Alaric finally stepped into the narrow passage. The air was colder and damper here, filled with the distinct scent of wet stone mixed with a faint hint of minerals.
He moved cautiously with each step. Not just because of the cramped space, but also because the rocky surface beneath his feet was slick and uneven.
His footsteps echoed against the tight walls, dimly lit by the faint light reflecting off the lake behind him. He counted silently in his head.
"One... two... three..."
By the time he reached roughly his twentieth step from the dead-end entrance of the cave, he spotted a narrow opening ahead. Just wide enough to toss his backpack through.
"If my bag can fit, then so can I," he muttered under his breath. With a bit of effort, he swung the bag and threw it through the gap.
Thud
The sound of the bag hitting the ground on the other side was clear, followed by the muffled noise of it landing. That small success brought a smile to his face.
