Ascent to the Summit

Three thick volumes lay stacked in staggered tiers across the desk like a flight of stone terraces. I gripped my mace and hauled myself onto the first leather-bound ledge. The surface was firm and ridged with gold-embossed lettering. Stepping deliberately, I scaled the second tier and pulled my shield up to the highest cover. Reaching the summit, the perimeter was entirely clear. Instead of maintaining another rigid patrol, I laid my shield flat, leaned my polearm against the spine, and sat down with my legs stretched out to rest while overlooking the vast desk below.