Amundsen's Way by Joanna Grochowicz

Author:Joanna Grochowicz
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Published: 2019-04-09T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Fresh dogs, fat and keen, scamper forward towing their heavy loads over the uneven surface in a display of unbridled enthusiasm. They’re a far cry from the dogs that returned from the last depot-laying journey, limping and harassed by the whip. It will take those dogs some weeks to regain their condition. This time a number of the older puppies have entered the fray, interspersed among the mature dogs so any youth and inexperience can be held in check.

Matching their momentum, Johansen skis in smooth, confident strides like an insect on the surface of a pond. He feels liberated. The alcohol abuse, his failed marriage, the children he hasn’t seen in years – none of it weighs so heavy anymore. The only thing that counts is where he is now – the majesty of this boundless arena, welcoming him into its forgiving embrace. This is where he belongs. He will achieve greatness at the pole. He will be a national hero again. Redemption awaits!

You’re the leader, that’s what Amundsen said and everybody heard him say it. For the first time since setting sail aboard the Fram, Johansen has received official recognition of his polar credentials. After experiencing the fame associated with being Fridtjof Nansen’s right-hand man, it’s been a struggle reverting to being just one of the men, constantly deferring to Amundsen and his judgement when he has just as much to offer. And on board the Fram, taking orders from young officers who have not yet proven themselves. More than once, while scrubbing dog turds off the decking, he’d considered dousing Lieutenant Prestrud with a bucket of salt water.

The fog is sly in its approach. Nobody notices its slow strangulation of the sky. The brilliant blue becomes faded, then briefly grey before surrendering to an impenetrable dullness. The flat light is disorientating. The men continue regardless, but in a direction further west than anyone realises.

Johansen calls to Stubberud. ‘Remember, one flag every kilometre.’

The carpenter signals he’s understood. The flagpoles are taller than a man and are indispensable now that they’re losing the light. Shorter days, dark nights, foul autumn weather. Disagreeable.

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