have not had a warm cup of tea in so long. I am so glad to be home and with you.

She then leads him into the cabin and the door closes behind him.

EXT. streets of Montreal night

The French city of Montreal during a warm night. In the poorer part of the city, a dirt street runs between wooden shops and dilapidated buildings as light is provided by street lamps, torches burning inside. A man walks down the street as men and women pass by. He is a tall, wiry French man by the name of Louis Lafleur who has a mangy beard. He is wearing dark leather clothing, a large knife hangs from the sheath on his belt, and has a coonskin cap covering his hair; a leather satchel hangs over his shoulder. He is grinning widely and then see's an older woman in a brown dress approach. He stops in front of her and she ceases and looks at him and smiles. He removes his cap and bows then looks at her again.

Louis lafleur

The name is Louis Lafleur madam.

She then grimaces, walks past him and then he turns and watches her leave. Louis then puts the cap back on his head and raises the palm of his hand to his mouth and breaths into it. He then smells his palm then lowers his hand.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I breath is not that bad.

Louis then shrugs, turns and walks down the street again. He continues for awhile but stops when he sees a two story, wooden building at the end of the street, a bordello from which is coming laughter. He smiles and then walks towards it.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I've arrived my lady.

int. bordello seconds later

Inside the bordello is a large room lit by candles hanging from the walls. It is full of cloth couches and chairs and smoke from pipes. There are numerous men, several whom of which are in red uniforms of the British army. Sitting on the couch and looking at the ground is prostitute Nora Bechet, a petite young woman with short dark hair and wearing a green dress which reveals from the top of her cleavage; a large healed over scar runs down her left cheek. A British soldier then stands before her and looks down at the woman.

British soldier

Excuse me young lady. But I only have one night before I must report back to duty; and I would like to spend it with you.

Nora looks up, but when the soldier sees the scar he frowns then walks away. Nora looks back down at the floor, she seems glum and distant. She is so preoccupied she does not notice a man walk up. A voice speaks out.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Are you available to make a lonely to make a lonely fur trapper a happy man for an evening.

Nora looks up and when she sees that it is Louis, she smiles and gets up to her feet and throws her arms around him. He begins to rock her back and forth and Louis laughs.

Nora Bechet

I thought you where never coming back Louis!

Louis then pulls away and she looks at him. Then he kisses her and she leans back as they do. They Louis pulls back and smiles at her.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

After twelve months venturing through the most dangerous wilderness on Earth up North, I wanted to spend some time with my favorite women of easy virtue.

Louis then takes the satchel from off his shoulder and hands it to her. She looks at it.

NORA BECHET

How did you do this time?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I skinned enough animals to make a kings envious. Well, maybe enough to spend the next three weeks in Montreal visiting all my favorite brothels.

Nora hands the satchel back to him and turns away.

NORA BECHET

I suppose now you have all this money, you will want all the prettier girls.

Louis puts the satchel back over his shoulder then turns her around and smiles as he looks at her.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

You know that the first night, when I leave the wilderness and come back to civilization, that I always spend the first night with my favorite woman.

She smiles.

NORA BECHET

I missed you, I missed you a lot.

Louis then laughs heartily then takes Nora's hand and leads her towards the stairs to the upper floor.

EXT. HARRISON HOME morning

The next morning outside the Harrison home. Fletcher and Emily sit in the rocking chairs on the porch of their home, he smokes and pipe and has shaven his beard. She is again knitting the quilt. They rock in silence for awhile when he looks at her.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I remember when I built this house those many years ago. Many months it took, but it was worth it just so we could get married.

Emily smiles but still looks down at the quilt.

EMILY Harrison

I would have married you anyways Fletcher.

He then looks out towards horizon as he smokes the pipe.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I father always told me that a man must build a home for the woman he loves before they can be married. It is just the way things are done.

Emily then looks at Fletcher.

EMILY Harrison

I just wish I did not spend so much of the year alone in this house. It is agony when you are not here.

FLETCHER HARRISON

My father was a fur trapper, like his father before him. I suppose there is not much else I can do.

He looks at her.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I wish I had the money so we could spend the whole year together.

Emily is about to say something when she hears the galloping of horses in the distance. She and Fletcher look towards the dirt road in front of the house and see that four men, all in red British soldier uniforms with muskets slung across their backs, ride towards the house. She looks at Fletcher.

EMILY Harrison

I wonder what they want?

Fletcher gets up, still holding the pipe, and walks down the stairs of the porch and stands in the front yard. He then watches as the four men bring their horses to a halt in front of him. The soldier in front is Officer Hopkins. Fletcher looks at him and nods.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Good morning gentlemen.

Officer Hopkins looks down from atop the horse and seems extremely serious.

officer Hopkins

Are you Fletcher Harrison?

FLETCHER HARRISON

Maybe, what do you want with Fletcher?

OFFICER HOPKINS

I have been ordered to bring you to the fort I'm stationed at South. There is a matter of the utter most urgency you can help the British Empire with.

Fletcher looks back at his wife then turns to the officer.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I have two months to spend with my wife before I must leave for the Northern wilds. The British Empire will have to find someone else.

Fletcher then turns away and goes back up onto the porch and stands with his back to the horses. The officer frowns at him and raises his voice.

OFFICER HOPKINS

Mr. Harrison, I am not giving you a choice. Either you will come willingly or my men will take you by force.

Fletcher sighs and looks at his wife then turns to the officer.

FLETCHER HARRISON

What does the British army want with a humble fur trapper like myself?

OFFICER HOPKINS

My commander will explain that when we arrive at the fort in two days. Now are you going to accompany us willingly or will my men have to drag you.

Fletcher sighs heavily and looks at Emily.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I guess I have to go with them.

Emily drops the quilt and gets up then rushes to Fletcher and holds him.

EMILY Harrison

Come back soon Fletcher.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I'll be back as soon as possible.

She then lets go and then they look at each other in silence then Fletcher turns away and walks down the porch and approaches the men on the horses.

FLETCHER HARRISON

This better be important. And how will I travel with you, walk?

OFFICER HOPKINS

Get on my horse, you ride with me.

Fletcher looks back at Emily and he smiles, then he hoists himself up onto the horse with the officer and they all ride of. Emily watches them leave, her eyes sorrowful.

INT. second floor of bordello morning

For men in red British army uniforms, holding muskets, stand in a long hallway outside a wooden door. The man closest to the door, Officer Granger, looks at his men then turns to the door and knocks hardly on it. There is a moment of silence when the door opens and Louis looks out, now with his coat off and not wearing his boots. He looks at the soldiers, laughs then slams the door in their face. Officer Granger then knocks again harder. The door opens and Louis looks at them and smiles.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Friends, I'm busy. Please go ruin some other person's good time.

He then slams the door in their face again.

INT. inside Nora's room moments later

Behind the door is a bedroom, there is no furniture but a large bed with satin sheets. Louis walks away from the door towards the bed, Nora is in the bed, covered in sheets and wearing only under clothing, and she looks at him.

NORA BECHET

Who was at the door Louis?

Louis walks up to the bed and looks down.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I really don't care Nora. Now, where did we leave off?

Then the door is broken open when Officer Granger kicks it in. The officer enters followed by his men. Louis then sits on the bed and looks at them, Nora seems frightened.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I hope you guys are going to pay for my lady friends door.

Officer Granger scowls at him.

officer granger

Are you Louis Lafleur?

Louis looks back at Nora.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

They must be looking for the greatest lover in the Northern Colonies.

He looks back at the soldiers.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Now what in the hell do you men want?

OFFICER GRANGER

We are to take you to the fort I'm stationed at. We will arrive in a few days.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Let me see. Either go with you four men, or spend my few weeks in civilization in the company of women. A tough decision, but I hope you guys have a nice ride to your fort.

Officer Granger looks back at his men.

OFFICER GRANGER

Men, take him. If he resists, knock him out with the but of your musket.

Two off the soldiers then grab Louis and pull him up off the bed. He escort him out of the room and into the hallway. The officer looks and the remaining soldier.

OFFICER GRANGER

Get that French man's clothes.

The soldier nods and picks up Louis's coat and boots. Then they both leave.

INT. SECOND FLOOR OF BORDELLO seconds later

The four soldiers escort Louis towards stairs at the end of the hall. Nora steps out from the doorway and watch him get taken away. He looks back at her and smiles.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I'll be right back. Don't forget about me.

Nora watches Louis get taken down the stairs.

EXT. Fort morning

A large stone fort sits on a cliff overlooking a large river in the southern region of the British Colonies. Countless soldiers patrol the area around the base.

INT. office of commander Spooner seconds later

A large office inside the fortress. A big oak desk sits before a small window as a shaft of sunlight comes through it. The walls have book cases placed against them. Fletcher is sitting in one of two chairs in front of the desk. He seems expressionless and is looking around the office. The the door behind him opens and two soldiers, holding Louis by the arms, throw him into the room and he falls to the ground. They then shut the door. Louis gets up and brushes the front of his leather outfit with his hands. He then see's Fletcher and walks up behind him.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I'm Louis Lafleur friend. You are?

Fletcher looks back at him for a moment then looks toward the window. Louis breathes into the palm of his hand and sniffs it, he then shrugs. Fletcher then lowly speaks.

FLETCHER HARRISON

The name's Fletcher.

Louis looks closely at Fletcher and see's the knife in the sheath hanging from his belt. Louis smiles.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

So, you are a fur trapper as well. Well this is a coincidence.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I don't care.

Louis then starts walking around the office, looking at the books on the shelves.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Any idea why they brought me here? Because I was abducted from the bedroom of my lady by force.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I was taken against my will to.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

The accent. You are British. Should you not know what this is all about.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Please, don't talk to me.

Louis shakes his head and begins to walk around the office when the door opens. He older man with a bald head and glasses, wearing a uniforms, enters and closes the door behind him. He is commander Spooner and the two other men look at him. He looks at Louis.

Commander Spooner

You must be Lafleur. Would you please sit with Mr. Harrison.

Louis says nothing and gets into the chair beside Fletcher. Commander Spooner then walks around the desk and sits behind it. He then picks up a pen from off the desk and holds it in both his hands. He looks at the two fur trappers.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Can you finally tell me why I am not with my wife at the moment?

Louis nods.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Same here. Why am I not in bed with my lady?

Commander Spooner throws the pen down on the desk and frowns at the two men.

COMMANDER SPOONER

There is a situation developing and the British army needs both of your help.

FLETCHER HARRISON

What situation?

COMMANDER SPOONER

An informant south of the border as informed us that the Americans are preparing to attack the Northern Colonies. Maybe next year, maybe in a few months.

Fletcher and Louis look at each other then back at Spooner.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

The yanks are about to invade?

COMMANDER SPOONER

We believe so.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Why now after all this time? The war ended decades ago.

COMMANDER SPOONER

The British Navy has been forcibly conscripting American sailors to serve of British ships. Our information says that this has moved their senate to prepare to invade.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Abducting Americans against their will. That is a good way to start a war.

COMMANDER SPOONER

To be honest, I do not agree with the Navy's practice but that is none of my concern. My business is what happens in the Colonies.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Why do you need me and this French man?

COMMANDER SPOONER

You are both going to do a service to the crown.

Fletcher shakes his head.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I am not interested.

COMMANDER SPOONER

You are a citizen of the British Empire. It is your duty.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Maybe, but I am also a husband. My first duty is to my wife, so find somebody else for what ever it is you need.

Louis nods.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

And your queen is not my queen, I'm French. And even if she was my queen, I still would not do it.

COMMANDER SPOONER

You two may be instrumental in helping lessen the threat of the American invasion.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I still will not do what ever it is you want me to do. But I'm curious, what is this really about?

COMMANDER SPOONER

There is a general in the American Army. He is a very experienced, cunning and resourceful man. He also is very knowledgeable about the Northern Colonies, the location of our forts and barracks. He is going to be a great asset to this coming invasion.

Fletcher frowns.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I see this is where this is going. You want me and him to kill this general.

Commander Spooner leans back in his chair and nods.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Why do you need two fur trappers? We are not soldiers. Don't you have have anyone better suited for this?

COMMANDER SPOONER

This general lives around a thousand miles south of the border. Now, two men who can trek across dense wilderness with minimal supplies would be well suited for such a task.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

No thanks. Going that deep into a country that is about to invade sounds a little dangerous.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I could do this probably. But I won't kill a man, no matter who it is. So go find someone else.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Yes. I don't mind killing animals, but I don't think a general's pelt will get me very much. So, good luck.

Louis and Fletcher stand up when Commander Spooner opens and drawer in his desk and takes out to large black bags. He drops them on the desk and the two men look at them.

FLETCHER HARRISON

What's in the bags?

COMMANDER SPOONER

Look inside gentlemen.

Louis and Fletcher pick up the bags and look inside, they are full of many gold coins. They both look at Spooner.

COMMANDER SPOONER

Complete this task for the British Empire and you both will live comfortably for the rest of your lives. Now put the bags back on the desk.

Louis and Fletcher drop the bags on the desk and Louis smiles.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

What I said about your queen not being my queen. Well, I guess a queen is a queen so what's the difference. I'm in.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I'll do this because I need the money. But why me and him, there must be countless other fur trappers? And why do you need two?

COMMANDER SPOONER

My men have been asking around about who are the best. Both your names come up. As to your other question, if one of you is killed, the other can complete the mission. Now, any questions?

FLETCHER HARRISON

When do we leave?

COMMANDER SPOONER

The invasion might be soon so today. A man outside will take you two where your supplies for this voyage are kept. You will also be given a map showing the best route to your destination as well as the location of this generals home. Now, get going.

The two fur trappers turn to leave when Spooner speaks up and they face him.

COMMANDER SPOONER

And gentlemen, good luck and happy hunting.

Then Fletcher and Louis leave. One the commander is alone, he frowns.

COMMANDER SPOONER

A lot are riding on those two. Hope we did not chose the wrong two men.

int. storage room later

Deep inside the fort is a large room with several windows and shafts of sunlight fall to the floor. Inside are racks with many muskets as well as flintlock pistols. There are also several bags on a table as well as two iron traps. Leaning against the far wall is a large, silver canoe. Then the door opens and a soldier walks in, followed by Louis then Fletcher. Fletcher is reading the map while Louis looks around the room. Louis looks at the traps and picks one up.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Nice trap, though not a nice as mine.

The soldier stands beside the door.

soldier

In the bags are food, some flint for camp fires among other supplies. There is also a compass. Take as many guns as you need.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Lafleur, take only two muskets.

soldier

Maybe you should take more.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I been looking at our route. We can take the great lakes south, then there is a smaller river that goes farther south. But we will have to cross some land in some areas for long distances. With such a large canoe as well as everything else, we don't need the additional weight.

SOLDIER

Are you sure?

Louis nods.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

This Fletcher fellow is right. Besides, we just have to kill one general. If we start getting into fights with Americans along the way, well it might give our little secretive voyage away.

FLETCHER HARRISON

We'll stick to the wilderness the whole way if we can, hopefully me and Lafleur will not run into a single American along the way.

Louis the walks to the canoe and tries to lift it but seems to have trouble. He looks at Fletcher.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

This boat is a lot heavier then the one I use. Do you red coats have anything lighter?

SOLDIER

Sorry. We don't have the time to requisition anything else.

FLETCHER HARRISON

It will have to do I suppose.

Then Fletcher folds the map the map and puts it into a pocket of his leather outfit. He then goes to the canoe and helps Louis pick it up and they lay it on their shoulders. The soldier looks at them.

SOLDIER

Hope you two have a safe voyage.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

No problem. I once crossed a thousand miles of the wilds of the North with nothing but a knife and the clothes on my back. Oh, red coat, can you carry the rest of our supplies?

FLETCHER HARRISON

Come on. We have to get going.

The soldier picks up everything then follows the two men out the door.

ext. lake dusk

A gigantic body of water as the blood red sun sinks beneath the Western Horizon. Grassy fields line the shore in the distance as a silver canoe heads south. Fletcher is sitting in the back and rowing as Louis lays in front facing Fletcher, one of Louis's leg's rests upon the other. Louis is smiling when Fletcher looks and frowns at him.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Problem partner?

FLETCHER HARRISON

Lafleur, I am not your partner. We just are stuck working together. And yes I have a problem.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

What is it friend?

FLETCHER HARRISON

I have been rowing all day, all you have been doing is looking at the sky and talking.

Louis laughs.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Fletcher, you row the next hundred miles. I got the hundred after that.

Fletcher shakes his head.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Will be in American territory late tomorrow maybe, or the day after. But we'll stick farther out from shore during the day so we won't be noticed.

Louis starts shaking his foot.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Well, since we will be spending a few weeks together, maybe we should get to know each other a little.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I guess since we are now on this voyage together, we should understand each other.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

You told the commander you needed the money. Why?

FLETCHER HARRISON

I spend ten months of the year away from my wife, if we succeed, then we will never have to be apart again.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

So during those ten months, how many woman do you spend the night with you can?

Fletcher seems offended.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I would never be with another woman.

Louis looks at Fletcher.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

You don't pass the time by being with men, because that is just wrong.

Fletcher scowls at Louis.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

It's not animals. I once spent a year and a half mostly alone in the wilderness, by the end I saw a beaver that was looking pretty attractive.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I would never be unfaithful to my wife.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Wow, that is really sentimental.

FLETCHER HARRISON

My father told me once a man finds the woman he is meant to be with, then he should be faithful to her.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

My Dad once said to me, Louis, you only live once and you really don't want to be stuck with one woman all your life.

FLETCHER HARRISON

My father also said that even if you can be with every woman in the world, it means nothing if you let the right one get away.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Friend, this is going to be one preachy voyage is it not it?

Fletcher frowns and Louis.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Well since we got several weeks of boredom ahead. Why don't you tell me a story about this wife of yours?

FLETCHER HARRISON

I'm sure it would not interest you Lafleur.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Your right, but we got nothing better to do.

Fletcher shakes his head as the scene dissolves and a flashback begins.

Fletcher's flashback

The area where Fletcher's home will be. Now there is a foundation of logs and Fletcher, now in his early twenties and not wearing a shirt, struggles to position a large log upright.

Fletcher's narration

I loved this girl, Emily, I had known since we where kids. My father always told me a man will build a home for the woman he loves before he can marry her.

Now Fletcher is working on the roof. The log walls of the home are now erected and he sits on a cross beam on the roof as he places a wooden piece of ceiling. He stops and wipes the sweat from his brow.

FLETCHER'S NARRATION

Took me almost three months to build that home. But as I worked, I could just think about the day me and Emily would share it as man and wife.

Now Fletcher is on the partly constructed porch as he uses a hammer to nail boards down.

FLETCHER'S NARRATION

And then came the day I finished.

Fletcher is leading the younger Emily towards the finished home, she is covering her eyes. Then she uncovers her eyes and see's the cabin, then turns and holds Fletcher as they both smile.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Then I asked her to marry me.

The flashback ends with Fletcher and Emily standing in a small stone church in front of a priest. He has on his leather outfit and she has on a blue dress. Then then kiss and the scene dissolves.

ext. lake moments later

Fletcher continues to row as Louis looks at him.

FLETCHER HARRISON

And I have love her ever since.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Sweet story.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Can I ask you something Lafleur?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Sure thing friend.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Have you ever been married.

Louis looks up into the sky and grins.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Almost, once. Would you like to hear the tale?

FLETCHER HARRISON

We got nothing better to do I suppose.

Louis speaks as another flashback begins.

Louis's Flashback

Deep in a dense wilderness of towering tree's and dense bushes. Then Louis appears, in leather attire and cap, and stumbles through the forest, his face is red and he is sweating.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Some years ago, I was headed back south after a year up North. But on the way back I got sick, a fever, felt like I was dying. I don't know how long I walked, I was delerious.

Then Louis stumbles out from the wilderness and comes to a grassy field behind a small cabin. He falls to the ground and passes out. An older woman with brown hair in a bun and wearing a white dress, runs out from the house and kneels beside the unconscious man.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I was fortunate enough to reach the home of a widow who lived near a small town. She took me in a nursed me back to health.

Louis is laying in a bed, with his coat of, as the woman wipes his face with a wet clothe. He then slowly opens his eyes, sits up and looks at her.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I could tell from the first moment she was in love with me. And since I figured she saved my life, I would stay a few weeks.

Now we see Louis in his outfit sitting in a chair in a room of the woman's cabin. She is kneeling on the ground in front of him and smiling.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Soon she asked me to stay with her and get married. She had gotten a large inheritance from her late husband so I would never have to return to the wilds again.

Then she takes his hand and pulls him towards the bedroom door. Next we see Louis laying in bed with her, covered by sheets and his clothes on the floor. He is asleep.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

That night, it was magical. Then I woke up.

Louis opens his eyes and looks at the woman sleeping beside him. He then quickly turns his head and looks at the ceiling, he seems scared and worried.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Then I realized I would be spending every night with the same woman for the rest of my life. I was never so terrified in all my life.

Louis is now quickly getting his clothes back on. Then he is tip toeing through the house. Once he is out the front door he runs off into the night.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I got the hell out of there and ran. I did not stop running till dawn.

Louis is now standing on a dirt road at dawn in the countryside, he is panting and he looks behind him. The scene dissolves.

EXT. LAKE MOMENTS LATER

As Louis finishes telling Fletcher his story, Fletcher is looking at him with shock and disgust. Louis looks at him.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Is there a problem friend?

Fletcher frown's then continues to row.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Lafleur, for the rest of this trip, keep your mouth shut unless I speak to you; you French jackass.

Louis then looks up at the sky.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Well, we got a long trip so I should save some of my astonishing tails for later.

Then they continue south in silence.

ext. lake night

The large body of water late at night. The sky is clear and a nearly full moon casts a soft glow across the surface of the lake, the stars are bright and vibrant. The silver canoe is going south, Fletcher is still rowing in the back as Louis lies in the front asleep and snoring loudly. Fletcher looks at the sleeping man the grunts and shakes his head. He rows for awhile then stops and lays the paddle across his legs.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Lafleur.

Louis then rolls over so he is on his side and continues snoring. Fletcher raises his voice.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Lafleur wake up!

Louis then slowly opens his eyes then sits up in the canoe and stretches out his arms on yawn. Then he starts scratching his beard with his hands then looks groggily at Fletcher.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Friend, why did you wake me? I was having this most pleasant dream about this woman in Montreal. She really new-

FLETCHER HARRISON

Be silent please. Now, I have been rowing for over twelve hours.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Perhaps we should land and make camp for the night.

Fletcher starts rowing again.

FLETCHER HARRISON

We'll keep going till south until we reach the entrance to the river will take for next few hundred miles.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Don't you need to sleep?

FLETCHER HARRISON

In the northern wilds, I can go many days without sleep.

Louis lays back down in the canoe, folds his arms across his chess and looks at the stars as he smiles.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Once, I went two whole weeks without a single minute of sleep. By the end of the second week, I killed a skinned a large bear. The pelt would have bought me at least one night with this lovely woman in Montreal.

FLETCHER HARRISON

How much did the pelt make up?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Funny thing, when I woke up the bear was gone. Though there was a small tree someone had removed the bark from. Funny, no?

Fletcher stops rowing again.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Lafleur, I have been paddling for over half a day. It is about time you did some.

Louis looks at him and grins.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Tell you what friend, you paddle for the next hundred miles and the next two hundred are mine.

Louis then returns to looking at the sky. Fletcher frowns and starts rowing again.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I wish the commander had sent me on my own. I starting to think you won't be of much help.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I promise you Fletcher, by the end of this voyage who'll be glad Louis Lafleur came along.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I doubt that.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I can't wait to get back. I see my favorite woman Nora and we'll have one night together.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Do you love her?

Louis looks at Fletcher and seems puzzled.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I'm not entirely sure what love is, could you explain it to me?

FLETCHER HARRISON

All I can tell you is that it is when you care for another then for yourself.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Nora, well there is no woman in this world who I like better. But I like a lot of women, but Nora is my favorite.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Maybe you should marry her Lafleur.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I really like her, but then I would be stuck w-

Fletcher stops paddling and looks forward and seems concerned.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Friend, is there something wrong?

FLETCHER HARRISON

Keep your mouth shut and look behind you.

Louis sits up and looks towards the front of the canoe, a large wooden navy vessel is heading towards them quickly and is about two hundred yards away. Light from lamps light up the deck.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

A ship, so what?

FLETCHER HARRISON

I think it is a war ship.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Must be British, would an American ship be so far North?

FLETCHER HARRISON

We'll just be silent till it passes.

Louis shrugs then lies back down and gazes at the stars.

ext. deck of warship moments later

On the deck of a warship, two sailors in American Navy uniforms. There are several canons along the sides and a wooden railing. One sailor, Samuel, looks to the other Peter.

Samuel

Should command really have ordered us to be so far North when the attack is not for several months? It might make the British suspicious.

peter

Captain says he was told to gather information about the strength of British forces in the great lakes. When war is finally declared, I suppose the admirals don't want to go in blind.

Samuel then pulls out a parcel of chewing tobacco from a pocket, opens it and puts some in his mouth. Peter looks at him as he chews.

PETER

Are you scared that soon will be openly fighting the British navy?

SAMUEL

We are not paid to do nothing, we are paid to fight.

PETER

I think we can leave watch early, we both need some rest. And spit that tobacco. I don't want it on the floor next to my bunk.

Samuel nods then walks towards the railing.

ext. lake seconds later

The gigantic warship sails down the river. Both Louis and Fletcher are in the canoe as the mammoth ship passes a few feet beside them, the wake of the ship rocking the canoe. They both look up and then Louis looks and Fletcher who then looks at him. Then they both look up again. Just then a wad of spittle and tobacco hits Louis in the face and runs down one of his cheeks. Fletcher then looks at Louis and smiles. Louis frowns and wipes the wet tobacco from his face and looks Fletcher seeming irritated. Then they both watch as the ship passes by and begins to sail away behind them. Once it is a good distance behind them, Fletcher shakes his head then starts rowing again and still smiling. Louis then lies down and looks up.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Why are you so happy all of a sudden?

FLETCHER HARRISON

It is nothing Lafleur. Nothing at all.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Think it was an American ship?

FLETCHER HARRISON

I don't know. But some sailor on that ship just really improved my night.

Louis closes his eyes and clasps his hands together.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Are you going back to sleep?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Since I'll be rowing for two hundred miles soon, I need plenty of sleep.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Well, I guess I won't have to listen to your mouth.

Louis talks sounding tired.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Wake me up if anything exciting happens.

Fletcher continues to row, still smiling. As the canoe starts to disappear into the darkness of night, the sound of Louis snoring loudly starts to echo from the direction of the canoe.

ext. lake dusk dusk

The vast body of water at dusk, the sun sets in the west. In the distance is land, a dense forest along the shoreline. There is the mouth to a small river which cuts through the woods.

 

[Autodidact_33]

ext. river moments later

The river goes South, along the shores is a muddy bank. On both sides is a dark forest and the sounds of birds singing from deeper within it. The canoe lies upon the muddy shore. Louis stands beside it while Fletcher is in front of it and looking at the forest, he seems exhausted. Louis looks at his back and grins.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Should we not go a bit further friend, there is still some light left?

Fletcher looks back and him then to the forest again, frowns and shakes his head.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I have been awake and rowing for the past few days. I need sleep so we'll make camp nearby. We could go a bit further if you would actually do some of the paddling.

Louis yawns and scratches his chest with his hands.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Let's make camp. I'm tired anyways.

Fletcher looks back at Louis and stares at him.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Since we left, you have been awake no more then six hours.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Need rest for the voyage ahead.

Fletcher then walks towards the forest.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Let's go?

Louis looks back at the canoe.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

What about the canoe?

As Fletcher goes into the forest, he talks.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Lafleur, could you be of some use for the first time on this trip. Get the canoe.

Louis shrugs, turns and looks at the canoe. He then takes hold of the front of it, he struggles to pull it along but slowly is able to pull it across the mud towards the forest. As he enters the woods, he speaks.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I get the feeling I'll be doing all the work.

Then the canoe and Louis vanish into the forest.

ext. small clearing in forest night

In the woods is a small clearing with ground of brown dirt. The canoe is to one side of the clearing, and small campfire in the center. Fletcher and Louis are sitting at the other side, each holding one of the two muskets then took with them. Fletcher then pulls the trigger and the wheel lock makes a metallic click but the musket is empty. He then picks up the bag of gun powder beside him as well as a lead shot are starts to load the musket. Louis then raises the musket, aims it and looks down the sight. Fletcher continues to load his musket as he talks.

FLETCHER HARRISON

How much experience do you have with guns Lafleur?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Up in the northern wilds, it is unwise to be without one. You?

Louis then puts the musket on the ground.

FLETCHER HARRISON

My father train me how to shoot with the rifle he had all his life. I still take it with me when I go up north?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Could you not afford a newer rifle friend?

Fletcher finishes loading the musket and then lays it on the ground beside him. He then looks into the flames of the campfire as the light bathes his face. Louis is looking at him.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I keep it with me because it reminds me of everything he taught me. It has sentimental value to me.

Louis smiles then lays down on his back and looks up at the stars in the sky and smiles.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I understand. I have no mementos from my dad. Wish I had one.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Why not?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

He left when I was five. When to live with this woman to the east of the colonies. My mother raised me.

Fletcher then looks towards Louis for a moment then at the fire again.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I guess I understand why you may be such a lecherous man.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Maybe you have a point.

Louis then looks at Fletcher for a moment then at the stars again.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

But at least I know how to have fun Fletcher. Guess your dad gave you many lectures on how fun is bad for you.

Fletcher then lies down on the ground and looks at the sky. He closes his eyes and rolls over onto his side.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Get some sleep, we have a long trek tomorrow.

Louis closes his eyes.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Goodnight Fletcher.

Fletcher groggily replies.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Goodnight Lafleur.

Both men then fall asleep between the burning fire between them.

EXT. SMALL CLEARING IN FOREST NIGHT

The clearing later in the night. The campfire is now just glowing embers but the light of the moon cast a soft glow on the clearing, on either side the men sleep. Fletcher is still on his side and sleeps silently. Louis is on his back and is snoring loudly. They sleep for a few moments when a large black bear enters the clearing and slowly walks towards the sleeping. The bear then stops a few feet away from them and looks at Louis then at Fletcher. Then the bear walks towards Louis and is standing over him. Then the bear lowers its head and starts looking at his face. Louis stops snoring and grins.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I'll give you all the money I have if you do that a while longer.

The bear then stops licking his face and then stands on its back feet and still looks down Louis. Then Louis, still smiling, opens his eyes and looks up at the bear. His eyes open widely and he seems scared.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Hello.

The bear remains still and continues to look at Louis. He looks at Fletcher and speaks lowly.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Friend, you might want to wake up.

Then Louis looks back up at the bear. He then grabs the musket beside him and then pushes himself with his legs across the ground of the clearing and away from the bear. The bear, still on its hind legs, watches him crawl away. Louis then raises the musket, aims it at the bear and fires. There is just a metallic click because it is unloaded. He then lowers and looks at the musket.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Guess I should have loaded it.

He looks at the bear again. The bear then falls back onto its front legs and begins to slowly walk towards Louis. Louis then gets onto his feet and pulls the large knife from the sheath on his belt and readies it. He then looks at Fletcher and yells.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Fletcher!

As Louis backs away from the bear as it walks towards him, Fletcher wakes up and rolls over, seeming angry. But when he see's the bear, he then quickly gabs the musket on the ground beside him and gets to his feet. He aims the rifle at the bear and fires, there is the thunderous crack of a gun shot. The bear is hit in the side and it let's out a roar of pain which fills the clearing. It then turns towards Fletcher and begins to approach him. Fletcher then falls to one knee, grabs the gunpowder and lead shot and frantically reloads the musket. Louis then looks at the bear and grins.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

You are not the first bear I have crossed swords with friend.

Louis then runs towards the bear as it walks away and then leaps onto its back. Louis then begins to use the knife and plunges it the bears side repeatedly as it groans in pain. He continues until the bear quickly gets onto its back legs throwing Louis off who then falls to the ground. He crawls away from the bear with his knife pointed at it. The bear falls to its front turns then begins to charge at Louis, but Fletcher finishes reloading the musket aims and fires. The bear groans in pain again and rises up onto its hind legs. It swaggers back and forth for a moment, then falls onto its back. Fletcher and Louis look at each other blankly then both get to their feet. Fletcher, still holding the musket, and Louis, knife still in hand, walk to the bear and stand over the carcass. Louis then returns the knife to its sheath and smiles.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

We make and good team Fletcher, no?

Fletcher then looks at Louis and then goes back to the remains of the campfire and lies down on his side, putting the musket beside him. He speaks groggily.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I need sleep Lafleur. If you wake me up for anything less then another bear, then that general is not the only man who is going to be dead by the end of this trip. Now go to bed.

Louis grins at the bear.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

You sleep. This bear's pelt is worth a good money. Won't let it go to waste.

Fletcher then falls asleep as Louis kneels beside the bear and pulls out the knife again. The moon still hangs over the clearing.

ext. river morning

The river runs through the forest. The canoe is now on the muddy shore, partly in the river. No one is around until Fletcher walks out from the forest, a musket in each hand. He walks to the canoe and throws one musket into it and the other. He then looks back towards the forest and sighs heavily.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Where is that man?

Fletcher raises his voice.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Lafleur!

There is silence for a moment when Louis's voice echoes out from within it.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Be right with you friend!

Fletcher looks at the forest for awhile when Louis walks out and towards the canoe, under his arms is the bears large pelt. Louis drops into the canoe and looks and Fletcher and smiles.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Well, should we be off?

Fletcher looks at him.

FLETCHER HARRISON

If we make it back North after doing what we came to do, you'll have more money then you'll ever need. Why bother with the bear's fur?

Louis looks at the bears pelt in the canoe and smiles.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

That pelt will buy me at least one night with a very lovely lady.

Fletcher looks away and is frowning.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Just get into the canoe.

Louis gets into the front of the canoe and Fletcher pushes it into the water. Then Fletcher gets into the back as the current of the river slowly takes it south. Louis lies down on his back and grins.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Hope the rest of this journey is as fun as last night.

Fletcher squints at Louis.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Are you not paddling today?

Louis looks at him.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

You paddle the next hundred miles, I got the three hundred after that.

Fletcher continues to look at Louis.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

You have the word of Louis Lafleur.

Fletcher looks away and sighs deeply then picks up one of the paddles in the middle of the canoe and begins rowing down the river. Louis looks up at the sky.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Once in Montreal, I met this fine woman with a most particular and interesting skill.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Lafleur.

Louis looks at him.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

What is it friend?

FLETCHER HARRISON

I'll take care of rowing for the entire trip. That is if you do one thing.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Which is?

FLETCHER HARRISON

Just shut your mouth until dark.

Louis looks up at the sky.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Sure Fletcher. Guess I'll just think about women I've known for the day.

Fletcher then looks away from Louis and towards the forest along the riverbank. He frowns then looks forward and continues to row. The canoe then floats down the river, headed south.

ext. river noon

Around noon during a bright day. The river runs through a dense forest as tree's tower of it, a slight breeze rustles the leafs of the trees. The canoe is going South along the river. The canoe is still headed south, Louis in the front still on his back and looking at the sky, Fletcher rowing and looking forward. This continues for awhile when Fletcher looks momentarily and Louis then forward again.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Lafleur, can I ask you something?

Louis looks at Fletcher.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

If I answer this question, do I have to paddle?

Fletcher sighs then paddles.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Would you mind telling me about Nora?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Why do who want to know more about Nora?

FLETCHER HARRISON

Since we'll be on this voyage together for the next few weeks, I would like to know what kind of man I'll be on this journey with.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I see, you want to know more of Louis Lafleur.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I've already guessed what kind of man you are. But I've found Emily has always brought out the best in me. If you have a good man somewhere in you, then if you really care about this Nora then she must bring it out.

Louis looks back at the sky.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I met Nora many years ago. I had just spent more then a year in the north, had seen at most two people in that time. Between my trips north, I would go to Montreal for a few weeks. Friend, they have the best brothels the colonies.

Fletcher frowns.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Just get to when you met Nora.

Louis smiles.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I always go this one place my first night back to civilization, the women there are worth the money. Then I saw this woman sitting on a couch and looking very sad, looks looking at the floor alone.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Know why she was sad?

Louis frowns suddenly.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

She was a young woman who had just become a woman of easy virtue, but not many men wanted her so she spent most nights alone in a room full of men and women. She does not bring it much business, but the madam who runs it keeps her on because Nora is her niece.

FLETCHER HARRISON

You make her sound so beautiful.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

She is but once, she was with a man. He was a very bad sort of fellow, and he hurt her; she still bares a scar of that man's vile nature.

Louis then seems briefly angry. Fletcher seems expressionless then looks at Louis then forward again.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I wish I could run into that man so I could give him something to remember how he hurt a good woman.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Then why do you care her so much if all you care about is yourself?

Louis then smiles again.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

All I saw when I entered that night, was a sad woman looking at the floor. But when I said hello to her she looked up. All I could see was the most beautiful eyes I had ever seen. When when I look at her, that is all I ever see. During so much of my life alone in dark lands, anytime I close my eyes I can see hers.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Sounds like you love her Lafleur.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I'm not sure I'll ever understand what love really is. But I think if I could, then Nora should be one I love.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Maybe you should marry her, and stop being such an adulterous man.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I would. But I only know I would break her heart since I have never been able to be faithful to one woman. But if I could, I would that Nora away from that place forever. But I know I'm not a man who could do that.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Sounds like you want to be.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

If you don't mind, I would like to think awhile. We have a few more weeks to talk.

Fletcher momentarily looks at Louis then forwards again and paddles. The canoe continues down the river south.

EXT. RIVER dusk

The river as it goes along the forest, darkness looms to the east. Louis is still looking at the sky while Fletcher paddles. Then Fletcher looks further down the river, he realizes that a very old man in ragged clothing is walking towards them along the river bank, he is a cane which he is waving about. Fletcher looks at Louis.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Lafleur, look down the river.

Fletcher stops paddling and Louis sits up and looks towards the old man who is walking towards them. Louis looks back at Fletcher.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

We are just two men in a canoe. He won't know where from the colonies.

FLETCHER HARRISON

We'll just keep our mouths shut.

As the old man approaches he begins to call out as he waves his cane.

old man

Jessica! I can't find you. I lost.

Fletcher looks at the old man closer.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I think the old man is blind.

Louis lies back down and looks up.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Guess we don't have to worry then.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I think he's lost.

Then Fletcher paddles the canoe as it then runs partly up the muddy shore of the river. Louis looks suddenly at Fletcher and seems puzzled.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Friend, what are you doing?

FLETCHER HARRISON

Help him find his way home.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Good. Once you do every American he lives with can hand you in to army.

Fletcher then gets out from the canoe then looks at Louis.

FLETCHER HARRISON

If I don't come back, then I guess when you go home you'll collect both our rewards.

Louis shakes his head then looks up.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Well go then.

Fletcher then walks along the muddy shoreline and towards the old man. Once he is standing in front, the old man stops and his cane bumps into Fletcher.

old man

Is someone there?

FLETCHER HARRISON

Need some help old timer?

OLD MAN

I got lost in the woods. My home is not far.

Then he waves the cane in a direction.

OLD MAN

My daughter Jessica must be looking for me.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I'll take you home.

Then Fletcher takes the old man's arm and starts leading him in the direction he pointed. As they walk.

old man

Thank you for kindness.

Then they both walk into the forest.

EXT. forest later

It is almost night as Fletcher leads the old man through the forest. The tree's sway about in a breeze as shadows are cast across the floor of the forest.

FLETCHER HARRISON

You should really not wander from home.

old man

I just to play in these woods when I was just a boy. But since I lost my eyesight, I like to just be near them sometime.

FLETCHER HARRISON

How did you become blind?

OLD MAN

During the war for America's Independence. I was a soldier in a artillery regiment. But during a battle, a canon that I was manning exploded killing two other man. I have not seen a thing since.

FLETCHER HARRISON

You have my sympathy.

OLD MAN

It was worth the cost of my eyes. My daughter nor my grandchildren will ever now of what me and many of my generation endured.

Fletcher looks back at him for a moment then forward again as they walk.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I hope you are right.


Then in the distance through the forest is the tree line. Beyond which is a cabin. Fletcher leads the old man towards it.

ext. cabin moments later

Located beyond the forest is several grassy fields. The are many cabins, plumes of smoke rising from the chimney. Behind cabin nearest to the forest, a older woman with brown hair in a bun is wearing brown dress. She is a few yards yards from the forest and seems worried. She is the old man's daughter Jessica. She looks around as she calls out.

Jessica

Father! Father!

She stops calling out and looks around. She then sits on the edge of the small porch behind cabin. Then Fletcher and the old man emerge from the forest and they come to a stop. Fletcher looks at the old man.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I think you are home. Don't get lost again if you can.

OLD MAN

Thank you. Would you please meet my daughter Jessica.

Fletcher looks at Jessica on the porch then begins to walk towards the forest but speaks as he leaves.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I really must be going. Give your daughter my best.

Fletcher then disappears into the forest. The old man then waves his cane around and calls out.

OLD MAN

Jessica, are you there!

Jessica, who still sits on the porch, see's the old man near the edge of the forest then gets up and runs towards him. She then stands before him and seems happy.

JESSICA

I told you not to go into the woods alone.

OLD MAN

I got lost, and think I came to the river.

JESSICA

How did you find your way home.

The old man waves the cane in the direction of the forest.

OLD MAN

A kindly young man helped me find you.

JESSICA

Where is he?

OLD MAN

He left very suddenly. Strange though, I have not heard such a thick British accent since the war.

Jessica looks towards the forest.

JESSICA

Let get you inside.

She then takes the old man's arm and leads him towards the cabin.

ext. forest night

A forest at night. In a small area where there is few tree's a small camp fire has been built. The canoe is laying on its side nearby. Fletcher sits by the fire as he is looking at the map they where given. He seems to be frowning then he looks around the forest.

Fletcher Harrison

Where is Lafleur?

He then looks back at the map. After awhile Louis walks out from the forest and lays by the fire. He looks towards the sky. Still looking at the map, Fletcher speaks.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Where did you go? You have been gone a long time.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I took both traps and set them. I check them tomorrow before we leave.

FLETCHER HARRISON

The supplies we where given will last a week more.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I hate salted meat. Makes my stomach ill. I'll get something fresher.

Louis momentarily looks at Fletcher.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

You where looking at the map when I left. Something wrong?

Fletcher frowns.

FLETCHER HARRISON

The map the commander gave me. This area is suppose to be wilderness in every direction for a long distance.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

What are you saying?

FLETCHER HARRISON

That old man today. When I took him home, I saw a lot more homes near it. It is not on the map.

Louis then looks Fletcher.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

You are saying the map is wrong?

FLETCHER HARRISON

It is accurate when it comes to the river. But I don't think we are far from settlements. Neither of us know where they are.

Louis looks back up at the sky and seems somewhat angry.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Why did you help that blind old man today?

FLETCHER HARRISON

He needed help. I suppose you would have left him lost in the forest.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Any other time I would gladly help that man. But right now we are sneaking south to kill a general, an American general. You helped an American.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Does it matter what country he is from?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

If they find us they might kill you and I. Soon we are going to be at war with that old man. I want to finish this grim task over with so I can get back north.

Fletcher folds they map and lies down. He is on his side looking away from Louis.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

You and I in very dangerous lands friend. It is not like the wilds up north. There we know what to do because it is all we have ever done. But this is much different.

FLETCHER HARRISON

When we get home, I'll never have to see those wilds again. This is my last time away from home.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I hope so. But for the rest of this trip, worry about keeping us alive. The next blind old man we meet along the way, let him find his own way home.

FLETCHER HARRISON

My father always told me a good man should help a person in need.

Louis closes his eyes.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I'll give you a small portion of my the reward when we get back if you do something Fletcher.

FLETCHER HARRISON

What is that Lafleur?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Keep all the advice from you're Dad to yourself until we are in familiar lands.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Go to sleep. We have to press on tomorrow.

Then both fall asleep. Above them, clouds lazily drift in front of the moon above the forest.

ext. river morning

The river surrounded by the forest. Fletcher drags the canoe out from the forest and walks around it and pushes it partially into the river. Then then stands and looks around and seems irritated.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Where is he?

Then Fletcher looks towards the woods then sighs and walks towards the forest.

ext. forest moments later

A dense area of the forest as the canopy of the tree's blocks out the sun as shafts of sunlight fall upon the forest floor. Then Louis is walking through the forest, a empty steel trap in one hand. As he walks, he looks around the ground.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I left it around here I think.

Then Louis see's the trap laying on the ground of the woods between the trees. He walks towards it but when he see's that it is empty he stops grunts.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Salted meat for another night. Just fine.

Then Louis walks to the trap and picks it up with his free hand. He turns to walk in the direction he came when he hears something coming from the distance behind him. He walks towards the sound and realizes that it is the faint singing of a woman. He then looks around and talks quietly to himself.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I really should go find Fletcher. But that singing is captivating.

He slowly walks in the direction of the singing when he eventually comes to the edge of the forest. He hides amongst the tree's and looks ahead.

ext. edge of town moments later

A large town of many homes and a few shops amongst grassy fields. Men and women walk along the dirt road that goes through the town. There is also around a dozen American soldiers marching through town, in there uniforms and holding muskets. To one end of the town is a small rustic home nearest to the forest, behind it a woman. A young woman, Penelope, kneels on the grass in front of a metal tub of water as she scrubs clothes, she has on a green dress and has long dark hair. Louis watches from behind the tree's then whispers to himself.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I really should not, but what is the harm of saying hello.

He lays the two traps on the ground and then walks towards the woman. As he walks towards her, Penelope looks his way then stops scrubbing. Louis then stops in front of her, removes his cap and smiles. She smiles back.

Penelope

Hello sir. I have not seen you around her before, are you a visitor.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I am a stranger in these lands. But your beautiful singing makes them seem a little less foreign.

Penelope then seems to become afraid yet Louis still smiles and looks at her. She slowly gets to her feet and begins back away from him. Then she runs away and goes around the front of the cabin. Louis breathes into his palm and then shrugs.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

My breath is not that bad is it?

ext. road in front of home moments later

Penelope runs away from the house and down the road towards the marching soldiers. She stops in front of them and they come to a halt. The one in front, a tall tern looking man named Sargent Kline looks at her.

Sargent Kline

Is something wrong miss?

PENELOPE

A man came out of the forest. I think he is French, from the colonies.

Sargent Kline then looks in the direction she points.

PENELOPE

My brother told me why he has enlisted. You have to do something.

Sargent Kline looks back at his men.

SARGENT KLINE

Men. Find him and detain him.

All the soldiers start quickly marching in the direction she ran.

EXT. EDGE OF TOWN MOMENTS LATER

Louis is back at the edge of the forest, he picks up both traps then looks towards deeper inside the forest and sighs.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I would have like to learn her name. I always remember her singing.

Then many soldiers run out from behind the home and then see Louis at the edge of the forest. They stop and raise their muskets. One of them.

American soldier

You there! Stop.

Louis looks behind him and when he see's the soldiers he grins.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Hello friends.

Then he starts to walk into the forest.

AMERICAN SOLDIER

Take another step and we'll fire.

Then Louis begins to quickly run deeper into the forest with both traps in his hands.

The soldier in front turns to the rest.

AMERICAN SOLDIER

Go after him. If you have to, shoot him!

Then the soldiers run towards the forest.

ext. forest later

Fletcher is walking through the forest and looking around and seems angered. He stops.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Where is that reprobate?

He then grunts and looks around. Then from the distance comes the thunderous crack of the gunshot. Fletcher looks towards the direction of the sound. Then Louis appears as he runs out from behind some trees, both traps still in his hands. As he runs past Fletcher, he speaks loudly.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Friend, you might want to run!

The Louis starts running away from Fletcher who watches him leave. Fletcher then turns towards the direction he came from and waits for a moment. When a lot of American soldiers run out from the trees towards him, Fletcher starts to back away.

AMERICAN SOLDIER

Stop your we'll shoot.

Fletcher then turns and runs in the direction Louis is running. As the soldiers chase him through the forest, he sees Louis is the distance ahead of him but is quickly losing him. Fletcher yells.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Lafleur!

ext. river later

The canoe lays on the muddy shore of the river which runs through the forest. Then Louis runs out from the forest, throws the traps into the canoe and pushes it completely into the water then gets into the front. He grabs one of the paddles and begins to quickly row south. Fletcher then runs out from the forest and stops. He looks at the fleeing Louis and yells.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Wait for me!

Then Fletcher runs towards the canoe. Then the soldiers run out from the forest and see the Fletcher is running away from them. Fletcher then runs beside the canoe and yells again.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Now you're paddling!

Fletcher then jumps into the canoe but his landing rocks it about. He then grabs the other paddle and they begin to both row quickly. As the canoe moves towards the center of the river, the soldiers run along the river bank.

AMERICAN SOLDIER

You two! Stop right now!

As the soldiers run on the river bank beside the canoe, Fletcher and Louis paddle. One of the soldiers aims their muskets at the fleeing men and fire. The bullet hits the side of the canoe and a spark jumps of. Fletcher and Louis then lower their heads but paddle faster. Then the current of the river begins to get faster and the canoe picks up speed. The canoe begins to gain on the pursuing men and the soldiers stop and all fall to one knee on the river bank. And aim their muskets.

American soldier

Men, fire!

The soldiers fire and plumes of smoke are ejected from their muskets. As Fletcher and Louis begin to get away, there are splashes around the canoe. Then the soldiers start running again. Fletcher looks behind and yells.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I think we are going to lose them!

The Louis leans to one side and looks in the distance in front of the canoe. He then looks at Fletcher and seems concerned.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Fletcher, you might want to look ahead.

Fletcher looks ahead then realizes farther down the river is rapids where the river widens. Fletcher then paddles harder.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Row faster! We'll get away in the rapids.

They both paddle frantically as the soldiers chase far behind.

ext. rapids moments later

This section is a long stretch of rapids, the frothing water heaves about the surface of the water and get more intense farther one. Large boulders protrude from the surface. Then Fletcher and Louis in the canoe begin to paddle the canoe through the rapids. The soldiers are still running along the riverbank very far behind them. The canoe is rocked about and the turbulent water splashes the boat, drenching the two men. Louis stops paddling and looks at Fletcher.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

A little more dangerous then I thought friend.

Fletcher grits his teeth.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Just keep paddling Lafleur!

Louis shrugs then starts paddling. The canoe is now going very fast as the rapids grow more intense, the men are rocked about the canoe but keep paddling. Then they both stop when they see a section of the rapids where it drops sharply and it is strewn with large boulders with water seething against them. Then they both look at each other then at the rapids ahead.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Should we keep paddling Fletcher.

Fletcher frowns then looks back at Louis.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I hate you Lafleur.

Then he looks forward. The current forces the canoe into a large boulder in the center of the rapids, it is then forced to have its side pressed against the rock. Both men hang on to the sides of the canoe as it is violently rocked by the rapid water as they are both hit by the turbulent raging around them. Then the canoe tips over and both men are thrown from the canoe and go into the water. Then the rapid current suddenly carries the overturned canoe and both men towards the steep drop in the rapids. They fight desperately to keep their heads above water then go over the drop. They vanish in the heaving, silent water after the drop. After awhile the soldiers run onto the scene and stop at the shoreline beside the drop. Then they look further down the river. The soldier in the front looks back at the rest.

AMERICAN SOLDIER

If they haven't drown, find them.

Then he looks farther down the shoreline. The large canoe is laying on side on the muddy shore farther down the river. The paddles, muskets and traps are now laying on the muddy ground beside the canoe.

AMERICAN SOLDIER

Take their canoe and what ever else was with them to town. Two of you will search the shoreline for them. If you can't find them, then they either drown or are probably badly hurt.

Another soldier speaks up.

American Soldier 2

What if they escape south?

The soldier at the front squints his eyes.

AMERICAN SOLDIER

The river ahead runs through over a hundred miles of wilderness. With nothing, their canoe or what ever supplies they brought, they will be dead before they find food or shelter. And if they can make it, our men down their will catch them. And if they come back this way, we'll have them.

AMERICAN SOLDIER 2

If they are from the colonies, why do you think they are this far south?

AMERICAN SOLDIER

I don't know. But they are definitely not soldiers. We'll find them or let the wilderness kill them. Now follow your orders.

He waits as the soldiers run towards the canoe, they put everything in it then drag it in the direction they came while two soldiers walk slowly along the shoreline South.

ext. river later

It is almost noon. Much farther down from the rapids is a section of the river is narrows and the current slows down. After the muddy shores is extremely dense forest. Then Louis appears as he swims down the river, his cap know gone. He seems towards the shore then crawls up on to it. He then falls to the ground and his face lays in the mud. He then rolls over onto his back with his eyes closed and is breathing heavily. He then opens his eyes and realizes that Fletcher is standing over him, seeming extremely angry. Louis smiles.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Problem Fletcher?

FLETCHER HARRISON

Get up right now Lafleur. I mean it.

Louis then slowly gets to his feet and they face each other. Louis wipes the mud from his face then looks towards the direction they came as Fletcher looks angrily at him.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I'm sure the rest of the voyage will be more eventful.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I'll over look the fact you almost left me behind.

Louis looks at Fletcher and shrugs.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I knew you could catch up.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I better have a good reason why you had around ten American soldiers chasing you.

Louis grins.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I was getting the traps when I heard this singing. I had to find out who such a divine belonged to. Unfortunately she then go those soldiers.

Fletcher scowls at Louis then grabs the collar of his leather outfit and pulls closer. Louis seems puzzled.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

You seem upset about something, no?

Fletcher then raises his voice.

FLETCHER HARRISON

You almost got us both killed because of a woman!

LOUIS LAFLEUR

A woman with a nice voice, yes.

Fletcher then seems enraged and raps his hands around Louis's neck and chokes him as Louis mutters.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I deserve that.

Fletcher then throws Louis to the muddy shore. Louis looks up at the enraged man, he gets up and looks at Fletcher.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Now, what next. North or South?

Fletcher then rushes at him and punches Louis in the face who then falls to the ground and looks up. Fletcher is slowly walking towards him.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

This is not help us get home.

Fletcher then uses his foot to kick Louis down to the muddy ground, then presses him down with his foot. Then he stops pinning Louis down at just scowls at him.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Get up now Lafleur!

Louis, now angry, gets up and they now stand looking at each other as they breath heavily.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I'm going beat some sense into you!

Louis pulls out the knife from the sheath in his belt. Fletcher calmly does the same. Louis starts switching the knife between hands.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I'll just give you a few cuts.

Then they run at each other, but both grab the wrist of each others hand which holds the knives. They both struggle to bring the knives closer to each other as they hateful look at each other. Then Louis head buts Fletcher who then stumbles back and drops the knife to the muddy ground. Louis then drops his knife and charges at Fletcher. He knocks Fletcher to the ground and the roll around as they grapple about. Then Louis is on top of Fletcher and is able to strike him in the face. Fletcher is able to use his leg to knock Louis back to know he lays on his back on the muddy shore. Fletcher then quickly gets up and jumps on top of Louis. Fletcher pins him down with a hand to his neck and raises his fist to strike. They look angrily at each other and both breath heavily. After a few moments Fletcher grunts then gets up. Louis then looks up at the sky as Fletcher walks away.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Maybe we should go home now.

Fletcher then picks up his knife and returns it to its sheath in his belt. He then stares blankly at Louis.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I'm going south.

Louis gets up and then looks at Fletcher and shrugs.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

We still are going on with this voyage?

Fletcher then walks past Louis and begins to walk south along the riverbank. Louis watches as he walks away. Fletcher speaks loudly.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Go home Lafleur! Go home and see one of your harlots!

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Friend, we are partners.

Fletcher stops and looks over his shoulder and Louis, seeming very angry. He then turns, marches up to Louis and pushes him back. He is almost yelling.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I am only here for one thing! Now I have no canoe, nothing! If I go back before this done, then I'll have to go back to being away from Emily for most of my life!

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I can help Fletcher.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I am not your partner, and I am most certainly not your friend! And if I ever see you again, be it now or in a hundred years, I'll kill you Lafleur!

Fletcher then starts to walk south and seems still angry. Louis watches him leave and raises his voice.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Did your Dad give you any advice about abandoning a partner!

As Fletcher then walks into the distance, he yells back.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I always remember the day I met you as the worst day of my life!

Louis watches him go away then walks to his knife, picks it up and puts it into the sheath in his belt. He then looks at the river just as coincidentally his cap goes floating by. Louis marches into the water, picks it up and places the soggy cap on his head. He then walks along the shore North. He yells as he and Fletcher both leave the area.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Have a nice voyage Fletcher!

Then they both walk out of view of each other.

ext. rapids later

Later in the day. Louis is walking quickly up the muddy shore of the rapids of the river, dense forest of either side. He seems a little angry as he walks.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I hope I never see that pompous British man again. Last time I go into the wilderness with company. From now on Louis Lafleur ventures alone.

Much farther down the shore, two American soldiers are standing at the shoreline and looking away from Louis. He see's them, stops then runs into the forest and vanishes into the dense brush. The two soldiers then look south for awhile then look at each other.

American soldier 1

They are probably both dead.

AMERICAN SOLDIER 2

How long are we going to be out here?

AMERICAN SOLDIER 1

All night. I'm sure we'll have soldiers combing the forests by tomorrow. We'll find them if they are alive.

Louis then leans out from behind a tree at the edge of the forest.

AMERICAN SOLDIER 1

Without their canoe they are not going to get far.

The other soldier then laughs briefly then grins.

AMERICAN SOLDIER 2

I'm sure by now the men have gone back to town and left the job of dragging it back to Private Benjamin.

AMERICAN SOLDIER 1

It will take him forever.

They both laugh and continue looking for the two trappers.

ext. forest moments later

The dense forest near the rapids. Louis is running North quickly, holding his hat on with one hand.

ext. river moments later

Fletcher is walking South along the bank of the river, he seems upset. The river is getting narrower and the forest on either side thicker and darker. Then Fletcher stops, looks around and begins to breath heavily. He falls to his knees and places one hand on the muddy ground. He then rams his other fist into the mud then looks south. He breaths even harder then gets up. He then exhales loudly and then begins walking south again.

ext. river later

The river North of the rapids. A single young American soldier, private is holding the front of the canoe and slowly drags it backwards along the muddy bank of the river. He then loses his grip and falls onto his rear in the mud. He then looks at the canoe angrily.

Private Benjamin

This would be a lost faster if I had some help.

He gets up then walks towards the canoe and kicks it and raises his voice.

PRIVATE BENJAMIN

Why do they also make me do all the hard work.

He then turns North and begins walking quickly along the riverbank. As he walks away, Louis emerges from the forest beside the canoe and looks at it. He watches as the soldier gets farther away then turns into the forest and is gone. Louis looks at the canoe and grins.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Your are heavy, but I am glad to see my friend.

He then walks to the canoe and sits in it and looks around.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Just wait here till dark and hope no more American soldiers come along. Then I can be off.

Louis looks south and sighs.

ext. river night

A bright moon hangs above the river much farther south from the rapids. The narrow river is surrounded by dark, thick woods on either side. He still is walking south along the riverbank. And seem upset still. He stops and looks around.

FLETCHER HARRISON

OK Fletcher, you've made harder journeys before.

Fletcher then looks at the ground and sighs deeply.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I just wish I still had that bloody canoe.

Fletcher does not notice as the canoe, seemingly empty drifts past him slowly pulled south by a slow current. Fletcher then looks up and see's it, he seems puzzled then lowly talks.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Lafleur?

Fletcher then starts walking along the shore towards the canoe. He then raises his voice.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Are you in that canoe Lafleur!

There is a moment of silence when a voice speaks out from the canoe.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Sounds like Fletcher, but that can't be no. I would have think he took care of the general as was with his darling Emily by now.

Fletcher stops.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Well get closer to shore so I can get in.

Louis then sits up and looks at Fletcher from the front of the canoe.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

You just want me to come ashore so you can kill me. I remember what you said. So I think I'll go all the way south, finish this, and go home. I'll see you on the way back.

Fletcher then begins walking after the canoe again.

FLETCHER HARRISON

If you come ashore, I'll do the paddling for the next hundred miles.

Louis then looks blankly at Fletcher then picks up a paddle and uses it to guide it so it lightly to the shore in front of the river. Fletcher walks right up to the canoe and the men look blankly at each other.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I'll risk being killed. I did a lot of paddling today. But I swear, in a hundred miles, I'll do the next five hundred.

Fletcher then briefly laughs and looks away. Louis looks at him a grins.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I you sure you are Fletcher. I suspect I have come across his brother, the brother who actually and go a second without being serious.

Fletcher then looks back at Louis for a moment then pushes the canoe back into the river and gets into the back. He see's looks at the paddles, muskets and two traps at the bottom of the canoe. He then picks up a paddle and begins rowing south. Louis lays back and looks at the sky. Fletcher just looks forward and there is a few moments of silence.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I apologize for earlier Lafleur.

Louis scratches his beard.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

This is new for both you and I. We have never gone into the wilds before with company. So I accept for apology.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Can I just make one request?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I think I can grant your request.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Until we get home, if you see a woman please walk in the other direction.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Sorry friend, but that request would require a lot of Louis Lafleur. But I'll try. Maybe we should make camp, it has been an exhausting day.

Fletcher looks behind him as he paddles.

FLETCHER HARRISON

We'll keep going south for a few hours, make sure we are far away from those soldiers.

Fletcher then turns forward again and looks ahead.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Good idea. There will be many Americans to the North. So it is South we go.

Louis then briefly looks at Fletcher then back up at the sky.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I am bored. Maybe for the next few hours you can tell me some more of the father's advice. He sounds like a wise man.

FLETCHER HARRISON

What about the gold you are going to pay me?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I keep my word so you'll still get it when we get home. But aside from that one piece of advice I got from my Dad, I did not learn terribly much him. So I'll listen to you.

FLETCHER HARRISON

My father told me that you should stick with your partner, no matter you he is.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Wisest thing he said yet. Go on.

The canoe then heads south and the men in the canoe vanish into the darkness of night.

ext. forest night

It is several hours later late at night. In a area of clear ground amongst the thick forest are Fletcher and Louis near the canoe. It is almost complete darkness. Fletcher is sitting on the ground and warps his arms around himself. He looks at Lafleur who is on one knee a rubbing two sticks together over a pile of dry grass.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Takes me forever to start a fire like that. Maybe we should just sleep.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Fletcher, it is unwise to venture the wilds North if you cannot start a fire with barely anything. Besides, we are both cold.

FLETCHER HARRISON

We'll be fine.

Then Louis lowers one of the sticks down on the pile of dry grass. It then begins to smoke and slowly a fire grows. Louis then takes some more grass beside it and throws it on the fire. The flame grows larger.

FLETCHER HARRISON

You do that better then I can Lafleur.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

That is not the only thing I can do better.

Fletcher then looks at the canoe.

FLETCHER HARRISON

All we have are two muskets with no ammunition and two traps. No salted meat or flint.

Louis looks at the fire, then puts some small twigs into the flames and it grows.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I'm not so used to going into dark lands with so much provisions. I once went a whole year with nothing but my knife and the clothes on my back. And for the salted meat, those soldiers did us a favor. I set the traps, something will be in one of them tomorrow.

Fletcher then briefly looks at him then looks towards the ground and sighs.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Can I ask you something Lafleur?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

What is it Fletcher?

FLETCHER HARRISON

When we find this general, which one of us will kill him.

Louis looks back at him for a moment then back at the fire. He throws some larger branches into it and the fire grows.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Guess that will be decided when we meet him. Sounds like you really don't want to do this.

Fletcher looks at Lafleur and frowns.

FLETCHER HARRISON

This is something I really don't want to do.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I agree. I have taken the life of many a beast. But this will be much harder.

FLETCHER HARRISON

But if I do, then I'll never have to wander alone through lands where few men tread.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Are you sure this thing you call love is so great Fletcher?

FLETCHER HARRISON

What do you mean?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I can tell that there is no part of you that wants to do this. But your feelings for Emily have compelled you to do something which is not in your nature.

FLETCHER HARRISON

If my father where still alive, he would not be very proud of me.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Though went we are meant to do at the end of our voyage south is a most tragic thing, I am sure your father would understand that your reasons are most understandable.

FLETCHER HARRISON

When I get home, I'm going to try very hard to forget about this voyage.

Louis then throws yet more sticks into the growing fire then lays down on the ground beside the fire on the other side of Fletcher. He looks at the sky.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Yes, this particular episode is not one Louis Lafleur will tell a soul. But will you remember the time you spent with Louis Fletcher?

Fletcher then lays back and rolls on to his side and is facing away from Louis.

FLETCHER HARRISON

For the rest of my life, the only thing about this trip I remember is you Lafleur.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I shall remember you as well Fletcher. I'm sure I'll tell many a lady about the man who was almost as good at my profession as me.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I remember on the map. Tomorrow the river turns west. South is a great distance of wilderness we will have to cross by land.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I shame our canoe is so heavy.

FLETCHER HARRISON

We should sleep. The next part of this journey will be much harder.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Sure friend.

Then they both slowly fall asleep as a owl screeches from somewhere inside the forest.

 

[Autodidact_33]

ext. river noon

It is a bright windy day. The river continues south and gets even narrower, the forest growing more thick as the trees sway in the breeze. The canoe appears and is going south. Fletcher is in the back rowing while Louis lays down in front and looks at the sky. They go along in silence for awhile when Louis looks at Fletcher.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Perhaps I should row today Fletcher.

Fletcher continues to look forward and paddles.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Save your strength Lafleur. After we cross land, another river will take us the rest of the way. You have five hundred miles of paddling before this trip is over.

Louis then looks back up at the sky. Fletcher then briefly looks to the bottom of the canoe. The muskets, the traps and the carcass of a dead rabbit on ground.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I'm glad we caught something finally. We won't have the energy to go the whole distance if we don't eat.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

We'll be eating like gluttons Fletcher, I assure you.

Fletcher then briefly looks at Louis then looks forward again.

FLETCHER HARRISON

There is something I want to know Lafleur.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Want to learn yet more about Louis Lafleur. Ask me anything Fletcher.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Last night, it sounded like you really don't want to be on this trip either.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Honestly, I wish I was far North, without a man for many miles in any direction.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Why did you agree to go on this voyage. I am pretty sure it is because you want to spend it at brothels, but I hope there is another reason.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I must confess Fletcher, when I saw the gold in that bag I could only think about one thing.

FLETCHER HARRISON

What was that?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Maybe spend four months going to every Brothel in Montreal. After I intended to go much further North for a year and a half or more.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I was hoping you would have had another reason.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

We have been in each others company for more then a week. Some time ago, I decided I am going to Montreal and give Nora my entire reward.

Fletcher stops paddling and looks at Louis and has a blank expression.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I usually have a pretty good talent for sizing a man up soon after meeting him. But I guess I was wrong about you Lafleur. When we get home you'll take Nora away from Montreal forever and marry her.

Louis sighs.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I would, but as I said I would only break her very fragile heart.

FLETCHER HARRISON

So why are you giving her your whole reward then?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

So she can escape her sorrowful life and maybe find a man who can remove her from the grief she has known so long.

Fletcher starts paddling again and looks forward.

FLETCHER HARRISON

You are turning out to be a very complicated man.

Louis briefly looks at Fletcher then looks at the sky again.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I always have known no more complicated man walks these Earth then Louis Lafleur.

Louis briefly laughs.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Then I met Fletcher Harrison. I guess I will have to settle for the second most complicated man on this earth.

Fletcher rows as the canoe continues down the river and they are both silent.

ext. river dusk

The river which now is very narrow, continues south some way when then turns sharply west. The forest is dense, surrounds all sides and still sways about in the wind. Then the canoe appears in the distance to the North. Louis lays on his back and looks to the sky as Fletcher rows. He then sees the turn in the river.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Guess we'll be walking for the next few days.

Louis sits up and looks south.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I'm tired of rowing anyways.

Then the canoe comes to muddy river bank at the sharp bend in the river. Fletcher rows until the canoe runs up onto the shoreline. Both men get out and look around. Louis looks at Fletcher.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

The map was led us into danger during a trip, sure we can trust it for the voyage ahead?

Fletcher looks at the forest south.

FLETCHER HARRISON

We'll have to chance it.

It looks when like Louis is about to say something when he then sees a man stumbles out from the forest and onto the muddy shore of the river to the west. He is a young black man who is wearing tattered cloth clothing with a shaven head. He, Ned, then falls face first into the mud as breaths heavily.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Fletcher, you might want to know something.

FLETCHER HARRISON

What is it Lafleur?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

A young negro gentleman just came out from the woods and passed out upon the shore of the river. He is a few meters to the east.

Fletcher then looks at Ned for a moment then looks at Louis. He then turns to the other trapper and they look blankly at each other. Louis sighs.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I suppose you want to help this man out?

FLETCHER HARRISON

I get the feeling we won't have to worry about him telling anyone about us. What do you say Louis, should we help him?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I not sure I could convince you otherwise. Besides, since he came from the direction we are going, he might tell us much about the road ahead.

Fletcher and Louis walk slowly towards Ned until they stand on either side of him and look down.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Young man.

Ned just continues to gasp as his face is in the mud.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Young man, are you OK?

Ned then begins to mutter.

Ned

Don't take me back, please.

Louis and Fletcher look at each other.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Seems this young fellow has not eaten in many days, he seems very thin.

Fletcher looks down at Ned again.

FLETCHER HARRISON

We can help you.

Ned then looks up from the mud and looks up and the two men standing over him and seems afraid. He then crawls away from along the muddy shore as they watch.

ned

Just let me go.

They slowly walk towards him.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Looks like you need something to eat friend. You can have dinner with us tonight.

Ned then seems puzzled.

FLETCHER HARRISON

You can trust us, we are not going to take you anywhere you don't want to go.

NED

Who are you two?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I am Louis and this rather serious fellow beside is Fletcher. It may be fortunate we crossed paths.

Ned then falls onto his back and seems barely conscious. Fletcher and Louis look at each other blankly.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I help him to tonight's camp site. You take the canoe. After, start a fire, skin the rabbit and get him something to eat. I'll go and lay the traps. And tomorrow we'll go our separate ways.

Louis says nothing and walks towards the continue. Fletcher then picks up Ned and places his arm over his shoulder. He then walks towards the forest and Ned weakly steps along.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Got a name young man?

Ned weakly speaks.

Ned

Ned.

Before they both go into the forest, Fletcher speaks.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Glad to make your acquittance young Ned.

ext. forest night

It is a windy night as the tree's sway in the wind. In the center of a small clearing is a roaring camp fire, the flames flicker about in the breeze. Louis lays on he ground to one side looking at sky. Ned is sitting on the ground to the other side and rapidly eats some strips of cooked meat from the rabbit. Louis looks briefly at him and to the sky again.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

You should chew your food properly friend.

Ned then stops eating and seems to be more awake. He then looks at Louis.

ned

I can save some for you and your friend.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Well young Ned, you seem like you need it more then I. Besides, I went five weeks without a bite. Though by the end of the fifth week, the rocks upon the ground seemed somewhat delicious.

Ned starts eating again.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I and my partner have helped you. Perhaps you can help us?

Ned stops eating and looks at him.

NED

What is it?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I assume you came from the south and are headed North. Could you tell me about the path to the south of us?

NED

I've been walking through those woods for days, I am not sure how many. I thought I was going to die.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Venturing into such barren and dark lands is dangerous even for those who know what they are doing. No offense Ned, but it seems you are new at this.

NED

I could not take how cruel my master was. Some of my people said it is better up North.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I am moved by your tale Ned. But as much as I do not wish to be the bearer of bad news, when do you think the men North are any less cruel?

NED

I'm not sure what you mean.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Men are men no matter where you go. For every good man there is another man who is not so good. It is a dangerous journey you are on, I hope you are not let down when you reach the end of your path North.

NED

I'll take that chance. Even if it kills me.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Any man who can brave the wilderness for around a hundred miles has my respect, especially if it is your first time. Maybe you should become a fur trapper.

NED

What do you do Mr. Lafleur exactly?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Would you like to here to tale of how and learned to venture through the darkest lands, surviving on only my wits and what ever the wilderness provides.

Ned begins eating again and Louis grins.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

When Louis Lafleur was a young man, well my Dad left very early in my life. As I said, some men can be cruel no matter which lands you wander. Growing up I heard the word bastard more times then I can remember. I was terribly unhappy. But one summer, this elderly gentleman who was my neighbor hired to do some chores around his home. I quickly learned that he had spent most of his life wandering the lands North far away from men. During that summer, he taught me much as I cleaned his house amongst every thing. I will always remember those golden months.

Ned stops eating and looks at Louis. Louis is frowning and seems saddened.

ned

What happened to him?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

He did the first day of autumn quite suddenly. I will always miss him, but he left me all the tools of his trade. So the second day of autumn, I headed North to be far away from everyone. By the middle of winter, and had come face to face with death many times. Though by spring, there was no danger in those lands I feared. I for the first time I knew what is was to be happy. To be far away from men and allowed to be the real Louis Lafleur for the first time. I would only come back because, well, I have a particular weakness I shall not bore you with.

Ned starts eating again.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

If you find the North to be not much of an improvement, I would advise you to go further North still.

As Ned eats, Fletcher walks out from the forest and has a trap in each hand. A dead Fox is in one of them. Fletcher then drops the traps beside the fire and kneels down. He opens the jaws of one of the traps and pulls out the Fox. He then holds it and gets up then stands over Ned. Fletcher then drops the carcass in front of him. He stops eating and looks at the Fox and up at Fetcher seeming unsure what to do. Fletcher then reaches down and pulls a small knife out from his boot. He then holds it towards Ned.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Take the knife young Ned.

ned

Why?

FLETCHER HARRISON

Because I'll show you how to skin an animal. If you learn well, then you can keep that knife. It is the first knife my father gave me.

NED

Why will I need it?

FLETCHER HARRISON

You have many miles to go North until you reach your destination. You will need to eat.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

You should listen to him. I once misplaced my knife on one of my excursions far up North. I was coughing up burnt fur until I found it two weeks later.

FLETCHER HARRISON

We'll give you one of our traps and I'll show you how to use it tomorrow.

Fletcher then looks towards Louis.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Lafleur, after Ned skins the Fox, can you show him how to start a fire with nothing other then what he can find?

Louis briefly laughs.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

By tomorrow young Ned will be able to start a fire with no more then two twigs and a strand of his own hair.

Fletcher then kneels down beside the Fox and pulls the knife out from the sheath in his belt.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Pay attention closely.

The wind makes the tree's sway about in the dark.

ext. forest morning morning

It is a bright sunny day in the forest. The campfire has now been reduced to a smoking pile of ash. Louis is some distance away looking south. Fletcher is kneeling on the ground beside the closed jaws of the trap, Ned sits nearby and watches. Fletcher then forces the jaws open and there is a metallic click.

FLETCHER HARRISON

And that is all there is to it.

Louis looks back at them.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I think young Ned will be able to make the rest of the journey North now.

Fletcher then looks south the at Ned again.

FLETCHER HARRISON

You can come with us if you want. We'll help you make it North when we head back.

NED

I think I sleep for a day then press on North if you don't mind.

Fletcher stands up and then walks to the canoe. He then looks back at Ned.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Good luck Ned. Goodbye.

Fletcher then turns to Louis.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Guess we should start the land portion of this trip Lafleur. Help me carry the canoe so we can continue south.

Louis then turns and walks towards them. He passes Fletcher then stands over Ned.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Young Ned. Give me the knife Fletcher gave you.

Ned looks at Louis then picks up the small knife on the ground beside him and hands to Louis. Louis then looks at the knife, sighs then throws it so it now lays on the ground in front of Fletcher.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Nice knife Fletcher, the only one I seen that sized belong to a little sister.

Fletcher picks up the knife and puts it back in his boot. Louis then pulls a larger knife out from his boot and gives it to Ned. Ned looks at the knife.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

That knife has saved my life more a few times, but I suspect you will need it more then I.

Louis looks at Fletcher.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Can you give me the map partner?

Fletcher pulls out the map and he walks to Louis and hands it to him. Louis looks at it and rips it in two. He then hands the top half to Ned.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

The map is not so reliable accept for the layout of the river. Go slowly and keep and eye out for anyone you don't want to me. Well we must be off, good luck young Ned.

NED

Thanks, thanks for everything.

Both Louis and Fletcher walk to the canoe. The paddles and one trap are inside. They pick it up and rest in on their right shoulder, Louis is at the front and Fletcher is at the back and start to walk south. As they begin to become obscured by the dense forest, Ned watches them leave. As Fletcher and Louis walk away, Fletcher looks back.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I think he'll make it Lafleur?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I'm sure young Ned will be in the colonies by week's end. He reminds me of myself when I was that age.

Fletcher looks forward and they walk south through the forest.

ext. forest noon

It is a sunny after noon in the dense forest. Shafts of sunlight shine through parts of the canopy of the forest. There is the sound of birds singing coming from many directions. Fletcher and Louis are walking south between the towering tree's and they carry the canoe. They walk in silence for awhile then Fletcher speaks.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Lafleur, why does it feel like I'm carrying most of the weight?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Surely it is just because the canoe is so heavy Fletcher. Feels like I have a mighty boulder on my shoulder.

They continue to walk south in silence. Then Louis speaks up.

Louis lafleur

You have ask much about Louis Lafleur Fletcher during the first have of our journey.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I'm starting to get the feeling we would need to track to South America before I figure you out Lafleur.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

True enough, but then even you would have not started to even begin to unravel the mystery that is your partner. But I would like to know something about Fletcher Harrison.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Ask what ever you want.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Seems the man you are today was only him for the advice of your wise father.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Could you just ask your question.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Emily may be a fine woman, but I don't think the advice which guides you would be much help to a lady. Such at advice needs to be told to a son. Why is it that you not yet have one?

Fletcher frowns and seems saddened.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I never said I had no children.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

True, but if you had a son I think you would have talked about him for at least five days so far. So why don't you.

Fletcher seems saddened.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Could we talk about something else if you don't mind.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I have told you much of I, more then any man has ever been told. I think you can answer my question Fletcher.

Fletcher is silent for a moment and looks down towards the ground as they walk.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I have wanted nothing more then a son since the day I married Emily. But I have not yet so far been blessed. I fear we may not be able to have one.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Your tale saddens me greatly Fletcher. A good man such as yourself deserves that particular wish.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Well, it is better that it was not meant to be. I would have not been around much for his childhood.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I have found that sometimes life waits for exactly the right moment. Do not despair partner.

FLETCHER HARRISON

If you don't mind Lafleur, can we not talk till tonight when we make camp.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Sure, but tonight I would like to here more of your fathers advice.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Let's just keep walking.

Then then walk south silently and soon vanish into the forest south.

ext. forest night

A small area of the forest where the trees are not so thick. A roaring campfire is between Fletcher and Louis. Fletcher lies on his side is facing away from Louis, his eyes are open and he seems to be think about something. Fletcher now has a thick beard which has grown during the voyage. Louis is laying on his back and looks at at the sky. It is silent for a while when Fletcher then lowly speaks.

FLETCHER HARRISON

You have been silent all day. Why have you not been talking?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I think you need to be alone with your thoughts right now Fletcher. I know that when a man carries a deep pain in his soul, he must dwell on it much.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Have you ever considered having a son?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

This topic of sons I think troubles you greatly Fletcher. I fear if I answer I would only make you more sorrowful.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I'm OK. It's just that I may not ever have a son. But perhaps you could.

Louis smiles.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

About a year ago, as a wandered through those dark lands in which I have spent my life I considered having a son.

FLETCHER HARRISON

So why don't you?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I thought that with my wits and Nora's eyes, she could bare me a son would could trek right around the Earth when became a man. It seemed like a good idea for a moment.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Something changed your mind.

Louis frowns.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Then I realized that I could never be a man who could be a husband Nora could rely on, and I think I will be the last Lafleur who grows up without a father. You where very right today. I cannot give up my travels in lands remote and distant also. I would not be there for him for both those reasons. But what a son he could have been.

FLETCHER HARRISON

People can change Lafleur.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Of that I am most doubtful Fletcher. But I would like to believe what you say.

Fletcher then scratches his beard.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I cannot wait to get home and shave my beard. If we succeed then I'll never have shave it again.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I have met many a trapper during my travels, most have had the most thick and longest of beards. Why do you want to never see yours again?

FLETCHER HARRISON

I have grown accustom to shaving it when I get back. During my months away from my dear Emily, feeling it upon my chin for many years has only remind me how far I am from home.

Louis scratches his mangy beard.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I would never completely shave mine off. Keeps my face warm on cold nights alone. I once when two years without trimming it, but then when I began to trip over it I knew I had to shorten it a little.

Fletcher closes his eyes.

FLETCHER HARRISON

We'll make our way down a good distance South and end this portion of our journey.

Louis closes his eyes.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Hope your dreams bring you comfort Fletcher.

Fletcher speaks groggily.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I check the traps in the morning. Then we'll be off.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Then till tomorrow.

Fletcher closes his eyes and they both slowly fall asleep as the fire burns between them.

ext. forest dawn

The campfire in the woods is now just glowing ash. Louis, who is alone, is on back asleep, snoring loudly; the canoe is nearby. Louis then stops snoring and slowly opens his eyes. He sits up and scratches his neck then looks around.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I hope Fletcher returns with something to satisfy my hunger for tonight.

He then lays on his back again and looks at the sky.

ext. forest moment later

Fletcher is walking through the forest south slowly. The forest becomes less dense but it is very silent. Fletcher then sees the empty trap a few yards ahead. He walks to it and looks down, then he frowns.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Nothing. I also have not seen a sign of a animal of any kind, tracks or anything. Hope we find some prey further south.

Fletcher then kneels down and picks up the trap shakes his head then starts walking back in the direction he came. He does not notice that a large, black wolf as walked out from some trees many meters behind him. The wolf is extremely thin at it's ribs protrude from the sides of its body. It then sees Fletcher and begins to walk towards him. When it gets nearer, it stops and growls. Fletcher stops and slowly turns around. When he see's the wolf he pulls the knife from the sheath in his belt. The three other wolves, all who are starving, emerge from the forest behind the wolf closest to Fletcher. They all look at Fletcher and snarl as they expose their fangs. Fletcher then turns and starts to walk quickly in the direction him came a returns the knife to its sheath, trap in the other hand. When he looks over his shoulder a sees that the wolves are now quickly approaching a sprints North.

ext. forest later

The area of the trappers camp the previous night. Louis is standing over the canoe and looking around the woods.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Where is Fletcher?

Then he hears Fletcher call in the distance North.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Lafleur!

Louis then walks south amongst the trees. He then sees Fletcher appear in the distance and running towards him. Louis watches him quickly approach and he comes to a suddenly halt beside Louis, Fletcher throws the trap to the ground and turns back, pulling out his knife and squints.

FLETCHER HARRISON

You might want to ready your knife.

Louis looks at him.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Did you lead another ten American soldiers onto us partner? I do not want a repeat of our last disagreement.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I came upon four wolves, large ones.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Surely a man of the trade we share as come across a wolf. Besides, they are only a threat if they are half starving.

Fletcher looks at Louis and seems worried. Louis frowns pulls his knife from its sheath and they both face south. They wait a moment when the four large wolves emerge from the trees and run quickly towards them. Louis then starts switching the knife between hands and briefly laughs.

FLETCHER HARRISON

This is not funny.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I just curious who will be better in this fight. A real competition finally.

They both look at the quickly approaching wolves. Two suddenly stop while the other two charge the two men. One of the wolves then darts towards Fletcher but he then slashes at its face and it recoils in pain and begins to back and and snarl. The other wolf then jumps at Louis when it is upon him. He raises the knife to strike but it knocks him to the ground and is on top of him. Louis then plunges the knife into its side, but it is able to bite his shoulder and Louis grunts in pain. The wolf in front of Fletcher then charges him again. It jumps at Fletcher but he then throws himself with the knife raised. He is able to grab the throat of the wolf and plunge the knife into it's neck. It howls in pain and it is able to bite into the forearm of Fletcher. He grimaces but makes no sound. Louis is still on the ground with the wolf on top of him, and continues to plunge the knife into its side. Then he throws the lifeless carcass of him as blood begins to stain the shoulder of his leather outfit. Fletcher, still clutching the wolf's neck, drops the dead beast to the ground. Blood is staining the arm of his leather clothing. Louis gets up and walks forward then stands beside Fletcher. Holding the knives, they look at the two remaining wolves. After a moment the wolves turn away and run back into the forest. Once they are gone, both men return the knives to their sheaves. They look at each other.

FLETCHER HARRISON

When we left the territories, I thought I would have been better of making this voyage alone.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

And know Fletcher?

FLETCHER HARRISON

I guess they did find the two best men of our trade.

They turn around and begin to walk towards the camp fires remains, both holding a hand to their wound. Once there, Fletcher falls to ground and he looks at Louis who stands above the fire.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Lafleur, get that fire burning again. And ready your knife.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I think I know where this is going.

FLETCHER HARRISON

We don't want our wounds to become infected.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Ah, a competition of the endurance of pain. I warn you, you are in the company of the one man who can beat you.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I'll win, but I'm sure you'll it will be a difficult victory.

Louis smiles and looks down at the fire.

ext. forest later

A while later. Now the campfire is roaring again, Fletcher and Louis sit on either side of it holding their knives, the tip glowing. They have taken the top of their outfits off, both of them have thick body hair and many healed over scars on their chests. They look at each other.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

The man who groans in pain the loudest rows for the next hundred miles.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Deal Lafleur.

They then both look to their bloodied wound for a moment, then press the glowing tips of the knives to their injury. They both grimace in pain yet make not a sound. They hold burning tips to their flesh as a small amount of smoke is emitted and their is a faint sizzling sound. After a few moments they both simultaneously throw the knives to the ground and look at the burned flesh over wound.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

So who won that contest Fletcher?

FLETCHER HARRISON

I guess it is a tie. I really thought I would win that one.

They both look south.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Since there was no victor, when we reach the next river in a few days who will paddle?

FLETCHER HARRISON

Tell you what. I got the next hundred miles, the next six hundred are yours.

Louis falls onto his back and looks up into the sky. Fletcher looks at him for a moment then south again.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Do you know what one of the first things father told me when I told him I wanted to be a trapper like him.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I am sure it is very profound.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I might want to get a job in some town if I could not take endure pain.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Your father is a man who seems to have been always right. During my travels, the only companion with me is the bitter sweet sting of pain.

FLETCHER HARRISON

When I give this profession up, you know, I think I will actually miss it.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

If you will miss the pain, then you will surely greatly miss the pain of being away from sweet Emily.

FLETCHER HARRISON

That is one pain I can do without.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Why is it that you did not take your fathers advice Fletcher? I do not doubt your tolerance for pain is legendary, but why do you venture North so long when you could have been home? A get a job like most men?

FLETCHER HARRISON

The first time I returned to Emily after we where married have many months in the Northern wild, I found a job at a small general good store.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

And when did you leave her again?

FLETCHER HARRISON

I really could do what was required of me.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Fletcher, I doubt there a ten men in all of North America who could do what you have spent so many months alone doing. Surely this job was not insurmountable?

FLETCHER HARRISON

I could not get a job like most men as you said for a simple reason.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Which is?

FLETCHER HARRISON

We are not like most men Lafleur. Few men can bare months alone in lands where few dare venture.

Fletcher then falls onto his back.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

We'll wait awhile and admire the scars that will remind us of our besting of those poor beasts.

FLETCHER HARRISON

We still can go a very good way south before dusk.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I'll skin one of those unfortunate wolves and take some of the meat for tonight. Though I only eat wolf when no other food can be found.

Fletcher lifts his head and looks towards the south.

FLETCHER HARRISON

We might run into the rest of their pack along the way.

Louis briefly laughs.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I am doubtful at that. Right now every wolf a hundred miles to the south knows that two very capable opponents are on coming their way. They won't bother us.

Fletcher looks up at the sky.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Though we are most definitely in dangerous and foreign lands partner, I admit I'm have a little bit of fun.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Strange enough, I am having a little fun to.

Then they both look silently at the sky.

ext. forest noon

It is just after noon. The tree's sparsely cover the forest floor and the bright sun cast a whitish land, the floor of the wood slopes mostly down. Then Fletcher and Louis appear and walk south with the canoe upright on their shoulder and walk slowly south. They walk in silence for awhile when Fletcher speaks suddenly.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Is your shoulder still hurting Lafleur.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

There is some pain which I barely notice. Once I had run into five wolves far north, all much larger and hungrier then the ones we bested today.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I am sure I'm about to be astounded.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

You have guessed right. I killed them all yet they have nearly severed a leg, so I then walk six hundred miles after tending to the wound. The leg troubles me still.

FLETCHER HARRISON

That actually reminds me of one of my tales up north.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

You have talked of nothing but your father or Emily. I would really be interested in hearing this tale of your bravery.

FLETCHER HARRISON

It happened three years ago. I was far North, many hundred miles from the home I built. I was making my way down a very steep hill, I had descended much steeper ones a million times.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Your tale of the not very steep hill is not as impressive as I expected.

FLETCHER HARRISON

A rabbit darted out from some bushes suddenly, I got startled which had never happened once before. I then began to tumble down the hill. When I reached the bottom and rolled right into a large rock. I had received very serious blow to the head, plus I had broken my leg.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Fletcher, this tail is having potential. Go on, you have my complete attention.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I have spent many years alone in those lands, but never before that moment had I ever once been afraid.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I can deduce that that sweet Emily was the cause of that fear.

FLETCHER HARRISON

You are a man of great wit Lafleur.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Those since you walk with me now, then it seems likely you made it back.

FLETCHER HARRISON

My father had shown me to make a pretty good leg sprint a few years before he died.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I never new your father Fletcher, but the part of your tale where you lose him makes me feel a little grief.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I then was able to make a pretty good crutch and began to limp home, holding the trap. But I feared I never would reach the end of that voyage.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

From what I've come to know of you Fletcher, you would have made it back if you had lost both you arms and legs.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I usually now exactly how many days I was up there headed south. It was a slow trip. Every week I would use the trap to feed myself, and would have t most three hours sleep in that time. I lost track of the days because I was to afraid to count them.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I would like to tell you of when you finally reached the end of trip and was with your wife again.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I could limp pretty fast by the time I got home early one morning. Emily was sitting on the porch, crying. She would count the days to and I was over a month late.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I suspect when she saw you the crying stopped.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I think she was to sad to notice me approach and limp up onto the porch. When she saw it was me, we just held one another in silence for an hour on that porch I built.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Fletcher, your tail has almost moved me to tears. But men of our profession are not allowed to cry. The only other trapper who I came across who cried did not last the month.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I'm ashamed to admit I shed a few tears when my father died. But it was only for a moment.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I would have probably done so to if I was there. But if I ever receive word of my fathers death, I would not cry a single tear.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I also admit I felt a brief pang of fear when the commander told us that your voyage was to that south.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Why the brief sensation of fear.

FLETCHER HARRISON

It instantly thought of that trip south when I almost did not make it home. But it was brief.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

You have my word Fletcher, in several more weeks you'll be home and never have to leave again and I'll be far to the North. Either we both go home alive, or neither. You have the word of Louis Lafleur.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Thank you Lafleur. That actually means a lot to me.

Then they walk in silence south.

ext. field night

In the vast forest is a field with a grassy bottom. The moon and stars hang over it. In an area where the grass is less dense, a large campfire is roaring in eat. Fletcher and Louis sit on either side as the canoe is nearby. They both are eating the cooked meat of the wolf. Fletcher stops eating and looks at Louis briefly.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Since I admitted about how I once succumb to fear today Lafleur, I would like to know have you have been afraid before.

Louis tears some meat with his teeth and chews it for awhile then stops. He looks at Fletcher and frowns.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

You may be a great man, but you do not have a wit as sharp as mine. I think you would have gathered that the thought of being faithful to one woman fills me with a terror more intense then I ever felt.

Fletcher looks at him.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

But that one time when fear was your companion, though a weakness is was, it moved you to do something very difficult. If one should feel fear, that that is the one that would be most hopeful.

FLETCHER HARRISON

But you realize your fear only holds you back from something thinks you seek.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I fear is shameful and has only held me back all my life. But aside from that fear which might as well cripple me as much as an amputated leg, nothing else has ever scared me in the dark lands far North. To be honestly, sometimes that is the only place I am not afraid.

FLETCHER HARRISON

My father always told me that a man can learn to conquer any fear.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

You and your father are braver men then Louis Lafleur. That is one bravery I fear I will never have.

Louis finishes the meet then lies on his back and closes his eyes. Fletcher finishes his and looks at Louis.

FLETCHER HARRISON

May I make a large request Lafleur?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

If it is not about women, then I give you my vow that it will be granted.

FLETCHER HARRISON

We should be at most a few days from the next river. I can manage all that time awake, can you handle helping me take the canoe with me without sleep.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I most readily agree. But why this request?

FLETCHER HARRISON

I did not tell Emily how long I would be gone because I did not know when I left.

Louis opens his eyes and looks at Fletcher.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

You know she is most likely on the porch right now, crying for her lost husband.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I want to get home as soon as possible.

Louis then closes his eyes.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I would not be able to respect myself if we let your good wife worry longer then necessary. We'll will not sleep until you are again with her and I am back in those dangerous lands I call home.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I am in your debt. Second time on this trip. After we go our separate ways when we are home, any time in the coming years you need me to repay it you have the right to ask anything.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I know you are a man of your word Fletcher, I find it likely your father said something about honesty. I will collect someday.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I do admire your wit, sharpest one I've ever seen.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

We must travel many days without sleep, so we may want to rest well tonight.

Fletcher nods then rolls onto his side. After awhile, Louis begins to snore.

ext. forest dawn dusk

A dense section of the forest early in the morning. It is gloomy and shadows darken most of the forest. There is the sounds of birds singing in the distance. Then Fletcher and Louis appear and walk quickly south with the canoe on their shoulders. The ground is on a shallow downwards hill. Fletcher is looking Louis in the front and seems impressed.

FLETCHER HARRISON

We have walked twenty four hours straight Lafleur, I have to say I'm impressed.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

You doubt my mastery of our trade.

Fletcher smiles.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I have no doubt you could paddle a boat a thousands miles in two single days, but I never expected that I would be struggling to keep up with you.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Your attempt to be kind with flattery welcome, but I suspect it is untrue.

FLETCHER HARRISON

OK, but you are pressing ahead as fast as I can. We should be to the river soon.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I will be glad to be on the river again. I'm tired of walking.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I always find it is quicker and less tiring to traverse the wilderness by water.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I admit about twelve hours ago, I felt I could not go any further.

FLETCHER HARRISON

So why did you not stop?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

The thought of being home soon gives the more strength then I have ever known.

FLETCHER HARRISON

We are very different men Lafleur, but we do have that in common.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I sense this strength has made more voyage homes from the dark wilderness to the far north much quicker.

FLETCHER HARRISON

You are correct.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Funny, that strength always drives me up to those dangerous lands. I would stay up there and never return if it was not for my admiration for a lovely woman.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I almost wish I could go on one more trip far north when this is all finished.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I thought you never wanted to see it again because it only reminds you of your solitude Fletcher.

FLETCHER HARRISON

When we get back and I'm home, I have made Emily spent to much of her life alone. But I do have a small desire for one more trek.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

And what motivates this desire?

FLETCHER HARRISON

I would not mind going on an excursion with you in familiar lands. It would be a interesting contest of skill when we are both in our element.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

There you would stand no chance. I have spent much more time then you, and I suspect you have wandered in those lands more then any else of our profession. Besides, I would never accept an invitation for that voyage even if you wanted to go.

FLETCHER HARRISON

And why is that Lafleur?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

For the whole trip, all I could think about was a man a long away from the home he built where his wife waits for him. Aside from that though, I would have accepted. A few times I would start a partnership with another trapper, but at most it would last a few days.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I must admit, before this trip I preferred to brave the wilds alone. But in the extremely likely event must someday I must, I hope you would come along.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

You where not the first partner who I had to fight during the course of the partnership. That is how they all ended. But you are the only one who could see that I be of great help to you on this trip.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Your right. Can you walk for at most a day more?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Only if you don't collapse and I have to drag you along Fletcher.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I'll try to keep up.

They begin to walk quicker south.

ext. river noon

To the north is a the vast wilderness of dense woods and foreboding forests during an overcast day. A river runs from east is and suddenly sharply turns south. The river is is wide and there is a fast current. As the river goes south, it is surrounded by a light wood on either side. Then Fletcher and Louis appear from the forest to the North and drop the canoe on the muddy shoreline along the riverbank and both collapse from exhaustion. Louis lies on his back breathing heavily and Fletcher is on his knees with his palms laid against the ground. Fletcher then looks south and see's the river goes directly in that direction. He looks at Louis on the mud beside him.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I would like to keep going for another day if you don't mind.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I would not have insisted otherwise.

Fletcher gets up and goes to the canoe and pushes it partly into the water. Louis deeply inhales then slows his breathing. He gets up and walks to the canoe and gets into the front. Fletcher then pushes the canoe into the river and gets into the back. Fletcher then starts to paddle. Lois then sits forward and grabs a paddle and starts rowing slowly. Fletcher stops paddling and seems shocked.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Are you Louis Lafleur?

Lafleur looks back as he stops rowing and seems puzzled.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

What Fletcher?

FLETCHER HARRISON

You must be the Lafleur brother who actually will paddles.

Lafleur grins then looks forward and continues to slowly paddle. Fletcher then continues to paddle.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Seems we have learn much from each other since we left the territories.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I will say this is one of the most eye opening experiences of my life. After my father was gone, I still would learn much on every venture to the wilds north.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I am not like you there. I learned all there was to know my first two months in those remote and unfriendly lands.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Why don't you get some sleep. I'll row till we reach or next camp in a day.

Louis keeps paddling.

FLETCHER HARRISON

You need rest.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Getting you home Fletcher right now is pressing me forward far more then the gold waiting for us on our return.

FLETCHER HARRISON

When we braved those rapids many days ago, I saw how you row a boat Lafleur.

Louis stops paddling and looks back at him.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I am not sure what you are implying.

FLETCHER HARRISON

There has not been one trapper I have crossed paths with who can best me at the skills of this trade we share which few men can do. But you, I hate to admit, have a little edge on me at some things.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

There is no man on Earth such a compliment would mean more from.

FLETCHER HARRISON

But paddling, my kid sister paddles a boat better.

Louis then briefly laughs then puts the paddle in the bottom of the canoe. He turns around and lies down then looks up at the sky. He seems barely able to stay awake.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I'll be honest, I only used a canoe my first year as a practitioner of our trade. It is the one aspect of the life I chose that has eluded. Besides, I'm faster on foot.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Why did you not tell me sooner?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Because then you would not have believed I could paddle six hundred miles.

Fletcher smiles.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Right, I totally believed you the whole time. I'll row the continue until we have gone as far south as we need to.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Then what?

FLETCHER HARRISON

You can paddle us home.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

you have the word of Louis Lafleur that you will not have to let your paddle touch the water once on the way home.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I believe you completely.

Louis's head then falls to one side and he begins to snore loudly. The canoe continues on down the river.

ext. river night

The widening river as it continues south, now vast flat fields of grass stretch out as far as the eye can see on either side beyond the muddy shore. It is really dark, but the faint image of the canoe moving south appears. Fletcher is in the back paddling, Louis lies in the front with his eyes closed and not snoring. He continues for awhile when he then shrugs.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Since you are awake Lafleur, if you want to speak I would not mind.

Louis scratches his beard.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

How did you know I was awake?

FLETCHER HARRISON

When you stopped snoring some hours ago, I figured you where awake. You always snore.

Louis opens his eyes and sits up in the canoe and look to the south behind him.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

We are nearing the end of the voyage to the southern lands. I will glad to be moving North again.

FLETCHER HARRISON

This will be the first time I rush North. I will seriously think twice about ever going more then ten miles in this direction once I'm home.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

That is a sentiment I wholly agree with.

FLETCHER HARRISON

But this has been a interesting voyage to say the least.

Louis looks back at Fletcher and frowns. He then glumly looks towards the water beside the canoe.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Interested in another test of skill, but not a skill of our trade but a skill of our character.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Sounds like a most intriguing test.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

We will tell each other something that we have told no other man. I do not spend time in the company of men much Fletcher, this may be one of few chances I'll ever have.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I accept your test. You go first.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I had just spent eight months in the wilds North, it was my first time. I would have stayed longer but you by now can guess my weakness.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Eight months, but you have not said one time you have gone up there for less then a year.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I went to Montreal. I had heard from another trapper that they have the best brothels in the colonies.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I have never understood why you go there, a man with wit and charm like yourself should not have to pay for a night with a good woman.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I have not met many men who can tolerate being around Louis Lafleur long, nor many women either.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I don't see why, I little rough at first, but after awhile I could see past your rather shallow exterior.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I went to the brothel where I would one day meet Nora many years later for the first time. Since I was new, I was to nervous to approach any of the women. But as I stood there I heard a voice, a very familiar voice. It took a moment before I knew who it was.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Who was it?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

My long departed father.

Fletcher stops rowing and stares at Louis.

Louis lafleur

I figured I would like to speak with him just for awhile. So I approached him. We looked much the same, though he was not a trapper the same beard was upon his face. He did not now who I was at first.

FLETCHER HARRISON

What did you he say to you Louis?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

That he had never wanted to see his bastard son Louis Lafleur again. Then he turned his back to me and laughed.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I'm sorry, sorry a great deal.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I then walked out of there and went North. I stayed there for almost two years. I did not trade in a single pelt. Just wandered through the wilderness surviving off the land.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I can see why you spend such long lonely nights in such foreboding lands.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I have endured much pain up there, I have suffered far worse pain when am around others sometimes. But I came back because of that weakness, next time it was easier. And it helped ease some of torment.

FLETCHER HARRISON

You at first you seemed unable to take anything seriously. But the farther south we go I feel I have met a man more serious and I.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I do not encounter many men, I will admit that I like to jest. But after we had been together for awhile, I realized I was in the company of a man who was wise and may be of some help.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I have an idea Lafleur. When we get back, we'll put of seeing the women we care for and go on another voyage immediately.

Louis then looks at Fletcher and seems puzzled.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Are you serious?

FLETCHER HARRISON

We'll track down that your father. I don't think his pelt will get you much, but I think it may ease some of the demons that haunt you.

Louis lies back down and closes his eyes.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I would gladly go on another voyage with you Fletcher, but not that one. That pelt could be worth all the money in the world and it would not make it worth it to see him again.

There is silence for a moment.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Going back to sleep.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

No, I just want to think of something things. If you don't mind, can there be silence for the rest of the night.

Fletcher looks ahead and paddles. The canoe continues south.

ext. field dusk

A grassy field along the river south, to the east is a dense forest as the sun sets and darkness looms to the east. The canoe is in the center of the field near a roaring fire. Louis is in the distance throwing something at the water but he is so far away it can not be seen what he is doing exactly. Then Fletcher emerges from the forest and falls to the ground beside the fire, exhausted he lays on his back and closes his eyes. He breathes for awhile then Louis stands above him.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

You seem hungry Fletcher, we have not eaten in days.

Fletcher speaks with his eyes closed.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I set set the trap, I'll check it tomorrow.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Would you not like some fish partner?

Fletcher opens his eyes and see that Louis holds a large stick in both hands which has been sharpened at one end, several large fish are impaled on it. Fletcher sits up as Louis walks to the fire and kneels. He pulls out his knife and begins to gut the fish.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Where did you learn to do that?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

My second month north the first time. I was not catching much, in fact nothing in the trap I brought. I wandered through the those forsaken lands lost, almost starving.

FLETCHER HARRISON

So you figured out how to spear fish?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

It never occurred to the wise Fletcher to sharpen a stick and use it to spear fish. I thought your wise father would have taught you that one.

FLETCHER HARRISON

No, but he did show me how to use a fishing pole. Why did you wait till now to use this talent.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I only resort to this skill when I am in need, since it only reminds me of my incompetence in the beginning. But you seem like you need to eat.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Thank you Lafleur.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

The tale I told you last night has never been told and will never been told again. You carry one of Louis Lafleur most tragic tales and it is good that now someone knows of it.

While Louis's back is to him, Fletcher looks at him and seems saddened.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I would like to tell you my tale that has never been told to anyone, not even Emily.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I would greatly appreciate this tale.

Fletcher now looks to the south then glares at the grass on the ground.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I know what it is like to grow up without a father Lafleur.

Louis looks back at him and seems moved yet puzzled.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

But it sounds like you spent much time with him and he taught you everything he knew.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I told you he was a trapper like us, your sharp wit did not deduce that he was not around much.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Why much did you see your father Fletcher?

FLETCHER HARRISON

We would spend every waking minute together for about a month, every three years.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I have heard of no trapper who can brave the wilds for so much time.

FLETCHER HARRISON

As soon as I was old enough to understand, one of the things he taught me was that the Harrison men had been in this trade for many generations and we where the best.

Louis then looks at the ground before him and continues to gut the fish.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

We are so different yet are the same in some ways.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I would spend three years at my mothers home not far from where I live know. I always knew what day he was coming back and the time passed very slow.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

You must have loved him Fletcher, at least you saw him and he told molded you into a good man.

FLETCHER HARRISON

That month every three years, he would show the skills of the Harrison trade and give me advice.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

But it is wise advice.

FLETCHER HARRISON

He wanted me to do what he did. He expected me to grow up and ram those wilds for three years at least before coming home. His advice was mostly about how you should treat others, but I knew even then when I grew up I would be alone for most of my life in those lands. I really did not want to be like him.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Your father sounds like a trapper that I could greatly respect, but why be like him if you did not want to.

FLETCHER HARRISON

That job at the trade store was not my only job. I had many jobs when I was young, none lasted a week. I quickly realized that my father was right, we Harrison's have no other choice then to be trappers. But I was a lonely young man like you, the thought of being lost in those lands alone seemed like a hell which was waiting for me as a grew.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Perhaps you should tell me how Emily fits into this story, I think she may brighten it a little.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I loved her for a long time, but I did not want to be her husband. I knew she would alone for at least three years at a time. I could not do that to here.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Fletcher, I never expected you tail of hardship to be harder to bare then mine.

FLETCHER HARRISON

My father was on his death bed. He was a good trapper, and those long trips had made him a fortune. Enough to live a long time on. But I had a brother.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I am some what reluctant to know why you have not told me you had a brother.

FLETCHER HARRISON

He was older, and my father would never spend any time with him as we grew up. He was training me to carry on the the Harrison legacy. The day before he died, I went to his bedside. I begged him to give me the money to just be with Emily for many years. I told him if he loved me, then he would do it.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Your father said no.

FLETCHER HARRISON

He told me that Harrison's can't afford to love because it makes them weak, makes it harder to be up there so long. I was just his successor, my mother just meant to bear him the next Harrison. Then he gave me this knife.

Fletcher pulls the knife out from the sheath in his belt.

FLETCHER HARRISON

That son of a bitch left ever dime to my brother so he could live comfortably far away. He just gave me his knife as well as the other tools of the Harrison trade because I knew I could never be anything else and he knew by leaving me with nothing I would have no choice to live up in those lands. He was trapping me up there.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I am puzzled why you have spoken of him so kindly if he has imprisoned you in a life you hate.

Fletcher Harrison

All the advice I've been giving you about people I learned from him. It is all mine. He had advice about people all right, about how they make a liability and that they make you weak. Harrison's are meant to be alone for most of their lives.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Why do you say the advice is from him.

Fletcher HARRISON

Because I wanted a son badly. I did not want him he to know he has come from many generations of men who care more about a hellish legacy then their own children.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

When we left those weeks ago, I never suspected I met a man who carried a pain worst then mine.

Fletcher HARRISON

I built the house for Emily and lied and told her my father said it was how it was done. It was because I loved her. But even as I built it, I knew she would be alone in it most of her life, just like me. I go at most ten months, I'm good at our shared trade so I can make money quickly. My father would have spit in my face had he known I could not spend even a year up there. I hate him, but we are the same man. That is why I talk of him so much, because even he is dead I can't get away from him.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

You are nothing like this father who suddenly I feel is not so wise, a good trapper, but a father worse then mine. My father did what he did because he was a fool. Yours new what he was doing. I guess he was a cruel man. You are not like him because you are capable of great feats Fletcher that make even Louis Lafleur look like a novice, and it is only because you love your wife.

Fletcher then lays down on his side and looks away from him.

Fletcher HARRISON

Louis, I need to be alone with my thoughts.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Hope they are of your dear wife.

Louis continues to gut a fish as Fletcher closes his eyes.

 

[Autodidact_33]

ext. field night

The field along the river. Both Fletcher and Louis sit around the campfire. They both eat strips of meat from the cooked fist. The night is very dark as the eat in silence. Fletcher stops and looks at Louis.

Fletcher HARRISON

So who won the tail of our haunted pasts Lafleur.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

You have won hands down. I never would have suspected such pain torments you Fletcher.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I spent a every waking minute of a few months as a boy being told that pain makes you weak.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I have some advice partner.

Fletcher HARRISON

What is your advice.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Anytime you tell you wise advice Fletcher, be it to me or Emily, give credit to a good man and not a very cruel father. I prefer the advice of Fletcher anyways.

Fletcher HARRISON

When I get back home, I think I'm going to keep my mouth shut most of the time.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I admit my sharp wit misjudged the situation when we first met.

FLETCHER HARRISON

How is that?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

By the end of the first day, even a man with an imbecile brain could tell that in almost all respects you and I where very different men. I thought this was not going to work out.

FLETCHER HARRISON

We are not that different Lafleur. We both are men who are use to long months solitude in lands few tread.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

True. But for me that solitude is a blessing which eases my pain. I never would have guessed that solitude was such a torturous experience for you. I quickly realized those wilds held no wonder for you as they do me, but I never new it was such a prison.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I'm never going back that far North. No matter what it takes,

LOUIS LAFLEUR

You know the advice of a good man, who I'm sure will one day be a father himself a create a better family legacy was that what do all the women in the world mean if you let the right one get away. At first I thought it was just talk, but by now I see that love is the one thing that makes more tortured existence bearable. I still don't know what love is, but I am finding out.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I'm no fool, you do love this Nora. You really are going to give her your entire reward.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I intend to do that.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Why are you with so many women?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Well since this leg of the journey involves the revealing of lies, I guess I should be honest to.

FLETCHER HARRISON

What is it?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I have not been with another woman since I was with Nora the first time.

Fletcher looks at Louis.

FLETCHER HARRISON

You have been lying this whole time. For what is gods name for?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I can spend no more then a few weeks out of the Northern wilds, have I asked her to marry me she would have to go North. I like solitude Fletcher, but few can bare it which I'm learning during this trip. I would have taken her North, but I know she would be even more unhappy there then where she is now.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Why did you go on with this charade about all these women. What was the point of it?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

It is a lie I believe myself. It is easier to be a unwholesome man then to admit that you are to much of a coward to be around people.

FLETCHER HARRISON

If you love her, then why don't you spend every night with her in Montreal?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Because she loves me to. We both know about the cruelty of others, but had I let her known I loved her she would find out I was not strong enough to not hide in those wilderness to be with her.

Fletcher then finishes the fish and lies down on his side and looks away.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Maybe the commander got the best to trappers for this job, but we are two strange men you and I.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

You'll brave anything for the woman you love. I will not for mine.

Fletcher then closes his eyes.

FLETCHER HARRISON

If you don't mind, can we save some devastating secrets for tomorrow.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

They cannot get any worse.

Louis then lies on his back beside the fire and looks up.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I'm going to sleep in till noon if you don't mind. After I'll go many days without sleep.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

As will I.

Then they both fall asleep.


ext. road morning

It is morning during an overcast day as rain drizzles down from the sky. A cobblestone road runs from North to South and is surrounded on either side by dense forests. Two American soldiers are walking down road towards they south. They are two young, men, Private Collins and Private David. They walk down the road with their muskets slung across their walks.

Private Collins

I can not wait until we finally declare war.

Private David

I can.

PRIVATE COLLINS

We are soldiers. It is what we do.

PRIVATE DAVID

My father lost all his brothers in the revolutionary war as well as two uncles.

PRIVATE COLLINS

We should be in town soon. It might be the last time we are anywhere near home for awhile.

Private David then suddenly stops and Private Collins looks back at him.

PRIVATE COLLINS

Is something wrong?

Private David starts walking towards the forest to one side of the road.

PRIVATE DAVID

I need to relieve myself. I will be right back.

PRIVATE COLLINS

Be quick. I would like to get out of this rain.

Private David enters the woods.

ext. forest moments later

A part of the thick woods where the trees thin out a little and the ground is brown dirt. The two trapper's single trap lays on the ground. Private David then appears in the distance. He seems to be getting ready to unbutton the pants of his uniform when he starts looking around. When he see's the trap he stop unbuttoning his pants and quickly walks to the trap until he stands above it looking down. He then calls out.

Private David

Collins! Get over here!

Private David waits for awhile when Private Collins appears from the tree's beside him runs up to Private David and looks at him.

PRIVATE COLLINS

What is it?

Private David points towards the trap on the other ground looks at it then looks at the other man.

PRIVATE COLLINS

A trap, so what?

PRIVATE DAVID

A rider came into town a few days ago from the North. He said that two men from the colonies where headed south. There canoe and supplies had been captured but vanished. It think the rider said they had two traps.

PRIVATE COLLINS

Do you think it belongs to them?

PRIVATE DAVID

I think they might be fur trappers.

PRIVATE COLLINS

What?

PRIVATE DAVID

I dad used to tell me about these men you could spend months, even years in the farthermost regions North America. If this is their trap, they will be along to check it today.

PRIVATE COLLINS

Well let us go get help.

PRIVATE DAVID

They might return, retrieve their trap and get away. We will wait for them.

PRIVATE COLLINS

One of us should go get more soldiers.

PRIVATE DAVID

If these guys are trappers, my dad said they where some of the toughest men out there. I think we'll need to both be here. So we'll wait nearby, and when they come to get their trap, we'll have them.

Private David then walks towards some trees and Private Collins looks at him and frowns.

PRIVATE COLLINS

I wish it was not raining.

ext. field noon

It is still drizzling in the field, forest to one side and the river to the other. The campfire has been extinguished by the rain. Fletcher is standing near the snoring Louis, Fletcher is looking south. He sighs then looks down and Louis.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Lafleur, wake up. We must be going.

Louis stops snoring and sits up. He stretches out his arms and yawns then gets to his feet. He then stands beside Fletcher and looks towards the south to. There are silent for a moment until Fletcher speaks.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I have to thank you again, not the first time on this trip I had to do this.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Why are you thanking me Fletcher?

Fletcher lowers his head and looks at the ground.

FLETCHER HARRISON

It is nice that finally someone knows who Fletcher Harrison really is. I guess it is the first time in a long time where someone knows who I really am.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

There we are the same. You are the first man who knows that Louis Lafleur is not some great lover, just a coward who tells people untruths.

Fletcher HARRISON

When we left the colonies. For the first time portion of our voyage I thought Louis Lafleur an insufferable, self centered and foolish man. I also thought they had found someone who was posing as a trapper.

Louis looks at him.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

You doubted my mastery of the skills of our trade?

FLETCHER Harrison

Not anymore. The Lafleur's could have been just as great as the Harrison's at what we do. Though you should leave the paddling to me.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

When we left partner, I thought I had been sent on this voyage with a humorless, serious but very brave man who I resented somewhat at first because you seemed like you had many things I wanted but could never have. I never would have thought the demons which haunt you where even more painful then mine.

Fletcher Harrison

Funny we ended up on this trip together. We both where men who misrepresented themselves.

Louis lafleur

I think we where meant to be on this voyage together.

Fletcher looks at him and seems puzzled.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I am not sure I understand what you mean Lafleur.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Our reward will free you from the hell your father cast you into. My reward will free the only woman who ever really loved me from her sadness. But I think we never would have made it this far had we not been partners.

Fletcher looks south and nods.

FLETCHER HARRISON

If we get home.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

When we get home Fletcher.

FLETCHER HARRISON

When we get home, I suppose we will go our separate ways. But I will miss you Lafleur.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I am in total agreement Fletcher.

Fletcher begins walking towards the forest slowly and Louis watches.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I'm going to check the trap I laid. But do my a favor Lafleur?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Anything Fletcher.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Keep your sharp wit and your sense of humor.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

As long as you still are kind enough to give others your wisdom.

Louis watches Fletcher enter the woods.

ext. forest later

The forest where the trap lays on the ground. It is raining harder and there is the sound of thunder far of in the distance. Fletcher then appears and walks slowly towards the trap. He stands over it, sighs then kneels down to pick it up. Then the two soldiers step out from some tree's and walk up behind Fletcher with there muskets pointed at him.

PRIVATE COLLINS

Hands up!

Fletcher looks behind him and and when he sees the two soldiers he puts his hands up and his expression is blank. He watches them approach.

PRIVATE DAVID

Where is the other man you where with?

FLETCHER HARRISON

I don't know what you mean.

The two soldiers look at each other and look back at Fletcher.

PRIVATE COLLINS

You sound like you hail from the north.

Private David puts the musket right into Fletchers's face.

PRIVATE DAVID

Where is your partner!

FLETCHER HARRISON

He drowned some way north. I am alone.

Private Collins then steps towards Fletcher and pulls the knife out from the sheath in his belt. He looks at it.

PRIVATE COLLINS

Big knife.

PRIVATE DAVID

OK, you are coming this us. Try to resist and will kill you.

Fletcher looks briefly towards the direction he came then at the soldiers.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I won't resist.

Then Private David walks around so he is behind Fletcher and pressed the musket into his back.

PRIVATE DAVID

Walk!

Then they all walk off in the direction of the road.

ext. field moments later

Louis stands by the river and looks to the north.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I hope Fletcher returns to soon. I would like to be off.

Then suddenly Louis looks towards the direction that Fletcher went into the forest and seems worried.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Strange, I am have a odd feeling.

Louis then starts to run towards the forest but speaks loudly as he approaches the forest.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

The same feeling I had the autumn morning that old trapper died.

He then runs into the forest.

ext. road moments later

The cobblestone road surrounded by forest. The rain has stopped but there are flashes of lightning which sporadically cover the land with light. The two American soldiers lead Fletcher south. Private David is behind him, musket still pressed to his back, Private Collins is walking in front of them musket slung around his back and Fletcher's knife in one of his hands. Fletcher seems expressionless.

PRIVATE COLLINS

So what do you think will happen to our prisoner?

PRIVATE DAVID

They will question him. And whether he talks or not, he will spend the rest of his life in a stockade.

Private Collins laughs.

PRIVATE COLLINS

If he is used to months alone in the wilderness, then he should have no problem spending the rest of his life alone in the stockade. Guess he'll never be going home.

Fletcher suddenly stops and Private David comes to a halt behind him. Private Collins then ceases walking and looks back.

PRIVATE DAVID

Keep walking now!

Fletcher then looks over his shoulder towards the horizon to the North and suddenly he begins to breath heavily. He looks south then at the stone of the road. Private David walks around Fletcher so that both soldiers are in front of him. When Fletcher looks at him, tears have begun to form in his eyes. He breathes harder and the tears begin to run down his face.

PRIVATE COLLINS

Sure this guy is some tough trapper, is is crying.

Then Fletcher, still crying, suddenly seems to become enraged. He then throws himself at the soldiers with such speed that he knocks them both to the ground with him on top of them. Private Collins then drops the knife to the stone of the road. Fletcher then grabs the collars of both their uniforms and begins to repeatedly hit their heads into the stone of the road. When the soldiers are momentarily dazed, Fletcher stands up and looks to the north of the road and speaks lowly.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I'm coming home Emily. Right now.

Fletcher then begins to run North down the road, knife still in one of his hands. The two American soldiers then get up and ready their muskets and aim them at Fletcher.

PRIVATE COLLINS

Stop or we'll fire!

Fletcher then stops, still with tears, and looks north. He begins to breath harder and turns around. He looks at the soldiers, appearing enraged again and starts to approach the two armed men, the knife in Fletcher's hand.

PRIVATE DAVID

They guy is crazy.

PRIVATE COLLINS

I think he wants us to shoot him. We'll give him what he wants.

Fletcher starts to start to run towards the two soldiers but comes to a stop when he sees that Louis is stealthily walking up behind them. Fletcher then throws the knife to the ground and looks at them.

PRIVATE DAVID

Smart move.

Louis is now right behind the two soldiers.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Friends.

The two soldiers turn around then Louis quickly head buts both of them who then fall to the stone of the road dropping their muskets on the road, both unconscious. Louis now seems to be having trouble standing up and is putting and hand to his head in pain. Fletcher is looking at Louis and seems in shock.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I have bested many a man with a blow to the head with my own. But those two Americans had the hardest heads yet. Wished I would have just knocked them out with my breath.

Fletcher then picks up the knife and returns it to its sheath. He then slowly walks up to Louis and still is in tears. When they are standing in front of each other, Louis looks at Fletcher.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Oh, have you seen your brother Fletcher. The man I have made this journey with would never cry like a woman.

Fletcher puts a hand on Louis's shoulder.

FLETCHER HARRISON

For the rest of my days, I will always been in your debt Louis. I mean that.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Well, if I ever meet your dear Emily, I will not tell her that her big, brave husband was crying. I would not think she like that.

Fletcher then nods and regains his composure. He then goes to the two soldiers muskets and picks them up. He looks back at Louis and frowns.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Come on.

Fletcher then runs into the forest. Louis still seems phased.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Well, Louis Lafleur's sharp wit is a little more dull today.

He then runs into the forest after Fletcher.

ext. river later

Later in the after noon. The canoe is now partially in the water, and Fletcher stands beside it holding the soldiers muskets in each hand. Louis stands nearby and looks to the south and the sound of thunder echoes from the distance. Fletcher then throws the two muskets into the canoe then takes the empty ones they where given from the boat and throws them into the river. Fletcher then looks at Louis.

FLETCHER HARRISON

We better get going Louis.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

We are almost at the end of our journey south.

Fletcher then looks to the north a sighs deeply.

FLETCHER HARRISON

We are not going south Louis.

Louis looks back at Fletcher.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

What do you mean?

Fletcher is unable to look at him.

FLETCHER HARRISON

You know where it is my fear drives me. I know now that if I continue south, I'm going to die Louis. I'm not coming back if I go any further.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

What about Emily having to spend most of her life without you Fletcher?

FLETCHER HARRISON

If I can make it back, then at least she will see me two months of every year for the rest of our lives. It is better then her never seeing me again.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

We have come a long way partner, gone through much. Now to give up.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I can't finish this voyage. Guess I am a bigger coward then you.

Louis then looks to the south.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Then I guess this is when we end our partnership.

Fletcher turns and looks at him, he seems shocked.

FLETCHER HARRISON

If it is about the reward so you can give it to Nora, your death will probably make her grief worse.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Knowing that Nora would never escape her sadness would break my heart. But Louis Lafleur's heart has been broken many times.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Then why are you going on with this?

Louis looks back at him.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

If I where to go with you and we did make it back North. One day in many years, after I returned to those wild lands, I fear I would cross paths with a great trapper named Fletcher Harrison. And I would know that he would have to spend most of his life in a hell he was cruelly tricked into.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I appreciate it, but I learn accept it.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Meeting that day would break my heart again, and that would be one time to many.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Don't do this Louis.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I will run south, do what we came to do, and will give you the reward you where promised.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Those two soldiers will tell others. The way south is going to be more dangerous then anything we have braved yet.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I have no choice.

FLETCHER HARRISON

We are partners. I would like you to come with me.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

We where partners, but what is more is that you are my friend Fletcher, only the second I've ever had. I am in your debt more then you are in mine.

Louis then turns to run south.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

If we never meet again, the past weeks have been some of the best of my life. Goodbye Fletcher. Give my best to your wife.

Louis starts running south along the river as Fletcher watch's and yells.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Louis! Louis!

Fletcher then see's Louis run of into the distance. Fletcher then looks North and sighs heavily.

ext. river later

The river south has now begun to narrow, dense woods on either side. Lighting sporadically flashes and covers the land with light as thunder echoes from everywhere. Louis runs south along the muddy river bank. He is breathing heavily and continues to run for awhile then comes to a stop. He then looks to the ground and speaks lowly between breaths.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Though I prefer to use my legs on a trek, I will say that I will miss that canoe.

Louis does not notice that the canoe floats past him carried south by the current seemingly empty. Louis then looks up and when he sees the canoe and seems puzzle.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Fletcher.

He starts walking along the riverbank towards the canoe.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Are you in that canoe?

Then Fletcher's voice speaks out from within it.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Sounds like Lafleur, but that can't be. I thought he would have run the whole way North and would be visiting every brothel in Montreal.

Fletcher sits up and is in the back of the canoe and looks back at him and grins.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Come ashore and pick me up.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I can not do that. This whole time I have been sticking with you so I could kill you like I said. If I come ashore, then you may regret it.

Louis grins.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

If you come ashore I paddle for the next hundred miles.

Fletcher then picks up and paddle and rows the canoe so it runs up onto the beach in front of Louis. They look at each other.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Why did you not go back North?

FLETCHER HARRISON

I could not let my partner or my friend complete this journey by himself.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I appreciate your sentiment. But the rest of this journey may be dangerous. I want you to return to Emily.

FLETCHER HARRISON

We'll do our damn best to see this through. If we never return home, she will grieve for a long time. But someday she will find a man who will always be there. If I don't finish this voyage, it only means she will spend the rest most of her life alone. Now let's go.

Louis nods then gets back into the canoe. Fletcher uses the paddle to move the canoe to the center of the river. Louis picks up a paddle and starts to row, Fletcher then puts down his and lies down. Louis notices him and looks back and Fletcher.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Why are you not rowing?

FLETCHER HARRISON

You said the next hundred miles are yours.

Louis shrugs turns forward and continues to row. Fletcher looks at him and sighs.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Louis, I'm making you and promise.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

What is that?

FLETCHER HARRISON

If anyone calls Louis Lafleur and bastard will Fletcher Harrison is around, Fletcher will kill him then skin him.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I see that you have learned to have a sense of humor from your time with me.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I'm not joking Louis.

Fletcher then picks up and paddle and starts to row.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I will help you paddle for the next hundred miles I guess. I would like to reach the end of our voyage south sooner then ten years from now.

They both laugh as the continue quickly moves south. A flash of lighting momentarily covers everything.

ext. river night

The river south which is wide, on either side a vast distance fields of tall wavering grass. Lighting constantly cast brief glimpses light on everything. The canoe appears, both men rowing quickly, and it heads south rapidly. They are silent for awhile and there is the sound of thunder in the distance. Fletcher then looks at Louis.

FLETCHER HARRISON

How longer can you manage to paddle Louis?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

As long as it takes Fletcher.

FLETCHER HARRISON

If you can manage, we go for as many days as it takes to reach our destination south. But we should not tire ourselves out. So we can row a little slower.

They both begin to paddle the canoe slower and continue in silence for awhile. Fletcher then looks at Louis's back then south again.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Mind if we talk.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I would enjoy that. I have talked more in the past weeks then I have in the past ten years.

FLETCHER HARRISON

When we left, I'll be honest. Talking to you seemed like one of the hardest aspects of our voyage. On my excursions alone, I am not used to talk. Now I find it helps make the time go quicker.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Nor I.

FLETCHER HARRISON

You are a wise men also Louis.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Perhaps I have a natural wisdom for surviving in lands where few men can. But when it comes to wisdom pertaining to life anywhere but the remote wilderness, that is not wisdom Louis Lafleur has.

FLETCHER HARRISON

A while ago on this trip, something has occurred to me and I can not figure it out.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

And what is this question which your great wisdom has been unable to deduce?

FLETCHER HARRISON

There are only a hand few of people like us in the northern wilds. I have heard the names of the best trappers up there, and all men who wander those lands know of Fletcher Harrison.

Louis stops paddling and looks back at Fletcher and they look silently at each other.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Why is it that before the day we met, I had never once heard the name Louis Lafleur?

Louis looks forward then they row.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

You point is quite intriguing Fletcher. The most experienced trappers of know of I, and what most say is not kind. But I have never once heard of you Fletcher Harris, and we both have tracked those lands for the most of our lives.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Why is it that we never had heard of one another.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Seems a mystery as presented itself, and my great wit has not the answer.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Our partnership has just taken a rather strange turn.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

When we have finished, I can not wait to return to those lands.

FLETCHER HARRISON

How long is your next trek up there Louis?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

After I have given Nora the reward, I think I will go for a year or maybe much more. I guess once she is freed from her misery, my weakness will not urge me to return to lands where many men tread often.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I respect your tolerance for solitude Louis, it is a skill of our trade that any trapper must master. It is one skill I will never have, and at that particular skill you are greater then me by much.

They paddle in silence for awhile. Fletcher then looks at Lafleur and speaks.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Now that we both have learned that much of what we told each other was untrue, there is something I would like to know.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Ask your question Fletcher and I will give you a truthful answer.

FLETCHER HARRISON

The first day of our voyage, we told each other a tail.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

You now know that I have mastered the skill of the embellished tale by now.

FLETCHER HARRISON

How much of that story about the widow who nursed you back to health was true?

Louis sighs.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

All of it was true but for the end.

FLETCHER HARRISON

How did your tale really end?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

When she asked me to marry her, I agreed and a week later where man and wife. But I told her that being my wife would require that I be gone many months. But I told her three months at most.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I can surmise this tale ends with Louis Lafleur heart being broken.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

A common occurrence during the course of my life.

FLETCHER HARRISON

What happened?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

She had married someone else since she could not wait for my return. After I went north and did not return for a year.

FLETCHER HARRISON

That is why Nora can not marry you. Because if she does not go north then you believe she will not wait.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

She would wait for me, for I know this. It causes you much pain to know Emily is alone. But you can give up the life we both have lived, I cannot. When I give her the money, then I'm sure she will find some man who will take her as his wife. If only for the wealth I will bestow upon her. For if she was Louis Lafleur's wife, it would mean years alone.

FLETCHER HARRISON

You may love her as much I do my Emily.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I doubt that.

FLETCHER HARRISON

You care for her because she is one of the few who have been kind to you. And she would wait for you. But her happiness means more to you there your own.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I wish that your wise advice about men being able to change there nature was right in the case of Louis Lafleur.

Then they row in silence for awhile.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Since the first tale I told you was not all honest, was your first tale of Fletcher Harrison untrue?

FLETCHER HARRISON

I may have distorted it a little.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

In what way?

FLETCHER HARRISON

I told you I built my wife's house in a few months.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Now I know the mighty Fletcher should have been able to build a home for his wife to be much quicker.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I'm good at our trade, but at first was not so good at house building.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

What are you saying?

FLETCHER HARRISON

First two collapsed the day after I finished.

Then they both laugh as the row south and continue south.

ext. river dawn

The river narrows and now runs through a forest to either side. It is a sunny day as the two trappers in the canoe head south. They are rowing in silence. They continue along in silence for awhile when the forest to one side of the river stops. As the canoe continues south, now there is a large town on that side very close to the shore of the river. Fletcher and Louis look towards the town and realize that several men sit on the bank with fishing poles. Louis and Fletcher look at the men fishing then stop paddling and look at each other.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Do you think we are in any danger of being identified Fletcher?

Fletcher looks towards the men on the shoreline when one of them stands up and points at the two men in the canoe. He yells.

Man with fishing pole

It's them!

Fletcher looks forward.

FLETCHER HARRISON

My wit is not so sharp, but I think we just got discovered.

They both begin to paddle furiously and the canoe picks up speed. They begin to past the town and it now is getting farther behind them. But on the side of the river where the town was is a large, flat grassy field. Fletcher looks behind him and realizes that two men of horseback are now in pursuit and gaining quickly.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I think we may be finished this time Louis.

They both paddle quicker as the horse approach. Then one of the soldiers pulls out a flintlock pistol as he is almost beside them. Fletcher see's him and yells.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Get down Louis!

Louis turns and see's the man with the pistol, but he fires and Louis is struck in the back and he grimaces in pain as blood starts to run down the back of his leather outfit. Louis then drops the paddle into the river and it floats away and he falls back into the canoe. Fletcher yells again.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Louis!

Fletcher then stops paddling then grabs one of the soldiers muskets and turns and aims it at perusing man on horse. He carefully aims and fires. The horse is hit and it then rears up and falls into the river throwing the soldier off. The other soldier on horse begins to get closer to them. Fletcher throws the empty musket into the river and grabs the other one. He carefully aims as the man on the horse aims another pistol at him. They point their weapons at each other for a moment when they both fire. The other horse is hit and it's front legs collapse throwing the rider off. Then Fletcher throws the musket into the river and he grabs the paddle and the canoe picks up speed as the current fastens. Fletcher looks behind him and sees that the two soldiers are now on the river bank watching the two trappers escape south. Fletcher then looks ahead. The river starts to wind through a dense forest, he paddles harder. He looks at Louis.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Will you be OK?

Louis is still bleeding but still answers.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I am no stranger to being wounded as you and I know. But this is the first time I have received a gun wound. It kind of stings a little.

FLETCHER HARRISON

We'll get further south and I'll tend to your wound.

The canoe heads into the forest.

ext. riverbank later

Later in the morning. The canoe is on the shoreline in an area where the forest is not as thick in other areas. The top of Louis's leather outfit is off. He awkwardly holds a cloth undershirt to the wound now that the top of the leather outfit is off. Fletcher has built a fire which is now roaring, Fletcher's large knife is in the flames and the tip glows hot. He stands behind Louis then pulls the smaller knife from out of his boot. He holds it and frowns.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I need to get the lead shot out of you. Are you ready?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I have suffered worse in my travels.

Fletcher kneels down behind him and Louis let's the bloodied cloth undergarment fall to the ground. He seems to hesitate.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Another pain tolerance test of skill, I'll remember how much noise you make. And if I make more the first time you must dig a bullet out of me, you win.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I would appreciate it if you just got on with this grisly task.

Fletcher then puts the knife into Louis wound. As he digs lightly, Louis grimaces in pain and grunts. They continue for awhile until Fletcher watches as the small lead ball falls to the ground. He then gets up and picks up the glowing knife from the fire and then kneels behind Louis again. He presses it to Louis's back as he groans again. He holds it there as there is a sizzling sound and then pulls the knife away.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I think you will live Louis.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Of my many injuries I have occurred, this is nowhere near worst.

Fletcher gets up and goes to the river and puts the knife into it. Steam rises as the knife cools. He then stands up and returns it to your belt. He looks at Louis and frowns.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Get our top back on and get into the canoe. More soldiers are probably headed this way.

Louis looks at Fletcher and shakes his head.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

You must finish this journey alone.

FLETCHER HARRISON

We don't have time for this.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I won't be of much else. When I have suffered such wounds far up North, I have the luxury of not having to travel the distance left on or journey.

FLETCHER HARRISON

You just have to sit in the canoe, I paddle from here.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I will not be of much help to you Fletcher from here on out. When you cross land, I would only slow you down.

FLETCHER HARRISON

You either get in that canoe or we wait here until you are well enough to travel or we die of old age.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I am a liability only to you know Fletcher.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Either we both make it home, or neither of us do.

Louis looks at Fletcher.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Are you sure?

FLETCHER HARRISON

Unless you want to fight again, and this time you have less of a chance, you do as I say.

Louis nods and gets up. He picks up his leather top and slowly walks to the canoe and gets in the front. Fletcher gets into the back, pushes the canoe into the river, picks up a paddle and starts to row as they head south. Louis sits as he puts his top back on.

FLETCHER HARRISON

We lost one paddle anyways so since I paddle much better then you, you don't have to worry. And as for land, we will cross that bridge when we come to it.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Right now it pains me greatly to move, but perhaps I will recover quicker then I suspect.

FLETCHER HARRISON

From what I've seen, by tomorrow you'll be ready to cross a thousand miles of wilderness with only your knife and your wits.

Louis then lays back in the canoe and looks at the sky while Fletcher paddles south.

ext. forest night

The river south winds through a dense forest and is very narrow. The night is clear and the stars very vibrant. The canoe is continues south, Louis is laying in the front and is breathing heavily. Fletcher is in the back paddling and looks forward. They are silent for awhile when Louis speaks.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

It is my fault that Emily will never see dear Fletcher again. I am sorry partner.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I not sure I understand.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

You where right, we should have headed back north when you suggested it. It is only because of me that nor you or I will ever see home.

FLETCHER HARRISON

We'll be seeing home, I promise you that Louis.

Louis looks at him.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Right now many American soldiers are probably searching for us. They will be to the river south and north. We are trapped.

FLETCHER HARRISON

It might take longer to get back to familiar lands again, but the day will come when we can go back to the places we have always known.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Why are you so sure now Fletcher?

FLETCHER HARRISON

I remember what you said a while back, that life waits for the right time to give us want we seek.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I am not sure I entirely understand you.

FLETCHER HARRISON

It was the morning after last excursion north. For the two months I'm home since I married Emily, every day we just sit on the porch together. She knits and I talk. That day, I told her I wish I had the money so I would never have to leave her again. Life did wait for the right moment.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

What happened next?

FLETCHER HARRISON

British soldiers arrived at the exact moment after I told her that. Just as the moment I spoke of the thing I wanted most, escape from the hell I've known so long, then the means to that escaped arrived.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

And that convinces you we we'll safely return home.

FLETCHER HARRISON

We where meant to go on this voyage south Louis, and meant to go together. I don't think this would have happened if the one joint tale of the exploits of Fletcher Harrison and Louis Lafleur if it ended with both our deaths.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

You know, I'm feeling better already.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I'm sure you are.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

In a week or less, I may be able to help with the return journey.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Well since we only have one paddle now, I guess you should leave the rowing to me.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Forgive my moment of doubt. This journey was meant to free a good man from a torment he did not deserve.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Two good men. I'm sure when our shared tale finally comes to an end, Louis Lafleur will finally be freed of his torment to.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

How much farther?

FLETCHER HARRISON

The map shows this general's house is near this river, if I don't stop we'll be there by tomorrow night.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I wish we had been given a journey where we had to kill and skin a beast Fletcher. That is what we both have spent a lifetime alone doing.

FLETCHER HARRISON

So do I Louis, so do I.

The canoe continues down the river.

ext. river morning

It is a bright morning as the sun rises majestically in the east. The river as widened and is surrounded on both sides with rocky cliffs towering over it. The canoe is still headed south. Louis is in the front laying on his back, he seems to be breathing slowly and his eyes are closed. Fletcher is in the back paddling. He looks up towards the cliffs on either side then at Louis.

FLETCHER HARRISON

So how are you feeling Louis?

Louis weakly speaks.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I will be recovered soon enough.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I'm sure. But for the rest of this journey, how about I do most of the work. You just worry about getting home.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I really wish I had not been wounded Fletcher. When we return home, Louis Lafleur will always feel shame that towards the end of the journey he only slowed you down.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Emily will have to worry for me longer then I wanted, but when I get back we will never be apart again.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I also wish I was still uninjured for another reason.

Fletcher Harrison

Why is that?

Louis Lafleur

Tonight, when we finally confront this unusual prey. I would have gladly done it.

FLETCHER HARRISON

But I know that you really don't want to slay this particular prey.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

True Fletcher. But I would have liked to spare you the responsibility of completing the shameful and dark task which awaited us on our journey together.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I knew from the beginning, from the moment the commander told us why he was sending himself south, I knew I would have to be the one to finish this.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

But you have always sounded like this is something which is not in your character.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Well since much of this trip is about the secrets which haunted us both, I would like to tell you something about the Harrison family legacy.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I will listen, but I fear what you are about to say.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I first year in the northern wilds, I could not take the solitude. I came along a older a skilled trapper. And we started a partnership.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Why have you not done that more.

FLETCHER HARRISON

The first few days of our partnership, he would talk and I would just keep my mouth shut and listen. But then he started to talk of the best trappers who had ever wandered those lands. And then he talked of Harrison, my father.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

What did he tell you.

FLETCHER HARRISON

There was one thing my father had never told me. This trapper I partnered with said that every trading post knew that Harrison and the Harrison before him where the most untrustworthy, cold blooded men who ever lived. They where the greatest trappers who ever traveled those wilds, but no one would agree to travel with them. The Harrison's where feared by most of our trade.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Why did they fear the Harrison men.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I learned later that two trappers had gone missing during my fathers life up there.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Not such an uncommon fate for men of our profession, they are dangerous lands.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Both trappers where good at what they did, both where of known to of entered into a partnership with my father.

Louis looks at Fletcher.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Then I learned my grandfather had also last been seen with with a man who never seen again.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

This legacy, you are not fit to carry it Fletcher. I knew from the beginning that you may kill any beast who walk this Earth, you knew you could never do that to a man.

FLETCHER HARRISON

There is probably no other trapper in the far north that would have agreed to go on this journey with me. Fletcher Harrison may be a great trapper, but most of our profession believe he is from a long line of men who should be feared. I think that is why we have never heard of each other.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Then others of our trade are not so wise and fair, you are not a man anyone should fear. Any beast that walks this Earth should, but no man upon it.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Another reason I hate those wilds Louis and never want to return is that I am a respected trapper, but also one of the most hated.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Fletcher, my sharp wit tells me that you where adopted.

Fletcher Harrison

Wish you where right Louis, wish you where right.

The canoe continues south.

ext. river night

It is late at night. The river is narrow and suddenly turns east. It is surrounded completely by a dense woulds. The canoe is partially on the muddy shore where the river starts to turn. Louis lays inside it, still breathing heavily. Fletcher is standing on the shore beside the canoe, looking south. Louis then opens his eyes and looks at him.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Fletcher, try to forgive yourself for what it is your about to do. Think of why you did it once this particular tale we shared as reached its conclusion.

Fletcher then looks at Louis.

FLETCHER HARRISON

There are only two problems now.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

And what are these problems you just realized?

FLETCHER HARRISON

The map has been less then accurate during legs of our journey. Also, I prey that he is no family.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I think something other then our unmatched skill has gotten us to the end of our trek south. I'm sure what is about to happen is how the journey was meant to end.

FLETCHER HARRISON

If the map is right, he should live in a manor a mile through that forest. If I am not back by tomorrow, well, I guess this is where we part ways. I'm sure a man who can walk two thousand miles through the darkest lands with nothing but his knife and his wits can make it back home.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Even if I could make the voyage back, I would not leave this shore till either you returned or I died of old age.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Well, guess I will get this over with.

Fletcher then runs south into the forest.

ext. manor later

A gigantic stone manor surrounded by farmers fields in every direction accept for the dense forest to the south. Lights are coming through the windows of the manor. Fletcher then runs out from the wood and towards the manor. He then stands outside the backdoor and sighs deeply. He mutters to himself.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Just think of spending the rest of my life sitting on my porch with my wife. She'll never have to know how her husband acted during this last trek.

Fletcher then deeply inhales. He opens the door to find it unlocked and then enters.

int. inside house moments later

Fletcher is stealthily walking down a hallway. As he passes the entrance to each room, he finds it empty. He then sees the staircase and then ascends it. On the top floor he comes to a long hallway, at the end is a door which is open just a crack. All the other doors are closed. Fletcher then silently moves towards the open door.

int. office of general momenta later

Fletcher opens the door completely. Inside is a large office with pictures on the walls as well as maps of the northern colonies. A man with white hair and in a uniform sits in a chair with his back to Fletcher. Fletcher frowns and pulls the knife out from its sheath and walks towards him. Once he is close, he raises the knife and mutters.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I'm sorry.

But just as Fletcher goes to strike, the man falls out of the chair and lays upon the ground. Blood runs down a side of his face. Then Fletcher see's a flintlock pistol with blood on it on the floor beside him. He looks around then turns to the desk. He then walks towards it and sees a parchment smeared with blood. He looks at it for a second then picks it up. He reads it allowed.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Today I was ordered to call of the search for the two colonial men since military command has demanded that all fighting men begin to mass north for the declaration of war. I am to ride north tomorrow. I will take no more part in this campaign for I know it will cost the lives of countless men under my command. And I do not desire to live a witness the needless loss of our people's lives, the same loss of life our fathers told us of. May god forgive me but I had no choice.

Fletcher then looks down at the dead man again then crumbles up the note and stuffs it into a pocket. He then returns the knife to a sheath in his belt and picks up the pistol. He then goes to leave out the door, but before he exits and looks at the body on the floor.

FLETCHER HARRISON

General, for the rest of my days I will be in your debt for sparing me this. Thank you.

He then goes out the door.

ext. river later

It is late at night as the canoe with Louis laying inside it sits partially in the water. Louis opens his eyes when he realizes that the canoe is being pushed in the water. He then see's Fletcher get in, throw a pistol to the ground, the back and pick up the paddle and start to row. He turns to turn the canoe and he rows it north. Louis looks at him.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Did you find the general?

FLETCHER HARRISON

He is dead Louis. Now we start the journey North.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

We will have a hard time getting by all the American soldiers.

FLETCHER HARRISON

there search for us has been called of, they are headed north to prepare for the war. We should have an easier time.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I hope the journey home is a little more boring.

FLETCHER HARRISON

It will take awhile to get home, longer then it did to get here. The current goes south, I will have to drag the canoe across land. But we will be home soon enough.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Would you mind telling me what happened Fletcher?

FLETCHER HARRISON

I'm going to save that particular untold story for our next voyage Louis.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Good idea, I look forward to hearing it.

FLETCHER HARRISON

So, we have a long journey back. I would like to pass the time by learning more of Louis Lafleur.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I am afraid to admit that there is no more to know.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Then what should we talk about?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

More of Fletcher Harrison's wisdom is something I would like to hear.

FLETCHER HARRISON

We have a few weeks. I guess I could tell a very small fraction of that wisdom.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

you have my complete attention Fletcher.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Before I start, there is one favor I must ask you Louis.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Which is?

FLETCHER HARRISON

Next time me and you go on an excursion together, you better do all the paddling or I'll kill you.

They both start laughing as the canoe heads north and vanishes into the darkness of night.

INT. OFFICE OF COMMANDER SPOONER morning

Commander Spooner is in his office looking at some maps on desk. He is so focused on them that he does not notice as the door opens and Louis and Fletcher walk in, Fletcher holding the flintlock pistol. They stand before the desk and when Fletcher throws the pistol the the desk Commander Spooner is startled. He looks up and when he sees that it is the two trappers, he seems surprised.

COMMANDER SPOONER

I thought you two where dead. Did you kill the general?

Fletcher and Louis look at each other then at Spooner. Fletcher nods.

FLETCHER HARRISON

He is dead, that is all I can say.

COMMANDER SPOONER

Congratulations gentlemen. I guess we did chose the best men for the job.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I want to get home to my wife. So can we keep this short.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Me and this man have risked much. We would like our money so we can both get on with our lives.

The general nods. He then picks up two leather satchels on the floor near his desk and holds them out before them. Fletcher and Louis take the satchels then put them over their shoulder.

COMMANDER SPOONER

I had your reward put in those satchels, I was told it was what men of your trade use to carry things. They have been waiting in my office the day after you left. The British Army owes you a debt of gratitude.

Fletcher and Louis look and each other and turn to leave. The Commander Spooner speaks up.

COMMANDER SPOONER

Could both you gentlemen hear me out?

Fletcher and Spooner turn back and frown at the commander.

COMMANDER SPOONER

My superiors have ordered me to enlist the help of more trappers to help us now that war has been declared.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

More generals that need to be taken care off friend?

COMMANDER SPOONER

We are using them as spies, saboteurs amongst other things. You two are the best from what I was told and you have proved it. If you join the war effort, the rewards will be worth it.

Louis and Fletcher look at each other.

FLETCHER HARRISON

So Louis, feel like another voyage south?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Any step I take from now on will be only north.

They look at the commander and frown again.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I would not agree to another trip like the one you sent us on if you offered me a million times more money.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I totally agree with my partner.

COMMANDER SPOONER

I am sorry to here that. You to go home and stay safe, this war could go any way.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I really don't care.

Commander Spooner watches them both leave. He shakes his head.

COMMANDER SPOONER

I am surprised they survived.

ext. lake later

The vast lake and the south to the horizon. The fort stands on a cliff in the distance to the east. Fletcher and Louis stand on shore, the canoe partially on land. Fletcher and Louis look at each other then at the canoe. They are silent for a moment when Fletcher pushes it with his foot and canoe begins to slowly drift south. They both watch it silent for a moment as it floats away.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

It was heavy, but I will always miss it.

FLETCHER HARRISON

From how our voyage went, I would not be surprised it in many years it arrived where our voyage south ended.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Nor I.

Then they look at each other and look blankly at one another.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Well partner, I guess this is where we go our separate ways.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Of all we endured you and I, I would say this is the most difficult part.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I want to tell you where me and Emily live. I would like you to visit.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

That is one thing about Fletcher Harrison I have no desire to know.

FLETCHER HARRISON

And why is that?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I believe we where meant to make this journey together, and when we are meant to meet again, we will cross paths.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Maybe your right.

Fletcher then pulls out his knife and holds it before Louis.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I would like you to take my knife. The one you have is nice, but the only one I seen smaller belonged to a toddler. Besides, I never want to see the bloody thing again. When I get home, all my father's tools of our trade will be as far away from I as possible.

Louis takes the knife and looks at it.

FLETCHER HARRISON

During your travels where few dare to tread, when you use it think of Fletcher Harrison.

Louis shakes his head then throws it into the lake. Fletcher seems surprised.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I nice knife, I was envious the first time I saw it.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Then why did you throw it away?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

It would only remind me of the sad tale of how you came to have it. But the wisdom you bestowed upon me will stay with Louis Lafleur forever.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I understand.

Louis then takes off his cap and hands it to Fletcher.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

But take that to remember your partner.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I wanted to ask since we left. Why do you where such a ratty, flimsy cap?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

It was given to me by a man who gave me the tools and wit to survive in the lands I have come to love.

Fletcher then throws the cap up into the air and catches it.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I be looking at this cap often. So where to now?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

To Montreal, see Nora, then to the North. I think I will not be back for many years. And you?

FLETCHER HARRISON

Spend a few months sitting on the porch with my wife. So goodbye.

They shake hands and look at each other for a moment.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

How about one last contest before we part ways.

FLETCHER HARRISON

OK. This should be interesting.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Who can bestow each other with the best wisdom we have shared yet.

FLETCHER HARRISON

You go first.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Life does give us the things we seek at the right moment. If you had a son before Fletcher, he would have grown up without a father.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I hope you are right. But I'm not sure you are.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

What is your wisdom Fletcher?

FLETCHER HARRISON

A man should build a house for his wife before they marry.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

This you have told me.

FLETCHER HARRISON

When you build that house Lafleur, wait a week before you sleep in it. You don't want it to collapse on you.

They both nod and turn to walk away from each other in different directions. But they turn back and look at each other.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Good luck on your travels north Louis Lafleur.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

May you have many years on that porch with your dear wife Fletcher Harrison.

They stare at each other in silence for a moment then walk in opposite directions.

ext. Harrison home morning

Emily sits on the porch of her and Fletcher's home in the rocking chair. She looks down as she knits a quilt, her eyes full of tears. She is so fixated on the quilt, she does not notice a man walk up.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I'm home Emily.

Emily then looks up and see's Fletcher standing in front of her, satchel over one arm and the cap in one hand. She then gets up and puts her arms around him and they both seem unable to speak.

EMILY HARRISON

You where gone for almost two months, I had no idea where you where. I thought you where dead.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I'm sorry Emily, I would have told you where I was if I could.

EMILY HARRISON

Where did you go Fletcher?

FLETCHER HARRISON

On a little excursion.

EMILY HARRISON

Why did you travel north without telling me?

FLETCHER HARRISON

Actually, this time I ventured south. I'll tell you all about it, but now I just want to sit in our house and have a cup of tea together.

Emily pulls away from him and seems unable to look at him.

EMILY HARRISON

I will be glad to have you home for two months.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I have some very good news Emily.

EMILY HARRISON

As do I Fletcher.

FLETCHER HARRISON

What Emily?

EMILY HARRISON

I am with child.

Fletcher smiles and looks at the cap in his hand.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I'm surprised, but not as much as I would have been two months ago.

EMILY HARRISON

Our child will be born when you return from you next journey north.

Fletcher then takes the satchel off his shoulder and hands it to her. She takes it and looks at it.

EMILY HARRISON

How much did you make, you've only been gone two months?

FLETCHER HARRISON

Look inside Emily.

She opens the satchel and see's that it is full of gold coins. She looks at Fletcher.

FLETCHER HARRISON

We'll never have to be apart again, I promise.

She then drops the satchel and they hold each other in silence.

INT. BORDELLO night

The bottom floor of the brothel is full of the smoke of pipes and laughter. There are several women and British soldiers. Nora is on the couch looking at the floor. A British soldier walks up to her.

BRITISH SOLDIER

Are you free?

She looks up and he frowns and walks away. she returns to looking at the floor. Then a voice speaks out.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Is my favorite lady free to make a lonely trapper a happy man for the night?

She looks up and when she see's that it is Louis, she jumps to her feet and holds him. While she seems happy, he is expressionless.

NORA BECHET

Why are you here so early. I did not think you would come for another year at least.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Nora, can you do me a favor?

NORA BECHET

Anything.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Can you walk with me.

She then let's go and looks at him.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I would like to see talk to you about something.

ext. Montreal moments later

Louis and Nora walk down a dirt street lit up by torches in street lamps and surrounded by dilapidated buildings. Louis and Nora walk down the street side by side.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I have come to give you something. But I fear this is the last time we shall meet.

Nora looks at the dirt on the street and seems saddened.

NORA BECHET

I understand. You have only so much time away from the North, you would prefer to spend it with more attractive women.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Actually, you are the only woman I have been with since we first met.

Nora looks at him.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I have loved you from the time I first saw your eyes. That is why I came to give you something.

He hands her the satchel and she looks in it. She then looks at Louis in shock.

NORA BECHET

It is a fortune Louis, how did you come to have it and why are you giving it to me.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

A story better left untold, but I would ask that you use it to move far away. I never want to here that you came back to this place. Find a man who can be a husband to you, I can not.

Nora stops and Louis walks on.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Now I venture to the north, I will not be back for a very long time.

NORA BECHET

Take me with you Louis.

Louis looks back at her and seems puzzled.

NORA BECHET

I would like to be far away from this place, a place where there are not many people.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

What you ask is difficult, those lands are very lonely.

She then rushes to him and holds him. He then holds her and they both smile.

NORA BECHET

We'll get married. And we'll go far away.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Winter is almost here. I know of a small town far north where we can stay till spring, then we will go farther north.

NORA BECHET

We should marry before we leave.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I would, but a wise man told me that it is proper to build a house for a bride to be first. With all the money, we can afford to live comfortably.

NORA BECHET

I will wait for you there while you are on your travels.

Louis laughs.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I think once we have a house together, I will give up my profession. But, a night out of the month I will wonder the wilderness if you don't mind.

Then they kiss for awhile.

EXT. HARRISON HOME MORNING

The Harrison home the following spring. Fletcher sits in his rocking chair on the porch looking into the distance, his beard shaven and he is smiling. Emily sits in the other rocking chair, a baby wrapped in a blanket in her arms. They both rock back and forth. Emily then looks at Fletcher.

EMILY HARRISON

I know you wanted a son Fletcher, but I must tell you I'm thankful we had a daughter.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Why is that?

EMILY HARRISON

You where very insistent your son be called Louis. That is a terrible name.

Fletcher laughs.

EMILY HARRISON

You have changed much since you came home. You never laughed so much before.

FLETCHER HARRISON

Those two months changed me.

EMILY HARRISON

I wish you had told me how terrible and heartless your father was.

Fletcher frowns.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I did not want you to think I was like him because then I thought you would not want me.

EMILY HARRISON

Fletcher, you are the best and kindest person I've ever known.

Fletcher smiles again.

EMILY HARRISON

I wish I could meet this partner you talk about. I still do not understand why you are reluctant to say his name.

FLETCHER HARRISON

No particular reason. But it is only for him I sit beside you now and can spend the rest of our lives like this.

EMILY HARRISON

I would like to thank him for bringing you home to me.

Fletcher looks down to the ground beside him. The cap is beside the rocking chair and Fletcher picks it up. He briefly laughs and looks to the northern horizon.

FLETCHER HARRISON

I am curios as to what he is doing right now.

Then they both rock in silence.

ext. field morning

A field near a dense forest of towering trees. Louis and Nora stand in the field and are looking at something. She looks at him and smiles.

NORA BECHET

Can we get married now Louis?

LOUIS LAFLEUR

It has been a week so I suppose it is time. There is a town not to far to the south, we will be married there.

NORA BECHET

You are a different man since you returned from the south. You can actually be serious occasionally.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Only because of the wisdom of a good man. It is only because of he that you and I are know together.

NORA BECHET

Thank you. I've never known such happiness since we arrive north.

Louis smiles to.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

Before I took that trip south, I may have acted like I was a joyous man. But that Louis Lafleur was the most unhappy man you may have ever met. But now, this is the first time I've been happy in the company of another.

Then we see that they are looking at a large cabin. It is slightly lopsided, and the door is crooked. There is a porch with two chairs on it.

NORA BECHET

I hope it does not collapse like the last three.

Louis laughs briefly.

LOUIS LAFLEUR

I wish that wise man had told me more about the skill of building a house.

Then they both walk to the house and go inside. Louis has to slam the door several times before it shuts.

ext. trading post dusk

To the far north is a trading post, a large wooden building in a vast forest of towering trees. It is winter and a blizzard is raging.

int. trading post moments later

Inside is a large room. There are the skins of animals on the walls and the room is lit by torches on the wall. Standing behind a long wooden counter is a older, bald man wearing fur clothing and he is Frank who runs the trading post. Standing in front of the counter is a trapper, a portly man in a leather outfit with a fur cap on who is James.

James

One of the worst winters I have seen yet.

Frank

A trapper came in yesterday, said that he heard that two others of his trade had died.

JAMES

This lands will kill almost anyone but the most hardy.

Then the wooden door opens and a man, covered from head to toe in animal furs so his identity can not be seen. He has a huge amount of animal furs under his arm. The stranger walks up to the counter and puts them all on it. Frank looks at the furs.

Frank

Best hall you brought in yet. I will have your money next time you come here to my trading post.

The stranger then starts to walk towards the door. Frank then whispers to James.

FRANK

Get ready to see something you may have never seen up here.

James looks at the stranger.

FRANK

Ned. Let my friend here get a look you. Trappers should be familiar with each other.

The stranger, who is Ned, takes of the fur which covers his face. He looks back at them but says nothing. He then conceals his identity and walks out the door. James is looking at Frank in shock.

JAMES

If I'm not mistaken, that man was a negro.

FRANK

Started coming here a little more then a year ago. I was uncomfortable at first, but now I have a lot of respect for Ned.

JAMES

What changed your mind.

FRANK

The only two men who ever brought in that much fur when Harrison and Lafleur.

JAMES

Have you seen any sign of those two?

FRANK

No one has. They both should have been in here several times. Which means they are both dead.

JAMES

Think the wilderness killed them.

FRANK

Doubt it. You could drop either of them of at the north pole naked and it would not kill them.

JAMES

Maybe they gave up trapping.

FRANK

Doubt it. Harrison comes from a long line of men who can do nothing but hunt these lands. And Lafleur, he is a great trapper but the man would probably last a only a month if he lived in civilization. They are dead, I know that.

JAMES

Do you think it finally happened after all this time?

FRANK

They both started working these barren lands the same year, soon the word went out to ever trading post and trapper to make damn sure those two never learned of each other. I was thankful they never came here at the same time.

JAMES

We tried to prevent it.

FRANK

When we learned the character of those two men, we all knew if they ever met, they both would have killed each other in ten minutes.

James and Frank then shake their heads.

ext. trading post moments later

The trading post in the distance during the blizzard as Ned walks away.

 

[Mr. H.]

Damn you put some work into that.
I must apologize, though, for not reading a word of it.

 

[Autodidact_33]

OK, you did not read it though you took the time to leave a comment stating that you did not read it. Thanks for the input.

"Never get into a debate with an idiot for they will only drag you down to their level and beat you with experience." Mark Twain.