The cave stretched deep into the mountain's interior, a natural wonder created by the forces of water over many centuries.
The rough stone walls were damp in the flickering light of the fire. Shadows moved and twisted on their rough surfaces like living things.
The air was filled with smoke from the bonfire that was being burnt inside the cave at its center. This emitted an odor of burnt wood mixed with unwashed bodies and spilled wine.
The cave was still chilled despite the occurrence of the fire.
The stone absorbed heat faster than the flames could provide it.
Further into the caves, beyond the largest chamber where most of the bandits had gathered around the fire to keep warm, was a smaller alcove that was separated by rock formations.
In this area, away from the others, there existed but one torch, placed on the wall and providing faint, flickering illumination that struggled to repel the darkness.
