Iron and Ember

I stepped down from the high shelves into the shadow of the brick hearth. Night had settled, leaving only a low bed of glowing red embers deep behind the iron grate. I anchored my stance before the ornate screen, gripping my blades low. The metal had cooled from daytime patrols, but as I drew near, radiant heat washed against the plates of my armor. The ironwork of the hearth was forged in interlocking scrollwork, formidable and thick. I raised one blade, lightly resting the flat against an outer finial. A deep, resonant hum traveled through the hilt. Satisfied with its solid construction, I stood guard at the perimeter until the embers dulled.