A sharp whistling echoed in the small room, steam starting to puff out of the kettle. A loud crash sounded from one of the two doors in the room, as a shape emerged hopping on one foot, attempting to secure his pants.

Taking the kettle off the heat, he quickly switched off the gas, careful not to waste any. That canister had cost him a day's pay, and he fully intended to make it last. Slicking back his still-damp hair, he poured the boiling water into his mug.

Instantly the rich aroma of coffee filled his nose as he dragged in a deep breath, trying to revitalise himself. Failing, he slumped against the counter, unable to stop a yawn from escaping. Giving his drink a good stir, he tentatively took a sip, only to swear under his breath as the hot coffee scalded his tongue.

Staring daggers at the offending mug, he set it back down. Leaving it to rest, he returned to the bathroom to finish getting dressed. It was vital he make a good first impression, so today he’d be wearing his best linen shirt.

Grabbing his brush, he did a quick once over, his sandy blonde hair falling into place, hanging just over his eyes. Squinting at the mirror, he peered close, taking in his appearance.

“Damn I look wrecked,” he muttered. Bloodshot eyes complimented by dark bags looked back at him. Rubbing them absently, he strode back to his drink, taking a long gulp. The hot coffee ran down his throat, warming his very core. A stark contrast to the cold shower he’d just endured.

A small smile on his face, he turned to look at the items he’d placed on the table the night before. A belt, a satchel, and a piece of paper. Wrapping the belt around him, he ran his thumb over the buckle, the brass gleaming even in the low light. Taking another sip, he examined the paper, his messy handwriting accentuated with multiple exclamation marks.

“114 PORT RD, MAIN DISTRICT. 10 AM!!!!!” the time was underlined multiple times. He looked at the wall to check the time. 7:42.

“Just over 2 hours. Walk’il take me 20 minutes, 25 tops. Plenty of time,” he thought, his leg bouncing. Draining the last of his drink, he aimlessly looked around the room. He’d set his alarm extra early to give himself enough breathing room, but he didn’t lay in bed like he usually did today. Much too excited for that.

Pacing around, he glanced at the clock again. 7:43. Maybe he’d woken up too early. The walls of his room started to wobble slightly, almost as if something invisible was pressing down on him. Shaking his head, he tried to distract himself. Rummaging through his satchel, he found the forms he had gotten the week prior.

Checking all the information he’d written down, he confirmed, not for the first time that it was all correct and filled out. Dropping it back on the table, he rubbed his face, his leg twitching as he stood there. His eyes darted back to the clock.

7:44.

The time stared back at him.

“Ahhhh whatever. I can’t stand this,” he cried out, clenching his fist. “That’s it, I’ll just get there early.”

The decision made, his agitated body fell silent. Quick as a flash, he finished getting ready, and after a quick double-check that he had everything, he was gone.

Stepping out, he took a deep breath, the air the city circulated through the passages always a little too cold to be pleasant. Walking down the cramped hallway he lived on, he made turn after turn, the journey so familiar he didn’t even need to pay attention.

Most people were still in bed, it was a Saturday after all, but he did see the odd familiar face. Living in the poorer areas of town seemed to make people more friendly, after all, you never knew when you’d have a bad week. When you don’t have the money for food and would need some help. That was his theory at least.

“Ah, Caspian is that you?” a gruff voice sounded behind him.

Spinning, an easy smile quickly donned his face. He’d know that gravelly voice anywhere.

“Morning Abe.”

“I almost couldn’t believe my eyes, you, up this early. Thought perhaps your ghost was roaming the halls,” Abe said, the stout man slapping him on the back as they continued down the passage. “What’s got you up and at 'em so early today lad?”

“As it so happens, I’ve got a meeting today,” Caspian said, a proud smile on his face.

“Another expedition group ay?” Abe asked, his eyes flickering with concern for a second.

“Sure is. Apparently, they’re hiring a bunch of people, it’s all quite hush hush though,” Caspian said, not noticing. “This is the one, I can feel it.”

“They’d be crazy not to take you on Caspian,” Abe said, patting him on the shoulder. Looking conflicted for a moment, he cleared his throat before continuing. “Cas, you know they’re always looking for more people at the quarry. I’ll admit it's hard work, but the pays good. Big strong lad like you would fit right in.”

“You know how I feel Abe, I can’t stay cooped up in the city forever,” Caspian said. “I wouldn’t be able to bear it.”

Abe let out a heavy sigh. “Just at least think about it. You’ve got to think about your future you know. I get it’s your dream, but sometimes reality comes knocking” Abe said almost sadly. “You got plenty of time to get out there.”

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“Alright alright Abe, I’ll give it a think,” Caspian said, the words flowing easily.

Seeming cheerier, they made small talk for the remaining few minutes of their walk. Stepping out of the corridor, Caspian was greeted by the sight of the main city. A huge dug-out cavern, with supporting pillars reaching up to the roof. Almost every building that filled the cave was made out of the same rough sandstone, the more lavish ones adorned with wood or metal.

Waving goodbye to Abe, Caspian walked through the street, buildings looming over him on either side. While the tunnels that led to his home had been quiet, the city was full of activity even at such an early hour.

His destination was on the other side of the main district, in the more upper-class area. As he walked, weaving through people left and right, he couldn’t help but let out a sigh. The conversation with Abe was still on his mind. Whenever they talked he would always try to nudge him to get a job at the quarry. He couldn’t blame the guy, he was just trying to look out for him, but sometimes it got tiring.

The promise still fresh, he couldn’t help but smile. He wouldn’t need to consider the job or any other. He was almost guaranteed to get accepted onto the expedition team. Through the grapevine, he’d heard that there was something big in the works. Soon he’d be out of these cramped halls, with the only thing above his head the open sky.

Humming to himself, Caspian followed the street signs, checking the note with the location on it every so often to remember its exact address. Walking through the city square, he couldn’t help but marvel at the greenery the city managed to maintain.

Lush bushes and trees lined small gardens, with flowers notably absent. Wasn’t the season for them apparently, not that he could ever tell the difference. New Broome had one temperature, and that was hot. Even now in the early morning, the surface would be 20 degrees, and that would climb quickly.

Rummaging through his satchel, he checked the watch he kept in there. 7:57. It was still so early. At least his estimate had been right, a little under 20 minutes and he was almost there. Looking around the gardens, he felt a little tiredness creep up on him.

“Should have drunk more coffee,” he muttered to himself, rubbing his eyes. Fighting back a yawn, the gardens fell behind him. Picking up the pace a bit, Caspian scanned the signs, staying vigilant. He’d never been to Port St before, its inhabitants mainly bureaucrats and businessmen. Street by street went by until finally, he saw the sign he was searching for. Port St.

Squinting his eyes, he spotted the numbers on buildings ascending to the left.

“Bingo,” Caspian said, moving in that direction. Buildings whizzed by in a blur, only aware of the street numbers gradually climbing higher and higher, approaching triple digits.

“94, 96, 98,” he murmured to himself. “100.” A breath that he didn’t know he’d been holding escaped him, as his feet continued. Unable to help himself, he looked forward, trying to see the building early. Where his escape into the world would be.

As he approached 110 Port St, he noticed that the unassuming building sat squarely under one of the many skylights that dotted the cavern. Sunlight beamed down from above, illuminating the steps that led up to the heavy wooden doors, almost giving it a magical feel.

Taking a deep breath, Caspian walked up the steps, his hand reaching for the brass hoop. But before he could, however, the doors were pulled open from inside. Standing there, eyes wide with surprise, was a young woman.

“Oh uh,” she said, surprised to see someone there. Clearing her throat she quickly recovered, a natural smile covering her face. “Hello there Sir, is there anything I can help you with?”

Taking a half step back, Caspian let out a nervous laugh as he scratched his head. “Hi, didn’t mean to startle you. I’m here to apply to the expedition,” he said.

Squinting slightly, she tilted her head. “You’re quite early for that. The tryouts aren’t scheduled to start for almost two hours.”

Caspian held up his hands, quick to get a word in. “Oh, I know that, don’t worry. I just couldn’t stand waiting around for so long. I thought getting there early couldn’t hurt you know,” he said sheepishly.

Seeming to think for a moment, the woman looked him up and down, as Caspian fidgetted under her gaze. “Well, you can sit in the waiting room until it starts. Don’t make any trouble though, and don’t go bothering any of the expedition members. They’re all very busy,” she said, securing the doors in place.

Walking back inside, she waved him in. Taking a breath, he followed her in, finding himself in a large open room, glossy stone underfoot. A large desk took up much of the back wall, several doors at the corners.

“I’m Caspian by the way.”

Stepping back behind the desk, she smiled at him. “I’m Emma. Please to meet you Caspian.” She motioned at the vast array of chairs and couches that littered the lobby. “Sit wherever you like.”

“Nice to meet you too Emma,” he smiled, wanting to get out of her hair as soon as possible. Looking for a good place to bunker down, a comfortable-looking couch tucked in a corner behind a bookshelf caught his eye. “Jackpot.”

Before he could move, however, Emma called out to him again. “Seeing as you’re here early, I can give you the forms you’ll need to fill out, get them out of the way early,” she said, rummaging around her desk.

“Oh no need, I’ve already got them all here,” Caspian said, pointing to his satchel.

“My, you’re well prepared, aren’t you. Where did you even get them?” she asked, tilting her head.

“City hall. I started getting the forms early since last year. Less hassle that way,” he said. “Easier to do at home,” he added after a second.

“Mmmm, I see, and they just let you have them?” Emma asked.

“Why wouldn’t they?” he said.

“Oh just curious. Well, you have an hour forty until it starts up, sit tight,” Emma said, before going back to fiddling with things on her desk.

Sliding over to the nook he had spotted, he set his satchel down. Taking a deep breath, he sunk into the soft leather cushioning, feeling the tension leave his body. A slight gust of air ruffled his air, courtesy of the ceiling fans.

Reaching into his bag, he withdrew his watch, one of its leather straps absent. Confirming the time, he put it back carefully, before stretching out. His early rising was catching up to him as a long yawn managed to escape his mouth.

“I can squeeze in a quick nap,” he thought, nestling himself deeper into the couch.

Clutching his satchel close to his chest, he closed his eyes. Almost as soon as he did, he felt his mind start to wander, thoughts of the expedition filling his head. Trying to avoid that, he searched for something to focus on. The soft rhythmic sound of the ceiling fan echoed in his ears, and as he honed in on it, he felt the thoughts drop away.

Comfortable, he drifted off to sleep without a worry in the world.