The moment chaos erupted, Edwin took command of the Golden Apple Chamber of Commerce guards. With practiced efficiency, they formed a defensive perimeter, locking Roderic's carriage inside a wall of steel and magic.
When the last of the creatures stopped twitching, Edwin returned to the carriage to debrief the Marquess. A look of genuine relief washed over his face.
To a veteran merchant, if it wasn't a beast tide, it wasn't a crisis.
"Do we have a casualty count?" Roderic asked, his voice tight.
Edwin blinked, his smile faltering. "My Lord?"
"How many dead? Did the protectors suffer any venomous bites? Is the cargo intact?" Roderic leaned forward, his eyes darting frantically. "And does anyone know exactly what those things were?"
The barrage of questions left Edwin stunned.
