The forest base was very rocky.
Tree roots were shallow, extending horizontally instead of deepening vertically. They created a dense network just beneath the surface, interweaving with the webs.
But further down past the root layer...
Only rock remained.
The mole would take too long to advance through bedrock so hard, progress would be measured in centimeters per second rather than the meters they needed.
But everything couldn't be solid rock, right?
And there were occasional tunnels, narrow and twisted things that suggested water or ancient beast passage.
"This way," the leader pointed to one that seemed to go in the approximate direction they wanted. "It must connect eventually with softer ground."
They entered with hopes of bypassing surface dangers.
