It is said that, to guard against a prolonged siege, Alfred's ancestors even spent a vast fortune to carve out an extremely secret escape tunnel within the solid mass of the mountain.
It leads to a hidden gorge on the far side of the mountain where few ever tread, ensuring that even in utter despair there remains one reliable path to survival.
Horseshoes struck the slate-paved slope with a crisp clatter that echoed back and forth between the valley walls.
They passed through the oak city gate, thick and banded with iron, and entered the spacious inner bailey.
The Guards stood like statues as they saluted; Alfred merely inclined his head slightly, then guided Carroll down from his horse.
Just then, a steward hurried forward and respectfully reported in a lowered voice:
"My Lord, Count Raymond of the Golden Bird Family has already arrived and is waiting in the receiving room."
"Golden Bird?" Alfred and Carroll both showed a trace of mild surprise.
