Rowan and his soldiers did not return to the village on time.
At this moment, if there were a clock, it would show around 9 PM or even later.
By now, most people might have already retired to their homes.
But they hadn't.
The villagers stayed outside, waiting for the return of their beloved Lord and his soldiers.
The shadows grew longer as the night deepened, and the cold wind rustled through the trees, but still, the villagers remained steadfast, eyes fixed on the path leading into the village.
After what had happened in the village over the past two days, the villagers had naturally become more reliant on Rowan's presence.
His absence made them extremely worried, while his presence gave them hope of survival.
Meanwhile, at Rowan's place, Riela and Elara sat on a bench outside with a group of other young women, discussing anxiously under the dim glow of lanterns.
Elara and the other women were quite worried.
