The Alcazar of Segovia is a remarkable place. The January sun gives it a brilliant appearance without the draining heat of summer.

The castle has two tower blocks, one at each end of the castle. In the keep, or the Tower of Juan II, there is a chamber with a high vaulted ceiling. I used this as my inspiration for the council chamber of the Count of Lastora, though I envision the Count's chamber as wide enough to comfortably hold a table and have people sit on either side of it. There is a fireplace in the center of one of the long walls of the chamber with stone benches on either side.