In the tunnels

Hugo's boots glided soundlessly over the cold limestone floor. The hood of the cloak he wore floated up behind him pushed back by his momentum.

The eerie glow of flaming torches that hung high on the walls was the only source of illumination in the dim passage. They flickered, casting dancing shadows on the high walls of the underground tunnel.

Shivers rippled across Hugo's body as adrenaline pulsed through his veins filling him with the thrill of adventure.

He was already within the crystal dragons' trial grounds. It was nothing like what he had expected.

In grim contrast with the enchanting lair above ground, there were no sparkling treasures or fairy-tale scenes. The walls of the tunnels that traversed the trial grounds all looked dilapidated and fragile like they would come crashing down at any moment.