The black wolf's breed : $b A story of France in the Old world and the New, happening in the reign of Louis XIV

by Harris Dickson

"The Black Wolf's Breed: A Story of France in the Old World and the New" by Harris Dickson is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds during the reign of Louis XIV, showcasing life in both France and the American colonies during a time of exploration and conflict. The narrative follows various characters, including Captain Placide de Mouret and the enigmatic Colonel d'Ortez, whose intertwined fates are marked by themes of honor, legacy, and the struggles faced by both colonizers and the indigenous people. The opening of the book introduces the reader to an elderly captain reflecting on his life and the complexities of his past while reminiscing about his time in the American colonies. This leads to a setting involving an urgent mission from Governor Bienville—captain de Mouret is tasked with important duties in Paris that hint at future intrigue and conflicts. The narrative also presents Colonel d'Ortez, a Huguenot exile burdened by his family's dishonor and secrets, who reveals his ancestry and expectations to de Mouret. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that the intertwining tales will explore the intricacies of loyalty and betrayal against a rich backdrop of historic events and the personal ambitions of its characters.