Round 43

Merrin moves forward cautiously, her crossbow trained on the hooded figure as she speaks. The ground shakes beneath their feet, and the sound of rushing water grows louder. Dust fills the air, making it difficult to see clearly. She knows they need to act quickly, but the thought of what might be waiting in that dark passage fills her with dread.

Merrin's mind races as she tries to piece together the clues from the riddle. A promise... or a secret? Something intangible that can be shared but never truly possessed? She glances at Jeane, wondering if the sorceress has any insight into the answer. But Jeane's face is pale and drawn, her eyes fixed on the wall where the runes are pulsing with an eerie light.

The figure doesn't respond immediately, and Merrin feels a chill run down her spine. What game is this creature playing? she wonders. And what will happen if we fail to answer correctly?*