Round 633

The Guardian's voice booms through the cavern, echoing off the damp walls. The water around them churns in response, as if stirred by an unseen hand. Merrin clutches Varrika's arm, her heart racing. They're trapped - surrounded by rising water and the looming figure of their enemy. The dwarf woman tries to pull away, reaching for her mace, but Merrin holds firm. "Wait," she hisses urgently. "We need a plan first." Varrika's eyes flash with impatience, but she stills, her grip tightening on the weapon's haft. Merrin scans their surroundings desperately, searching for any escape route. The water laps at their feet now, cold and insistent. Above them, a narrow ledge runs along one wall, just out of reach. It might be their only chance. "There," she points with her free hand. "We need to climb up there." Varrika follows her gesture, her brow furrowing in concentration despite the pain evident in every line of her body. The ledge is narrow and treacherous-looking, but it's their best option. Merrin starts to move towards it, still gripping Varrika's arm for support. "Come on," she urges. "We need to move fast before the water rises any higher."