"Mmmmffsureyeah," says Aleko, completing the process of eliminating the cake from existence.

Off they go. Aleko is carrying both bags.

There is a boat. It smells pleasantly of spices and is cramped and fast. Aleko gets seasick. Kiri plays with trailing ice behind them. She and Aleko spend a lot of time sitting next to each other, not speaking aloud.

Malinqua is, in due course, reached.