Round 893

The water rushed over Varrika’s head, threatening to drag her under once more. Her voice echoed through the confined space, laced with desperation: “Elric, find Merrin! I can hold out for a bit longer.” But she knew it was a lie - every second felt like an eternity as she struggled against the icy current.

The jagged rocks offered little purchase in this treacherous underground river. Her powerful dwarf frame was no match for the relentless force of the water, and her severely sprained ankle screamed in agony with each desperate kick. The rushing torrent had changed direction again, now flowing directly towards them at an alarming speed.

Above them, the ominous glow on the rushing water below intensified as The Guardian’s roars grew louder still. Heavy impacts echoed from behind the barrier - it wouldn’t hold much longer. They needed to keep moving or risk capture... or worse. But with her ankle screaming in protest and every movement sending fresh waves of pain through her body, Varrika wasn’t sure how much longer she could even stay afloat.

The fast-moving water had already claimed Merrin once - what if Elric couldn’t find her? What if the current was too strong for even his legendary strength? The thought sent a fresh jolt of terror through Varikka’s veins. She tried to call out again, but the words died on her lips as another wave washed over her head.

Somewhere in the depths below, Merrin fought against her own panic as the icy water dragged her under once more. Her lungs burned for air, muscles screaming in protest as she kicked with everything she had. But then - a faint pulsing light in the distance caught her eye. An orb barely visible through the gloom.

It was her only chance at survival. With desperate strokes, Merrin swam towards that beacon of hope, fingers closing around something solid just as her strength began to fail...