The ancient tunnel beneath the well went into the unknown darkness. Dim lamps burned along the walls. A stream of water flowed through the center of the tunnel.
The Cursed approached the place where a narrow, long boat was moored. A mysterious figure sat inside, wearing a hood and a long cloak. It was impossible to make out its face beneath the hood. Only bright red lights occasionally flickered within.
"All roads here lead to the Lady's castle," the figure said in a low, hoarse voice. "No matter where you go, you will inevitably end up there and meet the fate you have earned. Get in. I will take you there, traveler."
The castle where it had all begun. The castle from which all evil in the Ancient Lands had come. It was what he had been searching for.
The Cursed stepped into the boat and sat down. The boatman picked up a long oar from the bottom of the vessel and lowered it into the dark water. The boat set off on its journey.
The Cursed watched the stream. Its waters were black and still. But at some point, they began to stir as if moved by an unknown force. The Cursed frowned. To the left and right, white outlines of terrifying large creatures began to appear above the water. They had enormous eyes and enormous mouths filled with long teeth. They hovered above the water and watched the passing boat and the two figures within it.
"They are the Lady's monsters," the boatman explained, continuing to row. "They guard the underground passages leading to the castle."
"They do not attack," the Cursed noted.
"That is true. Their task is to lure the victim in and make sure that it enters the castle. From there it will never return."
The Cursed thought he heard the boatman laugh. He turned and looked at him, but it was still impossible to make out his face beneath the hood.
The long boat moored at a stone platform. Above it stood an archway that led deeper into the castle.
The Cursed passed through it and looked back. The boatman stood in the boat. He remained behind, waiting for the next guests. But who else would come to the castle by such a mad and terrifying route?
Beyond lay a long corridor and a staircase leading upward. In the darkness of the first-floor corridor stood a female figure. Fair hair and a black dress. Upon seeing the Cursed, she cried out, turned, and ran.
He chased after her. The girl ran down the corridor. Along the walls stood tall, terrifying figures of monsters. The Cursed slowed down at first, thinking they were real creatures waiting for him, but then realized they were statues. The pursuit of the stranger continued.
She turned around a corner. A moment later, he was there as well. And suddenly, he almost collided with her.