Testing the Perimeter

Marched past the row of leather-bound tomes. Solid flank. Good wall. Reached the shelf's drop-off and planted my boots firm against the edge. Below lay a wide expanse of woven rug. I grounded the butt of my axe against the corner molding. Tapped three times. Resolute stone-grain finish beneath thick varnish. No vibration. A brass bookend shaped like an anvil caught my eye three paces back. Sturdy ironwork. Held my ground, watching the perimeter below. An honorable vantage point. The hold remains secure.