The Gems of Adrya: Peridot

Chapter 3: Of Thorns And Branches

Emery no longer liked mazes.

After what felt like several hours wandering through the hedges in hopes of finding whatever it was she was looking for, Emery was beginning to think that she would ever find the center. And even if she did, what if she had to find her way back through the maze just to move on to the next test?

Emery shook the thoughts of doubt from her mind. She would do this. She had to. Taking a breath, Emery looked around her. Could there be something that could help her? But as she walked, all that she saw was leaves upon leaves.

And then it struck her.

Emery could use the leaves to leave a trail! That way, she'd know where she'd been! Of course, there was always a possibility of a breeze or something that would blow away the trail... but so far, this course of action was the best that Emery could come up with. So, deciding to go with it, she began to pick leaves from the hedges around her, laying them down on the ground behind her. It'd slow her down a bit, but hopefully it would be worth it in the end.

Emery continued doing this for what felt to be even more hours. At this rate, what if the Trial had already finished? Did it have a set time limit? She didn't think so... it'd be kind of cruel to put a time limit and not, at the very least, warn the participants. Sighing, Emery brought her mind back to laying leaves on the ground behind her. Every time she reached a dead end, Emery would retrace her steps to where she had turned, making an X mark out of the greenery.

So far, it had at least somewhat worked.

As she walked, more questions wandered into her mind. It was all Emery could really do at the moment... place leaves, walk, and think. One of the first things that crossed her mind was the creature she had encountered in her first task. Emery hadn't seen anything like it during her life so far. And the even more disturbing fact was that it had taken Kanger's shape. He had appeared so hurt... And yes, Emery had reassurance from Councilor Saeyan herself that her brother was safe and sound at home, but the feeling of unease refused to leave Emery alone. Part of her was also upset at the Councilors. A glimpse of a loved one near death.... that was a bit over the top, wasn't it? It was all part of the Trial, yes, but still.

Soon, thoughts of the others came into her thoughts. Had any of them completed the Trial yet? A small frown weeded its way onto Emery's lips. Knowing Mallen, she had probably completed it a while ago. A small sigh escaped her. All Emery could do was her best.

But inside, somewhere Emery generally liked to ignore, a tiny part of her wished that Mallen wouldn't pass. For once, there would actually be something she had done that Mallen hadn't accomplished! Emery shook her head. No. No thoughts about that. Despite her arrogant nature, Emery had to hand it to her... Mallen was very skilled. She had been able to call upon her magic at ease, even without the assistance of a gem! This was something very few in Emery's class were able to do. She, however, was not one of the few who could. No matter how many times she tried, Emery couldn't get her magic to spark the way Mallen could.

She returned her focus to the task at hand, pushing any and all thoughts of Mallen from her mind. The last thing Emery needed was to be so lost in her trail of thinking that she took a wrong turn and got lost yet again. Quickly glancing over her shoulder, Emery could see a trail of leaves lining the ground. Luckily for her, she hadn't forgotten to keep placing them. Yet.

Suddenly, a loud boom sounded from somewhere inside the maze. Emery whipped her head forward, startled by the unexpected noise. What was  that? Was it coming from the center? Emery grabbed a large handful of leaves from the hedge, breaking into a run. As she went, she tossed the leaves behind her, hoping they at least kept to the trail. A small part of her knew it was a bad idea to do that, but her curiosity won out.