Examine the stump

The stump, on closer inspection, is as pristine as if it was cut that morning. In the top is carved the following words:

The path you must take as the crow flies
Tis question of not how, but when
It may now be hidden from all eyes
But never forget where you've been

The words are bordered with penises. Cute.

You stand in a clearing in the swamp. In the middle of the area stands a large and strangely pristine stump. Next to the rightmost path is a much more scrawny-looking tree than the others you've seen in the verdant swamp. On the leftmost edge of the area is a copse of bushes laden with small blue berries.

A keening howl echoes through the swamp and a shiver runs down your spine. You feel very exposed.