On a Saturday afternoon in late April Thomas made his usual trek to the village after helping Francis. White Paddler was beginning his preparations for his journey inland and Thomas wanted to see it all. He followed White Paddler as he inspected the canoes and suggested repairs. He watched as the Indians built new canoes. He listened to the advice White Paddler gave to the Indian men who would be making the journey for the first time.
He had almost memorized the stories White Paddler told over the winter. It all sounded so exciting, as exciting as joining the Company and coming to the post had sounded a year ago. For the hundredth time he wished he would be able to go inland with White Paddler someday. He wanted to see the land and the lakes and the people White Paddler had described.
“This is the best time of the year for me,” White Paddler said, as they walked over to see how the repairs were going on a canoe. “The warmth in the air, the thrill of the upcoming journey, the anticipation of new sights and meetings all make me wish I was leaving now.”
“There seems to be a lot of work to do to get ready,” Thomas said.
“This is only the beginning. There will be more when the time gets closer.”
“How do you feel about leaving Spotted Fawn?”
White Paddler’s face clouded. “I do not like leaving her, but I will not ask her to come with me. It would not be fair to take her and the baby away from her mother and grandmother so soon after it is born.”
“How will they live?” Thomas asked, thinking of the wood and water and food they would need.
“I asked Moon Face’s brother, Red Elk, to look after them last year. I will ask him again this year.”
After leaving White Paddler, Thomas went to see Little Bird. He was not sure how love felt, but he knew he had strong feelings for her. She had never said how she felt about him though. On the way he picked a bouquet of dandelions for her.
* * *
On Monday White Paddler entered the storeroom. He nodded at Wemple and went over to Thomas.
“I need help making a list of the trade goods I will be requiring for the trip inland. Will you get some paper and write down items as I mention them.”
Thomas wrote down the names as White Paddler called them out. “Kettles, guns, shot, powder, powder horns, knives, hats, blankets.”
White Paddler paused and looked through some bins then resumed. By the end Thomas had a long list on the paper. He handed it to White Paddler.
“Thank you. There will be more to add, but this is enough for now.”
“How many canoes are going this year?” Wemple asked.
“I have sixty men who wish to go.”
“Are you leading again?”
“Yes,” White Paddler said. “We will leave soon after my child is born.” He looked over at Thomas. “That is, if my brother agrees to help Red Elk look after my wife and child while I am gone.”
Thomas’ jaw dropped in surprise. He was sixteen. His brother asking him to do this proved he was a man. And he knew he could do it. He could go to the village in the evenings and on his days off. He could hunt with the Indians and bring back meat for Little Bird and her family. He pulled himself up straight.
“Yes, I will,” he answered, readily. Then, with a boldness brought on by a deep and overwhelming desire, he added. “If you promise me I will be able to go inland with you one year.”
“It is a promise,” White Paddler said, solemnly.
Thomas stared at his brother. White Paddler had agreed and so easily. He did not dare trust his ears. “Do you mean that?”
“Yes. I believe the future of the fur trade is in the west. I want to be there at its beginning, and I want someone I can trust to be there with me. What better person than my brother.”
Thomas grinned with exhilaration. Even though he would probably never see the child who would have called him uncle in Stromness, he was going to have a niece or nephew here. The wish he had had since being reunited with White Paddler was going to come true. In a few years he would be going inland and would walk on land few white men had seen. Life was great here in the New World.
The End
Canadian Historical for Young Adults
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