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“So this tree grows in a cave?” Hank asked.
“I believe so,” the shopkeeper answered. “Mind you, I never actually saw the tree...”
“How did you come by this branch?” I asked.
“Well, there is a large complex of caves deep in the heart of the Woodland server. These caves actually serve as portals that can lead you to other parts of the server! The rumor is that the developer of the server placed a glitched tree in the heart of the caverns. He had accidentally made a tree that would never die, and to avoid potential issues he simply hid it!”
I pondered this statement. Honestly, it seemed very hard to believe. But the proof otherwise was laying on the table in front of me.
“Very well,” Hank said. “I'll buy your story. But how do we get to this tree?”
“Like I said before, I've never seen the tree. I have been in the caves though, just not all the way through them. I can tell you how to get there.”
“Alright,” I said. “How do we reach it?”
The shopkeeper held up a weathered hand.
“Now just settle down there buddy. Before you go running off into the forest you'll need supplies. It's a tough journey, and there are a lot of unfriendly creatures that roam these woods. Lucky for you, I've got everything that you need!”
As instructed, Hank and I set about gathering the supplies that we needed. The general store did indeed carry everything that we could possibly want for our trip. Both of us bought new backpacks, boots, and hiking apparel, as well as nylon rope, knives, flashlights, and plenty of dry rations for the trip. We racked up a sizable bill, but the old man who ran the place gave us a hefty discount.
“Consider it an investment,” the man said with a smile. “You two are my most important customers and I want to make sure you come back alive!”
Once we had gathered our equipment and were set to go, Hank asked the elderly man for the directions.
“How about it, old-timer? Can you point us in the right direction?”
“I most certainly can. Here, take this.”
He reached under the counter and pulled out three items. The first was an old map, drawn on a bit of dried out leather.
“This map,” he said. “Will lead you from the edge of town all the way to the cavern entrance. It's a rough hike, but not too hard to stay on track. If you ever stray from the path just listen for the sound of the river. It will be on your left side the entire journey. I want you two to take these also.”
He pushed the other two items towards us. They were small compasses, along with leather carrying cases.
“It's not much,” he said. “But these things are never inaccurate, and they might come in handy if you ever find yourself hopelessly off course.”
Hank and I turned to go.
“Thanks for all your help, sir,” I said.
“Don't mention it, boys. I just hope you find what you're looking for. It's a shame there aren't more men on this server with the same work ethic as you two. Oh, and one more thing: I would move quickly. If the men from the Environmental League find out what you're up to they're sure to try and stop you!”