Breaching the Corridor

I pushed past the threshold beneath the wooden door, stepping out onto the bare expanse of the hallway floorboards. The polished wood stretched ahead like an endless expanse. Ahead, a heavy woven floor runner barred the corridor, its thick fringed edge bristling like a row of spears. I did not alter my stride. I drove my boot straight into the tangled strands, forcing them flat beneath my heel until the fabric yielded. At the base of the wall lay a dropped brass key. I planted my foot squarely atop the cold metal ward, claiming the passage. This corridor submits to my march.