Set in a clearing a short walk away from Hearan proper was the mine shaft entrance, an arch built from stone, high and gaping, with intricate designs and patterns carved into its sides. Scattered around the area were carts and tools, likely abandoned by fleeing miners.
Huge burn marks scarred the earth, the nearby trees, and even the arch itself, making the Wyrm's presence known. The sight alone would've been enough to make anyone else turn away.
"Alright, I don't think we'll need to worry too much about the dark. The stone in this mine has a blue pigment that gives off a subtle glow. Visibility won't be perfect, but we'll still be able to see."
Ezra continued.
"Our main priority is, of course, taking out the Wyrm. But after that, we'll search for any miners left in the safety chambers. Understood?"
Rion and Maria nodded. Ezra's plan was sound.
Then Ezra awkwardly scratched the back of his head. "Um... it's a little surreal that all this is finally happening. But, guys let's do this."
"Right!" the two cheered.
Ezra smiled, then cut a path forward into the mines, beginning their descent. The shaft curled downward in a spiral, with various entrances carved into the walls at intervals, leading to other paths. They were pitch black and unlit, unlike the main shaft.
Along the way, they saw more burn marks covering the walls, floors, and wooden beams holding up the shaft. They also, regrettably, saw corpses. Most were burned, while others had been trampled or crushed beneath fallen debris.
Ezra gritted his teeth and swore that once this was over, he would give them proper burials.
Eventually, they reached a few of the safety chambers Ezra had mentioned. Unfortunately, all of them were empty aside from one, which held a single corpse. The body was thin and pale, the result of starvation.
Ezra's fist clenched in frustration.
"The others must've gone deeper inside. Let's keep moving."
And so they continued until they reached a staircase carved directly into the stone. It led them further downward, where they were met with another arched entrance.
"This is the main mining area. If the Wyrm is anywhere, it'll be here. Stay alert."
Passing through the entrance and descending a short slope, they entered a massive cavern. Clusters of stone, steep slopes, ledges, and deep gaps stretched out before them, all illuminated by that same defining blue glow.
Slowly, they descended another slope, entering the cavern proper. They continued forward, passing multiple entrances carved into the cavern walls.
The mine was silent.
The only sounds were the distant dripping of water against stone, their footsteps echoing through the cavern, and the steady breaths of Rion, Ezra, and Maria.
Eventually, Ezra stopped in front of a specific entrance and raised a hand casusing the party to halt.
The tunnel ahead was covered in burns and deep scratches. Pieces of stone had fallen from the ceiling, leaving behind clear signs of destruction.
Rion swallowed as Ezra turned toward him. The two shared a nod.
Rion stepped forward first, summoning a fireball to lead the way. Carefully, the three entered the tunnel, moving as quietly as possible.
Step by step, they ventured deeper and deeper until—
"Do you feel that?" Rion asked.
"Feel what?" Maria whispered.
"No... it's just, I feel... warm."
"Isn't it from your fireball?" Ezra asked.
"No, it's something else, it's..."
His voice trailed off.
Rion's eyes widened as, off in the distance, he saw a red glow barreling toward them.
But it wasn't a glow at all.
It was a wave of lava!
"RUNNN!" Rion screamed.
(And thus, Lost Keep's adventure continues…)