"Is Castrolon a large city?" Asistes asked curiously.
The guide shook his head and replied, "No, it's a small city, built by the former Sybarites. Now, it's independent."
Hearing this, Juleios gazed southward, deep in thought. "To think that Sybaris once controlled such a vast territory—north to Amendolara and south beyond Castrolon… Such a powerful city-state, yet it was destroyed by Croton, a much smaller rival. It's a living example of the saying: 'Adversity breeds survival, while comfort brings destruction.'"
After a long silence, Juleios said, "Let's return."
When the guide had left, Juleios turned to Asistes and Ledes and asked, "Have you ever seen what happens when a hunting dog confronts a bear?"
Both shook their heads. Bears did not exist in mainland Greece, and it was only after arriving in the Lucanian mountains that they realized such strong creatures roamed the land.
