2.) Leavetaking - background

The ruins of Thal had been a stage point for decades for the rebels. It sits within 10 miles of the pass of Ulohria. A labyrinth of trails that that have no end. The pass is strife with dangers, from the carniverous plant life, to the vermin that feast on unwary intruders. The Olene forest is very dense and thick with tall trees that blot out the sun making it difficult for even the seasoned adventurer to keep their bearings.

After the PCs ;eave the command tent. They are escorted to a burnt tower. Explosions, the clang of steel can be heard from their location, but your steward Malnarien hu fig3 hustles you within the tower. The halfelf trifles with a brick, and pushes a yellow square inward. Pulleys ratcheting and grinding as dust billows up from the ground leading to a dark stairwell. Malnarien bids you a blessing. Then closes secret pathway.
The stairwell is feet in width, there are globes of light floating above wall sconces every ten or so meters giving good enough light for the PCs to make there way down.