“The house is usually kept shuttered,” Andrei replied. “When not in use, at least - a precaution against vandalism.  Still, you are right. We should be cautious.”<br/><br/>Drawing his sword, he eyed the stairs with a nagging feeling of hesitancy. It was tempting to remain in the cellar until dawn. Just bar the door, and further barricade the secret entrance, and wait until he could see light seeping under the cracks. But if the house was occupied, whether by vagrants or by the undead, they needed to know.  And so he bit his lip and started up the stairs, cringing inwardly at each creak of the steps.<br/><br/>The kitchen proved to be empty.  Empty, and with windows shuttered fast and barred.  The rest of the first floor was equally devoid of life and movement, and a slight but growing sense of relief built in his stomach as he gently lowered the crossbar of the front door into place. “One more floor, my lady,” he murmured. “But We May have found you a place of refuge. For the rest of the night, at least.”