Shadow Alignment

A carved slate sundial sat atop a stone pedestal near the garden path. I climbed the masonry base to inspect the brass gnomon. The triangular vane was tilted a fraction off true north, propped up by a dry oak leaf wedged beneath the mounting flange. Bracing my boot against the curved stone rim, I used the rigid tip of my gauntlet to flick the brittle debris clear. A firm press seated the plate flush into its carved recess. The sharp edge of the shadow fell squarely across the numeral line. Accurate reading restored. From this elevated stone post, the entire garden plot remains under steady surveillance.