The boat rocked gently. The sheathed sword slipped over the side. “Oh!” Ahe reached, too late. A splash broke the surface, then left a few widening rings.

The sword sank and came to rest on the riverbed near the willow and white stone. From the boat, only shifting light showed on the water.

Ahe stayed inside; he did not jump after it. He stared at the piece of wood where it had fallen. “I must remember this spot,” he thought, “so I can find it again.”