Ahe began again, without lifting his chin. “This wooden shield is round, with grain you can see. This is a toy spear with a padded tip. They are for pretend stories.” He looked at his visitors.

Tao admired the red tip again. Without the boasts, the toys were no less lovely. Now their introduction described what they actually were. Both remained whole on their stands.

A contradiction happens when claims conflict and cannot both be true. Ahe remembered to think before speaking, so his next sentence would not undo his last. An honest description did not need to promise everything.