Rhett rummaged through some rubble in a branched off part of the dim tunnels. It was damp and smelled like dirt. His boots sank deeper into moister parts of the earth. He grunted as he pulled himself out of the mud. This sucks. Why did he have to take this job? He could've gone with a caravan into mountains inhabited by crazy tribals. Or picked up an easy job protecting some rich brat. But no, he had to take the job looking for something that doesn't even exist! He pulled himself out of the mud into one of the main tunnels, where the ground was much more solid. He made his way out of the tunnel, passing by scholars busy at picking through wet dirt. He squinted as light hit his face, the sun was rising over the city. Workers went around the camps in front of the tunnels with purpose. Rhett was surprised they were doing anything other than digging. He took off his hat and ran a hand through his short brown hair. He had been in those damn tunnels since midnight.

He walked over to a certain tent, fresh mud overlapping the dried mud on his boots. There a big, dark skinned man snored in bliss. Rhett kicked him in the thigh. The man awoke with a start and gazed with bleary eyes at Rhett. "I took your shift, where's my payment Kurt?" he demanded. Kurt nodded groggily and reached into his pack. He pulled out a wooden box with a picture of a flame on it. Rhett snatched it out of his hands and Kurt's head fell back onto his makeshift pillow. Rhett opened the lid and pulled out a cigar, he stuffed the box in his satchel. He pulled out a box of matches and lit the cigar. He sighed as the nicotine hit and puffed. He blew out the smoke, feeling infinitely better. He looked around the camp and saw a worker struggling in the mud with two buckets of water. He walked over to the worker and out a hand on his shoulder.
"Hey Pal, where are these going?"