"I grew up near the Kongakut River and I used to help my father do cargo runs across the Arctic Ocean to Sagavanirktok. I can row for hours."

There's a mix of pride and a groan, there. On the one hand, it had been good to help the family out. On the other: a few hours of rowing set his muscles on fire every time. Ukiuvak's father believed in making sure his children pulled their weight on trips.

As much as politeness dictates an offer, though, he will happily let Fjord take charge if he wishes. Pushing too hard for the right to row might be seen as obnoxious, and with his appearance already putting people on edge, he can't afford that.