They were royal guests, and royally they were treated. Chaenath and Tamara were taken to a room with two feather beds draped with purple silk. Tapestries hung from the wall to the sides of the windows with swirling black trees sewn over green and bordered by yellow. White silk curtains fluttered, and the afternoon light made them look like floating ghosts. The chandelier was free of flames, as the light was still out.
They removed their shoes and placed them by the table, where a basket of fruits waved at them. Chaenath walked across the room and to the window as her feet pressed over the red woolen carpet.
Down the window, she saw a raven perched over a gargoyle. Beyond it, she saw the castle walls and soldiers patrolling over it. She saw horses saddled by soldiers, with spears and swords in hand. She saw the wooden stairs that came from the ground and then climbed to the walls.
