Cold. It’s my first thought as we walk into dark depths unknown, searching for our fortune to be. Down, at the very bottom of the cave, lays an ancient king’s treasure, of a time so distant not even history recalls his name. Only a rumour of his legacy. There are seven of us in total, call us adventurers, call us looters. All we know is we have not come here to leave empty-handed.

We take out our torches as sunlight trails far off. It is a long trek down a narrow tunnel, its air turns drier with every step. Conversation leads us on a path that seldom turns. I’ve never been in a cave before. My fear lessens as I grow accustomed to the stillness of it all.

Liu is eager to see what awaits. It’s not the goal, it’s the journey, he says. I wholeheartedly agree with him. To write of my own journeys has been what I dreamed of since a child, now I pray to finally accomplish this. There is a charm to the way he speaks. Is it naivette, or is it a chance amount of madness? I cannot tell, but I do enjoy his company.

The tunnel opens. We come upon a great chasm, its magnitude only more mesmerising in the curtain of darkness. With newly lit torches we fare down, though our eyes have begun to adapt. A narrow bridge takes us above unknown heights to level ground. We choose to explore what there might be on this floor, in groups of three. I accompany Odin and Patru. The stone is cold underneath.

Patru is the man who organised this expedition, our leader. What scattered word of mouth there is of this place sits within his knowledge. A leader at heart and jack of many trades, he seeks one last thrill that will let him retire. It seems we have that in common. Odin is his brother; a good-hearted man and more I cannot gauge of him now. His smile glows warm in the glimmer of his torch. When it appears there is no more than rock, we return to the others to make camp.

Fire, food, and banter. Anywhere else I would find this to be honest comfort, yet a chill chews on my spine. Laughter sits dry at our tongues. I later lay on a bed roll in my tent, awake as sleep does not tempt me. Hoping they lull me, I read these notes over and over again. Perhaps a calm solitary seat by the fire is what I need.

Odin felt as I did. We spoke long, till our mouths grew weary. I noticed the azure necklace he wore. When asked about it, he seemed reluctant to answer. Only said there is peace to be found in the ground’s depths. I agree with him, yet the notion disturbs me.

It’s best I leave this journal now, I believe I am ready to take the rest I need.