The Crimson Spark

Three gems down, four to go, and I wasn't about to slow down now! I darted over to the fireplace and scrambled up the carved wooden molding straight onto the high mantelpiece. Resting right inside a small polished pewter dish was an antique deep red glass brooch shaped like a cut jewel. Under the midday sunlight pouring through the high window, it flared like hot coals. I planted my sneakers against the painted wood, reached into the shallow dish with both gloved hands, and hoisted the heavy red crystal upright. A fiery ruby reflection painted the white wall behind me. That makes four—we're past the halfway mark!