The First Group
Although wishing to test their own strength, Héloïse was a fair leader.
“Stand aside, Kagawa,” they asked, waving a hand to signal Danya to give it a try. “It’s time for another professional to have a turn.”
Stepping forward flamboyantly, she thanked Héloïse for the opportunity. Looking at the bars before her, her determination soon overshadowed any lingering pain from her broken talon. With a confident grin, Danya wrapped each hand around an iron bar and tensed her muscles as she attempted to pry it open with all her might. Feeling the blood rise as she used all her muscles. But despite her best efforts, the bars resisted her attempts to force them apart.
Observing Danya struggle in vain, Héloïse’s expression hardened with resolve. The stepped forward to pat her on the shoulder, telling her it was a good effort as their sharp eyes scanned solid walls for an irregular patterns in the moss that still clung.
“Perhaps-”, they started saying as they reached out with a steady hand, pressing firmly against something concealed behind the lush murky green. Pulling their hand back quickly, Héloïse stepped back.
With a low rumble, more of the moss started to fall away, revealing the more bars that stood lengthways in a seven foot tall doorframe. The massive barred entrance began to shudder. Anticipation spreading quickly through the hearts of the group. The iron bars groaned as they shifted slightly, and then, with rusty squeals, the bars began to be pulled upward into the stone above.
Now standing before the group was a newly opened entrance, into a darkened passage of the temple.
Héloïse’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction. “Looks like we found our way in,” the remarked, their voice tinged with triumph. “Let’s proceed with caution. We don’t know what lies ahead.”
Kagawa nodded in agreement, their flame-thrower held at the ready. “Agreed. Who knows… what ancient… traps or… guardians might be… waiting for us inside.”
Danya was still recovering from her failed attempt to pry open the bars. But Volodymyr, ever the voice of reason, chimed in, “Caution is key. May I suggest we light our way somehow before entering?”
- Danya
- Héloïse
- Kagawa
- Volodymyr
- I have an idea for how they can light the path (I’ll suggest it here)
- The Third Group
- The Fourth Group