Taming the Hearth

Night had fallen, so I marched back inside from the shed to inspect my central domain. Right on the stone hearth sat a heavy cast-iron ash shovel, its scoop caked with gray soot. Gwahaha! A tool meant for handling true infernos! I dug my feet into the textured rug, locked both clawed fists around the thick twisted iron handle, and hoisted it upright. Grrr... it was dense and front-heavy, but I shoved the flat blade firmly against the stone rim until it stood locked at my command. This hearth is ready for a king's flame!