You spend a while chatting with strangers. Most of them put on airs of tough and ready warriors, but after an introduction and a few honest words, many drop their act and speak much more casually. They're foul mouthed and quick to take up challenges, however they treat you nicely as you speak to them. Unfortunately, many of them were not available for an escort job. Most were simply resting up at this location, planning to head westward or south. The few going north didn't plan to stop by Gransys, and most were simply not interested. That being said many offered advice and information, some which may be useful for you.

Thanks to a steady stream of adventurers moving through the area, bandit activity has gone down a bit. Lone travelers will still likely be attacked, or ones without any noticeable guards, but most of the gangs have become very cautious about which groups to attack. A short while ago a rather unassuming dwarf was said to be prowling the roads looking for these bandits, slaughtering them alone, so most have gone into hiding until things blow over. Unfortunately, monster activity has gone up in exchange. Many note feral wolves and harpies. You remember seeing many harpies in your dragon dream. 

There was one lead for an ally. An armored warrior with a dog pointed towards an isolated area of the camp. There were a few guards over there as well as a few cages. He mentioned that he saw a kobold tossed into the cages there under the accusation that he stole some items from the other adventurers though he knows this isn't true. He saw the real thief but he escaped before anyone could catch him. He thought about saying something, but he also knows the kobold is looking for new friends and he didn't want to disappoint the little guy. "Maybe you could convince the guards to let him go or try to free him somehow. These soldiers are lazy anyways, so I doubt they'll do much if the guy escapes on his own."