Chapter 4

The boat I hired slipped out of the harbor in the dead of night.

The boatman was mute, never prying or asking anything. I lay in the cabin, eyes open till dawn.

Seven years.

I put all my feelings for him into my careful carving, and kept them in the wooden sword I gave him. And I used to giving quietly for him without saying a word.

Now that the shadow's gone, he would probably adapt quickly.

Just like he got used to a new blend of coffee in his study, or changing the flowers in the garden with each…