medjaichieftain:
Ardeth was not even certain who or what exactly had tripped the wall mechanism, but as it came down and the flickering light from the torch he carried was the only glow they were left with, he was forced to admit that their situation was grim. It was very dark beyond the reaches of the torchlight, and eerily silent, but for Audrey’s worried voice.
“Keep calm,” he whispered gently to her. “Have faith. If we are meant to escape this place, then Allah will show us the way.”
Ardeth had been present for the tripping of any number of locking mechanisms and booby traps in various cities, temples, and other ruins over the years. Very often, there were ways to reverse or disable them, should they be tripped by persons who did not deserve such a fate, and he was trained to seek out these fail-safes. However, escape was not his top priority at the moment…
One problem they would face, depending upon how small an enclosed space they might be in, was lack of oxygen. Given that they were in a fairly large chamber, he doubted that would be a problem very soon. He ought to put his torch out, but he did not dare. Not yet… because the most immediate threat they faced was coming their way. He could already hear them… Carrion scarabs were emerging from the dark, brazen now that they were shrouded in shadow.
“Hold this,” Ardeth said, taking his own advice and remaining calm as he handed Audrey his torch. From a little pouch on his belt, he drew a corked vial containing oil. He quickly uncorked it, turned it on end to get some of the oil onto his finger and then passed the vial to Audrey. “Put some of this on yourself. Everywhere. Head, arms, legs, chest… It’s potent, so you should only need a little bit on your finger, and just touch it to various places on your body, alright?” As he spoke, he was already doing it with the oil on his finger. He took back the torch after a moment so she could do the same.
The sound of the skittering scarabs came closer and closer until they were visible in the darkness, just beyond the edge of the orange torchlight. They lined up, not liking the fire at all but ready and eager to move forward should the light be extinguished. Soon, however, the strong smell of mint filled the air as more of the oil was used. Gradually, the scarabs began to thin out, and disperse.
Although his heart was beating fast, Ardeth was relieved to see the ravenous scarabs repelled by the mint oil. At least they would be safe for as long as that vial lasted them if the torch went out. Now he could look for a way to release the wall mechanism or find another way to escape…
Listening to the medjai speak was bringing her a small amount of comfort in such a dire time, and she appreciated the way he was attempting to keep her calm amidst every reason to panic. Taking the torch he offered her with her uninjured arm, she held it as close to him as possible without hurting him so he could see where he was working with the oil. She furrowed a brow in confusion until the distinct smell of mint struck her, and she glanced up at him in relief. A deterrent for the carnivorous beetles.
“You’re full of surprises, Ardeth Bay,” she spoke with a slight hesitance in her voice, watching him put some on himself before offering her the bottle. She switched off with the torch, taking the oil in her hand and applying it wherever she could to repel the insects before handing the vial back to him, shaking her head as she glanced around them.
“I usually know how to get out of these types of situations…” Or, rather, the goddess who co-inhabited her body knew how to use her gifts to release them both from any problem. “It’s kind of my…strong suit, if you will…solving puzzles and problems like this. But right now, there’s just nothing. I have no idea how to get out of here.” She ripped the bottom of her long dress and wrapped up her arm as best as she could, wanting to make herself useful somehow.
“I just need her to show me the way…” She was muttering to herself slightly, leaning back against the wall before flashing Ardeth another worried frown.
