His soldiers told him the tunnel was finally complete. The hidden route was going to connect them to the outside world, but most importantly, to Erik's people.
As an experienced veteran with a proper dose of practicality, Van Dyke always wanted to see things for himself, hence why he was there again, amidst the mud and dirt.
There was the earthy smell of just excavated soil hanging to the walls, the air wet and cold, but despite being a home used to live in luxury, he didn't dislike it.
Van Dyke strolled, his boots echoing in the mostly silent space. He knew it must have not been easy to make the tunnel in these conditions, especially because too much noise could've attracted the blackguards.
His fingertips traced the chilly, moist surface of the tunnel walls. Though uneven, the work appeared solid.