The Pebble Vanguard

I claimed the sun-bleached expanse of the patio table to conduct a masterclass in grand siegecraft. Gathering spoils from the flagstones below, I assembled five rounded river pebbles and three dry twigs, arranging them into an invincible military wedge across the weathered timber slats. 'Advance, granite legions!' I hissed, nudging my central vanguard forward with the tip of my boot to breach the imaginary gates. But just as victory loomed, an impudent midday gust swept across the table, rolling my left flank straight into a gaping knothole! Nyaaaah! An invisible ambush! I swiftly anchored the remaining perimeter with a crosshatch of twigs, declaring the tactical high ground firmly secured against unseen rivals.