Head through the gate. Nothing can stand in your way.

A direct course will hold true. Unwavering confidence and a reliance on your strength has always been the best play. You cross the drawbridge, eyeing the path forward. Cobbled flooring leads under a brutally spiked metal palisade raised above your head. Ornate stone walls line the path forward, as you enter the castle. High ceilings are decorated with wooden rafters and hanging lanterns. Normally, this spot in castle would be a gathering place of sorts; meant for treating waiting guests. Tall statues, ornate tapestries, and interspersed chairs tell you as much. However, the décor seems more suited for intimidation than comfort. The chairs are cold metal, and lined with sharp organized spikes along the edges. Each statue is a unique marble work depicting women chained-- contorted against themselves. Their expressions are of agony and desperation, mouths in open cries. The works spark something in you, a peculiar amorphous connection. Perhaps you recognize something in the figures, a familial resemblance? Perhaps the feeling is of empathy for their plights. The paintings are of a similar theme, showing whipped and bruised victims, and a singular towering woman stands in each frame. You recognize her, the Vampire Queen. She is tall, dark, and beautiful. Her ornate, black robes fit an imposing figure. In each tapestry, her bared fangs frame a laughing face. Despite the similar contents of the works, many are in different styles. It is probable that they were made in different centuries.

"Her reign of terror will end today," You tell yourself.

Their are no servants or guards in sight. You continue through the room silently. Up ahead, an ornate staircase spans the width of the room. It leads up a half dozen steps, funneling towards an ornate doorway. You can hear something coming from this direction, a distant cacophony reminiscent of screaming and laughter. The Throne Room.

To the left, an open doorway leads to a staircase that climbs up out of sight. Based on the structure of the castle, this leads up to several high towers.

To your right, a large wooden door stands closed. Peculiarly, it is wrapped and sealed by a several layers of thick, thorny vines. Whatever magic protects this door would take a long time to cut through. Another way is best, for now.