“Yes. They might escape the first few times, Miss Cara. But the undead don’t stop. Even the fastest bird must sleep. And come nightfall…they’ll find anything living they can. Run them down without rest.

Corner them. And so one or two can become dozens. Hundreds if left unchecked. Normally we can kill rodents or smaller animals easily. But a herd of deer? A bear?”

The [Blacksmith] looked around. The villagers had farming weapons—some had bows or axes or even a sword or two. But…Cara wouldn’t fight a zombie bear with a flamethrower.

“We must lock the doors. No one leaves. Rethis—watch from your tower. Try to down them if they come.”

The [Hunter] licked his lips.

“I can try. But zombies are hard to fell, let alone at night.”

“Lord Lantal will send warriors to slay the horde as soon as he can. By tomorrow at the latest, surely.

Until then—do not go out.”

“What if they try to break in? A bear might break down a door, Idelt.”

Someone spoke up. The [Blacksmith] looked at Violetta. His daughter was pale. He glanced at Cara.

“Not ours. Not so easily, I think. Lock your doors and secure your windows. If they break in, call for help.”

That was all. There was no promise of a rescue. Lock the doors. If they broke in, hide in your rooms.

Climb out the windows.

Pray. But no one uttered a prayer. They just dispersed into their homes and locked the doors.

“Couldn’t you kill the bear? Hunt it down?”

Cara was focused on Idelt, remembering how easily he carried the huge blocks of wood. The man had weapons—a [Blacksmith]’s tools. Violetta shook her head rapidly.

“Kill an undead Mothbear? Cara—we’re not [Warriors]. Rethis is the highest-level [Hunter] and he nearly died when a doe and foal turned on him. They move—move slow. But if they start biting you, they don’t let go. And—I need to make sure the windows are sealed. The chimney…”

She was beginning to shake. Idelt came over quickly and placed a hand on her shoulder.

“They cannot break down a door. Mister Ferl was talking nonsense, Violetta. Nothing short of a…Draug could do that. They haven’t the brains to do so. Go and make sure the Gloomwrens are locked in. Hurry, now.”

He pushed his daughter, gently. Cara thought it was a bit callous—but the young woman started towards the coop and perhaps it was better than talking about…the man looked at her.

“This is what adventurers are for. Lord Lantal will send warriors. We just need to hide.”

He gestured.

“Towards my home. Rethis? Are you hurt?”

“Not a scratch, Idelt. I’ll be fine.”