Entrance to the Proving Grounds                        -      #      - 
(-------------------------------------------------)     - <---(M)---> -
                                                        -      S      -

You stand in front of a large, smooth black marble archway.  Powerful
runes of warding adorn the arch, pulsing with a deep red light.  The room is
lit with flickering white candles.  Three large torches set in sconces
illuminate a hideous gargoyle-like statue that is set into a stone alcove. 
A wrought-iron portcullis hangs precariously from the top of the arch, you
can hear the sound of the iron portcullis clanking against the marble as an
unearthly wind blows through the chamber.  
     A quill pen has been dropped here.