The five pushed on for Eagle. Piquk told them the village could be about a day’s drive through rugged, uninhabited woodlands, but that she had not traveled that far since she was a child. She knew little of the river stretch except that fuel had never been available along the way. The map showed the river traversed a wilderness park.
Beyond the marshland plateau, the topography changed dramatically. The river now coursed through mountainous country, the vista opening and closing among forested valleys. Tall bluffs sometimes bounded the river on both sides while travel on ice became hazardous. Cobbled moraines, gravel bars and heaved and fractured ice required strict attention. Piquk directed them around thin ice and open water where the swift current had eroded the ice cover from beneath. When thin ice among rapids looked especially hazardous, they left the river for safer passage on land.
Lazlo marveled at her ability to detect thin ice where he couldn’t see any hint of danger. Their planned course up the river had seemed simple, never realizing that Piquk would be essential to their success. The twisting stretch was a fine beltway for a snowmobile, but a challenge for heavily laden trucks. They slowed to a cautious crawl.
By dusk of the short mid-winter day, growing cloud cover masked all moonlight and obscured their progress far short of Eagle. Considering ice hazards along with occasional open water, Piquk declared it unwise to proceed further even with full headlights. Only the light of day revealed thin ice and she couldn’t safely lead them any further, she said. So the band pitched a dry camp surrounded by their vehicles near the confluence with the Tatonduk River.
Before first light, Piquk awoke everyone and whispered, “I hear a grizzly bear outside sniffing around camp. Lazlo, be very careful killing a winter bear; they’re always hungry and dangerous.” The nursing sow proved to be quite lean without an ounce of body fat, but provided several days of fresh meat.
Christie tended Cindy who looked frightful with bloodshot eyes and a painful, blackened swollen face. Ernie was sore but quickly recovering.
At dawn, the men raising the tarp on Ernie’s deuce to refuel the trucks paused with alarm. Everything beneath the bullet tattered tarp was covered with fluid.
“Damn!” said Ernie, “When they were shooting at me, they got our spare tanks.”
“Maybe not. Looks to me like it leaked from Pug’s oil drums,” replied Lazlo. The row of drums had been exposed to projectiles as the last vehicle in line on the island.
“Will you look at that,” said Ernie. “Pug’s concoction saved us… nothing got past his oil drums.”
Before mid day, Lazlo called a halt and drove the humvee up a winding road to an overlooking bluff above the town of Eagle. From his distant vantage point, he could see sparse detail with his spotting scope, but nothing within town appeared troubling… rather like Circle, in fact.
Ernie suggested that they first explore the airport which lay parallel to the river several miles beyond town. “My military map says some official office should be along side of the tarmac… should be wide open spaces and defendable. Pro’bly safe for a night at least.”
“Won’t we be giving ourselves away by driving along the waterfront?” asked Lazlo. “These things aren’t quiet.”
“We can follow the river lead on the far side of that island just ahead. If we’re confronted, we’d be better off at the airport, I would think,” replied Ernie. “We’d see trouble coming.”
“We should check town before dark. We ought to be ready to roll again if town looks occupied,” said Lazlo.
“What! Roll just where?” demanded Christie. “Laz, you can’t be serious with all this military talk. This is our destination until spring. Eagle has got to work out. Otherwise, we drive a thousand miles into Canada on this hazardous river blindly looking for some nirvana.”
“Christie… it was just the day before yesterday that…”
“… that they killed Pug. Do you really think I’ve forgotten?”
“Then what would you have us do if there’s trouble?”
“Just be sure they’re not needful souls, first. We can’t have any more trouble!”
“What? Is that what you think those bikers were? Just needful people?”
“Laz, I’m talking about now and the future, not the past. We need to make this work. There’s no choice. You both need to think of family first, not military bravado.”
“Christie… sometimes your compassion thing blows my mind. Let’s just go find that office or whatever.” Lazlo angrily climbed into his truck ending the conversation. Would those bikers have settled for appeasement? No way!
The airport access road swung inland from the river and traversed the edge of the tarmac. Several bush planes were tied down, but wreckage of others was strewn across the field. Excited by the sight of aircraft, Cindy wanted to explore them as soon as camp was settled.
After a quick tour, Christie declared that the airport building would make a splendid residence until spring, and wanted to get organized immediately. “Laz, please just help us unload our gear so we can make it ready for our cabin. Then you won’t be disrupted from your patrol. I know the two of you won’t rest until you feel secure.”
“Then we’ll take a deuce and leave the humvee as a shelter for you just in case,” said Lazlo.
“That’s not necessary, Lazlo, but I won’t try to change your mind. What I will ask is that you try to understand me. We must find a way to live here peacefully until spring. Please think in terms of a better life waiting for us over that pass until then.”
“I’m always thinking of our future.”
“Sometimes, but not always… and definitely not for the past three days. Think back to when you last gave settling down the same enthusiasm as this patrol you’re about to make. An answer isn’t necessary, just think.”
Lazlo thought it was strange for Christie to be so confrontational with him. She seldom argued with him, preferring subtle persuasion and elegant example. After they departed, Lazlo put the question to Ernie, “Just what the hell is bugging Christie? Sounds like she would’ve had us surrender to those bikers.”
“Well… I may have overheard a few hints when she and Piquk were patching me up. I didn’t agree with everything she said, but I got the drift… together with my own doubts.”
“Well for God’s sake, spill it!”
“She doesn’t blame us for the killin’ we had to do… just for bringing it on.”
“Bringing it on?”
“For torching the place as we left… especially the cabin. She thinks those bikers chased us down because we left ‘em desperate… and shamed. She might be right. Nothing to show for their efforts and nothing to eat, either. ‘Member what you said about their condition?”
“Jesus, you’re right. The fires didn’t faze me much until Pug lit off the cabin. That was strange… especially after we’d just built that new privy.”
“If we’d left the cabin and all that military gear inside to pick over for a day or two, they’d likely never have bothered with us. Bird in the hand sort of thing… but they sure couldn’t have found much worthwhile once we’d fired everything in sight.”
Lazlo pondered Ernie’s explanation and said, “Guess I see the point. If we’d been thinking, we might have left the cabin alone. But I wasn’t thinking by then, just dog tired.”
“That’s part of her upset… and we didn’t tell the women we were about to torch the place. They might’ve thought better of it for us. We didn’t have a confab either, and I think that’s what she’s most upset about.”
“Back in the dog house.”
“For both of us… and you can’t really blame her, I suppose. Might’ a tempered Cindy down some, too… and that’s another reason she’s pissed off. Thinks we inflamed the woman for bloodshed by our little bonfire rally… and why she started practicing thos
e maneuvers right after we left. But I don’t buy that… Cindy saved our ass, no doubt about it… She was already branded deep with her own wounds and nothing we did made that any worse.”
“So… point is, don’t start another bonfire.”
“Yup… that’s what’s buggin’ her.”
“You ever consider being a priest?”
Reaching the edge of Eagle City, they drove the streets looking for vehicle tracks or evidence of trouble. They postponed checking buildings. Town looked much as Circle had… orderly but in a desolate wintry state. They drove each block working their way south toward the Taylor Highway. Nothing appeared unusual if one ignored the reality of an utterly silent, deserted town.
Satisfied, they elected to follow the highway to the inviting pass rather than immediately returning to the airport. Climbing the ridge, Lazlo got the deuce stuck in a snowdrift.
The ladies were determined to improve their living quarters before settling in. They heated a pot of stew for a late midday meal, but when the men hadn’t returned as expected, they let it simmer on the propane stove and continued shaping their quarters. This time Christie and Lazlo would have their own room.
Later, the ladies gathered outside to enjoy the bright sun. The warmth of sun on exposed skin felt superb, dispelling the chill. They sat chatting with hot tea, avoiding worrying talk about the men.
The women were startled by the sharp bark of a dog near the threshold of the airfield. Cindy dashed inside for her rifle. As she returned, Piquk nodded in the direction of the tree line beyond them where two shadowy figures emerged.
Christie said, “Easy does it, please Cindy. Let’s first see what they want.” Two slender people carrying rifles slung over their shoulders advanced, restraining an excited malamute that looked hauntingly like Puppy. As they crossed the broad field heading their way, Christie felt relieved. Both waived a reassuring greeting and the ladies waived in return.
The dog renewed its excited barking as they neared and the man struggled to hold the dog’s bounding. The second person brushed back a fur hood revealing herself as a young woman.
She appeared to be in her mid twenties projecting a confident athletic bearing. Christie stepped forward and greeted her with open arms and a bear hug which was warmly returned. The woman extended her friendly greetings with Piquk and Cindy.
“It’s so wonderful to see people again,” said the woman choking back a joyful sob. “It’s such a blessing to see you. We thought we might be the last people on earth… so many…” Abruptly she said, “I’m Peg and this is my brother, Larry.” He advanced silently and cautiously shook hands following Christie’s introductions, then turned and long gazed back down the airstrip. The malamute yipped excitedly for attention. Christie leaned over and stroked the dog fondly and asked, “Who’s this love?”
“We call her Akela,” said Peg. “We found her months ago, starving in a dog run. But she’s much better now and a delight to have with us.”
“We have a pot of stew simmering. Would you like to join us?” asked Christie.
“We’ve just eaten, but I smell tea. Do you have enough to share? We ran out of tea long ago and I’m craving some.” Piquk ducked inside to bring tea while the conversation continued. “We’ve run out of nearly everything except fresh game. We didn’t have much to start with when we got trapped here.”
“So you didn’t live here in town?” ventured Christie.
“No. We’re Canadian. We flew up here during fall colors to go backpacking in the Preserve. When we returned, the ranger told us the border was closed and wouldn’t let us fly home… even demanded our keys to the airplane. Then they declared quarantine and put us up in a decrepit old cabin. We’ve been here ever since. We didn’t get sick, but we haven’t heard from our family or anyone else in Canada. Everyone living here fled or died.”
“We’ve all experienced sadness… but let’s...”
Larry interrupted, “Are you with two guys driving a military truck armed with a big gun?”
“Yes, Lazlo and Ernie. We’ve been expecting them,” replied Christie.
“Well, I see them coming this way, so I’m glad they’re with you,” said Larry. Piquk brought two cups of hot tea, then returned to pick up her howling infant. Shortly, she reappeared holding the child, cooing to calm her. Peg smiled and moved closer to see her. Piquk held her up, uncovering the infant’s face.
Larry stared apprehensively at the approaching truck, ignoring the infant.
Lazlo and Ernie were disturbed to see two people with shouldered guns standing among the women. When Piquk appeared showing her child for the pair, they lowered their own rifles discreetly out of sight. Shutting off the truck, they stepped down smiling.
Christie made introductions and with obvious relief, Larry smiled and said, “You two gave us quite a start when you drove through town. We were so happy to see people, but you looked intimidating driving a military truck with that big gun… and when you passed by, we weren’t encouraged. You both look so scruffy… rather like bikers.”
Christie and Cindy burst into laughter. “Looks can be deceiving,” said Christie, “especially after all that’s happened.”
Spending the afternoon reorganizing their new Eagle cabin for the eight of them provided time to hear the couple’s story. Larry and Peg intended returning to their family farm in British Columbia just as soon as weather permitted them to fly the first leg to Whitehorse.
Nevertheless, they admitted to some apprehension about flying. Their airplane couldn’t carry enough fuel to make the trip to the farm without an intermediate stop. They worried about what they might find in Whitehorse and realized that if some mishap occurred on the way, there was little chance of being rescued. Despite preferring to fly, the couple supposed that a trip overland might be more prudent. After several mishaps of his own, Larry was realistic about flying a small craft across Canada without benefit of society’s safety net.
The subject of the family farm in Canada occupied the evening’s conversation. The discussion generated such enthusiasm that by late evening the couple invited everyone to join them to share a new life on their family farm. Lazlo listened despite misgivings. Christie thanked them for their generosity and compassion.
“Oh, contraire,” said Peg. “This is self interest talking. We’ll benefit by having nursing skills and the hands of five more people. Our invitation is a two way street.”
“Hope you realize that you’re in for some backbreaking work, though,” said Larry. “From the sounds of things, there won’t be much help, if any at all.”
“Suits me just fine,” said Christie, “so long as it’s peaceful and secure.”
Ernie nodded assent.
“It’s always peaceful,” said Peg. “I used to think farm life was such a bore, but now… I can’t wait to get back. After all that’s happened, I’ll never complain about farming again.”
“Well… sounds like our decision is made,” said Ernie.
“So it’s to be a thousand miles into Canada,” said Lazlo. “I would never have guessed we’d settle on that choice. Lots to get ready in a few months, but your farm sounds like everything we’ve hoped for.”
Cindy was single-minded in her cynicism about farming, but feared being alone more than a life of farming.
60
Old Man Lake, April 1st. The fortunes of hunting improved by chance. While splitting firewood, Jack watched distant wolves chasing six caribou. He fully expected them to veer away, but then realized the pack had all six deer flanked on both sides. One winded deer lagging behind became the wolves’ intended target. But the others would soon be hemmed in between the lodge and the lake as the wolves pushed them in a final frenzy. Once the caribou were pressed into the trap, Jack and Tony killed all five.
The winded deer fell victim to the wolves. Jack and Tony ran t
o save it from the snarling pack. But by the time the men arrived, the pack had eviscerated the caribou, a female well into her pregnancy. The four wolves tore apart the aborted fawn and left with their mouths full.
The fresh red meat fed them through weeks of intermittent snow. As new drifts obliterated their guiding landmarks, no one ventured far from the lodge. The miners disappeared each day into the carpenter’s shop making components for the new rooftop greenhouse.
Judy spent weeks nursing her baby through colicky upset, apparently not fully accepting her breast milk, but without an acceptable alternative. She mended clothing as the only task compatible with nurturing her clinging infant. Darwin remained always by her side guarding both. When anyone else but Judy touched the infant, he growled a soft throaty warning.
Everyone sought a useful task but often just stared through the veranda windows unwilling to venture out beyond sight of the lodge. The table would have been sparse without the bonanza of caribou. In another reversal of fortune, they owed their sustenance to the wolves.
The storms proved to be the last gasp of winter. Thereafter the weather warmed with the season. Ahtna, sufficiently recovered to hunt on his own, took two young moose, nearly filling the freezer again. They hadn’t been so well supplied with fresh food since their first hunt.
Most of the band concentrated on assembling a framework for the rooftop greenhouse. They had only one roll of clear plastic and a few borrowed panes of glass to construct the top. But as each section was completed, Onita went to work sprouting vegetables, especially potatoes. Once the roof snow melted, Ahtna and Mac built dozens of wooden planter boxes, and dug, hauled, and blended endless buggy loads of loamy lake mud with the lighter potting soil from Glennallen. The little band toasted the budding sprouts celebrating spring during their first outdoor rooftop dinner.
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