Summer of the Midnight Sun

by Tracie Peterson

  Leah wanted to know the truth, but she didn’t think she could bear another rejection from Jayce. Now that she was thirty, and life with a husband and children was becoming more unlikely, Leah felt it difficult to even broach the subject.

  “If he say no to you, then you go back to your family in Ketchikan and find a husband. Bring him back here. You let this man go if he say no.”

  But Leah wondered if it would ever be possible to let go of Jayce Kincaid. He seemed to be imprinted in her heart, and she doubted it could ever be rubbed away and forgotten.

  A cry for help sounded from outside. Someone was calling Leah’s name. She jumped to her feet, nearly toppling the table. Certain it must be a medical emergency, Leah scurried down the tunnel to the door.

  “I’ll be back later, Ayoona,” she called over her shoulder.

  “Leah! Hurry. Hurry fast!” Niki, a young native boy, called. “Jacob needs you!”

  Chapter Eight

  Leah was directed to her brother’s dog kennel. She felt a momentary sense of panic. What had happened to Jacob? Was he all right? The boy sounded very upset, and the dogs were barking and putting up such a ruckus that she feared the worst. Had a bear surprised Jacob? Was he hurt?

  She rounded the corner, seeing a man lying on the ground. The man, however, wasn’t her brother. It was Jayce. “What happened?” she asked Jacob as he worked to secure one of the dogs.

  “He was in the middle of a brawl. The dogs got a little crazy with each other, and Jayce foolishly tried to pull them apart. They don’t know him well enough yet, and they attacked him.”

  Leah knelt down and looked quickly at the nasty wound on Jayce’s right leg. The blood loss was significant. “Give me your belt, Jacob.”

  He left the now tied-up dog and quickly came to where his sister worked. He handed her the belt without comment.

  “Lift his leg for me,” she ordered.

  Jayce cried out in pain, his face contorting. Leah quickly slipped the belt up under his thigh and cinched it tightly. “Jacob, make a notch for me to secure the belt.”

  Jacob worked well at her side, for he had helped her on many occasions. With the belt secured, Leah ordered Niki to run to Ayoona for bandages. She needed to get the bleeding stopped and assess the situation quickly. Leah glanced up to find Jayce watching her. His upper lip was beaded in sweat, even though the temperatures were not that warm.

  She assessed his color, noting he was pale. “Try to relax. I know it pains you, but if you fight against it—get your heart rate up—it will cause you to bleed more.”

  “I feel light-headed,” he said in a mumble. “Cold too.”

  “Jacob, he’s going into shock. We need to get his head lower than his heart.”

  Jacob rushed inside a small shed and came out with an old worn cot. Quickly he positioned it at an angle with the legs at one end collapsed.

  “You see to his leg,” Jacob told Leah. “I’ll take care of the rest.”

  He lifted Jayce easily, ignoring the man’s moans of pain. Leah held fast to Jayce’s wounded leg. The movement caused more bleeding, which she knew was bad. Just as they positioned Jayce on the slanted cot, Niki reappeared with Oopick. She carried hot water, while Niki had the bandages. More natives followed after them, eager to know the situation.

  Leah and Oopick worked to clean the leg. It was imperative to find if the artery was cut. Assessing the wound, Leah felt confident that, while the lacerations were deep and ragged, the artery was intact. This was very good for Jayce. It would mean the difference between life and death.

  Leah’s heartbeat pounded in her ears. He still might die. He might die if you don’t do the right things to save him. Her hands shook fiercely as she wiped bits of cloth away from the skin. Oopick rinsed the wound as Leah directed.

  “Let’s pack the wound and get him back to the house,” she told Jacob. “He’ll rest better there.”

  Jacob called to several men while Leah did her best to secure Jayce’s leg with bandages. When she’d completed her task, she stood back. “I’ll go ahead and get things ready. Oopick, you come with me.”

  The native woman was at her side in a moment. They made their way to the inne as Jacob instructed the men to take their places around the cot. Leah left Oopick to hold open the door while she went into their stormy day cookroom. Leah felt this would be the best place to work on Jayce. They wouldn’t need it for cooking, and the days were warming up nicely. She stoked the fire in the stove, even as she heard the men making their way down the stairs.

  “Just put him in the corner,” she instructed the men. “Leave him on the cot.”

  She could see his color was still bad, and Leah fought to stave off the emotion that was threatening to spill into her voice. “Jayce, you need to lie still. I want to examine the wound and see about stitching it up.”

  “I’ll lie still. I promise,” he whispered.

  “I’m going to have Oopick put together some herbs. They’ll help you relax—maybe sleep. We can also make a salve that will ease the pain.”

  Jayce barely nodded. Leah was afraid he might lose consciousness, then wondered if it wouldn’t be easier for him. At least that way he wouldn’t have to endure every poke and prod of her examination.

  Jacob leaned in close. “How’s he doing? It’s pretty bad, isn’t it?”

  “It’s bad enough . . . but not as tragic as it could have been,” Leah added, seeing Jayce frown. “I think the artery is fine. If it had been severed, I couldn’t have saved him. I’m not sure how much I can really help him as it is. This is a massive wound, and it really needs a surgeon’s touch.”

  “The closest surgeon is going to be in Nome,” Jacob offered. “The hospital’s good, but I know a doctor who keeps a small infirmary. He’s the same man who fixed me up when I was sick with the measles. He could help us, and Jayce could get more personalized attention.”

  “That’s a good idea. I’m thinking we should stabilize him—get the bleeding stopped—then get him to Nome as soon as possible.” Jacob rubbed his stubbled chin. “Most of the snow is gone or melting at least. It won’t be good for the dogs. We’d better go by umiak.”

  “The waters have been so rough lately and the wind is blowing something up,” Leah murmured, thinking of the boats made of skins. “Still, I don’t see that we have too many other choices.”

  “I’ll get some of the men to come with us, and we can get more supplies. Anamiaq and his family are back, and they have a great many furs to trade, as well as a long list of desired supplies. We’ll see what the weather is going to do and then set out. We can stay close to the coast.”

  “That would probably be a good idea,” Leah murmured, hating to see her brother go away again but also fearing what Jayce’s fate would be. She felt overwhelmed by the myriad of emotions within her but knew she was his only chance. If she didn’t remain calm, she’d be no good to him at all.

  “I want you to come too,” Jacob said.

  Leah eased the tourniquet pressure enough to see how bad the bleeding might be. Jayce moaned and closed his eyes. The wound only oozed and Leah sighed in relief. Hopefully the bleeding would stop completely.

  “Did you hear me?” Jacob asked.

  Leah eased away from Jayce. “Oopick, please make a paste with the stinkweed. I have some in the cupboard.” The older woman nodded and went to work immediately. Meanwhile Leah motioned Jacob to follow her outside.

  “What’s wrong?” Jacob asked.

  “I’ll come with you, but you have to know this situation is grave. The bleeding may start up again. I hate to sew on him and risk the possibility of messing it up. The worst of it will be the bleeding and possibility of infection. Animal wounds are always bad.”

  “Do what you can for him. I’ll have everything ready to go within the hour,” Jacob said, then reached out to gently touch Leah’s arm. “Look, I know this is hard on you. I know you care about what happens to him.”

  Leah drew a deep breath and met her brother�
��s compassionate gaze. “I do care, and that’s why this is so difficult. I . . . well . . . I feel guilty. I thought I wanted Jayce to know the kind of pain he’d caused me, yet at the same time I wouldn’t have wanted him or anyone else to know that kind of hurt. Now he’s wounded . . . maybe dying . . .”

  “This isn’t your fault, Leah. You didn’t will it to happen, if that’s what you think.”

  “I know,” she said, still trying to convince her heart. “I know I didn’t cause it, but I haven’t been very nice to him. I could have been a better person—a better Christian.”

  “Then be one,” Jacob said, smiling. “We all make mistakes, take the wrong path—but it’s more important that we get turned around and go the right way once we discover the truth.”

  She nodded. “I’ll get my things packed. You see to Jayce’s things. He may need to ship back to the States after this. I can’t imagine him being able to continue with the expedition.”

  “No, I can’t either.” Jacob’s voice sounded distant. “But I wonder if I should go ahead. They’ll still need dogs and a handler.” “I wish you would reconsider. I’m not excited for you to go under any circumstances, but at least Jayce was familiar with such trips.”

  Jacob dropped his hold. “You think I’m incapable?”

  “No, it’s not that. But I hate to see you head out there on your own, not knowing anyone. You aren’t familiar with the territory, and at least if Jayce were on the team, you’d have a friend.”

  “I can always make new friends, Leah. Look, I know you worry about me, but honestly, we have to go our separate ways at times. You aren’t my mother or my wife—you’re my sister. You have a life to live as well.” Silence surrounded them for a moment. “I’d better go get things ready or we might as well not go.”

  Leah let him leave, knowing he was irritated with her. She vowed to herself that she’d not bring up the matter again, but in her heart she knew it would be a difficult promise to keep.

  ————

  Jacob was relieved to know that John and Kimik were both willing to put boats together and follow him to Nome. It was always better to travel in groups.

  “I’ll hunt while we travel,” John said. He helped Jacob load the last of the furs on a wheeled sled for hauling to the water. “We might get lucky and find more walrus—even a beluga.”

  “I’m grateful, John. I don’t know how long we’ll be in Nome. We’ll see what the doctor says, and if we need to stay there, you and Kimik can head back after we get the supplies loaded.”

  Reaching the shore, Jacob looked out across the sea. To his surprise a large ship sat in the harbor. It wasn’t one of the usual ships that came north with mail or passengers. Squinting to catch the name on the stern, Jacob realized it was the Homestead—Jayce’s ship. Already a small launch was headed their way with half a dozen men on board.

  Jacob wondered what the captain would say when he heard the news about Jayce. Surely this would cause problems for the team. The dogs were imperative to the project, and the sleds he and Jayce built were desperately needed for travel over the Arctic snows and ice.

  Working to pack the furs—some in John’s boat and others in his own, Jacob figured to wait for the men to come ashore. He would have to bear the bad news to the captain, then perhaps escort the man to his home so that he could talk with Jayce. If Jayce was still conscious.

  “Hello, Homestead,” Jacob said, leaving his umiak as the men approached.

  “Greetings. I see you’re heading out. I might warn you there’s some rough water out there,” a stocky, bearded man announced.

  He came forward and extended his hand. “I’m Captain Latimore.”

  “Jacob Barringer.” They shared a firm shake before the captain turned to the two nearest men. “This is Cliff Cleary and Andrew Johnsson, two of my men.”

  Jacob shook hands, while the remaining Homestead party secured the launch. “I’m good friends with Jayce Kincaid. He asked me to join your expedition as dog handler.”

  “Splendid,” the captain replied.

  “Well, not quite so splendid. There’s been an accident, and Jayce is badly hurt. We are just preparing to get him to Nome.”

  “What kind of accident?” Latimore asked.

  “Dogs. I’m afraid they were riled by the scent of something and started fighting. Jayce stepped in, and because they aren’t yet that familiar with him, it didn’t end well. I’m afraid he’ll need to see a surgeon for his leg. I’m doubtful that he’ll be able to continue with you this year.”

  “Now that is a pity. Johnsson here is one of two geologists I was to have on the trip. Kincaid was the other.”

  “I am sorry. Perhaps you would like to see Jayce for yourself.”

  Latimore nodded. “Perhaps afterwards you can show me your dogs. We’ll still need a couple of teams in order to accomplish all that we have planned.”

  “I’d be glad to,” Jacob said, nodding at the man.

  “You other men, stay here. We’ll be back shortly.”

  The team nodded in agreement at this arrangement, taking more interest in Jacob’s umiak. “Do you have any more of these skin boats? We’d like very much to purchase at least one more,” Cleary called.

  Jacob shook his head. “Most of the men are using them to hunt. Winter comes around fast up here and there was a famine last season. We need to lay in a better supply of meat, so I have my doubts anyone will be trading their boats, even at inflated prices.”

  “Which our expedition cannot afford,” Latimore called out as they walked away.

  They made their way to the house, where Leah greeted Jacob. “Are we ready?”

  “Very nearly. But first, this is Captain Latimore. He’s heading up the expedition that Jayce was to have been a part of.” “I see. Jayce is just in here,” she said, holding back the fur that covered the stormy day kitchen. “He’s quite groggy from the medicine we’ve given him. He needs to remain calm or the bleeding will start up again.”

  “Thank you, I quite understand and will give him no cause for alarm.” The captain moved past Jacob and slipped into the room.

  “Were you expecting him today?” Leah asked.

  “No, we weren’t exactly sure when he would come. I told him the situation but thought he might want to have a few words with Jayce. How is he?”

  “Actually, he looks much better. The shock is wearing off and he’s taken some broth Oopick made him. It has some healing properties and will help with the pain. It will also help him to feel relaxed for the trip.”

  “I’m glad he’s doing better. That’s an awful wound.”

  Leah glanced at the fur covering and lowered her voice. “I’m still not sure he won’t lose the leg. I’m really very frightened for him.”

  Jacob frowned. “We will do what we can, Leah. The rest is in God’s hands.”

  “I know, but I can’t help but wish I could do more for him.”

  “You’re doing more than most of us even know how. Your nursing abilities have benefited so many here, you just need to have confidence that you’ll know what to do—and if you don’t, that God will show you.” Jacob felt sorry for his sister, knowing how personally involved she got—and with Jayce involved, it was bound to be ten times worse. “He has the best of care in you,” Jacob added, putting his hand on Leah’s shoulder. “I know he’d say the same.”

  Just then the captain came from the room. “He’s looking much better than I expected. Very groggy, but the pain seems minimal. He seems to think if he can get proper medical attention, he might be up to joining us in another week or two. I’ve told him that we’ll be in Kotzebue after we leave here. Maybe as long as two weeks. We weren’t able to get the native help we wanted in Nome, but one of the men we picked up has relations in Kotzebue, although he calls it Qikiqtagruk.” Jacob nodded, recognizing the native name for the town. The captain continued. “He believes he can get us some additional men. Say, you don’t have any natives here who would like to come north—maybe help
you handle those dogs?”

  “I don’t know of any, but you could certainly ask around. However, I need to tell you also that I cannot join you at this time. You may purchase the dogs, but I need to help get Jayce to Nome.” He looked to Leah and saw her nod of approval.

  The captain frowned. “My men won’t be knowledgeable with the dogs. We must have them and the sleds, however. Are you certain you can’t join us?”

  “I have no idea what kind of medical needs Jayce might have. I have to stay in Nome long enough to see him through. Then if he needs to go south to Seattle, one of us may have to go part or all of the way with him.” Leah looked rather surprised by this announcement, but it was something Jacob had already considered as a possibility. If they couldn’t help Jayce in Nome, he wouldn’t just leave him there to die.

  “Is there someone who could train my men in your absence?” Jacob thought about it for a moment. Most of the natives were skeptical of dealing with the whites. “There is a man here in the village who works with me. I’ll see if he can help you. If you come with me, we can discuss the payment and the dogs.” He looked to Leah and added, “I’ll go talk to Anamiaq and send John to help you get Jayce loaded.”

  “All right.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Barringer,” the captain announced. “This expedition cannot function without the dogs. It is my hope that we can find someone to assist us even yet.”

  “Most of the natives here are reliable men who know the importance of providing for their family. They won’t be easily tempted to venture into the unknown lands with strangers, but you are welcome to try.”

  ————

  Leah directed John and the other men as to how to carry Jayce. They were exceedingly careful to follow her instruction. Most of the men were very respectful, almost in awe of Leah. One of the group had even asked for her hand in marriage, although for the most part the natives married their own people. They were fiercely proud of their lineage and saw no good purpose in tainting the line with what they considered a weaker blood. The man in question had been quite desperate, however, finding himself the father of twins after the death of his wife. Leah had rejected his proposal of marriage, but had agreed to work with the other women in the village to see the babies cared for. One of the twins died despite their best efforts. It had been a bittersweet victory to see the other thrive and grow to be a sweet young boy.