Ascent to the Ridge

The braided column led upward. I wedged my boots into the rough fiber, climbing steadily. One pull, then another. The lower ledge fell away beneath me. At the summit, the terrain flattened into smooth polished wood, high above the open floor. Beside me stood a heavy brass bookend, shaped like an open gear. I reached out, testing the cold metal tooth with my glove. Firm. A secure anchor point. From up here, the entire perimeter lay exposed.