Suddenly, jagged boulders erupted from the ground, forming an impenetrable barrier, halting Sebastian's departure. The rocks circled around them, trapping both Runia and Sebastian. Sebastian spun around, alarmed. "What's happening?"
"Invasion security," Runia replied calmly. "You've been here too long, your highness. Neither of us is wearing a key pendant. We might be stuck until someone comes near the lake."
Sebastian eyed the boulders, concern flickering in his gaze. "My lady, don't you know these security measures are trap-laden?"
Runia knelt before a boulder, testing its density with her fingers. She brushed her hand against it, pulling back with a speck of earth on her fingertips. "If all sides are of a similar texture, it might break with a kick."
Sebastian moved to another stone, assessing its weight. "It's roughly 250 pounds." He stepped back, studying the formation. The boulder he just touched now appeared taller than the rest.
"Deactivate your magic," Runia advised. "The rocks can sense magical power."
"Do you have a plan?" Sebastian asked, voice tense.
"We need to decipher this maze," she replied thoughtfully.
"Huh?" Sebastian looked at her, puzzled.
"We're trapped for a reason. If the only issue is our lack of pendants, then it's just a simple maze—something quick and straightforward to solve."
"You're sure of yourself," Sebastian murmured, stepping closer.
"I am," Runia said with quiet conviction. "First, we must find the softest boulder and carve the general's name on it. That will be our way out."
"Lady Runiasy," Sebastian called softly. She turned, realizing they were now hovering above the ground, the boulders surrounding them still.
"That's... not normal," she whispered, scanning the distant camp, where everyone seemed asleep—like horses in a dreamless slumber.
"What's going on?" she asked, rising to her feet. Sebastian studied the boulders intently.