Berach stared into the mouth of the mine. He slowly swung his lantern from left to right across the opening. The thin beam of light seemed to be swallowed by the darkness of the mine. Why? I have been struggling to get miners to go into the mine. There is nothing to steal in here, so why?

He heard the distorted sounds of foot steps and voices. The echoes badly distorted the words but something about the echoes sounded young. His chest tightened and he took a half step forward. He was a bout to take another when he noticed the thick beams framing the opening of the mine proper beside him.

He scrambled backwards stopping once he was behind the threshold of the mine. A wave of guilt washed over him as he stared into the darkness. Some part of him demanded that he race after them. The first branches in the tunnels were far enough that he might be able to catch up to them. If they were boys rather than men who had been hunched at the door as he initially thought….

They must be around Anet’s age, the thought twisted his stomach. It also explained why they snuck in. I would not let boys in even if they have a miner’s path. Especially not with the rumors coming out of the mine. Have things in the camp become that desperate?

Thoughts of the camp’s current state crept unbidden into his mind. Half a year ago it was lively, with new tents appearing almost daily and men talking about bringing their families. He had watched those faces become scared and gaunt over the last few months. The desperation suddenly made sense. A couple boys wanting to help their family, more courage than sense. It all started to make sense.

I have to get them out of there, he thought and gathering his courage startd down the tunnel. His delay at the mouth would let them get further away but he had to. How can I look Anet in the eye if I let two little boys run off to their deaths.

Ahead he could see the first fork in the mine, and he slowed his pace. Which way? He waved the light around but found no sign of the boys’ passing. I waited too long.

Unable to see any sign of the pair he ran for the entrance. The miners may not be wiling to risk the mine over someone, and Goddesses know I do not blame them. But there are a couple boys in there who need help. There has to be at least someone willing to help.

…

Adles did his best to avoid tripping in the dark as Orn pulled him along. He did not know how Orn was managing to avoid running into everything, as he led the way. After catching his free arm on the side of the tunnel for what must have been the tenth time. He pulled on Orn.

The other boy slowed and Adles bent double to catch his breath. “How… are… you doing … that?” he asked between gasps.

He could hear Orn breathing heavily, but knew the other boy was not nearly as winded as he was. “Do what?”

“This?” Adles gestured around at the darkness. “How can you see anything?”

Adles stared into the darkness, where he assumed Orn was standing.

“It is not that dark,” the uncertain voice of his friend replied.

Adles took one of his hands from his knee and held it in front of him. “I cannot see anything,” he replied. “I know my hand is in front of my face, but I cannot see it. It is touching my nose, and I still cannot see it!”

Behind them he heard the sound of someone calling out. Adles cringed and felt Orn’s hand land on his shoulder.

“We have to keep going,” the other boy whispered.

Adles stood and nodded, “I know just not so fast,” he whispered back as the other boy led the way.

Eventually, they stopped and Orn spoke again. “I do not think he is following us now.”

“Good,”Adles replied and sat on the rough stone floor. He pulled off his pack and started rummaging around blindly in it.

“What are you looking for?” Orn asked.

“For my lantern, and something to light it with,” Adles hands quickly found the metal lantern, but it took him much longer to find the flint and steel he needed to light it. He immediately regretted not taking one of the manastone powered lights from the dorm. Even if grandpa said they can attract monsters. That is the whole point of this actually.

Cursing himself for his lack of foresight he got the wick to catch and closed the cover. In the dim light he could see Orn a few paces away looking at something further down the tunnel.

“What is it?” he asked causing Orn to turn around.

Orn immediately lifted his arm to cover his eyes and stepped back into the darkness. Adles also stepped back hs hand falling unconsciously to the blade on his belt. What in the name of the goddess was that?! His eye looked like the stray cats that like to stalk around the gardens. He shook his head trying to get rid of the image.

“Oww,” Orn repeated, slowly lowering his arm. “That hurt can you not just point that in my face?”

Adles stared. His eyes. They look normal. I swear they were not a minute ago.

“Adles are you alright?” Orn asked looking at him. Even in the dim light to the lantern Adles could see the worry on the other boy’s face.

“Yes, I just,. What is mean is...” Adles started and cleared his throat. It was just a trick of the light. There is nothing wrong with his eyes. I can see them right now and they are normal. I must be letting this all get to me.

Orn stared at him and seemed about to reply, but something drew his attention away. Adles watched as the other boy’s attention seemed to be pulled away as if he was listening to someone.

“I think there is something up ahead,” Orn said turning his full attention back to Adles.

Adles nodded and the pair set off down the tunnel again. Adles kept stealing glances at Orn only to internally cures at himself when he saw the other boy’s eyes were perfectly normal.

“What is that?” Or asked pointing to the floor ahead of them.

Adles stepped forward and lifted the lantern to see a broken lantern on the floor and scorch marks around it. “What happened here?”

Orn stepped forward and poked a the lantern with his boot, before looking around. “I do not...” Orn’s words died on his lips as he turned to Adles with a look of terror on his face. “Watch out!”

Adles was just barely able to register the words when something slammed into him throwing him against the wall. The lantern clattered to the floor as he tried to get free. Then he felt something plunge into his back. A burning sensation filled him as his world went dark. As his eyes closed he thought he heard Orn yelling. “Which one has Adles?”