Castle On the Hill

Entering the castle and an evil fog enveloped me As on the bastions of the fortress I roamed. Fear gripped me as I fell faint on my knee. Men lay dead on the hillside as horses' mouths foamed. The bloody battle was won it seemed, Bounty purloined but at what a price. Yet in my ears I could still hear how soldiers screamed, No riches could make them happy nor life suffice. The fog dissipated and a vortex took me down Inside the castle's dark and hideous caves, Chained to the wall was the skeleton of a clown, While on the rack I heard the groans of condemned knaves. Tears in my eyes, I was momentarily blinded I lost my way in the putrid alleys of the castle I fell and for a while was truly winded, As a pair of hands picked me up without further hassle. The kitchen was warm and full of savoury smells A robust man offered me scones and a cup of hot tea. From far off I heard the peals of joyous bells "Be careful of ghosts," he laughed with obvious glee.