Testing the Iron Weight

Dropped down from the sill. Knuckles hit the floorboards with a solid thud. Ahead sat a low wooden plateau. On top rested a heavy cast-iron paperweight, shaped like a rough anvil. A proper test. I hoisted myself up, planted my feet wide, and clamped my gauntlet under its flared base. Grunted. Lifted with my whole back. The iron groaned against the varnish, then tilted upward onto its edge before slamming down flat with a sharp crack. It held. Strong core. I rested my fist against its cold rim. Good anchor.