The duo walked briskly through the forest, retracing the Orc search team's path. Artis took them through dense vegetation, through shortcuts that were invisible to the inexperienced eye.
Half an hour later, they arrived at a rocky area with large boulders blocking the path. The duo had to slide sideways at times to pass through. Ultimately, they emerged in a clearing with a bubbling pool of water at the center.
"Whoa…" Ethan said in wonder. "This looks like heaven."
It was a hot spring, surrounded by hilly terrain on all sides. There was enough dry land for camping as well. Large-bodied beings could never find the exotic place.
"Orcs can't get through to this location," Artis explained. "We can stay here tonight."
Ethan couldn't wait for another second. He quickly approached the clear, bubbling water. Cold had seeped into his bones over the past day, and a hot spring was just the fix he needed.
