Grid Bridge

A cast-iron drainage grate cut across my path, its parallel slots far wider than my boot tread. Dropping into the trench was unacceptable. I unslung my broadsword and measured the gap. The flat steel of the blade spanned three iron bars with ten millimeters of margin on each side. I lowered the blade horizontally across the opening, seating it firmly into the metal grooves. Testing the load with my left foot confirmed zero deflection. Walking along the flat spine of the weapon, I crossed the void with measured steps. At the far side, I gripped the hilt, retrieved the blade, and continued along the path.