As Gunnar marched toward the tree line, Ahlund, Justin, Lycon, and Adonica drew their weapons and followed. Visibility dropped as they entered the forest. The sunlight through the canopy created stark, solid-looking beams in the smoke. The hot, humid air was like walking through a damp curtain.

Gunnar had to squint his eye against the sting of the smoke. Before long, he found himself coughing. He was starting to wonder if he'd strayed off course when he finally spotted something ...