The Incredible Escape. The Adventures of Radisson 3 by Martin Fournier

Author:Martin Fournier
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-77186-061-1
Publisher: Baraka Books
Published: 2015-10-29T16:00:00+00:00

The slaves and the Huron women made up the convoy carrying eighty-seven large baskets of corn and ten of beans. Radisson walked at the front with two heavily armed Iroquois warriors. The rest followed behind in single file on the path that led from the village to the fort. Some twenty more armed warriors mounted guard at regular intervals and brought up the rear. Because no one would dare steal the corn right in the heart of Onondaga country, it seemed as though the men and women carrying the baskets were prisoners and the warriors were there to ensure they did not escape.

The group arrived at the fort a little before sunset. Commander Dupuys, who had been sent word the day before, had hastily ordered tents to be put up inside the enclosure so that everyone could be given something to eat along with a bed for the night. The Iroquois took the opportunity to give a handful of old muskets to the gunsmith and to take back others that he had repaired.

That evening, after Father Le Moyne had blessed and comforted the Huron women, Radisson went off with him to the Jesuits’ apartment. Outside, the fires lit by the Iroquois and Hurons burned so brightly that there was no need for candles: they could see each other in the light filtering in through the windows. Radisson made sure they were as discreet as possible so as not to arouse the suspicions of Commander Dupuys or other Frenchmen. Father Le Moyne had never met Radisson in private before.

“Things are looking bad, Father Le Moyne,” Radisson told him. “I have learned that the Iroquois want to break the peace.”

He had expected a sign of despondency from the Jesuit, but Father Le Moyne remained quiet and impassive. Radisson explained to him that opponents of the alliance with the French had made their voices heard as soon as the emissaries returned from Trois-Rivières that previous winter. Those who wanted to kill the Hurons had gained the upper hand. Now building the chapel had angered them.

Simon Le Moyne listened reverently. He knew the young man was close to the Iroquois and that his information was reliable. He feared the Huron scenario was about to repeat itself.

“They held a secret council several days ago and another is planned for the next new moon. Mohawks, Cayuga, and Seneca will be taking part. Hurons are also coming to tell them how the French destroyed their country. The war camp is still growing, Father. It’s very worrying.”

Simon Le Moyne nodded. He was an optimist by nature and had often been gladdened by the great progress made since the first day when the Iroquois welcomed him to Onondaga, but the cold reception some chiefs continued to reserve for them left him fearing that an abrupt change of mind was still possible.

Radisson told him that Ragueneau wanted to make only the Jesuits aware of the situation; he was counting on them to investigate and see just how far rumblings of discontent had spread.

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