The lantern in Aurel's hand glowed just enough for him to see ahead as he stepped cautiously into the dark cave. The Archendale villagers had warned him of the threat lurking within, a menace who had yet to cause trouble but was sure to do so eventually. Aurel, ever the dutiful knight-in-training, took the job without hesitation. His heart pounded with anticipation as he ventured deeper into the winding tunnels, his silver armor clanking softly with each step.
The sound of dripping water echoed off the cavern ceilings. Drip, drip. Aurel's green eyes darted back and forth, his beak slightly agape as he breathed in the musty air. The scent of damp earth filled his nostrils, mixed with an unfamiliar odor that made him uneasy. Drip.
Aurel didn't know much about the menace in the cave, only that it resided deep within these caverns and needed dealt with. But that was enough for him - the chance to prove his worth as a knight, to carry out a heroic deed, that's all the motivation he needed.
As he ventured deeper, the tunnel narrowed, forcing him to duck his head and sidestep stalagmites jutting from the ground. The darkness seemed to press in from all sides, a physical weight on his shoulders.
He neared the entrance of a chamber, and heard muffled noise from the inside. He switched his lantern to his left hand and drew his blade. The flickering light of his lantern casted eerie shadows on the rocky walls.
"Well now," Aurel called as he stepped forward, "quite the cozy den you've got here." The words echoed off the walls, and he winced at their hollow sound.
