As the days passed, the attacks on the traveling party only increased.
At first, it had only been beasts. Then human bandits and orc raiders. Then more beasts.
Wolves, boars, giant cats, and creatures Adam had never seen before emerged from the wilderness to assault the convoy.
These were beasts that normally avoided the Trade Road entirely, frightened away by the constant traffic and patrols. Yet now, they attacked without hesitation.
And the attacks always came at night.
The traveling party soon abandoned any hope of maintaining a normal schedule. They slept during the day whenever they could and traveled cautiously. When night fell, everyone remained alert, weapons close at hand.
Yet none of these men had to ever use their weapons. Not even Esmond Greene. Adam made sure they didn't. He took care of all the threats by himself.
Night after night, he fought.
He slaughtered all who dared to attack the convoy.
Beasts, orcs, or humans, they were all mercilessly killed.
