Once the gate clanged shut, we found ourselves inside a huge courtyard filled with dark clumps of unknown things which looked like horned beasts and gnarled monsters.
Not wanting to have nightmares, I tried not to look too closely at what they could possibly be. Only a few steps more and we were inside the dark towers.
It was bright and cheerful inside!
The inner maw was composed of a series of interconnected passageways which ran in all directions.
Looking up, I saw arched ceilings with blue and gold frescos, supporting huge chandeliers studded with scores of tiny bright lights.
Sconces, held by graceful disembodied arms lined the walls, added even more light. Below us, the granite tiled floor was partially covered with an intricate blue and gold floral pattern rug which ran the distance of the hallways, merging where the halls merged.
It looked like a palace fit for a king to live in.
