CHAPTERELEVEN
“Thank you. We really appreciate what you’re doing for us,” Hank said, watching Adam help Helen into the airplane.
“You must have good reasons to avoid the North Slope Clan, so we know we’re asking for a lot. Really, thank you,” Helen added.
Adam grunted quietly, “You’re welcome.”
He’d rather give himself a root canal with a rusty drill than fly up to see the North Slope Clan. But he couldn’t abandon Hank and Helen. It would be a death sentence.
Even after so many years, the terrain was instantly recognizable to him, especially the jagged mountain peaks which sheltered a crescent-shaped bay.
“This is it. The North Slope summer fishing grounds,” Hank said.
Adam circled the plane over a small settlement. “It’s not even summer yet and look at all of this. I don’t remember there ever being permanent buildings like these here. This can’t be right.” He recalled the camp he grew up in. It was nothing but a collection of mixed tents scattered haphazardly around the bay. The settlement below was neat and tidy, with modest homes arranged around a much larger central building.
Hank scanned the little village. “This is it, all right. We were told the clan has changed for the better.”
“They’ve done even better than I hoped,” Helen added.
“If you want me to take it down here, I will. I just think you’re both wrong about it, though. There’s no way in hell this can be the North Slope Clan. It’s way too clean and organized.”
Adam spotted an area that had been prepared for use as a runway. After touching down, he eyed a group of four people approaching. “Brace yourselves for the welcoming committee,” Adam said, moving a baseball bat to a ready position.
“You really don’t trust the clan at all, do you?” Hank asked.
“I can’t believe you do,” Adam replied.
The group consisted of two women and two men. The oldest of them, a tall, slender woman with braided gray hair, stepped forward, taking an obvious position of leadership.
“Welcome to the North Slope Clan, Hank and Helen. We’ve been expecting you.”
“How did you know we were coming?”
“My apologies. My name is Aurora. I’m the shaman of the North Slope Clan.”
“That would certainly explain how you knew we were coming,” Helen replied weakly.
“Yes, we expected you to arrive by boat. We were quite concerned when I had visions of your difficulty. But I’m pleasantly surprised the elusive Adam Caldwell came as well. Perhaps this is the work of the Fates.”
Adam stiffened. “How the hell do you know who I am? I haven’t even told these people.”
“That’s not important at the moment. Come with us. We have to take care of Hank and Helen, and then there are things you and I must talk about.”
“Save it. I have no intention of sticking around here.”
Aurora feigned surprise. “Oh? Are you sure you wouldn’t like to learn more about Joy?”
“How do you know her? I don’t know what game you’re playing, but you have no right to meddle in my life. And to make sure you don’t, I’m about to smash your crystal ball.”
Aurora shrugged him off. “Your choice, I suppose. But I think you will find that I can also help you with your problem.”
“The only problem I have is being here. And I’m about to change that real quick.”
“As I said, suit yourself. I’m just offering a chance to save yourself from that mating pain you are experiencing. Now, let’s get you two into the main lodge and taken care of.” Aurora took Helen’s hand and led the couple away.
“Fine. I’ll listen to what you have to say, but when we are done talking, you are done spying on me, and I am out of here,” Adam said, trailing behind the group.
The interior of the main lodge was one large open space. Six large chairs were arranged opposite a massive fireplace. Adam knew instantly that these were the seats of the clan council. He also noticed that Aurora was accompanied by only three others. Two bears of the council were not present.