I give a pep-talk to my lumberjacks and implore them to try again but with safety in mind.

Third worker (he tells me his name is Timothy) equips my old sword and armor.
(+4 iron sword 2 dam)(+1 hide boots)(+1 hide leggings)(+2 hide chest)(+1 hide helmet)

I equip new Rogue armor and scimitar, while still bringing along my trusty bow.
(+4 bow 2 dam)(+8 Scimitar (Rogue) 4 dam)
(Rogue Armor set 15 armor +2 movement speed 1-4 on hide (+10 on hide) +1 potions)

Together, Timothy and I travel in constant vigilance to check out the front and find out what's going on.

As soon as Timothy and I leave, the lumberjacks raid my gold to order 2 more SBI.