The further Paladin ventured into the grounds of the castle behind the fluttering form of Watts overheard, the more troubled he became.
"The place is coming to ruins." Watts commented, shock laced in his voice. "I never expected that of your brother. The Heavenly Fountain creed is said to be extremely wealthy."
Paladin agreed with him but said nothing on it. Though the southern wings of the castle had blossomed with majesty and opulence, dripping with gold and diamonds, these parts were a stark contrast to that. Disturbingly so.
The walls were so dented and scarred that they threatened total disruption in the face of the slightest wind, ivies creeping over them up to the broken roofs and penetrating the cracked stained glass over the windows. Dead leaves, decayed humus and debris littered the greenish ground, soft and mushy under foot. Rats and vermin scuttled all over the place, poking through holes and lugging rotten food pieces.