He came to a wide, open area. In the center was a huge spiral staircase which ascended into the darkness. Gaining the bottom step, groping blindly for the railing, he ventured a look upwards into the gloom.
High above, there was a dim flicker of light; too dim for a torch. A candle perhaps? Feeling a surge of hope indistinguishable from panic, fixing the dim glow with his eyes, he began the ascent.