Round 860

Merrin grits her teeth as she and Varrika tumble into the rushing underground river, the frigid water stealing their breath. "Varikka!" She shouts, wrapping her arms around the dwarf's waist to keep them both afloat. "Don't let go!" The current pulls insistently at them, threatening to tear the women apart. Merrin kicks desperately with her legs, trying to maintain some control over their descent. "Elric! Help us!"

Varrika gasps for air as they plummet into the water, her injured ankle screaming in protest. She clutches at Merrin instinctively, using her free hand to paddle futilely against the powerful current. "I've got you!" She manages between breaths. "Just... keep swimming!"

The two women struggle against the rushing water, their bodies being tossed about like leaves in a storm. The river's surface glows with an ominous blue light, and they can feel the stone walls vibrating from the Guardian's relentless pursuit behind them.

Elric stands on the bank above, torch held high, his expression grim. "Swim for that opening!" He shouts, pointing to a dark gap in the tunnel wall ahead. "It might lead to higher ground!"

Merrin redoubles her efforts, her muscles burning with exertion. She can feel Varikka's weight pulling her under, but she grits her teeth and kicks harder. "We're almost there!" she gasps, her eyes fixed on the narrow escape route.

Varrika's ankle throbs with each kick, but she forces herself to keep moving. "I'm not drowning in this damn river!" she snarls, her dwarven stubbornness driving her forward.

The water grows shallower as they approach the opening, and with a final desperate lunge, Merrin manages to drag them both onto solid ground. They collapse in a heap, gasping for air, as the sound of rushing water fades behind them.