In May of 1756 war was formally declared between he British and the French. During this highly dangerous time Isabella Stevens is traveling with her father to the British stronghold Fort William Henry. In the forest, Wasamequin, the young and handsome medicine man, looks to avenge the death of his wife and child at the hands of British soldiers. When Wasamequin spots Isabella and her father, he alerts his warriors to capture them. But Wasamequin is quite taken with how bravely Isabella battles. He orders the warriors to spare her and her father, and they are dragged back to their village. However, many members of the Mohican tribe still want them to be killed. In a desperate plea to Wasamequin, Isabella vows to stay as his hostage if he lets her father go.