Autodidact_33
Senior Member
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.
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.