Round 871

The passage narrows ahead, forcing them to press close together as they navigate the treacherous footing. Merrin’s grip on Varikka’s arm tightens instinctively as another section of the tunnel ceiling gives way, sending a cascade of rocks tumbling down behind them. The sound is like thunder, echoing through the confined space and making her heart race.

But there’s no time to hesitate. The Guardian’s roar is growing louder with each passing moment, a chilling reminder that their pursuer is still out there, still breaking through the barriers between them. She can feel Varikka’s weight pulling at her arm, the dwarf woman struggling with her injured ankle but determined to keep moving forward.

Elric’s torch flickers wildly in the drafty corridor, casting dancing shadows on the ancient stone walls that seem to writhe and twist with each rumble of collapsing rock. The air is thick with the smell of damp earth and mold, and Merrin’s head still throbs from the lingering effects of the noxious gas they encountered earlier.

She knows they need to find a way out before the entire structure gives way, but every step forward seems to bring them closer to disaster. The ground shifts beneath their feet again, and she has to fight back a wave of panic. But there’s no choice but to keep moving. To keep pushing forward despite the terror that grips her heart.

She can hear Varikka’s labored breathing beside her, feel the dwarf woman’s fingers digging into her arm as they navigate the treacherous path ahead. And she knows that they’re running out of time. That they need to find a way out before The Guardian breaks through completely.

So she focuses on putting one foot in front of the other, on supporting Varikka’s weight and helping them both stay upright as they stumble forward into the darkness. The sound of rushing water grows louder ahead, and for a moment, she feels a flicker of hope. Maybe there’s an exit nearby. Maybe they can find solid ground again.

But as they round a corner and the source of the sound comes into view, that hope is quickly dashed. A wide underground river stretches out before them, its fast-moving waters churning over rough stone.