Round 853

The Guardian’s roar shook the very stones of the ancient tower, each thunderous bellow accompanied by fresh cracks in the already unstable walls. Merrin pressed herself against the cold stone, her heart pounding in sync with the impacts echoing from beyond the partially open door. The sound of rushing water grew louder as a section of floor gave way, revealing a fast-moving underground river flowing through the very foundations of the structure. "By the Goddess," she breathed, her dark eyes wide with fear and awe. "We’re standing above the heart of this place." The current was swift and treacherous, its dark waters churning ominously in the flickering torchlight. Merrin’s gaze shifted to Varikka, who had stumbled dangerously close to the edge, her injured ankle threatening to give out again. "Varikka!" The rogue lunged forward instinctively, wrapping her arms around the dwarf’s waist just in time to prevent a fall into the deadly current.