Reidar led the group deeper into the woods, moving away from the site of the battle. The carcasses of the Silt-Stalker Monitors were behind them, and the scent of blood filled the area and gave them nausea, besides acting as a beacon for anything prowling the forest.
They discovered a small clearing that was bordered by massive roots rising from the earth like natural walls, offering them some measure of cover and protection from the elements. These roots also released a strong, earthy scent that masked their scent trails. After surveying the area and figuring out whether or not it was suitable for a brief rest, Reidar signaled for the group to halt.
"We'll stay here for an hour," he said. "Give our mana time to recover, then we keep moving."
He sat down on a moss-covered stone, feeling the cool metal of the Signet of the Twin Maws against his skin. It was a powerful item, maybe one of the best he had found, but his mind wasn't on the loot. It was on the System, and so was Jake's.
