Perimeter Beacon
A metallic sphere wedged between dried soil and outer bars caught my scan. *Click.* I advanced along the concrete ledge of the terrace, ducking beneath a canopy of sun-bleached rosemary branches. The object was a discarded bronze key ring threaded with three ridged tooth-shaped alloy blanks. I took hold of the ring with my curved grip, testing its tensile strength. Solid. Using leverage against a rough terra cotta fragment, I dragged the cluster toward an elevated corner post to mark my vantage point. It clinked softly against the iron upright. Perimeter anchor secured.

