Of a brief break, and the whereabouts of Lydia of Roses...

Gerald spent the night outside of the walls, secure in a bubble of Wizard magic to keep intruders away.  There were counter-spells of course, but he would be woken up if his spell failed.  The sun rose peacefully on another day, and Gerald couldn't help but worry about the people back in Portal.  With any luck, Lydia would be back soon and she could grow some food to ensure that they weren't too hungry.  Gerald was cold, but safe as we arose and yawned.  'It's too early for this.'  He thought as he looked around. Activity flourished around him, as men, women, children, and animals began to line up at the gate for entry.  "Glad I don't have to go in there today." He muttered,counting the amount of carts already lined up.  "Already about a half hour wait for the gate."  Not that he had anywhere else to go.  Even the few coins that jingled in his coin purse wouldn't buy much more than a meal in the city. Outside the city though…