Southwest of Blackstone Fortress, west of Ximu Town, deep within an old mine.
The abandoned tunnels were damp and cold, the air thick with the earthy smell of water seeping from the rock.
The flame of a torch flickered erratically, barely illuminating a small, relatively flat area deep within the tunnel.
A figure stood there, clad in a dark green traveling cloak designed for ease of movement. The hood was pulled low, completely shrouding his face in shadow, revealing only a neatly trimmed beard on his chin.
His back was to the tunnel entrance. With his head slightly bowed, his gaze fell upon a rough, natural stone platform before him, about half a man's height.
Spread out on the stone platform was a topographical map of the region, drawn with dark red lines.
Under the torchlight, the lines seemed to shimmer faintly, emitting the subtle scent of blood.
