Our Family Has Fallen

By rights, Grendel was not a military person, and Lance had not granted her the authority to command the troops; issuing this order was, in fact, an overstep of her power.

Therefore, the person in charge of the camp was somewhat hesitant. This was one of the consequences rules brought about: they regulated authority but also restricted it. Flexibility came at a cost.

But now was not the time to be entangled in these issues; Grendel had to make a decision.

”I will personally explain this to Lord Lance. Carry out my orders immediately; I will take full responsibility for the consequences!”

The camp leader had no idea how Grendel could have deduced the enemy’s presence from the white wolf’s injuries, nor why she could confirm it from a single strange cry.

But now was not the time to ponder these questions. Although he always conducted himself by the rules, there were only two teams in the camp.

If something were to go wrong, the ordinary people outside would suffer.

The farm must not be lost!

The situation did not allow him much hesitation. Gritting his teeth, he raised his hand, waved it, and shouted, ”Execute the orders!”

No sooner had he spoken than the soldiers, who had been ready for some time, immediately took action.

”Light the signal fires!”

”Prepare for battle!”

Three riders on fast horses rushed out of the camp to tell those outside to return. These three horses were usually used by the camp for hauling supplies and maintaining communications.

It could be said that high-intensity training and regular drills were beneficial; the camp seemed busy, yet everyone performed their duties without a hint of panic.

Meanwhile, Grendel did not stop. While everyone else was busy, she used ”Messenger” to contact Lord Lance.

Without further words, she simply said, ”Warwolf is attacking.”

The watchtower stood over ten meters high, very conspicuous in that era, and its functions included signal fires and smoke. At the top was a metal basin filled with firewood; if lit during the day, it would produce billowing smoke visible from afar. At night, the signal fires would be lit, their strong glow visible from a great distance, used to communicate the enemy’s presence.

A soldier went up and poured a bottle of wood tar onto the fuel in the metal basin. There was no need for a slow burn; as soon as it touched the flames, it spread instantly, igniting in three to five seconds, accompanied by billowing smoke.

Soon, a column of gray-black smoke surged into the sky.

The clearing of the farmland had removed all the nearby trees, so the first to see the smoke were those working on the farm. They had received some emergency training and knew what this signaled; they quickly formed into groups.

Those clearing land or logging further afield were even more distant, so someone on horseback was needed to call them back.

The two patrolling cavalry groups, noticing the signal, hurriedly made their way back to the farm.

But Grendel realized, This won’t do. Warwolf’s smelling range for our scent is probably only about two to three thousand yards.

Whether for myself or for Wang Cai, knowing that madman, he’ll definitely come.

With so few people here, and no sturdy defensive fortifications, even the people and livestock on the farm might be endangered.

And I know Lance isn’t like other nobles who disregard commoner casualties; he cares deeply about them.

If Wang Cai and I hold our ground here, we can wait for reinforcements, but that frenzied Warwolf is unpredictable. If casualties among the farm’s commoners become too severe...

Grendel understood. The battle cannot happen on the farm. Even if we win, the cost would be unacceptable.

”The enemy’s target is me and Wang Cai. Now, immediately get Wang Cai into the carriage. The rest of you defend this place, and I’ll lead them away.”

”Ma’am, are you looking down on us?!”

Grendel’s words had directly offended these soldiers. Does she think we’re incapable of protecting her?

”Your responsibility is to ensure the farm’s safety, not mine. Besides, I have a carriage, and your accompanying me would only slow me down. Moreover, you must now present yourselves before the common folk to calm them, organize their defenses, and prepare for the enemy attack. That is your mission.”

Being responsible for political affairs meant Grendel understood the rules Lance had established better than most. Seeing the camp leader object, she immediately cited those rules to counter him. This was adaptability in action.

The camp leader knew this was the reality of the situation but could only accept it with a reluctant, stifled expression.

”Hurry up and help get him onto the carriage. You all go ahead and organize the defense.”

Soon, the carriage, its noble emblem scrubbed off, departed the camp once more. Strangely, it headed not towards Hamlet, but towards the edge of the farm—not fleeing, but deliberately advancing.

Why was this?

If Grendel wanted to flee for her life, she should naturally head toward Hamlet. By now, the signal smoke had risen, and the cavalry from Hamlet must already be charging this way. With Reynard and his men arriving, they would surely have a fighting chance even against Warwolf.

The problem, however, was that returning meant crossing the farm, which would lead Warwolf right into it. The farm would likely be devastated before Reynard and his troops could even arrive.

The wolves track by scent, and my recent stop has effectively marked the farm. To intercept Warwolf, I have to move in the opposite direction, positioning myself in front of the farm.

With the right preparations, I might just be able to keep them occupied.