Round 833

The boat rocked violently as another wave hit them broadside, water sloshing over the gunwales and threatening to capsize them all. Merrin clung desperately to the rocking hull, her fingers aching from the strain of keeping their precarious vessel afloat in the rapidly flooding channel. The current was growing stronger by the minute, carrying them inexorably downstream towards gods-knew-what beyond the flickering torchlight's reach.

"Everyone still alive back there?" she called out, voice barely audible over the roar of rushing water. "Varikka? Elric? Answer me!" Panic clawed at her throat as she waited for a response, imagining the worst—one of them swept overboard or injured beyond help in the churning darkness. A gasp answered from nearby, followed by Varrika's pained voice: "Still here! But my ankle... it won't take much more weight!"

The warrior's words were barely out before another growl echoed through the stone chamber—closer now than before, a low rumble that seemed to vibrate in Merrin's very bones. She knew that sound. Knew the kind of thing that made noises like that.

"Move!" she screamed, already lunging forward. Her small frame slammed into Varrika, driving both women towards the boat's edge as a massive shape burst from the water behind them. The impact sent them tumbling over the side, Merrin wrapping her arms around Varrika instinctively as they plunged into the icy flood.

The shock of the cold water hit like a physical blow, stealing their breath and sending adrenaline firing through their veins. Merrin fought against the current, desperate to keep both their heads above water as they were swept downstream. Her injured ankle screamed in protest with every kick, but she gritted her teeth and kept swimming.

"Varikka!" she gasped between strokes. "Grab onto me! We need to stay together!"

The dwarf woman surfaced nearby, coughing and sputtering, her face a mask of pain and determination. She reached out with one arm, grabbing Merrin's shoulder as they fought against the current together.

"Where are we headed?" Varrika shouted over the roar of rushing water. "I can't see anything in this mess!"

Merrin craned her neck, trying to spot any sign of solid ground or escape route. The flickering torchlight from the boat ahead provided some visibility, but everything was a blur of churning water and looming stone walls.

"There!" she pointed suddenly, spotting what looked like a narrow tunnel opening just ahead on their left. "Swim for that! It might be our only chance!"

The two women redoubled their efforts, fighting against the current as they aimed for the dark gap in the wall. Merrin's lungs burned and her arms felt like lead, but she refused to let go of Varikka or give up.

They reached the opening just as the boat ahead finally capsized, swallowed by the churning waters. Merrin hauled them both inside with a final burst of strength, collapsing onto solid stone as the flood roared past outside.

For a moment, they lay there panting, soaked and shivering but alive. Then Varrika spoke, her voice tight with pain: "My ankle... it's not good. We need to find shelter fast."

Merrin nodded, already scanning their surroundings. The tunnel stretched ahead into darkness, water dripping from unseen heights above. But at least they were out of the current now. At least they had a chance.

"Let's move," she said, helping Varrika to her feet. "We'll find a way through this. Together."