Round 630

Merrin scrambled into the new tunnel just as a section of ceiling collapsed behind them with a thunderous roar. He turned to offer a hand back to Varrika. The dwarf woman moved forward on her hands and knees, her injured ankle held clear of the ground. She managed to get halfway through before the opening began to close.

"Merrin!" Varrika cried out as stone grated against stone. The halfling threw himself flat, reaching desperately into the narrowing gap. His fingers closed around Varrika's wrist just as she was about to be crushed. He pulled with all his strength, muscles straining, while Varrika tried to push herself forward. The gap shrieked in protest, dust and rubble cascading down. For a horrifying moment it seemed they wouldn't make it.

Then Varrika tumbled free, collapsing onto the tunnel floor beside Merrin. They lay there gasping for breath, covered in stone dust and grit. The sound of grinding stone continued behind them as the passage sealed itself shut with a final groan. Merrin sat up slowly, his arms trembling from the effort. "That was... too close," he said softly.

Varrika pushed herself to her feet using Merrin's shoulder for support, favouring her injured ankle. "Aye," she agreed grimly. "We need to find a way out of here before this whole place comes down around our ears." She glanced around the new tunnel, her expression darkening. "And I have a feeling we're not alone in these depths."

The air was thick with dust and the scent of old stone. Somewhere distant water dripped rhythmically. Merrin stood, brushing himself off and looking at Varrika's injured ankle with concern. "Can you walk on that?" he asked.

Varrika tested her weight on the foot gingerly. "Aye," she said through clenched teeth. "But not fast." She looked down the tunnel ahead of them, where shadows clung to every curve and bend. "We'd best move while we can still see our own hands in front of our faces."

Merrin nodded, drawing his short sword. The blade caught what little light filtered down from above, gleaming dully. "Stay close," he said, moving forward with cautious steps. "And keep your eyes open for any sign of... company."