Heralds of Empire: Being the Story of One Ramsay Stanhope, Lieutenant to Pierre Radisson in the Northern Fur Trade

"Heralds of Empire" by Agnes C. Laut is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative follows Ramsay Stanhope, a young man in the Northern fur trade who becomes associated with the adventurous and controversial figure, Pierre Radisson. The story unfolds against the backdrop of early colonial America, exploring themes of identity, loyalty, and the pursuit of fortune amid the harsh realities of life on the frontier. At the start of the novel, the reader is introduced to Ramsay Stanhope, who comes from a royalist family and is thrust into the care of his stern uncle in Puritan Boston after the death of his father. Ramsay grapples with the harsh realities of his new life as he encounters various characters, including his aloof uncle and the bullied Jack Battle. We also witness the budding relationships between Ramsay and his childhood companions, Rebecca and Hortense, while the specter of witch trials and a hunt for "king-killers" loom over them. The opening sets the stage for Ramsay's journey into the tumultuous world of fur trading and exploration alongside the enigmatic Radisson, promising a rich tale of adventure and self-discovery.