Publisher's Synopsis
Early 1600s. The Merrimack River is a long way from New France and Jamestown and the competing resources of France and England. Each country is driven to grow its revenues by taxing the beaver and salted cod trade. Few villages along the Merrimack have seen or even heard of trappers and traders or priests and missionaries.This story goes back in time and introduces Etchemin and Kitchi, two frightened young braves who are forced to leave their villages along the Merrimack River for different reasons and later meet on an island in the middle of the river. They know enough to survive during spring, summer, and fall; that is, if they can avoid the renegade Indians. Surviving winter alone away from their villages is an entirely different matter.Etchemin and Kitchi are each destined to find the source of the spirit as it calls them to travel the full length of the river to the Atlantic Ocean. During their travels, they adopt an unusual pet and help save a family from drowning. Their desire to help others is routed in the losses of loved ones earlier in their lives. Life is not easy for them, but there is help available when they search for it.The historical events are quoted and noted in the back of the book. The biographical information is fictional, but we hope that you will find God's truth in the experiences of Etchemin and Kitchi, their family, friends and pet.
