Jakus frowns as he sees the sketch. “So the ogre was probably trying to keep adventurers away from Cynthesia. Who would want to do that? And is this connected to the kobolds? Did they want it to kill us too, or were they being genuine about it posing a threat? So many questions…” he trails off.

"I have to agree, it was a lot easier than it should have been, especially considering its size. As for the kobolds, they always have schemes on the go, but I'm not sure this is one of them."

He looks towards Cynthesia, "Maybe we'll have our answer soon".

“Wait and see if they are surprised to see us and if they have the pay ready…That is customary,  No?” Thrudor blurts  out in between snacking on nuts and berries

Quote from Antlan >>

“Wait and see if they are surprised to see us and if they have the pay ready…That is customary,  No?”

"Good thinking. We might learn a bit just by gauging their response."

Looking for a clear place to crouch and sit for awhile, the fighter fidgeted a little, seeming just a bit... awkward. One might get the impression he was eager to go, but the moment quickly passed as he found his seat, then resumed his vigilant watch, peering into the forest as they rested.

(( Refreshing class features from the short rest. ))

Are you headed for Cynthesia now?

Sounds good to me

Cynthesia has one large wall around it, although not an amazing one. It's an 8 foot tall stone wall with a thicker mud-brick wall over it, making it a total of 20 feet tall. The mud-brick looks old. As you are welcomed inside, you see a lot of farm land everywhere, with another wall, this time all stone, surrounding a city.

"Hmm," started Titus. "Two walls... that's impressive." He glanced back to re-examine the outer wall as they walked, surprised at the community's commitment to security and foresight.

You pass by large fields of crops, with farmers looking up to watch you enter. A royal knight of Cynthesia guides you to the city.

Thrudor looks about at the city and the farm lands inside the walls. "Is this customary? Farms inside walls? Not a lot of room for plants to grow andreap the benefits of the soils. I should tell them this"

The knight laughs. "They simply built the farms around the city, then walls around the outer edge of the farms. And there's a better wall to protect the city."

Cunning takes in the walls and the farms,  "I see there's considerable defences, but it's still something I haven't become used to. On the tundra you don't need walls. If there's a threat you either remove the threat or if it's too powerful you move away from it."

Jakus smiles at Cunning’s words. “Well, we’re not so lucky down here. All cities and most small towns will have some walls or other defenses, but I haven’t seen anything like this before.”

As you approach the gates to the city, the gate enters and closes behind you. A dozen guards examine you and look through your stuff. When the gate is completely shut, they let you through another gate into the city.

"Yes, we take defense seriously. The strategy of having 2 walls is effective. Now, the double gates are here because... If you need to send out troops in battle, opening the gates could allow the enemy to knock them down and rush in. We open gate 2, get our troops inside, close that gate, and then let our troops out to attack. The city is also separated into 6 sections, each with its own wall. Only mud-brick, clay and wood, though, 12 feet high."

"The reason? We are the biggest farming city in the area. The frost is killing crops, so we've been adding a bit to the walls, especially outside, to stop raiders from stealing food. With this wealth, we've been building more walls. Our king is fearful that we may be attacked soon. No evidence yet though."

At the mention of the king, Jakus' ears perk up. "Actually, we were sent by the king of Adenguard. We have a message that we need to deliver directly to him, per the king's orders. Could you lead us to him?"

"Of course, I heard we'd have visitors. But Adenguard? We... nevermind. No, it's nothing. Yes, I'll lead you to the king. Follow me." You are getting close to the castle.

Cunning catches the guards words, and exchanges a look with the others, as if to say "What have we walked into?"

Thrudor follows in and wonders why his bags were checked asking the young man doing the bag checking "Oh are you hungry young man? Is this why you search my bags? I noticed your farms are not very fruitful. I have some things in my bag...." Thrudor not understanding gets a little agitated "Hey that's not food be careful with that!"

After gathering his things back into his bag he proceeds to follow everyone else. He hears the knight who is leading them to the castle hesitate when talking about where they came from and asks inquisitvely "What do you know of Adenguard? It was my first time there as is here too."

Quote from Vedar >>

"What have we walked into?"

Titus had also heard the guard's hesitance and, catching Cunning's look, just gave a subtle nod in response. He opted to remain quiet as they walked, wondering if Thrudor might be able to coax further information from the man.