The Granite Basin

I pushed past the terrace screen into the blazing midday sun, marching straight across the gravel toward the towering stone birdbath! Hmph! A colossal pedestal of rough-hewn granite crowned with a shallow reservoir. I stomped up the weathered root base, bracing my claws against the gritty pillar until I hauled myself onto the circular rim. Inside, resting beneath a sliver of cool water, sat a smooth, speckled river pebble. Grrr... a submerged treasure! I dipped my foreclaw into the pool, dragging the heavy stone against the curved stone rim until it emerged dry upon the lip. Bwahaha! The water fortress yields its solid prize to my watchful command!