Looking around the large open space in front of the entrance to the Labyrinth, Marcus watched the City waking up. Goblins were beginning to scurry here and there, some carrying water, some carrying platforms stacked with the day's bread. Somewhere a rooster crowed, and a tired-looking goblin drove his team of street-cleaning pigs into their pen. Even though he had grown up in a small colony, without much money or resources, except what had been sent by Earth, Marcus was still struck by the absence of things he had taken for granted in his previous life, like satellite dishes or radio antennas on the sides of the buildings, or condensors, solar panels, and hot water tanks on the tops. This town didn't even have bicycles.
Turning back to the entrance to the grand maze and puzzle, the Ranger stroked his chin and wondered. What would happen if he just stepped in and took a look around? Just a couple of steps. Would he be committed? Would a wall slam shut behind him, preventing him from going back, forcing him to go on? Did he dare to find out? It would probably be fine. He should try it.
Oblivious to the witch on the broomstick rapidly approaching him from behind, Marcus prepared to take a particularly foolhardy step.