Soaked and chilled, Tomotada tied his horse’s reins to a willow and knocked at the door. It opened. “Come in, young sir,” said the old man who stood in the doorway. “Come in out of the storm. Green Willow will see to your horse.” Tomotada turned and saw a cloaked figure leading his horse to shelter. He stepped inside.
A hot bath took the chill from his hones. Dressed in dry clothes, Tomotada sat down to a steaming meal prepared by the old man’s wife. The door opened and a cold wet wind blew in.
“My daughter,” said his host, “Green Willow.” Shyly the figure removed the wet cloak. Tomotada’s heart skipped. The girl was beautiful, graceful as her namesake, the willow. Tomotada forgot his dinner. He forgot his mission. He could think only of Green Willow.