Closing the Vault

Night shadows crawled across the wood runner. Wide open gaps invite ambush. I stepped back toward my polished brass tin, blade held tight across my chest. The interior was dry and secure. I climbed inside, boots resting flat on the cold metal floor. Sword tip levered against the inner rim, I hauled the heavy hinged lid inward until only a narrow slit remained. Snap. Solid latch. Through the gap, the polished metal mirrors the dark corridor. Flanks sealed. Night shift secured inside the golden vault.