The Cast-Iron Roller

I tracked along the terrace brickwork to an iron hose guide anchored in the loam. The vertical spindle held a flanged cast-iron spool, locked immovably by dried silt and fine grit. I planted both boots into the packed soil, widening my stance to lower my center of gravity. Extending my right gauntlet, I clamped two heavy fingers around the upper flange. I engaged my shoulder hydraulics, applying deliberate radial torque. The encrusted grit sheared free with a dry, sharp grating rasp. The iron spool broke loose, spinning half a rotation before gliding smoothly around its post. Mechanical rotation restored.