Round 396

Merrin's heart races as she watches Varikka struggle against the boulder, the water rising higher with each passing second. She knows they're running out of time, but she can't shake the feeling that this is just another trap, designed to keep them from escaping this watery prison.

I turn to Varikka, my voice shaking slightly but determined. "Varikka, we need to move," I say, my eyes scanning the chamber for any signs of a path forward. "There has to be something we can use to move this boulder." Varikka nods, her face pale with fear as she grips her mace tightly.

I approach the boulder carefully, my rogue's instincts telling me that there's more to this than meets the eye. As I get closer, I notice a small lever hidden beneath the waterline. Without hesitation, I reach out and pull it, hoping against hope that it will open some kind of escape route.

The moment the lever is pulled, the boulder begins to move, revealing a narrow passage behind it. The water rushes through the opening, but it's clear that we can make it if we act quickly. I grab Varikka's hand and pull her towards the passage, my heart pounding in my chest as we race against time.

We slip through the opening just as the boulder crashes back into place, sealing off the chamber behind us. The water continues to rise, but we're safe for now, at least from that particular threat. I turn to Varikka, a mix of relief and exhaustion on my face. "That was close," I say, my voice barely above a whisper. "Too close."