First Roar

My joints clicked. I rolled my neck, snapping my heavy jaws wide open. Solid force surged straight down to my talons. I could move! Directly ahead loomed a pale, pumpkin-shaped ceramic dome. Without a second thought, I marched across the grooved planks and slammed my claw against its smooth side. It gave a dull, hollow ring under my strike. I planted both feet firmly into the grain. This plateau belongs to me now.