Castle Moat Bridge

The narrow stone bridge stretches across a dry moat, its ancient blocks worn smooth by centuries of use. Low parapets on either side offer cursory protection, their crenellations barely rising above Grendel’s helmed head. The wood and iron drawbridge mechanism groans underfoot, protesting the passage of heavy boots and an unwilling rider. Shadows pool in the gap beneath the bridge, hinting at the depth below even when empty. Despite the absence of water, the crossing feels perilous—not from an immediate fall, but from the calculated menace of the man who strides across it, his grip unyielding on Romana’s arm.