The clanking and squeaking of the men who bore her along made it difficult 
for her to hear anything else; but as they proceeded higher and deeper into the 
castle, she slowly became conscious of a deep grinding, growling noise that 
pervaded the very ashlars. This noise crescendoed as they hustled down the long 
final hallway, and became nearly earth-shaking as they finally entered the 
vaulted throne room at the very heart of the castle.