Sylvia rubbed the back of her head, and she answered Pylia, "Oh no! The whole...being a ghost at night and being able to take watch while I sleep started on the first night after Buddy joined us. I'm not sure how it's possible, but I'm able to ghost around at night and wake up well rested in the morning. And Buddy and I are able to have full discussions while I'm a ghost," After a moment, Sylvia apologized again, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. I wanted to try communicating while I was in that form, in case we get separated and I have to use that form to talk to you guys,"

Pylia opened her mouth to say something, but seemed so confused she just closed it and had a look of confusion on her face. “That... Doesn’t really explain how you started doing that... But good to know, I guess? Just... Maybe write a message next time. In these lands ghosts and haunts are very much real. I was worried that one was after me, so I had moved away from the ruins so I could fend it off without endangering anyone. Be glad I considered doing that first as oppose to just blasting you with magic as soon as I felt your presence.” Pylia says sternly. It almost felt like you were being scolded by a teacher. Pylia sighed as she continued to rub the sleep out of her eyes.

“Well, I guess I can’t entirely blame it for being curious. Your world didn’t have magic after all, so you wouldn’t know all of the dangers. Hmm... If we have time, we should stop by the Hunter’s Lodge in Gransys. They’re a sort f adventuring guild, established all over the world. They can teach you some basics about monsters and their adventuring life tips.”

Sylvia listened to Pylia, rubbing the back of her head with a hesitant smile, as she scolded her, “Sorry. Thanks for not blasting me,” She then added, “I’m not sure how, but I think it has something to do with Buddy’s ring,”

After Pylia suggested going to the Adventurer’s Guild, Sylvia nodded and agreed “Sounds like a great idea, but business first, of course,”

She then asked, “Oh! Speaking of ‘Moved away’, what happened while you were away from the ruins?”

"Well, just some skeletons." Pylia said quickly. "Like I said, undead do exist in this world. The incense I made last night helps... I guess mask us from them, but it doesn't really do anything if I leave or draw them back. So I had to deal with them out there. That's why I actually thought we were being attacked by undead." Pylia sighs and seems to curl up underneath her cloak again, though she's far too rested to want to go to sleep again. So restless that she doesn't mother trying to sleep and just looks incredibly bored and annoyed now. "Ugh. We're so close now, I can hardly stand it! I need something to do to keep my mind occupied now that we're not somewhere dangerous. Nothing but rocks and grass all around."

Sylvia thought that Pylia had answered a little too quickly, and the undead answer didn't really explain the red smoke...unless there was an undead mage as well? Either way, Sylvia couldn't help but wonder if Pylia was telling the truth...or if she was still hiding something from her. She thought about it and looked carefully at Pylia for any tells that she might be showing.

She watched as Pylia tried to sleep, only for it to not work. After Pylia complained, Sylvia answered Pylia, "Oh! I still haven't told you about what happened when I took over watch while Buddy went after you,"

She then informed Pylia, "While we were at the first camp, I had heard rumors of a dwarf who was hunting bandits, and well...that same dwarf found our encampment last night, looking for the Iron Hammer bandits. Her name is Briar. We talked and I informed her that we fought the Iron Hammer bandits and killed the leader already...and I gave her a sandwich. In return, she told me that near our camp there's a magic tree that has healing honey. It's supposedly guarded by a werebear. She's eaten the healing honey before, but she hadn't seen the werebear,"

You can tell that Pylia’s quick response was prepared. She seemed to have expected you to ask, knowing somehow, and were it not for how quickly and unsurprised her reaction to your question, it might’ve gone unnoticed. It would seem that Pylia had been thinking about this conversation since last night. Expecting your curiosity and preparing to tell you want you needed to hear in advance.

“That.., What?” Pylia had a wry smile on her face, like she wasn’t sure if she should be confused or amused. “You have a strange way of attracting people, Sylvia. Magic honey and a werebear? Sounds like something you tell a child before putting him to bed. Honey does have some helpful restorative qualities in alchemy though. Perhaps if we’re in that direction we should get some of that honey. I could make powerful potions with them.”

Sylvia noted that the quick response seemed prepared...like Pylia knew that she was going to ask. It really was starting to look like Pylia was lying to her. First her answer was the ditch, and then the undead. Somehow, Sylvia had the feeling that Pylia wasn't going to tell her the truth, even if she confronted Pylia. She made a mental note to ask the Divination Doll later when she got the chance, as well as ask Buddy if there were any undead remains when he caught up to Pylia.

At the mention of how the tale of the honey and werebear sounded, she nodded in agreement, "It kinda does, doesn't it?" She then snickered to herself and muttered, testing out how this story and character sounded out loud, "Winnie the Were-Pooh,"

When she mentioned getting that honey, Sylvia answered, "Yeah, we should. But Gransys first. I can't wait till we reach the city!" She really was looking forward to getting to the city,

“Boss, Syfr see something. Bunch of humies near wagons. Look like... Workers?” Shortfang announced. Sure enough just after you cross the crest of a hill you could see in the distance hundreds of men in chains, carrying stones to lay onto the ground. Overseeing them were a squad of guardsmen, wearing similar uniforms to the ones you saw at the encampment. However these men didn’t look nearly as portly and sloven; they seemed fit and almost intimidating.

“Prisoners of war working a chain gang.” Ferric called out. “Looks like they’re repaving the road. Good for them, though we’ll need to detour off the road a bit to avoid them.” Sure enough the group would have to go off road a bit, but not too far from the road that you couldn’t see them. Most of the workers looked like rough and unsavory folks, similar to those brigands, though there were quite a few women, children, and elderly in the chain gang as well. Quite a few were missing limbs. When one fell or faltered they were pulled out of line and tossed off to the side.

“That’s life here.” Pylia said quietly. “It’s not kind to those who don’t follow authority. Suppose it’s not suppose to be for criminals but... An eye for an eye, you know? I wonder how many of those people are actual criminals and not simply someone who couldn’t pay a tax or stole some bread.”

Sylvia couldn’t believe her eyes when she saw the workers, or rather, prisoners who were working on the road. Her smile was gone and she felt sick. This was terrible! How can anyone be okay with this? She couldn’t help but cover her mouth with a hand as she watched the guards toss those who fell or faltered aside without a single care.

She listened as Pylia spoke. Sylvia answered just as quietly, “It’s awful. How can anyone be okay with this...?”

“It’s a matter of perspective. For most, all they see are criminals serving their time. And don’t be mistaken; many of those people in chains are harden bandits who’re likely be serving this sentence until they’re tossed to the side. Still... Most people don’t care about the few who came there by mistake. ‘Won’t happen to me’ they’d think. ‘I don’t break the law’ they’ll say to themselves. Fair weather friends the whole lot of them. If everything is going fine they’ll stay by your side, but as soon as trouble comes along you’re on your own. That... That is what’s wrong with this country.” She says bitterly.

Soon the caravan would pass the chain gang and continue on their way. About three hours into the trip Andras called for a break, so Ferric parked off to the side. There was a tree they provided some shade as Andras allowed his mules out of their harnesses to graze and rest. Shortfang stayed under the tree with Andrews and was teaching him how to use a crossbow. Buddy was helping Ferric and Andras remove the chains off their wheels while Elena was gathering up some wood for a small campfire. Pylia took this time to look around for herbs and roots to make medicine with.

It seemed like a fairly calm and peaceful moment. There wasn’t much cover for any monsters to hide behind so no way for them to sneak up on the party unless they were invisible. “We’re about two, maybe three leagues away now. Perhaps less if we take those new roads! Eat up, handle your business, we’ll leave once we get these chains off our wheels.”

Sylvia listened to Pylia as she gave her bitter answer. She really didn’t know how to answer Pylia. Sylvia wondered if Pylia had fair weather friends in the past, and that’s why the topic came up. ...Did Pylia consider her, Shortfang, and Buddy such friends?

Whatever the case, Sylvia was resolved to be there for her friends, thick and thin. Maybe she can talk to Duke Erod about the people who are being punished by mistake...

Soon they reached a stopping point by the tree. While everyone was working on something, Sylvia would be cooking lunch for everyone. This time, she would be using one of the recipes from Iola’s cookbook as she did. After Ferric made his announcement, she told everyone, “I’m cooking lunch for everyone. Hopefully, this will make up for the omelettes this morning,”

Using the recipe from the book, you looked for the quickest and most portable food, in case you have to leave early. And nothing was quicker than a pan fry fish. Using some salted salmon from Andras's cart, you also find some vinegar and some spices. Considering that nearly everything you've eaten here had only been salted, if even that, it would be a treat to actually add some much needed flavor to this simple dish. You make a simple marinade with the vinegar, allowing the salted salmon to soak and get a bit tender. It'll take only a few minutes before the fish was ready, so you'd prepare the other things for this meal. You peeled and chopped up some carrots and onions into very thin slices, as well as washing and breaking apart a few thin mushrooms.

You easily do this before the fish is ready, so you take out the pan that you got from Cassari and prep it for frying. Using some butter from Andras's cart you butter down the pan and give it some heat. By now the time the pan would almost be warm enough, you take your fish out from the vinegar marinade, patting it dry with a clean cloth. Even without the extra moisture, it was soft and tender. You put down a mixed bed of mushrooms, carrots, and onions onto the buttered pan, stirring it up until the onions were lightly brown. Once that was done you put the salmon on top, then sealed the pan with the lid. It'd take a few more minutes before the fish would be cooked thoroughly, but fortunately you'd have time as the others were still busy.

Of course it also wouldn't be long before the smell of your food would attract the others as well. Elena came over smelling the delicious butter and salmon. "Mhmm. Butter, fish... Onions, and is that a hint of vinegar?" She seemed quite excited. Shortfang and Andrews came along too. "Wow wow! Boss make good smelly food! Shortfang want half!" He was practically salivating, and Andrews seemed pretty hungry too. Ferric, Mica, Andras, and Pylia would also soon join as the food was almost ready. Seemed like you cooked a very good meal!

Unlike when she made breakfast, Sylvia made sure not to rush herself and methodically prepared herself for each step of cooking this simple dish. In the end, it was worth it. The fish smelled delicious and the others were practically flocking to have some. When Elena came over and asked, Sylvia nodded and answered joyfully, "Indeed it is! The fish was marinated in it!" She couldn't help but chuckle when Shortfang came over and made his comment. As soon as Pylia, Andras, Mica, and Ferric came over, Sylvia served the lunch to everyone. She cheerfully told everyone, "Here we are! Enjoy! I think this is perfect as our celebratory meal for reaching Gransys,"

"Haha! This calls for something special then!" Ferric went to his wagon and took out a red bottle. "Fire Wine! A dwarven specialty. Only one cup now, it's far more powerful than my travel beer!" Ferric passed around the drinks, though Pylia politely declined. She wanted to be sober while they traveled. You were offered a cup as well, and you'd be allowed a second cup if you so desired. Once everyone had their plate, they happily ate the fish.

"Mhmm... Salty, but sweet!" Elena commented as she took a forkful of the fish.

"I don't really like carrots... But these are tasty." Andrews said as he munched on his vegetables, having already eaten the fish quickly.

"Ah butter, is there anything it can't make taste good?" Pylia said blissfully.

After everyone ate, Elena and Andrews would volunteer to clean up. It was time to go. Once the dishes were cleaned everyone piled back onto their respective vehicles and continued towards Gransys. As they moved along, Pylia looked over to you. "By the way, didn't you have some books? Let me read one. It'll be something to pass the time with."

When Sylvia was offered Fire Wine, she politely declined. She figured it would be wise if she hadn't had any, since she planned on meeting the Duke. She didn't want to give off the wrong impression to the man who she was going to be asking for help. She was glad to see that everyone was enjoying the lunch she made. She had to admit, she outdid herself. She had to thank Iola if se returned to Cassari.

Soon it was time to go, and she was back in the wagon with everyone else. When Pylia asked for a book, Sylvia answered, "Oh, sure. Hang on just a sec," She then dug through her bag and pulled out one of the books that she was given back in Cassari. She handed it to Pylia and said, "Here you are. I'll keep an eye out on our surroundings," She figured it would be a good idea to make sure that the caravan didn't run into trouble during the home stretch.

Fortunately, the trip to Gransys was uneventful. Within an hour you started to see more trees, not quite dense enough to make a forest, but a lot more in general. You also spotted lumberjacks and foresters in the distance chopping trees, collecting tinder, and generally doing forestry stuff. The group also got onto stone-paved roads, making their travel faster and more efficient. No more bumpy rides, no more awkward detours. And finally, after Ferric says there is about an hour before they reach the city, you go over one more hill and you could see the city.



There was a lot for your to digest here. The massive lake that lead out into the ocean, how quickly the landscape changed from a largely open plains to a forested area, the frankly huge castle town, and of course, the stupidly colossal ruined sword that looked taller than the mountains behind the city. Just about everyone was in awe of the sight. Even Shortfang, who was looking through the eyes of Syfr, couldn't contain his excitement. "WOW WOW WOW! SUPER HUGE! GIANT SWORD WHAT!?"

One more hour. They are so close now. When they crested over another hill and were able to see Gransys, Sylvia couldn't help but gasp at the sight. She let out a surprised and excited "WOAH WHAAAAT?!" She then laughed, "That's a giant sword! That is a legit giant sword! How the heck...?!" Other than being stupefied by the sight of the giant sword, she thought the sight of Gransys from here was beautiful. She then laughed to herself as she recovered from the shock. She doubted that she was ever going to get used to this world. There was probably always going to be something that would catch her off guard.

She wanted to take a picture from here, but then realized that she didn't have her phone, so she couldn't. She was slightly disappointed at the realization, but shrugged it off.

“Ha ha! That’s what the city of Gransys is known for! In ages ago, the name Gransys meant ‘Grand Blade’. It was here long before anyone settled here, said to be a relic of the primordial gods. Made of some mysterious metal that so far no one has been able to crack, though occasionally a bit would fall every few years small enough for master smiths to try and process.” Ferric explained as they came closer. As they did the group would see more people, loggers and workers, going about their daily business. Horse mounted guardsmen patrolled the area to ensure all was right. In the distance you could see a few guardsmen burning the body of some sort of huge creature, possibly an ogre.

Notably as you approached the city proper, there seemed to be quite a bit of hustle and bustle as the smell of cooking foods and wood wafted through the air. People were hanging up decorations and setting up booths as well. “Hmm. Looks like they’re setting up some sort of festival. Strange.” Andras said. Soon they would arrive to a sort of gate where there were two guards standing by checking travelers and carts coming through. Seeing this Shortfang notable tried to hide himself, wrapping himself up in his cloak to look like a sack before the guards came over. They questioned everyone with a few basic things. Soon it’s be your turn.

“Hello hello. Name, occupation, and purpose please.”

Sylvia listened as Ferric explained Gransys and the giant sword. So the giant sword was slowly crumbling? That sounded like a potential disaster waiting to happen in the future...But she didn't say that. The thought didn't last long, since she was still taking in the sights around her. She could only answer Ferric with an awed "Wow...!"

While they were approaching the city proper, she noticed the smell of food and people building booths. When Andras mentioned that they were preparing for a festival, Sylvia immediately lit up. She definitely wanted to go to the festival when it would be ready! Festivals sound like fun! And it wouldn't hurt to take a small break to enjoy the festival, would it? However, when Andras mentioned that it was strange, she looked confused and she asked him curiously, "Hm? How is it strange? Aren't there any holidays coming up?"

As they approached the gates, she noticed that Shortfang immediately hid himself. She was confused and she thought that it might be better if Shortfang hadn't hidden himself, but now that was done and the guard was talking to them, there was no point in revealing him now. She'd rather not get Shortfang into trouble.

She cheerfully answered the guard with a smile, "Hi! Sylvia Thorne. New Adventurer. Guarding this small caravan of merchants so they can get here for trade and business,"

“Sylvia... Thorne... Good to know!” The guard wrote your name down, checked a list, and moved along. Once inside the streets were flooded with people working hard at their job or making preparations for the festival, possibly both. It forced the two vehicles to be very close to one another as they moved through the streets. To awnser your question, Andras shouted over the crowd. “No important holidays I can think of! There is competition in a month but that’s too far for these festivities!”

Soon however, it was time to part ways. In a larger square area, Andras stopped he cart in front of a modest looking store front. He asked Ferric to stop as his family got out of the cart. “Well then, everyone, this is it. This my brother’s shop, whom I usually sell my produce with. I can’t thank you all enough for everything you’ve done for us. I... I know we’ll have a hard time for a while, but thanks to you all my family has a Chance again. So thank you. And I won’t forget what I owe you either. Come back here tomorrow and I promise something for everything you all done for us.”