Explore the ruins

Alex is eager for a chance for some real excitement — particularly in light of the disappointing reality in which Roderick has been educating him. The two men ride off toward the ruins that are just barely visible in the distance.

“So you were unaware of these ruins?” Alex asks as they ride together.

“Indeed,” replies Roderick. “As I said, I am unfamiliar with this area. My travels generally restrict me to the southeastern part of the realm, and I came here only to secure you as my squire. Even if I had been familiar with this area, I doubt I would have seen the ruins. Look at how the trees have grown up around them so thickly. Had we not been at the right place with the light coming from the right direction at precisely the right time, we could have been looking straight at the ruins and not seen any clue of their existence.”

“I wonder how long it has been since anyone has been there,” says Alex. “They look ancient — and huge! Who could have lived in a castle of that size, and why would they have just abandoned it?”

“I wonder....” says Roderick, thoughtfully, but says nothing more as they ride on in silence.

At last, the two men arrive at the site of the ruins. Dismounting from their horses and leaving them behind, knight and squire use their swords to cut through the thick vegetation that blocks their path. Alex can see that the ruins are, in fact, so completely hidden by the encroaching forest that once could stand just a stone’s throw from the site and be oblivious to what was on the other side of the leafy barrier.

They manage to break through the wall of branches and bushes and find themselves staring at an ancient wooden door, surrounded by the stone exterior of the structure. Alex tries the door’s handle, but it is either locked or rusted in place.

Roderick regards the door thoughtfully. “I suppose we could break through the door if we wanted to. This wood is old and soft with rot. It would take some doing, but I imagine our swords could gain us entrance soon enough.” He looks again at the stone wall. “As old as this place is, it is in pretty damn good condition. With all these vines growing on the wall, I suppose we could scale it if we can find a window.”