The dim light of the torch burned with a crackling fury, spreading light all over the cavern as Xoco purposefully made his way down, down, down into the evil mines of the Ered Annon mountains. It appeared to him that the mines were completely endless, and his torch would only last for a few more hours before he would be left in the darkness. Not that he minded the dark, but it could be quite a hinderance if something decided to ambush him deep within the mines. After all, there was always some evil hiding in the shadows down here.

But it was one thing in particular that Xoco had come for. A treasure, as always, was what he sought. Something of great power and magical prestige, namely a Chalice supposedly forged out of solid gold. It was said that Raku himself had once laid lips on the chalice, forever cursing it with unholy properties. Xoco had heard all of the myths of the Chalice, and now he had decided to make good on the myths and attempt to find the relic. But it was said that something had already claimed the chalice, and guarded it with a violent greed.

Xoco turned yet another corner, simply wishing that his torch would last a little longer before delving him into the deep, chasming depths of the darkness. Down here, the blackness was so complete that it was said that it could swallow men whole, as if it had a mind of it’s own. Xoco had always laughed these tales off as those of foolish mortals, but now, it did not seem quite so inaccurate. As the stench of wet caves filled his nostrils and his footsteps echoed into the endless abyss, Xoco continued to walk down into the mines.