The tree roots rose above the ground, forming natural gullies and slopes.
The leading Wizard did not pause, stepping directly onto a natural spiral pattern on the tree trunk.
It was a path winding around the trunk, more like a slightly flat fold on the bark than a road.
The wide parts could accommodate three or four people walking side by side, while the narrow parts required them to pass sideways.
The group followed behind, spiraling up along the trunk.
One turn, two turns, three turns.
No one knew how long they had walked when Duke looked down, spotting the base as a tiny black dot disappearing in the mist among the roots.
Looking up, he still couldn't see the top, only endless trunk and occasionally huge branches and leaves protruding from bark crevices.
The surroundings were very quiet, only the rustle of wind-blown leaves and their own footsteps could be heard.
After walking for about half an hour, the leading Wizard finally stopped in front of a tree hollow.
