Round 7 Transcript

Silra crouched low near the entrance of the crumbling church, her fingers tracing the disturbed ash patterns on the ground. This isn't right—these boot prints are fresh, but they're trying to look old. She glanced up at Jeane's stalking form and Hale's anxious kneeling. If we're walking into a trap, I'd rather spring it myself than stumble into it like gullible fools. She drew a thin dagger from her belt with practiced ease, the steel catching what little moonlight pierced through the storm clouds. Jeane, hold your fire until you see what's waiting. Hale, stay close to me—you're more useful breathing than healing right now. Her voice was dry and precise, cutting through the wind's howl.

Silra slipped through the gaping doorway like a shadow, her keen eyes scanning the gloom for movement or trap. Someone's been here recently—recent enough that the dust hasn't settled properly. She pointed to disturbed cobwebs near the ceiling. See that? Not natural. Her hand hovered near the wall, fingers ready to feel the slightest irregularity in stonework. These old churches are full of nasty surprises for thieves and heretics alike. We're probably tripping over half a dozen pressure plates right now, but at least I'll know which ones before we set them off.

Sister Hale pressed her hand against Gravedigger Renn's trembling shoulder. Enough fear, Renn—it serves no purpose here. She stood slowly, her robes heavy with ash, and faced Silra's discovery of the boot prints. Fresh tracks disguised as old... clever, but not clever enough. Her gaze swept the dark road and the looming church ahead. We cannot linger on this exposed path much longer—city guard patrols will come with the storm. She turned to Jeane, her voice firm despite the fatigue weighing on her bones. Your eagerness is admirable, sister, but recklessness serves no god I worship. Sister Hale's hand closed around the rusted key from her belt.

Let us enter the church together—Silra as our eyes and ears, you as our shield against whatever lurks within. She drew her unholy symbol with practiced reverence. And I will walk before us all to sanctify what darkness we find.