The Path to Greatness/Chapter 12

We traveled for nearly an hour when the first rumblings let it be quite clear that taking this path to save time was a mistake. The sounds were loud and ominous and echoed through the underground chamber like some distant and ancient machinery grinding to a final halt after years of use and abuse.

When we passed through a narrow corridor, we barely avoided being buried by a rain of debris falling from the ceiling and sealing the chamber.

So it was that by the second hour we were trapped thoroughly.

"The debris ahead is impassible," Kendrel reported to my dismay.

"Reversing our direction is not an option either....." the Drakel said calmly. "The cave-in is quite complete."

"I did not come this far to die trapped in the ruins of an ancient Silari city.... particularly not one which was so tainted by the Devourer's power.... We have no choice but to risk further collapse and move the debris in one direction or the other..."

I noted that Culak was quiet during this debate and I turned to the Orc once again to hear his thoughts on the issue... "Do you agree that that's our only option?"

"There is another option, humee...."

"What?"

"Dig," Culak said, pointing down at the ground below our feet....

I considered this.... Dig through debris which might collapse and kill us... or dig through tough dirt, rock, and stone with tools quite improper for the job.....