Round 624 Transcript

As I peer down into the darkness, I can see Varikka's desperate form huddled against the wall, her ankle twisted at an unnatural angle. The water is rising fast, lapping at her boots now, and I can hear the Guardian's mocking laughter echoing off the walls. "Varikka, stay calm!" I call down, my voice steady despite the fear that grips my heart. "I've got a rope. I'll get you out of here."

Varikka's eyes lock onto mine, and for a moment, I see a spark of hope flicker to life. But then, her face contorts in pain as she struggles to move, her sprained ankle screaming in protest. The Guardian's laughter grows louder, more triumphant, and I know I have to act fast if I want to save Varikka from a watery grave. I take a deep breath, my mind racing with the possibilities. Do I try to lower the rope myself, risking the instability of the ground, or do I wait for Varikka to make a move, hoping she'll be able to grab the rope and pull herself up? The Guardian's laughter seems to grow louder, more mocking, as if it's daring me to make a wrong move.

I hear Merrin's voice above me, calling down words of encouragement even as the water rises around my legs. But I know we can't waste any more time. The Guardian is still out there, watching us, waiting for its chance to strike.

With a grimace of pain, I force myself to my feet, my mace gripped tightly in my hand. My ankle throbs with every step, but I ignore it, focusing instead on the sound of the rushing water and Merrin's voice urging me forward.

"I'm coming, Merrin!" I call up to her, my voice hoarse with effort. "Just... just hold that rope steady!"

And then, with a grunt of pain, I begin to move, limping towards where I think the ladder should be. The water is up to my knees now, swirling around my boots as I stumble forward, my free hand outstretched in front of me.

I know it's a risk, but I can't afford to hesitate. Not with the Guardian watching, not with Merrin's life on the line. And so I push myself forward, my teeth gritted against the pain, my heart pounding in my chest as I fight to reach the ladder before the water claims us both.

My heart races as I hear Varikka's determined voice echoing up from the depths. She's hurt, exhausted, and facing an enemy that seems to delight in our suffering, but she's still fighting. Still willing to risk everything to survive. I grip the rope tightly in my hands, testing its strength. It feels solid enough, but I know we can't afford any mistakes. One slip, one wrong move, and Varikka could be pulled under, just like Halie and Seraphine were. The thought makes my stomach turn, but I push it aside. I can't think about that now. All that matters is getting Varikka out of that shaft alive. "Alright, Varikka," I call down, my voice steady despite the fear that's clawing at my insides. "I'm going to lower the rope as far as I can. When you're ready, grab hold and start climbing. I'll pull you up as fast as I can."

I take a deep breath, my muscles tensing as I prepare to lift the rope. It's heavy, but I know I have to be strong now. Varikka needs me, and I won't let her down. "Ready?" I ask, my eyes scanning the darkness for any sign of danger. The Guardian is still out there somewhere, watching us, waiting for its chance to strike. But I can't think about that now. All I can do is focus on saving Varikka, one step at a time. As I begin to lower the rope, I pray to any gods who might be listening that we make it out of this alive. Because if we don't, I have a feeling the darkness will claim us both.