A Carved Landmark

The soil grew firmer beneath my boots as I advanced through the undergrowth. Shielding my brow from stray blades of tall grass, I reached the roots of a dense fern. Wedged deep in the earth stood a smooth gray garden stone, half-overgrown with pale lichen. I scraped away the damp moss using the pommel of my blade to check for inscriptions. Beneath the dirt, a faded carved spiral appeared—an deliberate artisan's mark. I leaned my shield against the stone base, tested the rock's mass with both hands, and found it immovable. This landmark anchors the surrounding yard.