“That's it?” Hok asked.

“More or less,” PawPaw said. “It's quite easy when the weather is calm like it is now. The skiff also has a small rudder at the rear that will allow you to steer. It's not that difficult to use. The main thing to remember is that when you push the rudder arm hard in one direction, it turns the boat in the opposite direction. That will take a little getting used to. Most of the time, you'll simply hold it in a fixed position. The farther you get downstream, the wider the river will be, which will make your job even easier because there is more room to navigate around obstacles. At some points, the river is more than half a It wide.”

“What about other boats?” Hok asked.

“There aren't many other boats to worry about around here,” PawPaw said. “Especially this late in the day. Jinan has a tremendous amount of boat traffic, but by the time you get there you should be accomplished enough to get by without too much trouble.”

“Are you sure we shouldn't walk?” Seh asked. “Darkness is approaching after all, right?”

Hok watched PawPaw look up into the cloudless sky. “There will be plenty of moonlight to see by,” PawPaw said. “It is better if you pass by the village at night. Someone might recognize my boat and chase you down. They might think you stole it.”

“Are there many thieves around?” Hok asked. “I mean, should we keep an eye out for them?”

“There may be river pirates, I suppose,” PawPaw said.

Hok's eyes widened. “River pirates?”

PawPaw nodded. “They are a rare breed in this region, but they are a threat nonetheless. You don't have anything of significant value, though, so even if you do bump into some, they shouldn't give you too much trouble.”

“Are they tough?” Seh asked.

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“They're not worth fighting, if that's what you're asking,” PawPaw said. “It's best to give them what they want and be on your way. River pirates fight dirty, and they carry qiangs. I've heard rumors of a group that occasionally operates out of the Jinan City waterfront that is so ruthless, the local government is afraid to try and stop them and lets them have the run of the wharf. I have a feeling that that particular group won't bother you, though.”

“What about the basket?” Hok said. “What's in it?”

“Just some provisions,” PawPaw said. “There are also a couple of large hats to keep the sun off your heads. The river water reflects sunlight and magnifies it. You can burn very easily.”

“Oh,” Hok said. She didn't know what else she could say. PawPaw was too kind.

PawPaw walked past Hok, over to the side of the skiff. “Aren't you going to ask me about these, too?” PawPaw asked as she bent over and picked up the pile of clothes. Hok saw that it was a long, pale blue silk dress and an elegant matching turban. Beneath the clothes, still on the floor of the immaculate skiff, was PawPaw's straight razor.

PawPaw glanced first at the clothes, then at the razor. “Pick one,” she said to Hok.

Hok understood. She was going to have to decide if she wanted to continue being a boy, or try being a girl again. Hok glanced down at her gray robes and ran her hand over her bald head. She found her decision surprisingly simple. She pointed to the dress and turban.

PawPaw smiled and handed the clothes to Hok. “A wise choice,” she said, picking up the razor. “While you might be able to evade the Emperor's soldiers better as a boy, hiding your true self will take its toll over time. Embrace who you are and explore the new freedoms I'm sure it will bring. I suggest you keep the turban over your brown hair at all times, though. There's no need to be reckless. As far as we know, the Emperor's soldiers are still looking for you.”

Hok nodded, then lowered her head. “I don't know how I'll ever be able to thank you.”

“Stop that ‘thank you’ nonsense and go change,” PawPaw said. “I want to see you in that dress!”

Hok ran up the hill to PawPaw's house. She put on the dress and turban, and ran back toward the river-bank with a huge smile on her face. The short-sleeve dress fit her better than she could have imagined. It covered her completely but still provided a full range of motion for her arms and legs. The cool silk felt wonderful against her skin, and she knew it looked nice against her pale features. It was perfect.

PawPaw's face brightened as Hok approached. “How lovely! You definitely made the right choice. You were born to be a girl!”

Hok blushed. She looked at Seh and saw that he was pouting. She wished Seh could see her now, too.

PawPaw snapped her fingers. “No pouting, Seh. This is a happy time. Where will the two of you be heading?”




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