The Abandons

We are at a crossroads, Fiona. My pursuit of your land is not greed.

It is survival.

Until we have weapons, there will be no talk of any favor we pay in return.

I can deliver weapons.

My friend, the guns that you sold us. Where the fuck are they?

It's a very interesting story, huh?

Go on, Trisha! I'll cover you!

Winston, is that you?

I have never seen anyone handle a weapon quite like that.

Let's hope you never do again.

Yesterday's danger, it will only get worse.

I need enough of Jasper Hollow to show a significant profit.

You and the others keep the rest of your land.

- How did you vote? - We voted yes.

Maybe now, they have a chance to help us move on.

Settled?

Fiona?

Fiona, what happened?

Fiona, stop!

Enough!

What happened in there?

She knows.

Knows what?

She knows the body isn't Willem.

She went on about letters. She blames Dahlia.

"Her poor boy."

I could have ripped her fucking eyes out.

What have you done, Fiona?

- What have you done? - I've done the right thing.

I told her no.

Ma'am! Are you all right?

Lock the door, Xavier.

I couldn't sleep.

Too many things in my head.

Took to keeping busy.

The deal.

Van Ness, it's…

It's done?

Aye.

I'll tell of it all.

Let me clean up a bit.

Meet you all at market.

That will be all.

Apologies for disturbing you.

Nelly Books, Red Bird's counsel, paid a call last night.

Cavalry made concessions.

Red Bird has agreed to meet.

Talk peace.

They may not have a need for guns.

And this meeting…

When and where?

Believe midday.

Cat Creek.

Woods bordering Cayuse land.

Nothing to be done.

It's now an effort of State and Tribal Affairs.

And what of my effort?

Those guns soaked my town in blood, killed a child.

A debt is owed.

What is it you want from them?

Fiona and the others

denying my generosity,

it forces the need of a sharper sickle.

And so,

I now need to rid Jasper Hollow

of its stubborn weeds.

And if Cayuse rebels are swinging those blades,

no one questions who and why.

Small-minded fear will see it as just…

another senseless attack by brutal savages.

And the Cayuse get nothing in exchange.

Jack…

You know how much I respect

the people who have walked on this land before us.

I entrusted the care of the one I love most

to the kindness and wisdom of a good Cree.

And that loved one?

What would Emmet think of all this?

An act of a godless soul.

And a mind gone mad.

Thank you, Jack.

For everything.

Family matters being what they now are,

I think it best that you…

settled your affairs here…

and move on.

Find Mr. Roache.

Right away, missus.

Jack!

The Jasper Hollow deal.

They turned it down.

No.

They said yes.

He was joyous! He…

We…

Why would he lie to me?

Throwing this scare to Red Bird is all about saving the gun deal?

You have concerns?

Are they one of risk or conscience?

It's best I don't lean too heavy into either.

I'll put Dupar to it, and talk to our informant in the cavalry.

See if we can undermine this peace.

Mr. Roache.

Xavier, I…

- Last night, I need to tell you that-- - I am aware, Constance.

I was a timely distraction.

And it was a lovely thing.

But I'll give it no more weight than that.

Yes.

That's good.

- I'm sorry. - I believe we're done here, son.

I'll see to the task, ma'am.

The task that Mr. Roache is referring to is--

None of my concern.

I have learned, Mother,

pursuing your trust is a wasted effort.

I will take to any task you require.

I saw Jack with a packhorse.

Is he headed north, collecting the new survey facts?

Sit down.

There's no changing her mind.

Mother is not thinking clearly, Jack.

It's this pressure from Vanderbilt.

I made a promise to your father to stay on here,

help any way I could.

I cannot see how it is I help anymore.

Father loved you like a brother, Jack.

Your Cree remedies,

they eased his pain, but…

your stillness comforted his mind.

He knew we needed that.

Cavalry soldier.

What's going on, Jack?

Why is that cavalry man talking to Mr. Roache?

I don't know.

- Jack, what is it? How can I-- - Just…

- Wait here. - No!

I cannot just wait here anymore!

I just…

I need someone to tell me the truth so I know how to help!

Please!

You're right, son.

Get your horse and a gun.

My final service to your father.

No school today, teacher?

- It's a Synod holy day. - Ah.

I guess I just like to see you in that handsome suit.

Right.

Thank you.

Perhaps…

next time I am well-suited,

you'll spend a day with me.

Walk along the delta?

Picnic?

Perhaps.

And it's not just the suit I like.

Work to do, girl.

Oh, Albie.

Now you know how it feels.

The cavalry soldier.

Is that why we're following our own men?

Your men are on their way to commit treason.

Mother knows this?

Mother requested it.

Red Bird, he needed weapons to fight the war.

She needs a deadly favor to win hers.

- Jesus. The Hollow. - Yes.

And, today, Red Bird sits down with Cayuse chiefs and Indian Affairs.

Talk of a potential peace to end all fighting.

Your mother can't let that happen.

Trish. Good morning.

- I trust that you had-- - I trust nothing!

Was it all a ruse?

What?

A cruel story?

Your feelings? That you've loved me since the day we met?

- I told no story. - Some sly game to open my heart?

Knowing it would open my legs?

- I-- I don't-- - Elias, I am so lost in all of this.

Mornin'.

Hyah!

We are owed an explanation.

Help us to understand why you turned down the deal.

I sat with Constance. I looked her in the eye.

She knows that wasn't Willem's body, suspects us.

All she wants is land.

There's no trust in a woman who'd trade family for dirt.

It wasn't your place.

We voted.

It was not a simple matter of stick and stone.

No.

It's a matter of you needing to have your hand on every fucking lever.

She turns everything her way.

Her divine madness deciding every fucking move!

As if Trisha wasn't leading you by her skirt.

This is not the time.

This is about the deal.

Your brother can't hear reason. Van Ness whispers in his ear.

Is that so wrong?

Huh?