A refuge castle (German: Fliehburg, also Fluchtburg, Volksburg, Bauernburg or Vryburg) is a castle-like defensive location, usually surrounded by ramparts, that is not permanently occupied but acts as a temporary retreat for the local population when threatened by war or attack. In former times such sites were also described as giant castles (German: Hünenburgen) because their origin was ascribed to giants.

In Europe a multitude of large protohistoric sites surrounded by earthworks has been uncovered by archaeological excavations, many over 100 metres in diameter, that are undestood to be refuge castles. Amongst ancient historical references to them are the refuge castles of the Gauls described by Caesar as oppida, although they could also be permanent settlements. Similar ringwork (Ringwall) systems were built by the various Germanic and Slavic tribes, the latter until well into the Middle Ages period. Such systems are also known as hillforts (Wallburgen), the primary construction material being earth, but wood and stone were also used in a variety of construction methods.

Linda Medley (born May 17, 1964, in Stockton, California) is an American comic book author and illustrator, known for her Castle Waiting series of comic books and graphic novels.

Born in Stockton, California, Medley now lives in Portland, Oregon.

Before embarking on Castle Waiting, Medley worked in the comics industry as a penciller, inker, painter, colorist, and sculptor. Her pencilling work includes stints on DC Comics' Justice League America (1991) and Doom Patrol (1993), as well as the Galactic Girl Guides for Tundra Press.

As a colorist, Medley worked for Image Comics in 1994–1995, most consistently on Deathblow. She colored DC's Batman and Robin Adventures for two years spanning 1995–1997.

A freelance illustrator since 1985, Medley has illustrated children's books for Putnam, Grosset & Dunlap, Houghton-Mifflin, and Western Publishing. Her paintings have appeared on the covers of Paradox Press's Family Man, Howard Cruse's Stuck Rubber Baby, and TSR, Inc.'s Dragon magazine, to name just a few.