An hour later, you are walking down a broad, cobble-stone road, wondering whether you might have been misdirected. It doesn't look like there's a castle anywhere...

As soon as you begin to ponder going back the way you came, you hear a distant fanfare with a distinctly royal timbre. You hurry to trace it, nearly stumbling on some loose stones. Finally, you find yourself before a large castle. The drawbridge has been lowered, and the portcullis raised. It is almost as if the denizens of the castle have been expecting you.

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You enter the main hallway, and begin to explore the castle. Rich colourful tapestries cover the walls, telling tales of romance and chivalry and spiral-horned rabbits. Here and there, an ornamental sword or shield decorates the hall. However, you can't help but notice that there's something... strange about this castle.

Despite the fanfare you heard earlier, and despite the lack of dust or dirt, there are no signs that this castle has ever been lived in. The furniture seems almost brand-new; even the ancient tomes in the bookcases show no signs of aging. The only sound in the entire castle is the echo of your footsteps on the cold stone floor.

All of the sudden, you hear some voices raised in argument. They seem to be coming your way... and they sound angry. There is an open doorway across the hall leading into a darkened room; as well, a quick examination of the wall to your left shows a recess or alcove large enough for you to hide yourself.

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Dart into the room across the hall | Slip into the alcove | Approach the voices