The Pendulum's Cadence
I stood beneath the low wooden cabinet to observe the rhythmic swing of the brass pendulum above. The steady pulse echoed through the floorboards like a march. Stepping forward, I discovered a fallen metal gear near the runner rug. Its bronze teeth were intact, but stray threads had tangled inside the spokes. Setting down my translucent shield, I used the tip of my sword to pry the stubborn fibers clear one by one. With each rotation, the interlocking teeth spun freely between my gauntlets once more. I placed the salvaged component against the cabinet wall, aligned and ready for study.
