Free [Alaskan Quest 03] - Whispers of Winter by Tracie Peterson Page B

understand this or respect it. Well, perhaps I should say a few of the men do not see the merit. Some are quite cooperative.”
    “I will speak to them. Hunting and butchering are not their best skills, but they must do this for the sake of their own survival. Perhaps, too, if they see this as a goal toward leaving the island, they will be encouraged to help.”
    Jacob could see the wisdom in the captain’s words. “We could also let them know that rescue may come in the form of the Russians or Inupiats. They will be much easier to deal with if we have something to barter in return—such as dried meat.”
    “That is a good point. I will mention it as well.”
    Jacob looked hesitantly over his shoulder before leaning toward the captain. “I cannot in good conscience say that I wholeheartedly agree with the plan to leave the island on our own if help fails to reach us. I did agree to the compromise, but it was very much against my better judgment.”
    Latimore considered this for a moment. “I know I’ve been a burden to you, Jacob, but you’ve always proven yourself to be a man of sound reasoning. I trust you to know best in matters of this Arctic survival. That said, how can we hope to exist another year in this environment? The winter has been cruel.”
    “You’re a man of the sea,” Jacob interjected. “You know the dangers out there in a large ship like the Regina . Imagine trying to survive a storm in one of the skin boats. We would perish for certain. The men are weak—most are suffering more than one affliction. Trying to navigate our way home would be difficult at best and deadly at worst.”
    “What would you want from me in the matter?”
    Jacob thought for a moment. “I suppose I would like for you to override the decision regarding the compromise. You weren’t there to put in your vote and you are the captain of this expedition. Now that you are recovering, the men will again look to you for decisions. You could explain that you’ve been apprised of the matter, but believe it lacks … well … sound reasoning, I suppose.”
    Latimore nodded and rubbed his bearded chin. The white, which had once dotted his hair and beard, now appeared quite prominent. “Let me think on the matter. It could be that it will resolve itself. If the time grows near and there is no sign of rescue, I will speak to the men.”
    “I hope so.” Jacob knew he didn’t sound entirely convinced.
    Latimore looked at him for a moment, then cleared his throat. “About the rescue, Jacob.”
    “What of it?”
    “Do you believe it will come?”
    Jacob thought back to the time years earlier when the Karluk had disappeared. Everyone presumed they were lost forever. No one expected the men to actually make land and survive the winter. There were other ships that had gone missing as well. Ships that had never turned up. But then he thought of Leah. Leah would never let them go without a fight. She would believe the very best until proof told her otherwise.
    “I believe there are people looking for us even now,” Jacob admitted, wanting to be optimistic. “My sister is a determined woman. She will use whatever means available to seek our rescue. She won’t give up—no matter how bleak it might seem.”
    “But you are concerned. I see it in your eyes and hear it in your speech.”
    “We don’t know where we are. The searchers don’t know either. They will have to cover a large territory in a short amount of time. The ice will freeze this area over in a matter of months—it might be even better gauged in weeks. Arctic summer forever holds a whisper of winter.”
    “I can imagine that to be true. Still, you speak greatly of the powerful effects of prayer. I presume you have been praying about our rescue as fervently as you prayed for my recovery.” He smiled at Jacob’s raised brow. “I heard you pray over me when I was in a barely conscious state. God has surely heard those prayers—why not the prayers for