[h2][center][b][color=ed1c24]Novak[/color][/b][/center][/h2]
Novak was greatly startled by the large hunk of stone slamming down in front of him.  It he had taken a few steps further, it'd have ended this new life just a few minutes after it had begun.  He then realized that it was no mere hunk of debris, but the foot of what appeared to be an animate stone colossus.  Judging by the blade protruding from the statue's arm, it was probably a guard or a soldier of some sort.  [i]This must be the guardian,[/i] he thought.  Fortunately, the colossus didn't seem to notice him, and it trudged away, causing the ground to shake with each step.

[i]It was probably drawn here by the sound of that bird's screeching.  Or perhaps it it simply patrolling.[/i]  Whether or not it was actively searching for them, it was clear that they couldn't hide here forever.  The colossus wasn't the only danger; whatever that thing that was climbing that tower in the distance might also be a threat.

The ruined gatehouse he had spotted looked like it might be the way out.  Once they got past it, they should be safe from that stone monstrosity, assuming it didn't decide to smash its way through to pursue them.  On the other hand, he had no idea what awaited them on the other side.  Faced with the prospect of ending up the wrong end of that stone blade- or any of the many other ways it could kill them- whatever might be on the other side of the gatehouse was probably preferable to taking their chances with the colossus.

There were other things to worry about, of course.  Judging by the snow, it looked pretty frigid outside, and they weren't exactly dressed for this weather.  They would also need to find food, water, and shelter, although such concerns were presently eclipsed by the matter of immediate survival.  Perhaps it would be a good idea to discuss their options with his two companions.

[color=ed1c24]"You two might want to see this,"[/color] Novak spoke softly as to avoid drawing the walking statue's attention.  [color=ed1c24]"I think we've found that guardian that the goddess warned us about.  Some sort of stone colossus, from the look of it."[/color]

[color=ed1c24]"Fortunately, I also see what looks like an exit out of here, some sort of destroyed gatehouse.  What do you two think?  Should we take our chances and slip out through there?"[/color]

[@PKMNB0Y][@VitaVitaAR]