The Ballad of Sir Roland

With nary a backward glance, Sir Roland stepped out of the dawn light and into the cold gloom of the castle tower. Lighting his lantern, he checked that his healing ring was in place underneath his armour, although the knowledge gave him scant comfort considering the terrors reputed to lurk in the dungeons of Dragonfire Castle. He made a quick scan of his other equipment: sword, shield, a magical compass, and a candle in the lantern marked to approximate the progress of hours until sunset, by which time he would need to be out of the castle. Swallowing, he walked down the steps, northward into the musty darkness.