Page 587 of End Game

The tension around the table dissipates without anyone needing to discuss why it existed.

“Marching order?” I ask.

“Me first,” Micah says.

“Griffin behind him,” Cami adds.

Griffin nods. “I'll take rear.”

Dex slowly turns toward him.

Griffin closes his eyes. “Don't.”

“I didn't say anything.”

“I know exactly what you were thinking.”

Micah laughs softly.

Dex glances at him, but manages not to look too pleased with himself.

I make a note behind the screen mostly so I have something to do besides smile.

“Micah, make a Perception check.”

He picks up his d20 and rolls without hesitation.

“Eleven.”

“The tunnel is old enough that most of the original stonework is cracked or covered in mineral deposits. There's water around your boots, maybe two inches deep, and you can see disturbed silt ahead, so something has passed through recently. Nothing gives you an obvious direction.”

“I want to look at the walls. See if the construction changes anywhere.”

“Investigation.”

The next die lands badly.

“Four.”

Dex winces. “Rough night for the click-clacks.”

Micah gives him a flat look. “Do you want to roll for me?”

“No. I respect your journey.”

“You're insufferable.”

“That's practically affection.”

“It isn't.”

I let them have another few seconds before continuing.

“You find a section where the masonry changes, but whatever you're studying has your attention long enough that you don't see the wire running low across the passage until your boot catches it.”

Micah's eyes narrow. “Dexterity save?”

“Yes.”