Lysander completely disagreed with my proposal to disclose his true nature as a werewolf to the local residents. Reflecting on it, I recognized that my suggestion had been made in haste, driven by anxiety over the potential havoc a barbarian horde could wreak on our village.

I left my room, immediately noticing Lysander's voice, having a conversation with Arland. Lysander's tone of voice was laced with concern, as he revealed Arland our interaction with Audrey and the grim premonition that is to befall over the Village of Bertoli. I paused in the hallway, unintentionally eavesdropping on their conversation, which inadvertently provided insight into my brother's thoughts on how to handle the impending threat.

"There are reports of a barbarian horde gathering near the mountain pass. We haven't faced a threat of this magnitude before, and the potential harm to our town could be catastrophic. How can I make a prudent decision that doesn't jeopardize the safety of all our people?"

Arland motioned with his hand, signaling Lysander to take a seat in the chair beside him.

"Son, handling a lone thief or a small group of wolves is an entirely different matter compared to facing an army of unrelenting men. My insights are as limited as yours in this situation. As Bortoli's leader, the responsibility falls on you to determine the course of action against these barbarians, even though your decision might not be perfect for everyone involved. One key insight I have about these barbarians is: if they perceive any weakness, they will offer no mercy."

Lysander remained thoughtful for a moment. "You think should be prudent to send a scout?"

"Consult your brother; his perspective might be more insightful than mine. But remember, sending a scout could be perceived as a hostile act by the barbarians,"Arland said.

I chose to reveal my presence, despite my doubts about being as helpful as Arland suggested. My experience with invaders was non-existent, and I was acutely aware that any missteps Lysander made in this situation would also reflect on me.

I walked downstairs, holding a wide smile. "Brother. I hope I'm not interrupting your conversation."

"Not at all, would you like to join us?" Lysander asked. "We're trying to decide something important. Do you think it's prudent to send out a scout, or might draw more attention than we want?"

I took a seat next to Lysander, exploring the potential consequences of sending a scout to make contact with the barbarians. "Considering the lifestyle of these barbarians, sending a scout might not be the wisest choice. They are nomads who consume all the resources from every village they conquer. Instead, I suggest we close both gates and reinforce them, doubling the guards from two to four. Initiating contact could provoke them unnecessarily; it's better if we prepare defensively."

"You believe they will attack the village?"

"I'm certain of it. I know our militia doesn't have a chance to win against a direct confrontation with the barbarians. It is best to take the people of the village to a secured area, away from the barbarian's path."

"I agree with you, brother. I believe our first priority should be to safeguard the women and children. But the question is, where we can safely relocate them?"

Turning towards Arland, I recalled a place that will offer the shelter we are looking for. "Arland, do you remember the cave where we found Lysander as a child?"

Immediately, a smile spread across Arland's face. "How could I forget?"

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"The cave is situated to the north-east of Bortoli. If the barbarians aim to strike our town, we can use that cave as shelter. It would be a secure location to bring all the women and children until we can arrange for their transportation to a place far from the village."

Lysander rose from his chair, his eyes alight with resolve. "Randall, gather everyone in the town's square. It's crucial they understand the impending situation and our plans to protect as many as possible. I'll head out to scout the northern forest."

His decision caught me off guard. "Lysander, please think this through carefully. The people need their leader now more than ever."

"I'm the fastest in this town. If anyone stands a chance of scouting and escaping unscathed, it will be me. We need to understand exactly what we're up against. Our militia may be small but gather them to rally the people to safety. Also, call for volunteers who are willing to defend the town and help reinforce the gates."

Though I harbored reservations about him venturing alone into the forest, Lysander's assertion about his speed in our town was undeniable. If anyone had the capability to quickly gather the necessary intelligence to thwart an impending attack, it was him.

I sighed, acknowledging there was no other solution to the current situation. "Be careful brother. Come back to us in one piece."

Lysander nodded and smiled. But there was a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes that didn't escape me—a hint that he might be contemplating something reckless, like facing the barbarian horde alone. Without wasting any more time, he ran out the door, heading towards the northern forest. Beside me, Arland extended his hand, signaling for assistance to stand. As I helped him up, his eyes reflected a great deal of despair.

"I fear for the worst, Randall. Your brother might attempt to confront those men by himself, and that could lead to his downfall."

"Let's hope that will not be outcome, father. We must trust in his judgment."

I mounted my horse and quickly rode towards the town center, where the square features a bell used by Arland to summon the people of Bortoli. Pulling the bell rope with all my strength, I sent out a loud call that gradually drew the residents to assemble around me, their faces marked by curiosity and concern.

An elderly gentleman, dressed in a thick coat, stepped forward. "Randall, what's going on?"

I found it challenging to communicate the message from Lysander, knowing it might not be welcomed by some of the townspeople. Despite their potential reactions, I resolved to share the news. I waited for most of the people to show up in the middle of the square, before conveying the message.

"In a few days, a horde of barbarians will be approaching our village. These people are known for their ruthlessness and violence. Lysander has already left to gather more intelligence about their numbers and whereabouts. It's crucial that we prepare for the worst to prevent any loss of life."

The crowd's initial whispers grew louder, reflecting their anxiety and fear. Recognizing the need to maintain order, I rang the bell again, drawing back their attention. "We need to discuss our defenses and ensure everyone's safety. Please, let's focus on preparing and supporting each other through this. I urge all women and children to begin preparations to leave town. These barbarians have a reputation of eliminating entire villages, exhausting their food supplies and resources before they move to another area. Additionally, I am seeking volunteers willing to defend our town. We also require skilled carpenters to assist in fortifying the gates."

Questions started to arise from the crowd, as an atmosphere of uncertainty enveloped the villagers. "Where are we going to go?"

"There is a series of caves to the northeast of here, far away from the barbarian's path. Should conflict arise, these caves will serve as our sanctuary until we can secure transportation for everyone."

A voice from the crowd raised a concern, "What if the barbarians won't leave?"

"The time to defend what's ours have come. If any of you decides to run, we will not stop you. Just remember when our time is up, death will claim us all."

As the whispers in the crowd became more pronounced, I found it necessary to continuously ring the bell again for attention. "I call upon every man ready to stand against the barbarians to meet here tomorrow, at the break of dawn. Everyone else should gather in front of the Lord's estate, for further instructions."

With more questions emerging from the crowd, I recognized that I didn't have all the answers for their concerns. Despite my desire to offer a more reliable plan, my options were limited, and I had no choice but to mount my horse and head back home. Whether the villagers decide to stay and defend our town or flee to save their lives, my hopes rest on Lysander to find a solution to the unrest stirred by his message.