@AlmondMagnum Alone and quickly is easier. That's why he took none of his friends with him. A large, slow group would gather all the beasts even from far away to continuously prey on the entourage. That would further slow down the progress, allowing even more beasts to gather. Not to mention they would have elders, non-fighting women, and children with them, meaning the people capable of fighting would need to spread themselves wide to guard those who can't.