Okay so you know the last bonfire you get before you reach the Taurus Demon/Boss at the top of the tower? the Bonfire room that has a broken staircase and a ladder that's about ten feet up and out of reach? I've seen a white phantom scaling that wall. And i've seen notes in front of it that say "shortcut ahead" and "up ahead." but damnit if i can't find a way up! I've searched the whole area thinking there was a different way to get to it and drop it down, so that maybe it was a shortcut to the tower with the taurus boss, but i'm stuck. I haven't seen anybody talking about it online either.

anybody know what's up with that?

I'm quite sure this was in the quick look, but I'm not remembering it too well to guide you.
Might be worth looking into.

@TaliciaDragonsong: Ah! you're right! Thanks

@gmattfox said:

Okay so you know the last bonfire you get before you reach the Taurus Demon/Boss at the top of the tower? the Bonfire room that has a broken staircase and a ladder that's about ten feet up and out of reach? I've seen a white phantom scaling that wall. And i've seen notes in front of it that say "shortcut ahead" and "up ahead." but damnit if i can't find a way up! I've searched the whole area thinking there was a different way to get to it and drop it down, so that maybe it was a shortcut to the tower with the taurus boss, but i'm stuck. I haven't seen anybody talking about it online either.

anybody know what's up with that?

You have to go under the Red Dragon on the bridge. There is a shortcut to the ladder. You will then knock it down for easy access to the bonfire/bridge by Red Dragon.

You can kick it down after you kill the Tauros demon and run past the hall with the fire-breathing dragon.