Wounded Ancients

It seems obvious to me that the protectors of the Vale--the treants--had something to do with the Venture Co. being driven back. Unfortunately, even those once great guardians have now become corrupt. Gaxim thinks their corruption is somehow linked to the weapons the goblins used during their retreat. I told him I'd collect a sample from a wounded treant and allow him to study it in order to figure out if that's true. Bring me some of the shrapnel so the gnome can tell me more...