The bottom of the tower was empty, with only a staircase going up and blue flame torches giving off a ghostly light. They held each others hands tightly and proceeded up the stone steps. There were no windows as they went up the stairs and it almost seemed like the tower was smaller on the inside.
Finally, the reached the top and came out into a large open space. Windows surrounded the large circular room and the high ceiling stretched up into darkness. Book cases lined the walls along with tables filled with strange equipment. Chuck’s eyes landed on a large black desk on the opposite side of the room.
“Welcome champions. No one has made it through the graveyard in a millennia. Although when you entered the dragon’s lair, I thought it the end of your journey. I am quite impressed with that magical carriage of yours.” A gray cloaked figure said in a raspy masculine voice from behind the desk. The cloak completely covered the figure and not even the hands were visible.
“You were watching us?” Chuck asked suspiciously. “I am aware of everything that goes on in the graveyard. You may call me the gatekeeper. It is a pleasure to meet you Chuck and Tessetty.” The cloaked figure bowed its head respectfully.
“Are you the one that brought us here?” Chuck asked angrily. “No, I am merely a custodian. You were chosen by a higher power. Now, you must be tired. I will let you rest and we will talk again." The gatekeeper raised one of his arms and a thick cloud of smoke engulfed the pair who were still holding hands.
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"Wait!" Chuck called out but before he knew it the smoke had dissipated and they found themselves in a lavishly decorated bedroom that was illuminated by some kind of magical lamps. They hadn't seen any other floors before getting to the gatekeeper's room and there didn't appear to be any other doors leading out of it. "I hate magic." Chuck grumbled.
Tess went to the only door in the bedroom. "It's just a bathroom. How do we get out of here?" she asked, frowning. "At least it has a tub. I could definitely use a bath." Chuck said, hugging her from behind. "It would appear we are at the gatekeeper's convenience." he continued. "For now I guess we just have to relax and wait."
They explored the room and found a pitcher of water with some glasses on one night stand and a bowl of fruit and loaf of bread on another. Chuck didn't know if he trusted the food and water so left it for now. He sat with Tess on the large bed. Without any doors or windows in the bedroom there wasn't much they could do for now. He thought about trying to use his gun to cut through a wall but didn't want to antagonize their host quite yet.
They talked for a while and then decided to use the large tub together. It was already filled with warm water which they relaxed in and scrubbed each others back. They then snuggled up in the bed and both fell asleep. Nothing had changed when they woke up except Chuck's stomach was growling. He said the heck with it and tried some of the food. It tasted fine and he didn't suddenly collapse or feel sick.
After breakfast, they talked about what they wanted to ask the gatekeeper when he deigned to summon them again. If the gatekeeper knew what they were doing in the graveyard then he certainly knew what they were doing in his tower. Chuck just hoped he would get the answers he wanted and they would be sent back.