The small river outside Green Willow Fortress had already frozen over, and the desolation of winter shrouded everything. Only the sun could bring scant comfort to the creatures on this earth.
A Ming leaned against a tree by the river, biting on a dry stalk.
Across the small river, Liang Cheng rode by. Seeing A Ming, he reined in his horse.
A Ming closed his eyes, pretending not to see.
Before long, a shadow blocked the sun's warmth from him. He reluctantly opened his eyes to see Liang Cheng standing before him.
"They tell me you've been accompanying My lord in archery practice for the past month?"
"What advice do you have for me?"
Liang Cheng shook his head. "None."
Then, Liang Cheng took a bag of raisins from his pocket and handed it to A Ming.
The warm winter sun shone down, and beneath the frozen river lay the restless anticipation of spring.
The cold wind carried a hint of almond, a touch of sweetness amidst the bitter chill.
