A Test of Leverage

Morning light exposed a curved brass latch bolted directly above my corner redoubt. It barred upward movement toward the higher frame. I planted my feet across the painted sill and assessed the mechanism. Reaching high, I tapped the cold metal arm with the pommel of my spear; it yielded slightly, rotating on a stiff central pivot. I shifted my mass forward, anchored my tail tip against the inner frame moulding, and applied firm, upward pressure with both hands against the lever. With a dull mechanical snap, the latch swung ninety degrees open. The barrier is disengaged. A fresh vertical ascent now lies within reach.