Clear Water Flow

Stiff sludge clogged the low stone conduit. Bad drain. Water pooled foul over the flags, rising toward my boots. I wedged the cleaver blade flat into the stone silt. Gripped the iron scraper I found near the wall with both hands. Hauled it forward through the channel. Heavy scrape. Wet black muck peeled away in thick slabs. Shoved it aside into the dry trench. Cold water surged through the opened grate with a sharp hiss. Basin cleared. Floor runs dry. Snapped cleaver back into both fists. Ready.