Gilpean 3rd
The interior of Teufelburg was impressive, by any standards that one judges castles by. Some such as Ackalburg, were large and expansive, while others such as the great keep of Baugmünster were thrice in height and size of most keeps. To my understanding, palatial estates such as those of Guilladon, Lynette and Armand over in Gallia were considerably larger and grander than all those in Volkholant.
This keep though, built into the very rock of the mountain contrary to the darkened exterior that cast a long shadow over the land, the interior was warm and richly coloured. The walls were bronze in colouration, with rich tapestries hanging from every wall.
These finely woven silk and wool hangings, told tales I was not wholly familiar with, though they seemed to recount legends and great deeds on the part of many great men and women, dating back to an age beyond that of Aemiliemagne.
The floor which was made of fine white marble, and covered with silk carpets that were crimson with gold trimmings, leading across the grand twenty meter long and wide entrance hall. Such was the demonstration of wealth that I was at once awed by it. How could I not be amazed by the shimmering dungeon interior? The extravagance on display which made me think this place was more than a match for the Emperor's halls (not that I have seen any of them!) so that I hardly noticed Klove addressing me.
"Brother Arnfried, if I may take your cloak, and see to your leg before you are presented to the Lady Baroness," Klove repeated himself when prompted.
Blushing at having forgotten my own wounds, and remembering the pain that had once robbed me of my reason, but a few minutes prior I nodded my head ever so slowly.
At present my wounds had been treated if ever so lightly, so that I might survive without too much troubles the hour-long journey up the mountain.
Brought to another chamber, it was there where I was made to elevate my robes that my guide might treat the wound. Tending to it, he was to clean it and bandage it with almost tender care, so that I could not help but stare at him as he worked with all the gentility of a loving wolf-mother with her cub.
"You are quite skilled in the healing arts, Klove," I remarked to the thin-lipped bearded servant of the Baroness.
"Indeed, as you are not the first wanderer to journey to this castle and to have become wounded I have had to learn such arts. They were taught to me by the previous clergyman who joined us here," He explained to me coolly, with the politeness of a true servant. Admitting but a moment later, "The wolves that live at the foot of the mountain can be quite vicious. Therefore, there is to be no talk to the lady of what has happened, lest she should worry."
There was a hint of steel in his eyes, of a sort I had seen but a rare few times before in my life. Worried and confused, about the menace that emanated from his gaze, I hardly noticed the door to the small darkened chamber open.
Empty save for the simple stool and a few ale-filled barrels, the brief flash of light of a torch could be discerned ere the rasping voice of the lady. "Ah, there the two of you are, I must confess to have begun to worry for the both of you."
The lady whom stood in the doorway and hurried hither to greet us, and welcome me to the castle was one who looked to be older than even Brother Benjamin, the eldest of the Eichbraun-Abbey monks. Far older than even the Baron Dagobert, to whom our abbey owed allegiance to, and who had recommended one of our monks to Archdouvain Wolfgang and Duke Meinrad for this undertaking.
There was carved into the stone of her face the same hardiness that was characteristic of old Baron Dagobert, save where he had a hint of softness there was little of that in this haggard woman's face. Hard as iron, was her face one that might have been said to be cast in that very metal, with its stony and cold disposition. Armed with beady little black eyes, and a hawk-like nose, she had a striking appearance, one that might once have been beautiful.
But it was not these traits or the rich red silk gown that drew the eye, but her thick-lips. Thick and blood-red, they were positioned over a short chin that had folds of wrinkles and flesh that separated lip from chin, and over all of this were the sharpest, most noteworthy canines ever seen in the history of Volkholant.
I hope you do not mind my slightly poetic turn of phrase at this moment Sieghild, however it must be confessed that I had never seen a single man, or woman let alone any beast with such fangs. I must confess to have stared overlong at them (doubtless you would have scolded me for my rudeness, and in this I would have gladly accepted the reprimand), so that the lady gave me a slightly vexed look.
Embarrassed by my own rudeness and visible repugnance I hurriedly bowed and to kiss her outstretched hand. It was clammy, ice-cold as one might have expected from a block of ice or a cadaver, I shuddered at the touch though did not retreat.
"You were late to arrive," She remarked pleasantly once she had withdrawn her hand, her eyes glimmering with grandmotherly concern.
Moved by this show of concern for my person, and taking pity upon Klove for having rescued me from the beastly wolves that had attacked me. "Yes, we had difficulties with some local wolves, so that Klove had to come to my rescue."
"Really now?" the Baroness muttered dark eyes I noticed now, shifted it seemed in colour ever so slightly, so that they were two of the most remarkable eyes I had ever seen. They struck as forcibly as lightning, and yet tended to draw an individual into them, her disapproving stare made Klove shrink away and filled my heart with pity for him.
The storm-cloud passed and cleared away, leaving in its wake, pleasant politeness as before. "Very well, then if such is the case, you must be tired I think it time that Klove shows you to your chambers. That you may do toilet, and rest ere you are served your meal."