Krugger let out a dry chuckle. "I've never heard of lions growing weaker just because they lack a mane."
The guide shrugged. "Tonight we must be careful, sir. The jaguar does not give up its prey without a fight. It is still daylight, so it is likely watching us from nearby. We should move in groups and leave no one behind—not even for a moment. One careless mistake, and a man can simply vanish."
Krugger nodded gravely. He called the soldiers together and repeated the warning, ordering them to stay close to one another at all times—even when answering the call of nature. Once the instructions were given, the column resumed its descent.
The terrain only worsened. The ground was slick with mud, and the vegetation clawed at their legs. The mules struggled the most; their hooves sank easily into the mire, forcing the soldiers to constantly stop, dig them free, and drag the animals forward by sheer effort.
