Worse than Death
Hao Xuan could tell at first glance that this wasn't random. The herbs were growing in long cylindrical patches with empty spaces between each one.
He walked up to the first one which wasn't that far off. The nearby herbs immediately became alert and their leaves stood in the air like tiny daggers.
"Shhh, it's okay I just want to check something. I won't hurt you or take anything away...I promise.."
He relayed the message verbally and clarified his intentions by sending out several golden threads of spiritual sense. When the herbs sensed his honesty they began to move aside.
The raised patch of land previously hidden underneath them came to light. Hao Xuan bent down on one side and carefully pushed aside the soil.
After moving only a few handfuls of dirt the white bone of a half-broken skull came into view. From the size and shape to the specific dimensions, there was no doubt about it. This belonged to an Orc.