Finding My Footing

The dark wood under my back felt cool and unyielding. I lay motionless for a brief second, assessing the quiet space around me. Then, my right hand twitched. I pressed my palm down against the flat grain, levered my weight forward, and bent my knees until both boots clicked firmly onto the surface. Standing upright, I raised my shield into position, testing its balance. The ground held firm, and so did I.