Men, Spiders, and Bears, Oh My! – The tunnel seems to stretch forever as we run. None of the Stormcloaks seem to want to talk. Then again, neither do I. I'm used to everyone else making some sort of noise, though, so it's startling when our journey seems to pass in the silence of pounding feet and tired breathing.

Then we stumble into a cavern. Imperial soldiers immediately draw their bows while my companions draw their swords. I pull out my own swords and dive into the fray, working my way to the Imperial further in the back. Suddenly one of them knocks the swords from my hands. I panic as he raises his dagger.

Flames burst from my hands, igniting the oil left carelessly strewn about the cavern. I see the woman and man charge into the fire. I close my eyes, reopening them when the heat fades. The two Stormcloaks lie dead alongside the Imperials.

I look up sheepishly as Ralof walks up to me, but he shakes his head. "Let's go see if the way is clear," he mutters. I nod, falling in step behind him, stoutly ignoring the corpses behind us.

The cavern has a tunnel in the back. I push the lever, causing a bridge to close the gap between us and the next passageway. Ralof hurries across, but I pause, looking up. The rocks are parted here, allowing a glimpse of the night sky. I breathe. Fresh air.

A rumbling prompts me to finish crossing the bridge. Just in time, too. The ceiling caves in behind us, punching through the bridge to the bottom. I hear Ralof's voice tremble as he says, "Guess everyone else will have to find another way through. Come on!"

The shafts are stifling, but I slow as we approach another cavern. The distinct clicking sound reached my ears. Ralof didn't notice as I crouched, drew an arrow, waiting. He did notice when the frostbite spider leapt on top of him.

I cursed as the pair transformed into an undefinable mess of limbs. I turned my attention to the other two. I released the arrow. One down. The other notices me, but I take that one out as well. Ralof was panting when I joined him. "I hate those damn things," he spits. "Too many eyes, you know?"

Too many legs, I added mentally. I pull on Ralof's shirt as he tries to leave. Ignoring his questioning look, I leap through the webbed egg sacs and carcasses, climbing up on a rock. There is an opening in this roof as well. Peeking through, I see a beautiful aroura borealis… and a red moon. I smile appreciatively – Elsweyr never had these fantastic displays of light in the sky.

Reluctantly I return to Ralof. We continue on, pausing when we reach the next cave. There's a bear in this one. "Hold up," he whispers. "I'd rather not tangle with this one. Let's sneak by, nice and slow, and watch where you step. Or, if you're feeling lucky, you can take this bow. Might take her by surprise."

I'd already picked up a few bows, but I accept his anyway. I judge the bear. "Go ahead. I'll follow your lead and watch your back." I nod, before considering. I'm conscious of the weight in my pack, but bear claws make money…

Shaking my head at my greed, I take aim and fire. The bear roars, getting up, but I fire one more time. Ralof runs forward as it's knees buckle. I follow, closing it's lifeless eyes as I take it's claws and my arrows.

"Sneaking's overrated, eh?" he chuckles as we exit the cavern. His eyes light up as he spots the glimmer of snow and light up ahead. "That looks like the way out! I knew we'd make it!" I celebrate as well as we sprint for the opening.