A Short Break      

"We should take a break," Golly suddenly suggested, his voice heavy with the strain of fatigue. Age was catching up with him, and his weary bones weren't built for the relentless trek through these steep tunnels.

"What?" Santi's protest was immediate. "But we're so close!"

Golly shook his head, his expression serious. "We're only halfway, and our soldiers are already worn out." He pointed to the panting soldiers, some struggling to catch their breath.

Rain was about to argue, but exhaustion tugged at him. He had been carrying Chi while the others fought, and she needed rest as much as he did.

"But . . ." Santi began, her frustration clear. However, Golly cut her off with a stern look.

"I understand how you feel, but if we push on like this, we'll be nothing but dead bodies when we face Gorm. We need to be in top shape when we face him."