Shown to my chambers, by the silent monolith that could well have passed for one of the gargoyles outside the keep, who torch in hand guided me through a dozen well-decorated hallways. Hallways that could only be described as grim, such was their tenebrous nature so that I could not help but shiver every few seconds as we moved through them. There were a number of statues that stood to either side of them, with each of them marvelously well-sculpted even as they were hideous to look upon. There were many tapestries that hung in these hallways also, depicting great battles, and fine feasts though I could not make much out about them, such was the darkness of the hallways. Each of the hallways though, were two meters wide, more than eight meters high and had dull red walls and ceiling, which must have been comforting in the light of day, but at night seemed even more oppressive and daunting than the wolves outside the keep.
Klove, his manner serious, thin lips pressed together and eyes directed before him, as he guided me up a number of stairs that drew a pained gasp from me due to my battered limb.
Once on the third floor, he escorted me past a particularly large tapestry which depicted the map of the lands of Volkholant. I could make out the details on it solely you see thanks to the light of his torch and because we paused very briefly by it. Doing so, that he might unlock the door to the bedchambers given over to me, for the duration of my stay.
Seeing my fascination with it, the older man remarked almost genially. "The tapestry was spun by the lady herself. In the time of her youth, when she was still fascinated by the Continent, this was well before my time herein the Wyvern-Tower."
"Any reason why the principal dungeon of the keep is known as the 'Wyvern-Tower' Klove," I asked of the servant relieved that we could cease mounting stairs.
He flicked a brief if passing glance in my direction, "The name was given to the keep long ago, due to the wyverns that once inhabited the cliffs upon which it was built and that were chased away by the ancestor of the lady. It was I believe the Lord Bastian, who did this. He was a barbarous man though one of good intent it is said, and was even knighted by the likes of Aemiliemagne, with his being the first baron of the castle."
"Really now? This I did not know," I said having never heard of any of this history.
"Oh yes, brother, though most on the mainland remain ignorant of it, house Vârcola is one of the oldest in all of the lands who speak the Volkholantian tongue." Klove explained to me at some length. "Most houses from two and even three hundred years ago have since expired unless I am very much mistaken."
"You are quite well-informed Klove, I am impressed," I praised with the taller man demurring from my compliments wherefore I was to ask of him. "Is there any place, where I might find more of this sort of knowledge? I should very much like to make a full study of the old barons, to share this knowledge with the Archdouvain that he might better receive her ladyship."
"I shall inquire with the lady regarding this matter of yours," He said though he did not sound altogether greatly pleased with the request.
*****
Shown to my chambers, where Klove dressed my wounded leg, wherefore he left to see to the meal informing me it would not be long. Left to my own devices in a small room, with a large bed with thick coverlets and furs to ward off the cold, and with feather pillows it could well have pleased a king. To one side was a simple square table, where I was to place my effects, which included a small bottle of ink, a feather-pen and my journal into which I at present write of my journey.
I also placed hereupon the table my torn robes that I may change into a spare set of robes that I brought on the journey at the abbot's suggestion. One that I am most grateful for, even as I prepare to put away my journal and write now a letter that I shall send along soon (or so I hope).
I have much to tell you Sieghild that has not yet been written down, but alas there is Klove's fist upon the door! Away am I, to eat at last and to in your words fulfill that duty which I am always wont to abandon out of distraction with other lesser duties!