Rain over the river was like mist; a lone skiff sang a fisherman's song.
Slightly yellow willow branches by the water swayed in the wind. Dressed as a Wandering Swordsman, Bai Yujun wore a straw hat and stood at the riverbank leading her horse. Her bundle and oilpaper umbrella hung from either side of the saddle. In coarse clothes and a straw hat, sword in hand and horse reins in the other, she looked every inch a true knight-errant.
Walking was too slow, yet she did not dare fly, so she could only ride. The Black Horse was not particularly tall, but it was strong and enduring.
She brushed aside the loose strands before her eyes. The Black Horse snorted and lowered its head to graze. There were few ferries along this stretch of river, while the major crossings were crowded with too many watchful eyes, unsuitable for hiding. A cautious sailor could sail for ten thousand years; she had no choice but to be this careful.
At last, she spotted a somewhat sturdier wooden boat.
"Boatman~ I need to cross the river~"
"Coming~"
The old boatman worked his oars again and again, steering the little vessel through wind and waves until it steadily pulled up at the bank.
Bai Yujun boarded first with her sword in hand, but the Black Horse feared the great river and would not step aboard. Most beasts did not like a rocking little boat. They instinctively feared deep water; if possible, they would rather dog-paddle across than take a boat.
"Get up here, or I'll kick you all the way to the other bank."
The old boatman clicked his tongue in wonder as he watched the Black Horse obediently board, praising it as a fine steed.
He would probably never understand how the Black