Dampness clung to every surface. Even the air was wet and thick despite a lack of fog.
The children whispered about the well, about the cursed treasure just below the water, about the enchanted iron grate placed over it to protect the foolish and greedy.
The elders spoke of a creature guarding the treasure, tales of warning to keep away.
"There's no such thing as curses or creatures, I'll prove it."
This was uttered once a decade.
Once.