The first thing Hershel did was simple.
He ran.
He ran until he reached the peak of the mountain and had a clear view of the entire biome.
This trial was one he was aware of, unlike the trial of soul. He was completely present in the head, and because of that, his instinct had changed from fighting to fleeing.
However, as he did so, he eventually realized that it was impossible for him to run away.
This was a test, not a natural encounter. No matter where he went or what he did, the beast tide would eventually reach his position, and he'd have no choice but to fight it.
Hershel was a coward. It was natural for him to be one, because if there was one thing he hadn't tried in this life, it was battle.
