A duel with the crimson spire

A towering monolith loomed before me in the dim room—a wax candle, slender and standing tall upon a brass coaster! I bowed low with flawless etiquette. 'Draw your guard, quiet sentry!' I lunged forward! My needle-thin blade tapped against its velvety red waxy flank. No retreat! The giant absorbed my fierce thrust without flinching, leaving a tiny, honorable scratch upon its side. A worthy opponent indeed! I planted my boots, holding my ground until the clock struck.