A Gust from Beyond

Having remained indoors through dawn and noon, I advanced toward the open threshold leading to the balcony. A brisk midday draft caught my cape, pulling it taut behind me. Before the sill lay a dried, brittle oak leaf that had drifted in from the exterior trees. I drew my golden blade and rested its flat edge against the stem, holding it steady against the sudden rush of air. It did not shatter. Sensing the vast terrain awaiting exploration beyond this room, I stepped past the leaf, taking up an outward vigil along the open ledge.