The setting sun cast an orange afterglow upon the backs of Herodotos and Telamon as they trudged along the winding dirt path leading to Synoro, the western city. Over the horizon, they could make out many smoke trails, indicating that they were already quite close to the city itself. To the side of the path, they could see various farmers working to till the lands. However, they didn't see any more of those "cows". They had left the forest behind and now found themselves walking amongst open plains and rolling hills. In the distance, they could see the odd village or two. Yet most of the land around them was untended for and barren. It seemed humanity had only recently settled here.

  The cow walking next to them diligently pulled its cart, yet it seemed resistant to being led by either of the brothers. Getting the cow to move had taken quite a large effort. It would periodically look back as if expecting someone else to be there. The brothers were soon able to spot the city itself. "It's quite small, isn't it?" That was the first impression Telamon made. Herodotos followed his gaze and couldn't help but agree. They proceeded to approach the city while observing it. For one, the city was much smaller than Victoria, the southern city. All the buildings looked to be newly built, and there were many tents pitched up on the outskirts of the city. They could see active construction work around the outskirts of the city, actively expanding it.

  When they approached the city, they could see a few guards armed with spears being surrounded by a large mob of people. The guards spoke with them, directing them to various places to pitch up their tents. They then gave them various tasks, such as constructing buildings, collecting wood from the nearby forests, or other menial tasks. As soon as the brothers approached the crowd gathered in front of the city, the people instinctively parted, clearing a path for the brothers. It seemed like only wealthy merchants would be able to afford a cart pulled by a cow. As soon as he got close enough, one of the guards turned to Telamon and spoke to him. "Good day, travelers. What is your business?" Telamon and Herodotos exchanged a glance before Telamon answered. "We heard that the city lord is planning another expedition and came here in hopes of peddling our wares to him. The guard exchanged a glance with his colleague before rubbing his chin. "Word travels fast. Yes, as the lord announced yesterday, another expedition is being prepared. If you wish to speak with the lord, go to the market square and find a man named Esdras. he is the advisor of the lord." Telamon thanked the guard and, together with his brother, proceeded to direct the cow to the market square.

  While walking there, they overheard snippets of conversations. It seemed that many of the people pitching up tents on the outskirts were people sent over from the capital and northern city in the pursuit of expanding human territory. It seemed that the land around these cities was fully developed, and the only viable way to keep everyone fed was to send people to new locations. The brothers approached the market square and asked around for the man named Esdras. The market was filled with various stalls, with people hawking their wares. Looking around, Telamon found stalls selling fresh bread, shoes, stone and obsidian tools, clay pots, and even a few bronze wares.

  It was next to this stall that they found Esdras, an older man, his beard long and white talking animatedly with the owner of the bronze wares stall. "-don't understand how we are supposed accomodate all these people. We barely have enough food for everyone and can't shelter everyone. By Minsol's name, I don't see how her Majesty expects us to keep sending those expeditions on top of that." The stall owner nodded sympathetically and clapped him on the shoulder. "I understand, you've sure got it rough. How about you come by my house sometime and we share some of the wine that I recently acquired." Esdras's eyes lit up, and a broad smile overtook his expression. "That sounds like a wonderful idea, old friend. If only everyone could be like you."

  Telamon approached the two men. "Apologies, but are you Esdras, the lord's advisor?" Esdras glanced over, displeased at having been disturbed. "And what if I am? What do you need from me?" Seeing Esdras's unhappy visage, Telamon put on an appeasing smile and gestured at the cart which his brother was guarding. "I'm sorry, but I couldn't help but overhear you mention the troubles you've been having with organizing and supplying the expeditions." Esdras showed a displeased expression. There were certain things Esdras thought people shouldn't mention. Such issues were one of them. "And what of it?" Telamon flashed another smile. "Well, you see, my companion and I are travelling merchants, and we believe to have just the things an expedition would need. We've got high-grade travelling equipment, food, and even a few special items found only in the Far East," Esdras rubbed his chin and nodded thoughtfully. "It would indeed be quite the boon if what you say is true. Come with me, we shall speak in greater detail in a more secluded place. We wouldn't want anyone else to overhear anything else." At that, Esdar sent a pointed glare at Telamon, at which he simply smiled innocently.

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  Esdar proceeded to bid farewell to the bronze stall owner and guided the brothers deeper into the city. Esdar called out from in front of them. "While we walk, please do tell me, what exactly is it that you have brought for us?" Telamon caught up to the advisor, leaving Herodotos behind with the cow. "Of course. We've got travelling equipment, dried fish from the endless sea in the east, tanned leather, and even a few shells." The buildings around them changed from shabby, quickly built shacks to beautifully built houses, most of which even had a second story. The advisor ran his fingers through his beard. "Shells, you say?" Telamon nodded. "Yes, pretty little things found in the far east. The shells are found at the endless beaches located in the east." They arrived before a small palace, its building style mimicking the palace Telamon knew in the southern city of Victoria.

  They led the cart to the side of the palace, bringing it to an open square. Esdras clapped his hands together. "Alright, I think there are quite a few things that you have, which we will need for the expedition. Let me see the wares." Herodotos sent Telamon a questioning glance, and after Telamon nodded, Herdotos pulled the tarp from the cart, revealing the items. Esdras took a step closer, inspecting the goods. "Hmm, this does look quite good, but where are the shells?" Telamon stepped next to Esdras, pulling a scrap of leather to the side, revealing a pouch hidden beneath. He took the pouch and spilled the contents out onto the cart. Esdras's eyes lit up with a twinkle as he saw these exotic items. "Yes, these are indeed very good."

  Just when Esdras was about to pick one of the shells up, Telamon held out one hand, preventing him from doing so. When Esdras sent him a questioning glare, Telamon answered. "We wish to meet with the lord to discuss the selling of our wares, as well as a few other things." Esdras was about to decline when Telamon handed him a few shells. "Take these as a small token of thanks for your services." Esdras smiled while nodding. "Of course, it's always a pleasure meeting a merchant who understands the trade. Wait here, I shall speak with the lord. He should be able to speak with you soon." Saying so, Esdras turned and left the two brothers alone while hurrying to enter the palace. Herodotos exchanged a glance with Telamon, shaking his head silently.

  After a few moments, the lord's advisor returned with a servant in tow. "You should be able to meet with him this night. Until then, allow one of his servants to bring you to an inn, where you can rest and prepare for tonight's meeting." Telamon thanked him, after which he turned to the young girl. "Lead the way." The servant nodded before walking with them down the main street. They left the palace and turned a few corners before stopping in front of a large building with an image of a bed carved on the sign hanging outside of it. The girl pointed towards the sign and spoke. "This is the inn that we recommend for your stay. It has both a barn for your cow and security to ensure your wares don't get stolen. You can eat your evening meal here, I am going to come by shortly after the sun has set to bring you to the lord. Make sure to mention that Esdras recommended this place. If there's nothing else, I am going to excuse myself." Telamon thanked the young girl, after which she left, leaving the brothers alone in front of the inn.

  Herodotos brought the cow and cart into the barn while Telamon entered the inn to talk with the innkeeper. After mentioning Esdras' name, they got a discount, and after paying for a night, Telamon received a room for two people. For dinner, they had meat stew with freshly baked bread. The bread was fluffy, with a soft interior and crunchy exterior. There was even remnant warmth within the core of the bread, and when it was broken in half, a pleasant aroma spread from within. The stew was delicious, the meat glistening in the light of the setting sun, the water used for the stew having absorbed the flavour of the meat. The meat was boiled until it was soft, and the vegetables were well balanced, mixing with the flavour of the meat to create a harmonious whole. The two travelers devoured the meals with great vigour, much to the delight of the cooks.

  After Herodotos finished his second bowl, he let out a satisfied burp, after which he sighed and sunk into his chair. "That was sorely needed. I'm so glad we get to eat something proper for once." Telamon couldn't help but agree with his sentiment as he was wolfing down his third bowl. After he finished, he let out a pleased sigh. The brothers simply sat in silence, basking in the aftertaste of their delicious meals. Finally, Telamon broke the silence. "We need to plan our next move." Herodotos sighed but ultimately nodded and sat up. "Alright, so what's the plan?" Telamon glanced left and right, ensuring no one was nearby to overhear their conversation. "Father told us to meet him here, but he also said to go talk with the city lord. Apparently, they fought together during the uprising. However, it's been way too long since then, and we don't know if we can trust the city lord. Here's what I suggest. We talk with the city lord and see whether he's trustworthy. If he is, we give him the stone tablets and ask him for help. If he isn't, then we simply sell the wares and find a place to lay low for a while, while keeping an eye out for our father." Herodotos nodded his head. "Yeah, sounds like a plan." None of the two brothers spoke of the possibility that their father might not come to the city at all. Soon after they finished their meals, the servant girl from the palace came to the inn, searching for the brothers. She brought them, together with their cart, to the palace, after which she directed them to wait next to the entrance.