The autumn sun spread clear and bright, with fine sand pure white, the beach is very wide, the waves rolling at the rivermouth. The vast Pacific Ocean and the turbulent Columbia River both collide and converge here, causing the surrounding river and marsh water to display ever-changing hues.
Scholar Miki crouched by the riverbank, behind him the low tribal village, in front the wide great river, to the right the docked longships, and to the left, Zuwaro sitting cross-legged.
"Zuwaro, what should we do?"
"Hmm? What do you mean what should we do?"
"Chief Divine bear witness! This Krasop tribe thought we were pursuing enemies. To protect their tribespeople, they surrendered to us..."
Scholar Miki held his chin, gazing at the flowing river water, a look of shattered dreams on his face.
