Editing Stranded in fantasy (section)

==Journal Entry 272==

We let things set for a few days and then we rode out to the city.  The gates were opened and there was a large watch out front.  A group of civilians were digging a mass grave to hold the large mound of corpses nearby.  Other than that grisly sight, things were looking less desperate.  Upon approach, the guard out front drew their weapons.  We stopped and explained ourselves.  That we were adventurers and what we had been doing out here against the barbarians.  We were given clearance to enter but warned that food was on short supply.  Doesn't look like we'll get our hot meal.  They also mentioned that the provisional government is hiring mercenaries to bolster their armed forces for their upcoming actions against the barbarians.  We noticed, upon entering, a brand new mortar sitting within the walls, only one.  It was surrounded by some guards and what looked like an alchemist.  We tied up our horses and went over to talk to them about it.  They wouldn't let us get near the thing, stating state secret.  I did get a quick glimpse into their minds.  Nothing that would point them out as Terrans.  I would need a longer session to find out where the gunpowder came from.  It can't be from the Wolflake Orcs.  Only a handful of them knew the recipe and how would it have even gotten here?  We're going to check into this better tonight if we can.  Jason paid a visit to his guild.  We met him later at the graveyard.  We paid our respects at Amanda's grave site.  Avery said a prayer for her, then we checked into an inn and paid with a loaf of bread, which is worth more than gold right now.