The Forbidden Castle

      Looking out upon the horizon, a lone soldier searched for a place to stay in the coming night. A long moment had passed until his eyes set upon a ruined castle half hidden by a forest of dead and mangled trees. Stepping forward,  he made his way toward his temporary home.

      
        When the soldier had finally reached the castle, night had fallen and cast a shadow across everything before him.  The soldier then entered, half blind to his fate, until he found a torch and lit it, revealing to him a man who had been changed by Time but still resembled that of a young lord, still wearing the treasures of a past glory.
         "Who are you?" the soldier asked, placing a cautious hand on the pommel of his sword. The man did not answer, instead, he reached out to the soldier and the soldier reacted, pulling his sword from its sheath.
          "Stay back!" and, as if in response to his command, the old man stopped and pointed a shaky hand at him, "No, it is you who must stay back. Leave this Castle, or be destroyed by the darkness within."
           "You are mad. The long years here have addled your brain." the old man laughed, a mocking laugh, and let his hand drop as he began to creep back into the shadows. " So be it, you can stay and await the judgement of those who are dead."

      Before the soldier could say more, the old man dissappeared and left behind a hidden doom. But the soldier continued on, looking upon the walls of an unmarked history. The castle had been forgotten for a reason he quickly realized, " A great battle was fought here." the soldier whispered, reflecting on the ruinous state the castle was in. Then he knew what the old man had meant when he said that he would face the judgement of those who are dead. Fear swept over him as he began to run back to the entrance to the castle. In mid stride, the soldier was flung onto the ground by an unseen force. Quickly he stood again, but no longer did he hold his sword or torch. 
           "Demon! Show yourself!" 
In answer to his call a throng of wailing voices were thrown in every direction. As they progressed, the soldier's own wails joined them, " What are you?!!"
Numerous bodies began to glide out of the shadows. Their faces mangled and torn, barely faces at all, they came at him with great hunger and speed. Hands grabbed the soldier and tore at his every limb, blood spilling all around what was left of him. His face etched with his last dying scream.