Hugh held his sword with a firm and steady grip. He pushed the great door of the abandoned castle open, prepared to face whatever evil that had taken up residence within. He would not be cowed, would not be intimidated by the darkness here. He would purge it. He would cleanse this place.

Inside, Hugh heard movement. Yes, something had taken root here once more, in this castle that had once housed great evil.

Inside, candles had been lit. There were signs of life in a place that ought to have been long abandoned.

Hugh stepped inward. The flagstones beneath his boots were uneven—some cracked, others slick with damp. The scent of mildew clung thick to the air. There were clear signs of recent occupants: footsteps in thick dust, and at the far end of the hall, a fire lit in a long abandoned hearth.