Terry takes her time and recites the incantation carefully, ensuring the healing magic flows to all the companions.
Umbril mticulously criss-crosses the room, looking for anthing hidden or concealed, but finds nothing worth noting, other than the Gem and a rather rapidly decaying body.
Waking from their near-death experiences, Albrecht stands and returns to the entry chamber, the doors moving easily, now.
Albrecht said:
"I'm tired of waiting. Of looking. What's in this thing anyway?"
Bimpnott said:
Careful, I've had more near-death experiences today than most soldiers in their entire life, I reckon. If the gods wanted my soul, they'd already have it.
Thank you and your god, Terry. Will you tell me about him sometime?"
Terry said:
Woah, woah, what the heck are you doing? We are in no shape to deal with anything in that box stronger than a rat. Wait until we've rested and recovered from the fight. I need to go to sleep soon or I'm just going to fall down.
While this is going on, Umbril examines what is left of the body. Though torn and wasted nearly to bone, it seems apparent that this is, or was, General Oscar Montarthas; one-time lord of the Manor.
Just as you are appraising the scene, once again loud groan escapes the house. This one, though, seems a little more urgent than the others you've heard.
Somewhere, you hear a crash, as of something falling over or crashing to the floor.
A loud "CRACK", sounding like a tree branch snapping rings out and, suddenly, a snaking crack appears in the windows overlooking the front approach.
The room rumbles and sways alarmingly, as dust falls through the cracks and holes in the ceiling. Then, suddenly, the entire manor begins to shake, as the walls start to decay and erode.
The manor, it seems, is caving in on itself, and will likely be nothing but a pile of rubble before long.
D'oh!
