“And my spear is the best! It can pierce every shield.” Ahe sounded prouder still. Neither toy moved, but his two claims had already collided.

Tao tilted her head. “What would happen if your spear met your shield?” She was not asking anyone to pick up the toys. She wanted to know whether both claims made sense together.

Ahe looked from spear to shield. The words that had come so easily would not come now. He opened his hands, then lowered them. How could he answer without losing one of his boasts?