Crane by Jeff Stone

Author:Jeff Stone
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Juvenile Fiction, Animals, Action & Adventure, General
ISBN: 9780375830785
Publisher: San Val
Published: 2006-01-02T06:00:00+00:00

Hok could hardly believe her ears. Was an entire village really attacked because of her?

The boy in the doorway straightened up and took a step toward Hok, still scowling.

“Stop right there,” PawPaw said. “You will not lay a hand on her. There has been enough violence today.”

Behind her in the bedroom, Hok heard a noise. She looked over her shoulder and saw Cheen puff out his chest. He walked to her side and stared hard at the boy.

Hok hardly knew what to say. She didn't want anyone to fight over her, and she felt horrible about the attack. She looked at the boy. “I am very sorry about your village. I am not a bad person. Let me prove it. I will help heal your wounded.”

The boy continued to scowl. “You can't help us! This is all your fault. Besides, you're just a girl.”

PawPaw looked the boy in the eye. “Listen to me, young man. I believe this girl has done nothing wrong. She has proven to be an experienced healer, and she can help your fellow villagers. I suggest you let her help. I also suggest you keep your mouth shut about who you think she might be.”

The boy's eyes narrowed and he folded his arms.

“Let me put it this way,” PawPaw said. “If she doesn't go, I don't go. The fate of your village lies in your hands.”

Anxiety filled the boy's eyes. “Okay,” he said. “I won't tell. Please, hurry!”

“Good,” PawPaw said. She opened a cabinet drawer and removed a straight razor. She handed it to Hok.

Hok was dumbfounded. “A weapon?” she asked.

“By the heavens, no,” PawPaw said. “It's for your head. You can't go looking the way you do. Even if I had a large hat or turban to cover your brown hair, there are still risks. You must shave it off. You need to change your clothes, too. You'll have to pretend to be a boy.”

Hok frowned. “I understand. What about Sum and Seh? Won't we be gone for a while?”

“They could be asleep for a day or more,” PawPaw replied. “Come, help me now at the village and I promise I will do everything I can for Sum and your brother when we return. The four of you can stay with me until Sum and Seh make full recoveries.”

Hok hesitated, then nodded.

PawPaw turned to Cheen. “There should be a boy's robe and pants in that trunk I showed you that Hok can wear. Could you please find them for her?”

Cheen nodded and headed for the other room.

PawPaw looked at Hok. “Behind the house you will find a rain barrel. Shave your head, then come back in and change. I will finish gathering the necessary items. Hurry!”

While they raced as quickly as possible, in the heavy rain, it still took them more than half an hour to reach the village by foot. PawPaw had said the river was too swollen and treacherous to attempt to travel by boat.

As they approached, it was clear the soldiers had already left.

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