A Tap on Stone

A sudden warmth loosened my joints. Around me, endless silent ranks stood fixed beneath the arched ceiling. I paused, taking in the quiet cavern and the faint glow of a utility lamp near the timber scaffolding. Carefully, I tested my grip. My paw curled tighter around the shaft, and I lifted the spear an inch, letting its base settle back against the packed dirt with a muffled thud. A soft vibration traveled up my arm. The surrounding figures remained frozen, but my limbs answered my own quiet command.