The remaining adventurers fashioned a makeshift platform out of the chicken coop boards.
'Clever,' thought Orion to himself, as he began to listen in on the conversations occurring in his dungeon.
"I have to leave. He spared Barry's life, and mine, on the condition we leave," Ariel stated.
"Ariel, stop being silly. Who spared you? The trap failed is all. Dungeons don't spare adventurers who fail. That simply isn't done. They certainly don't talk to anyone who isn't their master," and older man stated. "Now come along, you're fit and with a potion and some rest, your brother will be fine."
"Master Finnley, please I-"
<*THUD*>
A giant block of rock fell between the two, forcing Ariel to stumble back a step, towards the gate. Looking up, she saw another block form directly above her head.
Master Finnley paled. "Go towards the gate. Be quick, girl. Everyone else, keep your eyes open for more traps. We have a bridge for the pit, but who knows what else there is waiting for us."
The brick vanished as soon as the party's eyes left it. When Ariel approached the gate, it swung open for her and her brother. once through, it slammed shut with a seeming finality.
-
"Made it into the entrance at least. Now, who's first through the door?" Master Finnley called out.
The entire party went silent, remembering the fate of Barry and Ariel.
"Now, now, no need to be too afraid. This Dungeon does not seem to want to kill us. It spared two of us already. So the next trap should have a similar failsafe. So, who has the best trap sense?"
"Barry did," said a slim, dark haired man.
"Yes, and he wandered without using it. Lesson for us all. Who's next after Barry?"
"Martin has the keenest perception," chimed in a blonde woman.
"Martin it is. Head on up front Martin, and scout the way."
Martin, a pale faced young man of around 16, swallowed silently, his eyes wide. He began to slowly advance towards the door.
He looked around, above and below. "Just an empty stone door frame, I think. No trap that I can see on it." The others moved forwards towards him as he entered the cave.
After the third member entered, the entire party's faces fell as a loud grinding sound was heard, and the front door dropped shut, crushing the fourth man's foot.
"God in heaven, fucking lord!" The mans muffled screams could be heard by those inside.
"Down!" Martin screamed, throwing himself to the floor, but to no avail, as the two party members behind him turned and saw the great stone axe swinging into them.
-
Martin had no idea how long he lay at the entrance. His companions did not survive the axe. The dungeon had already claimed their bodies. He lay there, shivering and oblivious to everything going on around him.
Some time later, he noticed the cave ahead was lit with a strange blue glow. Advancing forward, he saw a sight that made him gasp, eyes tearing up. "A safe room," he sobbed.
He staggered to the table, to find a small brick stove already lit, a kettle of tea boiling, and three hard boiled eggs awaiting him. Partitioned by an oak and wattle screen, a wardrobe and bed, turned down and ready for sleep appeared, with an arrow that said Wash Up pointing to a door on his right.
Curious, he cautiously opened the door. A small outhouse, and a strange room with... pipes? He shrugged and stepped backwards, only to find the door behind him closed and sealed. He began to hyperventilate, fearing another trap.
"The sign says Wash Up. I'll not have you dirtying my good sheets. Now use the shower, and get ready for bed." A grumpy voice sounded to his left.
Entering the cubicle with water, shaking with fear, the pipes suddenly activated and... Bliss. Warm water gently rinsed his body and clothing. all the dirt and grime pooled in the bottom, slipping into a small set of holes.
It had been two weeks since Martin had had a proper bath. The party had refused to stop for anything save filling water skins when they heard there was an unclaimed dungeon out here. But this, he had never expected this.
Exiting the Wash room, Martin saw the tea was served and the eggs were ready. He looked around for a moment, then asked the air, "Can my companions enter? Or am I the only one allowed?"
"If they can find a way to open the door, and avoid my other traps, they're welcome," the strange voice said grudgingly. "If not, they can sleep in the mess they've made of my lawn, and try again tomorrow."
"So I am only here for the night?" Martin queried.
"One day, 24 hours. Lifers to the left, Combats to the right, Utilities take your pick. If you want something in particular, let me know. Otherwise, fuck off.
"Had to be a survivor who got through, had to be lenient on the first set, stupid rules, letting adventurers in to harvest..." the sour voice grumbled into the darkness as it faded.
Martin shook his head. Maybe he was going mad. That's it. Seeing his companions slaughtered drove him insane. "Well, if I'm to be insane, I might as well enjoy it. Let's see what this dungeon has for crafters."