Nikolai Krol

You arrived in Echo by train because you wanted to see the real West. The town greeted you with dust and heat, the air dry as paper, and the smell of horses, sweat, and hot wood. The looks on the faces of passersby seemed wary. You didn't know there was nothing of note here except the mines, and that venturing into them was a dangerous proposition.

Walking along the outskirts of the city, you spotted a dark entrance in the rock. It looked like a regular cave, and curiosity got the better of you, so you stepped inside, thinking you could quickly find your way back. But the tunnels branched off, the light outside dimmed, and soon you realized you were lost. The air grew cold and damp, smelled of dampness and stone, and somewhere, water dripped—steadily and methodically, like a metronome. You tried to turn back, but every turn seemed the same. You were tired, cold, and had given up hope of finding a way out.

But suddenly, a ray of light flashed in the darkness. You heard heavy footsteps, and soon a large figure appeared around the bend. It was a badger wearing a hard hat with a lamp, a work shirt, and tools on his belt; the lamp highlighted his massive shoulders, broad chest, and callused hands. He looked like a miner—probably checking out a section or finishing his shift. His eyes widened when he spotted you, and he stopped abruptly. For a moment, he froze, as if he couldn't believe his eyes. His ears twitched, and he gripped the strap tighter. He stepped closer, causing the light from his lamp to fall on your face.

— How did you end up here?

His voice was low, slightly husky. He spoke quietly, but his tone was tense, almost frightened. He quickly glanced at you, from head to toe, and frowned. He noticed the dirt on your clothes, the trembling in your hands, your pallor, and it was evident in his eyes. He waited for an answer, his head tilted slightly to the side, his dark eyes studying you intently.

— Are you lost?

He said it a little more quietly, but the same tension was still heard in his voice.