I may
not be as young as you; but by God I'd walk to the ends of the earth
tonight!"
"Of course." And after a time. "One last corridor."
When they reached the massive Tower door, Ballard drew out his ring of
keys. Inserting the largest, he turned it roughly in the lock, then
pushed in on the heavy oak barrier with a groan of iron hinges. A dark
opening awaited them.
The company stepped inside, and were enfolded in echoes. To their
right, illumined by a single, recessed lamp, stood the beginnings of
an ancient stairway, cold stone that spiralled out of sight. Ballard
relocked the door behind them, then took up a torch, and lighted it at
the lamp.
"Perhaps you should reconsider, Earl? I'm afraid the ladies in
question reside on the uppermost story."
Arthur ground his teeth in impotent wrath. He had eaten and drunk
obstinately at the meal, as if to prove himself. He had taken the
bait, and dug the hook deep into his flesh. And though now a part of
him smelled the trap, his pride would not let him back down. For the
strong wine had gone to his head, and he believed himself more than he
was.
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