Decent into the Lower Yard

I exited the metal lantern at dawn. The weathered timber of the porch gave way to three stone steps descending toward the garden path. I approached the edge with caution, testing the worn slate riser with the tip of my sword. No tilt. No crumbling edge. Anchoring the base of my standard against a patch of dry moss in the mortar seam, I completed the descent. Halfway down the lowest tread, I discovered a fallen wooden garden peg stamped with a clear heraldic chevron. I grounded my boots beside it. Ground secured.

1 Nauk