Slow rolling style.

In the world of the traveling merchant everything comes down to cost verses benefits. The end goal is profits, and the going market rates of goods is always in fluctuation so the risks are enough that many aspiring merchants are so broke and in debt that they can never repay before they even make their first real turn of profit. But with careful planning and a little bit of luck a regular few make it through their first big sale and in turn become regular traders and couriers.

A causal inspection of a merchant's caravan will tell you quite a lot about the merchant. Open carts are cheap, small and lack any sort of covering against the weather or prying eyes; but because of how easy they are to get and inspect there are many successful smugglers who have found ways to add false floors to bring small contraband into cities right through the main gates. Canvas covered wagons are the most commonly used transport because they are larger and more stable, but also shield goods and/or passengers from the elements.

Julian carried all the marks of both an experienced merchant, and a prudent one. His chosen beasts of burden were steeps bison, similar to the common ox but bigger in body and most especially their hooves. Normally the hoof size wouldn't be an issue for agricultural issues, but once in the desert these larger hooves sink much less into the sands and are only an impediment trying to climb mountainous terrain. The bison is also exceptionally hardy and survives well in a wide swath of temperatures and can eat most any type of vegetation with very few exceptions, and they can go for days without food or water so long as they are able to replenish their fat stores at the conclusion of those days of fasting.

Lastly due to the size of the bison they are exceptionally strong and can pull a wagon full with several times their own weight in cargo at the walking pace of a man nearly indefinitely, needing only a few hours of rest a day. With a total of ten bison in the caravan they were capable of defending themselves from most any predator, simply cut them free of the wagons in an emergency and let their nature take over from there. These traits and strengths are the reason the Orcs use them almost exclusively as herd animals.

Julian was using large wagons, too big for a horse team, but small enough for an individual bison to pull. There wouldn't be any running this way, but the wagon, load and bison were carefully matched to allow for extended walking. Additionally while the wagons didn't have canopies like passenger wagons might, all the contents were either in crates or under lifted tarps to give a little airflow to keep some of the contents shaded from the upcoming desert heat.

He was also well enough off to have a solid staff of guards, each beast had a handler riding in the wagon and an additional two guards to walk on either side of the wagon, with an additional pair of guards for both the front and rear of the convoy. Bringing his typical crew up to a total of 35 persons including Julian himself. With the addition of Raven and Alex leading the party as guides it was enough to give even the boldest of bandits pause, no matter how valuable the contents MIGHT be bandits didn't like riding on even odds, and the only member of the convoy who wasn't covered head to toe in armor and weapons was Julian.

All the same Julian had hired a guide, which implied that there were perishable goods among his cargo. Skilled sorcerers and wizards were scarce and even the best chilling spells would only preserve fruits and vegetables for a period of time. With this number of guards Julian was also probably not paying them per deim, but on a percentage of the enterprise. Such was a good way to foster loyalty between a merchant and his crew, new hires would be paid a set amount, but permanent crew took part in the risk and shared in the reward, making them investors in each trip as well as employees of the merchant. Alex had known several sell swords who chose the life of a merchant guard rather than rough mercenary work for the potential profits that could be gained. A single lucky break could be enough for a common guard to be able to retire, several and a guard could purchase their own fief and join the ranks of untitled landowners.

Alex surmised from the attention and coordination that many of these guards no longer needed the job, they had grown into a rough family. Some older veterans and younger blades who'd foraged friendships over the many miles that they had walked. Alex even noticed on more than one occasion where a bison's handler would switch out with a walking guard in a silent dance so that everyone stays in easy fighting shape. Julian's guards were a well oiled machine that made even Alex respect their professionalism and skills, and they'd done nothing but walk in silence for the day.

Raven's gauge of the troops speed turned out to be under estimated. There was still traveling light when they arrived at their oasis. By now the rough rocky terrain of the steeps was almost completely obscured by sand and to the south there wasn't a living thing to be seen. But Raven made the motion to make camp anyways.

Raven, Julian, Alex and the most senior guard walked between the two provision wagons and noted the amount of stock they had.

"How many days to Tut' Tel if we keep this pace?" Julian asked.

Raven rubbed the side of his nose in thought. "We can easily be there in a pair of weeks if the slithering lake doesn't interfere. If it does we'll be able to restock so that won't be a problem, just a setback."

Julian frowned, "That's going to cut it close with some of my goods but it should be manageable."

"I thought the slithering lake was a folk tale." the guard interjected.

Raven displayed a tattoo on his arm, "It's very real my friend, harmless but real."

Alex whistled softly, "I've only heard tales of the slithering lake. You're the first person I've met who's seen it in person."

Raven shrugged, "I've seen it a few times. The ghost that makes it has a migratory pattern, but it's not a set schedule so it might be there, or it might be somewhere else. The animals that follow it's trail are all edible and the water is actually just normal water. I've never felt the ghost or met someone who could see it, but the lake it leaves in it's wake is real."

Julian sighed, "I've heard it can be many miles long. We didn't bring anything to use as watercraft so we'll have to hope we catch it near an end so we can go around it if we're unlucky enough to meet it."

Raven sighed as well, "We shouldn't encounter it this time of year, not in our path anyways, but that's the one thing I cannot make promises about."

Julian shrugged. "You're highly recommended and you ask reasonable fees for your service, if we encounter the Slithering Lake I won't blame you for it."

"That's very generous of you." Raven laughed in the mildly hysterical way that Alex had already grown mostly accustomed too.

Julian nodded, "This isn't my first trip across the sands. But this is my first trip along a most direct path. My normal guide likes to keep in sight of the mountains, but with my time needs he recommended you as the best for this job."

"Not many nomads lose their tribes. So not many guides are familiar with the real desert."

Julian nodded. "I'll be cursing the delays coming through the deeps for the rest of the trip, don't take it personally. We're already a week behind schedule."

Alex questioned, "What happened in the deep roads?"

Julian just scoffed, but the guard replied for him. "A few collapsed ceilings, the goblins are in heat this year and Glita-Himimn is in elections for the new arch-mage."

Alex winced, "Sorry I asked."

The guard shrugged, "It's part of the job. We took a lucrative rushed order from a valued client and this is what happens when you think that money comes easily."

Raven clapped the guard on the shoulder, "Cheer up lad!"

"I'm sure that I'm older than you."

Raven continued unperturbed, "With me along you have the protection of both the nomad traditions AND the gods! You lucky bloke will get so rich on making this order on time that you'll go home and get married!"

"I have three grandchildren."

"Married again! To a hot young thing who's always in heat."

"My wife isn't dead yet."

"So rich she won't care."

"You don't know my wife, she'll care."

"Soooooooo. Riiiiccch."

Alex scooped the guard away, "I think there might be a few things we can do to help with setting up camp. Please show me what I can do to help."

Under his breath the guard muttered, "Thank you."