The tunnels grew narrower, the ceiling dripped water and there was long stones that looked like fangs. The group pressed close together, they will never forget this day in their life today they have seen death and death likewise have seen them also. Ahead, in the darkness they saw something move. to vanish into the rock."
The remaining survivors move in a single file. Some lean on others. There morale have been broken not only by their failure to save the refugees but also by the fact that they have lost friends here. It it has also shown them how powerful and intelligent the Draugrs actually are for many of them are either now really aware if have underestimated them. This was a reality check.
The entrance to the tunnel is no more that a crack on the face of the cliff, it is partly covered by boulders. Itsmelt like damp stone. Styrkar pulled aside a splinted timber and the entire group walked inside the dark.
Inside the smell if the air changed it was thick, wet and suffocating. Brynhild adjust to the change in the air and light, the only light was from the faint lights from the touches.
Every faint sound here give a loud echo. Behind them they can hear the engines that powers the Draugr, had they not left there in time they definitely would have to contend with those.
"Stay close," Styrkar growled. "This way runs deep. We'll circle the ridge and come out past their encirclement."
That was when Rúna spoke up. Her walking steps where balanced and precise even though she walked on uneven terrain, it was mechanical, well that's because it is. Rúna as ironic as it may sound-is not human she is a machine although not as complicated as the Draugr that chases them but not very different.
"Wait" she say"we'll never make it blind,"Her voice was soft.. "They'll hunt us by heat and resonance. Their scouts will sweep the tunnels even before the bulk comes."
"I've studied them. Their sensors, and their behavior. I also know the way they search. Let me guide you through without tripping their nets."
Styrkar considers this and then finally says "Okay Rúna lead the way"
Rúna inclined her head slightly, a motion almost too graceful to be human. "Then follow me."
The tunnels grew narrower, the ceiling dripped water and there was long stones that looked like fangs. The group pressed close together, they will never forget this day in their life today they have seen death and death likewise have seen them also. Ahead, in the darkness they saw something move.
A sound like chittering metal scraped the rock. Then they saw them: spider-like Draugr scouts, with their thin legs clicking, lenses glowing dull red. They scuttle pausing as if to taste the air, their heads twitching like insects.
The group froze. Rúna was right and Styrkar was even more right by telling her to lead the group.
Rúna stepped forward. Her eyes narrowed, and faint light flickered from her eyes. She lifted her hand and a low hum filled the air. The glow in the Draugr scouts' eyes sputtered, their movements became erratic. They clattered against the stone, confused, as though they'd lost their prey. This is one of Rúna's ability, the ability she can hack into anything. This is actually one of the reasons why she is a very valuable asset to the war effort.
"Go," Rúna whispered. "They can't see us right now."
The group slipped past, hearts hammering.
But one scout jerked violently, its red eye snapping back into focus. With a screech, it lunged forward.
Vidar drew his sword even with one arm he was still dangerous. The fight was short, if you can even call it that the creature split apart in showers of sparks and oil. But as it died, its scream reverberated through the tunnels, echoing like a signal.
The mountain trembled in response.
"Oh, shit." Rúna said quietly. "They they've heard, now they know out location.""The bigger ones are coming."
The tunnel sloped upward, the damp stone gives way to dry gravel. They breath thin licks of fresh air. Without Rúna saying so they knew that they where close if only they could hurry, if only they can drag those tired and injured bodies there will be hope.
Bur then the mountain shook.
They hear a sound like thunder it ripped down the passage cracking the ceiling of the tunnel. Rock splintered. The ceiling groaned. From the shadows behind, something very large was coming to their direction very fast.
A Juggernaut Draugr. And here again another question rings in Brynhild's head "Why is are the Draugr so serious today." Even in more serous missions you only see this Juggernaut class Draugr ones or not at all but today they have appeared twice, we are not even talking about that giant monstrosity that appeared eilier today.
Its large size covers the passage, steel plated in slabs of iron, its claws are the size of spears and they are tearing through stone as though it were parchment. This one has only one eye like a cyclop but its light from the eye is so bright in the darkness that is covers the entire tunnel in red, and its roar covered the entire place.
"Run!" Styrkar cried, leading them with his spear. The group stumbled ahead, but the Juggernaut was faster than than what their weak bodies will allow, it tore the tunnel with every movement.
There was nowhere left to run.
Rúna halted, her little body lit by the hell-red glow. She turned to Styrkar, and said"The tunnel will not hold. I can bring it down."
"You'll be crushed with it," Styrkar snapped, fury in his voice. "You are very valuable to the war effort I will not let you throw your life away."
"Life," she answered. Sparks danced along the seams of her arms, a faint hum building in her chest. "It's circuitry and steel. If it means you live, it is worth the cost."
Rúna pressed her palms against the wall. Light surged through her, like veins of fire running under her skin. The foundations began to crack.
The Juggernaut lunged, its claws raised it was ready to destroy everything, but it was too late.
The ceiling came down.
An avalanche of rock tore free, slamming into the machine with a sound like the world ending. Dust coverd everything. Brynhild staggered as boulders fell around her, the tunnel was collapsing and everything above it will fall in it. "Oh, shit" Brynhild exclaimes as she slipped, and is dragged down with the rubble—until a hand caught hers.
Rúna.
Her grip was iron, hauling Brynhild free from the edge of the collapse. They stumbled into the upward shaft together as the Juggernaut is covered by the mountain of stone.
Silence followed. Peaceful silence this is the best thing that have happened to them all day.