Law of the North (Originally published as Empery): A Story of Love and Battle in Rupert's Land

"Law of the North" by Samuel Alexander White is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in the rugged and challenging terrain of Rupert's Land, highlighting the fierce competition between the Hudson's Bay Company and the Northwest Fur Company. The main character, Basil Dreaulond, is a courier for the Hudson's Bay Company, navigating the treacherous social and physical landscapes of the wilderness while carrying vital dispatches and becoming embroiled in the conflicts that arise. At the start of the book, we meet Basil Dreaulond as he approaches the Nisgowan portage, aware of the sounds of men nearby, which leads him to conceal himself. As he observes a group of fellow Hudson Bay Company men led by Bruce Dunvegan, discussions arise about recent developments, including the search for Flora Macleod, the Factor's daughter, who has gone missing. The narrative hints at the complex relationships among characters, including the rivalry with Black Ferguson of the Northwest Company and the tension that accompanies their trades and interactions with the indigenous peoples. The beginning sets the tone for a tale of adventure that interweaves themes of loyalty, love, and survival in the wilderness.