Chapter 71: The Stranger's Warning

With his mind still absorbed in his reunion with Estela, Sebastião walked through the city's less busy streets, where time seemed to pass more slowly. He knew that his journey was far from over, and the feeling that something big was coming remained, like a silent shadow following each of his steps.

As he walked, he spotted a small tavern at the end of a cobblestone street. The doors were ajar, and a yellowish light escaped through the cracks, accompanied by the muffled sound of conversations. He decided to go in, looking for a place to reflect and perhaps, once again, cross paths with someone who needed help.

The interior was welcoming, although simple. A few wooden tables occupied the space, and a few customers spread out, focused on their own matters. Sebastião chose a table in a corner, where he could observe without being noticed. He ordered a glass of cachaça from the barkeep, a robust man with a friendly face, who quickly complied with his request.

While he was enjoying his drink, a figure entered the tavern. The man, covered in a worn cloak and with an attentive gaze, scanned the place with his eyes before approaching the counter. Something in his posture alerted Sebastian; the man did not seem to be an ordinary visitor.

After exchanging a few words with the barkeep, the stranger headed to a table near Sebastian's, clearly trying to listen to the conversation that was unfolding between two merchants. Sebastian listened curiously.

"...yes, I heard that the armies have already begun to move. War is closer than we imagined," said one of the merchants, his voice low but full of concern.

"If that is true, we are all in danger," replied the other. "The enemy troops show no mercy, and the defenses here are not ready for a large-scale assault."

Sebastian felt a chill run down his spine. The specter of war was more present than ever, and what he had tried to avoid was perhaps approaching faster than he imagined. He continued to observe the stranger, who seemed increasingly interested in the merchants' conversation.

Suddenly, the man stood up and walked over to Sebastian's table. Without ceremony, he sat down across from him, his eyes fixed and intense. "You don't seem to be from here, old man. And you don't seem to be the type to ignore what's going on around you," the man said, his voice deep and direct.

Sebastian looked at him, studying every detail. There was something dangerous about the man, but also an urgency that could not be ignored. "And you? What is your story?" he asked calmly.

The stranger leaned in a little closer, speaking in a low, almost conspiratorial tone. "I am a messenger. I bring news from the battlefronts, and what I have seen is not good. Entire cities have been wiped out, and the enemy is advancing. If nothing is done, this place will be next." Sebastian took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the revelation. He knew that war was inevitable, but hearing about the destruction that had already begun made it all the more real. "And why are you telling me this? What do you expect me to do?" The messenger looked at him intently. "I've heard about you. They say you're a man who solves problems, who doesn't shy away from a fight. The people here are unprepared, they have no idea what's coming. If you continue the way you are, they will be massacred. They need someone to organize them, to prepare them." Sebastian remained silent for a moment, pondering the man's words. He wasn't a warrior, never had been. But he also knew that he couldn't ignore what was coming. These people's lives were at stake, and he couldn't turn his back. "I'll think about what you said," he finally answered. "But first, I need to understand more about the situation." The messenger nodded, looking relieved that he had planted the seed. "Don't take too long. Time is running out."

With those words, the man stood and left the tavern, leaving Sebastian alone with his thoughts. Night was already beginning to fall, and the old man knew that the darkness would bring with it new decisions to be made. War was approaching, and once again, he found himself at the center of something greater than himself.

Sebastian finished his drink, knowing that the next step would be crucial. He would need to gather forces, alliances, and perhaps even revisit places and people from his past to face what was to come. And as the darkness of night fell over the city, he stood, determined to do whatever it took to protect those who could not defend themselves.