Grant studied Arran for several moments. “I could kill you now and overtake the fort within days. You do realize that, don’t you?”
Arran knew he was the only thing stopping Grant from destroying all that Arran held dear in the world. If he could not convince Grant to spare them, then everything would be over.
“Aye,” Arran said. “I ken you are in a position of control. But the settlers are innocent. There are women and children in the fort who have nothing to do with the animosity between the North West Company and the Hudson’s Bay Company. Please do not cut their lives short. Allow me to escort them out of Assiniboia and you may have the fort and everything within.”
Wind picked up outside, pushing the sides of the tent as it blew toward the river. Grant finally answered, “I will give you until tomorrow morning to convince the others to surrender, and then another day to compile an inventory of all the property being handed over to the North West Company. I want a listat first light the day after tomorrow. You and I will both sign it and it will show that you surrendered of your own free will. The settlers may keep their clothing and personal items, but everything else must be forfeited.”
Arran ground his teeth together, hating that after everything he had sacrificed, it would all be lost. “Aye. I will see that it is done.”
“Go, then. And do not tarry.” Grant took a knife from the sheath at his side and slit the ropes binding Arran’s hands together.
Arran rubbed his sore wrists. “May I take my men? I will need assistance in compiling the list.”
Grant nodded. “But you only have until sunrise to return and tell me if the fort is surrendered.”
Arran did not wait another moment. He lifted the flap and was about to step out when Grant called to him. “And do not try anything foolish. We will have our eyes on the fort throughout the night. If anyone tries to escape, we will open fire and leave no one alive.”
It was a daunting task that lay ahead of Arran, but he would do anything to get everyone out of Fort Douglas alive.
Chapter Sixteen
Astorm had gathered over the prairie as Arran, James, Archie, and Pritchard walked back to Fort Douglas. It had taken almost two hours in the mud and darkness, but they had finally passed through the main gate. Arran wanted to go to Eleanor immediately, but his men needed to know what had happened. He was now the acting governor, once again, and he had to be the strength for the colony.
As he passed the governor’s house, his heart beat with longing for Eleanor, but he forced himself to continue to the great hall where all the men would be gathered.
Archie opened the door, and the men entered. Those inside had tapped a keg of ale and were sitting at the tables, growing louder and angrier by the minute. A fire crackled in the hearth, making the room warmer than necessary.
“The governor’s back!” someone called from the front of the room.
A round of cheers passed over the space, though Arran wondered if they would applaud him when they heard what he intended to do.
“Quiet,” Old John said, going to the keg to get a cup for himself. “Let MacLean speak.”
The room simmered to a low hum and Arran took a deep breath. He had been their governor before, though he didn’t crave the job. It was not an easy position to fill. Victory or defeat would lie upon his shoulders.
“Today, we have lost more lives than in any other day during the history of Rupert’s Land.” Those who had come upon the massacre had counted twenty-three dead. They had wanted to bury them, but the Bois-Brûlés guarding the fallen men had forced them to return to the fort. The bodies remained exposed on the prairie. God only knew what would happen to them.
Sorrow and remorse weighed heavy upon everyone’s countenance, relieved only by the anger.
“I have spoken to Cuthbert Grant,” Arran continued, “and he told me it was not their intention to attack us today—”
“’Tis a lie!” someone shouted from the back.
“We canna trust anything Grant says,” came another.
Arran held up his hands. “He told me there is a regiment coming from Fort William within the week. It was their intention to join forces and attack the fort in the dead of night. They were not planning to leave any survivors.”
The hum grew louder in the room as the men discussed this revelation among themselves.
“Even now, they are watching the fort,” Arran continued. “Grant says they will fire upon anyone who tries to leave.”
“They canna lay siege to Fort Douglas,” one of the older settlers said.
“They can.” Arran nodded. “And they have.”
“What will we do?” Old John asked. “I canna let my wife suffer one more day than she already has.”
Arran took another steady breath and then laid down the news. “Grant has agreed to accept a full surrender.”
