Three Punches to the Guts

At sunset, the hollow of Mount Song basks in the fading light. The morning bell rings out melodiously, startling the birds roosting in the woods. A stream burbles along, fresh green grass sways on the hillside, wild fruit fills the air with its fragrance, and mountain flowers bloom in a riot of color. Dogs leap about happily, sheep stroll at their leisure, and the shepherd lifts his whip and gently swings it. A melodious folk song drifts through the air and echoes among the valleys.

This novel and its characters are entirely fictional. Any resemblance to actual people or events is purely coincidental. Do not imitate.