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

was and exactly where it was located. Leah helped her, forgetting the others around them.
    The wound, located just six inches in from John’s left side, bled profusely. Leah pulled off her kuspuk and pressed the soft cotton cloth against John’s abdomen. “We need to get him home,” she said, looking up. “Is anybody sober enough to help?” Her tone held great anger.
    “We can help,” several men announced in unison. They came forward to await instruction.
    “We need to be careful with him,” Leah commanded. “One of you will need to hold this cloth to the wound while the others carry him. Can you do that?”
    The men nodded and Leah stood. Oopick was sobbing uncontrollably, reluctant to leave her husband’s side. Kimik, her son, appeared and helped the men lift his father as Leah took hold of Oopick.
    “Come on. There will be time for tears later,” Leah encouraged. “Right now John needs us both.” Oopick looked into Leah’s eyes as if trying to comprehend her words.
    Leah knew the next few moments would be critical. “Oopick, John needs us to keep him alive. Come along—we have work to do.”

Chapter Six
    T he ice is melted enough,” first mate Elmer Warrick declared. “I see no reason for us to sit here and wait for a rescue that might never come.”
    Jacob shook his head. “It’s very risky to consider heading out, not having any idea of where we are.”
    “We have a good idea that we’re close to the Russian Territories,” Dr. Ripley replied. “Not only that, but as the crew’s physician, I have to interject my opinion on the matter. We all have scurvy in various stages. Our diet is so imbalanced that most of us are dying of malnutrition. Not to mention that the captain has developed trouble with his heart and Bristol is sporting three toes that we’re going to have to remove tonight or see him dead in a week.”
    “We’re all dying?” Matt questioned. He cast a quick glance at Jacob, as if to ascertain the doctor’s truthfulness.
    Ripley shrugged. “If not exactly, then we soon are to be. Our bodies need a balance of vegetables and fruits. Foods that are obviously missing from our diet. Exposure to the elements is another issue entirely.”
    “But to head out without any idea of where we’re going,” Jacob began, “is risking death as much, if not more, than staying here.”
    “I agree with Jacob,” Jayce said, looking to each of the men. “We have shelter here and enough food for the time being. I propose a compromise: Rather than just sit here indefinitely, what if we agree to remain here until July tenth? That will still give us plenty of time to head out and risk the open water.”
    The men considered this for a moment while Jacob posed a question. “Dr. Ripley, since you are concerned about the issues of our health, would this be an acceptable compromise to your way of thinking?”
    Ripley rubbed his bearded chin. “That’s not much more than a month. I suppose it would be acceptable. Although I will say that every day we wait, we grow weaker from our lack of proper nutrition.”
    “I agree,” Jacob said, nodding. “Captain Latimore is a very sick man, even now. I know Ben and Travis are suffering a great deal as well.” Those two hadn’t been themselves since developing a bronchial infection two months back. “It’s not my desire to keep any of us here a moment longer than needed. You must understand me on this point, if nothing else. I desire to be home as much as anyone here. I won’t keep us here any longer than necessary. You have my word on this.”
    The men met his earnest gaze and one by one nodded in agreement of his words. Jacob knew their longing for home was strong—as was his own. He wanted nothing more than to wake up in his own bed and be among friends and family. The crew needed to see that he was just as connected to this goal as they were.
    “Very well. We shall stay here until July tenth. If rescue hasn’t come by that time,” Jacob