Also surely he must have noticed the LOUD STOMPS and shizzles and paniced screams from the town, even if he is outside it in the forest? Why would he hang around the forest when its known that a monster is there? During NIGHT? Make him go inside, realize the townspeople mostly are dead and comosion is going on. Guards running everywhere or what not. Some of the followers(Am i thinking of the right person? ) of the nobleman might start to get nervous and someone might hear or come running "TOWNS UNDER ATTACKOMG" or "PEOPLE HAVE DIED D: U MISSED THE ATTACK" or something :>?
just dashing out suggestions.