The Iron Latch

Morning post abandoned. Time to push the boundary line further! I stomped along the weathered cedar fence toward the perimeter gate. Blocking the gap hung a thick, black iron drop-latch. Cold. Pinned solid into an iron catch. No retreating! I squared my hind talons into the dirt, lowered my heavy domed cranium, and rammed straight upward under the metal bar! CLANG! High, stinging vibration rattled through my teeth. The heavy iron lever flipped upward, hopping clear out of its notch with a sharp clink! The gate groaned outward a sliver. Boundary breached! I snapped my jaws shut and leaned against the timber.