36. They’re unlocked

She heaves and pulls one of the doors open. She leaves herself open to another attack, which the armor takes advantage of. [18 vs 15. Chance to block 23. Damage reduction: 4. Damage: 1]

Malene bolts up the stairs, seeing the waning light of day at the end of the tunnel out. [21 vs 17] The armor is right on her tail, but she pulls ahead and sprints.

The suit of armor grabs for her again, trying to stop its query. [16 vs 14. Chance to block: 8. Damage: 3] Malene stumbles and she knows the spikes on the armor’s hand will leave a scar.

There’s only one thing for it, to keep running. [27 (natural 20) vs 5] As she picks up speed, she leaves the suit of armor in the dust. Whatever purpose the mage had captured her for, he had healed her previous wounds at least.

She ran and kept running, putting distance between her and the mage’s dungeon. When she finally stopped, out of breath, the moon was high overhead and she had the stars to help guide her. She looks up to see if she can determine how far from home she is now.