The burly man blinked his eyes open, revealing his dark irises. He surveyed his surroundings, turning his head from left to right, searching for his companion.
Although the cave was typically shrouded in darkness during nighttime, daylight seeped in through cracks, casting a faint glow.
The sound of approaching footsteps caused his senses to heighten. He swiftly raised his upper body, ready to defend himself.
His left hand instinctively reached for a small dirk at his side, preparing to arm himself against the potential intruder. With keen eyes, he observed a man clad in a worn robe entering the cave.
"It's me," the approaching man announced, his rough voice serving to assuage his companion's wariness.
The man in the robe drew nearer, carrying a water skin in his hand.
"You seem to be doing better now, Brone," the man remarked.
"Better?" Brone scoffed, his voice filled with scepticism.
