He had the feeling he got back to that time he was with Soprana. He didn't want to admit it but he missed her. She was funny and reliable, also trustworthy. It got to him that he was never able to tell her about the spear. Even if it was only a separate dimension and a simulation, she still felt too real for him.
At first, it seemed for him that he wouldn't be able to get the arrow on its planned position. In other words, there would be something around that would help in lifting it and placing it in place. Second, as he walked back to the stand, he was able to notice a long object on top of the book. It was enough to put the arrow on and leave it there. Third, skimming through the book, he realized it was a book of dark spells.