Vella's treatment carts had barely cleared the eastern post when a southern runner reached Hajin beside the split cavalry road.
The ash plugs continued around the southern orchard village, placing its only wagon bridge inside the untested route line Orin had marked during the attack.
Hans read the report while clinic crews carried four seriously wounded defenders toward town behind him, their steps slowed by the weight of the injured.
"Move the village now," Hans said, returning the page to the runner. "If Dreth claims that road by tomorrow, the bridge becomes a trap instead of an escape route."
Hajin followed him south with twelve militia recruits, two carrying frames, and the shelter roll Lana's office had copied before the first evacuation order.
Eight surviving Flint scouts remained visible along the distant ridge, keeping beyond bow range while they counted every person and cart moving below.
