18Returning from the raid, they escorted her to the castle and waited, still mounted, as she climbed the narrow steps to the great, heavy door and pounded on it with her fist. Lorna shot a glance towards Karl and then the bolt from within drew back and ancient hinges screamed as the wooden entrance eased open.
Castle Strythe was a modest affair, a single tower set on the east wing, the semi-circular keep forming the main defences, with no gatehouse only this doorway, wide enough to allow two men abreast to enter. In many ways, the simplicity of the design gave added strength to the edifice when attacked. Easy to defend, so far it had remained untouched by war or raids. But for how much longer, Lorna could not say.
The wizened servant by the door bowed from the waist, “My lady,” he said a
