The early winter weather was not particularly cold, but Lake-town's surroundings made it feel damp and chilly.
At that moment, Mayor Stephen was drenched in sweat despite the temperature.
He was facing a difficult decision.
Allen and Bard had bypassed him entirely to discuss evacuating the residents of Lake-town.
Now Bard was asking for his opinion as a mere formality.
Stephen looked at the elite troops on the lakeshore, then at Alfred and the other subordinates nearby who were trying to persuade him.
He finally gave in and agreed to evacuate every resident of Lake-town.
Stephen knew that once he agreed to this demand, his authority in Lake-town would be gone.
He felt he might soon cease to be mayor, and Bard, whom Allen favored, would become the people's new leader.
But judging by his subordinates' expressions, Stephen also knew he had no other choice. If he refused, his fate might be even worse.
Once Mayor Stephen announced that the Fire-drake was about to attack and everyone had to leave Lake-town, things began to move.
The town on the water bustled into action. Residents packed their belongings and streamed onto Lake-town's wooden bridge, heading toward the Woodland Realm under escort from Wilderness Town's army.
For certain stubborn holdouts, Allen had Bard take Lake-town's guards to offer some appropriate "persuasion." If they still refused to leave, Allen left them alone.
At the same time, Allen sent Hollimion to the Woodland Realm, hoping King Thranduil could look after the residents for a while.
He also needed his army to remain beside Thranduil's territory for some time.
Hollimion soon returned with word that Thranduil had agreed. Thranduil had also guessed what would happen next and was willing to offer a little help.
Durin's Day was approaching. According to the film's plot, the Fire-drake