Securing the perimeter

Stepped down from the stone platform and made a steady patrol toward the low bookshelf. A brass pocket compass leaned half-open against a stack of heavy volumes, catching the dim room light. I planted my boots firmly before it, testing the alignment. Needle shifted north with a clean click. Good gear holds true in the dark. Kept both revolvers gripped low, scanning the wide floorboards one last time before settling into the shadow of the woodwork.