[Action - forward-dated to when gaps start opening in the maze]

[There is a loud splash as something large hits the surface of the lake, followed by a few moments of silence as whatever it was seems to be sinking. The object (which turns out to be Emil) abruptly resurfaces with a gasp, coughing and choking on the water he inhaled when he was so unceremoniously dumped into the water. Blindly he strikes out in what he hopes is the direction of the shore. He's so tired and weak that he can't manage more than a rather gimpy doggy paddle, but that's enough to at least keep his head above water and get him closer to the shore. After what seems like an eternity, his feet finally touch the bottom; one final burst of energy propels him forward before he collapses, half-submerged in the lake. Fortunately his head is above the water...]