An arched entry with raised portcullis stood before them, an open invitation to be swallowed whole.

A rock-strewn trail led from where they stood to the open castle gates and a raised portcullis.

Will held himelf straight and silent as they passed under the rusted fangs of the raised portcullis.

Beneath the raised portcullis were four white-surcoated city guards, watching each passerby, and several other armed men in plain dress.

Bremen moved into the shadow of the wall, past the sagging gates and raised portcullis, and there he found Caerid Lock.

The gate stood open before them like the dark maw of a giant beast, the raised portcullis a sharp row of teeth.

"We took no hurt." Jenny looked around as they stepped under the half- raised portcullis and into the empty parade court.