Book excerpt: An historical novel built around the MN fur trade in the early l800's. Francois, an independent trader must deal with American Fur, the Hudson Bay Company and other independents to bring his furs to the Rendezvous at Grand Portage, MN. He's accompanied on his dangerous journey by Merewyn MacKenna, his new bride and his prankster,brothers Jean and Joseph. He also has to deal with Kenneth MacKenna and his bag pipe playing companion, Walking Fox, as well as Poor Eyes, an Ojibwa cook. The novel combines historical facts as well as a host of humorous characters, that help liven up the Minnesota frontier. This is a story of a family connected by murder, revenge and passion.