One person soiled themselves on the spot, while more collapsed to the ground as if their bones had vanished.
"Don't be afraid. He only died because he wanted to kill me."
At this, Hu Qi's gaze fell upon Old Butte, his meaning clear.
"As long as you do as you're told and keep your mouths shut, I won't kill you!"
"Yes, sir, you can rest assured! We won't breathe a single word of what happened today to anyone. If anyone dares, I'll be the first to take care of them!"
Old Butte slammed his forehead against the ground, cold sweat soaking the back of his shirt.
...
As autumn approached, a damp sea breeze carried thunderclouds, sweeping in from the direction of Night Crow Harbor.
The caravan advanced slowly along the muddy road, its wheels making a muffled squelch as they rolled through puddles.
Between the heavy timber they were hauling, the frequent thunderstorms, and the necessary rest stops, the caravan's progress was slow, covering no more than a dozen or so miles a day.
