He pushed the door open, a breath of air mixed with earth, plant humus, and a slight mustiness rushed towards him.
The interior of the hut was cramped and dim, with only a small window letting in some light.
A grey-haired, ragged old man was curled up on a pile of straw in the corner, his hands holding his head, his body slightly trembling.
He was the old gardener, Hans.
Old Gardener Hans had a vacant look in his eyes, his wrinkled face filled with fear and confusion, muttering repeatedly, "…It's here again… dust… so much dust… they're laughing in the dust… the castle has fallen asleep… outside… there's nothing outside…"
Duke gestured to Ossen to wait outside the door, and he himself walked slowly into the hut.
He did not attempt to wake Hans with words, for someone who was mentally completely chaotic, direct communication was inefficient and might even cause a more violent stress reaction.
