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My laird led me from the dining hall and to the rear of the entrance hall. A pair of doors against the wall beneath the balcony led to the garden. The mid-morning sun shone down on us as we stepped out into the withered greenery. The raised beds built of stone and earth held plants blasted with the unforgiving cold of the first frost. All the beauty was gone save for a lone plant here and there.
The stone paths that started at the doors encircled a dry central fountain and wound their way to the hill. Old shrubbery grew against the hillside and flanked a large, heavy oak door that led into the depths of the earths. A half dozen steps led to a landing in front of the door, and a heavy, rusted brass handle allowed one entrance.
My laird guided me down the few wooden steps and we s
