One eye on the sky

He keeps quiet seeing the other person pointing to the back wall then shows to take a few down after a while. He walks back over to Marcus and lowers them in front of him. "As your friend might have told you; just take a side quest mission and do it. Once you do it, just come back and we pay you whatever the coin is for a reward. We get a message by bird to tell us the mission was completed." he said looking at Marcus that examines the paper.

"Is that all? Interesting..."

"Yes. A couple of our people are warriors and dose the tougher mission. However, the more easy ones are outside for public eyes so if they wish to do them they can. Their not dangerous or have them leave the village. The more dangerous ones are only given in here."

"Strange; I notice that two of these missions don't have just coins but items as well. So you can get other things for rewards as well?" he asked to see the other nod yes. Most of the missions are always coins including the rare coins of platinum coins. But items are also good too. Most could be common but very rare. However, those missions are more dangerous like slaying off a dragon that is leaving a threat in some area."

"Most that do those kind of missions are very strong so it's usually them that can do it. Others that are the most powerful is only allowed to do these type of missions. We have a few years ago before you came here try the missions but ended up dying by the female dragon's flames. That's why we have a limit to who dose what kind of mission." he explains seeing a warrior come in and speak to a female who was taking the completed mission paper and gets a brown sack filled with coins.

"Hmmmm....I think I understand."

"Of course if you don't understand it I can explain it again or in a different way. However, to other matters; were you looking to do a mission quest today? Or just see what missions will be open for the next few days? Most on the wall are about to expire but most have been already down explaining little are seen right now."

"I'm not sure right now but their are so many missions it's really hard to pick one. Would it be possible to take a look a a few while I'm here to see which one might do well for me?" he asked.

"If you wish of course. However, we need to know your strength before you take one. We need to be sure you are able to do the mission and complete it."

The missions he saw did involve dragons but the coins were really good. Each one would be 500 on bronze, 500 silver, and 500 gold. For platinum it's 1,000 coins for trying to slay a dragon that was destroying the back grounds where most have small factories for hidden goods. Another mission just had 100 gold coins for a delivery to another village on the far west that was trying to transfer some paper and raw materials to the iron workers there.

Two more were just random missions that had question marks on the rewards but a item of a new sword and shield was seen with the mystery rewards. Even the last one showed a new item upgrade for a weapon and a stronger battle axe. Their was so many missions he could pick but he didn't know which one to pick. Maybe he can take the time to think of which one to take?

"Is their a way to hold a couple missions to the side if we can't pick one?" Marcus asked.

"You can! You can hold them for yourself for a week but once that's passed, they have to go back to the wall for someone else to pick. You can re claim it again if you wish after your hold time expires. However, some might expire if not taken for too long. Just a heads up." he said looking to Marcus who nods and thanks him. He wanted to think which one he wanted to do and maybe come back later the next day to pick one. He leaves the building and goes to check on Rosie and Lewis. No sign of Katherine though.

Maybe she's with her father again? No, she was helping with some requests so she's a little busy right now.

"I will be sure that I will do just that. I wanna be sure I can pick the right one later on. Maybe I can see if Lewis and Rosie are doing anything together today. I don't wish to bother Kat right now but to be honest, I'm still nervous of speaking to her right now without having this stupid lie slip up. She thinks I'm with someone but.........Ugh, why did I have to do that to her? Just why? he mutters under his breath looking ahead that he spots Rosie's work place. Already, she had two people come in asking for some things from her.

He steps inside to look around seeing Rosie taking some gold coins with four silver as she slides a elixir over to the warrior. He seems to be out of town so that was nice. Looked strong too from how large the sword clipped to his back seems to be. After the other thanks her for the potion the second one walks up asking for a element resistant potion.

"I'm guessing the monster you were fighting beat you with the element you had no idea about?" she sees him nod but explain himself. Their was some ambush and he got tackled with the razor sharp blades from the wind. Thinking a little, Rosie lets out a sigh and looks to him.

"Seems you met up with organ blazers. They are very vicious to fight but no worries, I have something with this to help. Just hold on.." she looks on the cabinet wall with other potions made fresh this morning before picking up one from the shelf. That's when a whirling noise sounded making another bottle take the empty space. She turns to set another bottle down.

"And what is this?"

"A wind shield. This will give you a boost of protecting for a while till it wears off. I suggest killing the monsters that ambushed you before that time runs out. Just a heads up. Now, for the total that will be 40 bronze, 20 silver, and 10 gold."

"I see. *Pays her the money* Thank you very much my lady...with these I will beat the monsters near my home. Thank you."

"No problem...See you and good luck." she waves bye to him but was alone with herself wiping the counter down with a cloth as Lewis was coming from the back holding a tray with something in a cup.

"Still alright Rosie?"

"Yeah, I'm fine Lewis. Why? Is my man growing worried about me already? How touching.." she joked to see Lewis looking away hiding his blush. He usually would have ignored her after two days or growing bored but she was unlike any woman he's been with or flirted with. She had a back bone that he enjoyed.

"Oh cut that out.....you know I..ahem do." he sets the tray down as it showed tea he made for her. Rosie takes it and gets a few sips to relax a little.

"Pretty good. Thanks Lewis.."

"Sure.."

"Well, this is something. Lewis is actually sticking around this time. Good for you man.."

Both her and Lewis looks up seeing Marcus in the shop that she gives a smile and a good morning wave. Lewis said nothing but looks away knowing he saw all that but it was fine. He didn't care because Rosie was important for him right now. Marcus too even if it's with different terms. He walks over to the two and looks at them to feel more relaxed.

"Morning Marcus. Hope you're doing well. I hope you got the potions I delivered to you this morning?"

"I did. Thank you for that Rosie. I will be sure to take good care of them and any other potion you give me in the future."

"Good to know. I just hope they will aid you in whatever you do. Did you also take a walk around exploring the town? Including the mission building on the far right?" she asked.

"Aye, I did. I never expected so many missions in the inside but not many on the outside. Maybe it's in reverse with more being outside and just a few on the inside." he mutters scratching his chin as Rosie blinks smiling.

"It's like that most of the time but on rare occasions, it's switched. With more harder missions inside the building and less easier missions on the board outside of the building. Trust me, it switches from time to time but not a lot which is why it's rare to see it. Seems for now, you saw it during the phases of it having so many. Did you take a look inside of it?"

"I did. I saw a few missions that interested me and I was wondering if I should take that time to think of which one I want to try out. I know it's something very impressive so why not? I take it will be something unlike anything I've seen. Or just harder missions.."

"Don't over do it you know..that will make you take on too many and be away from the village."

"Now now, that's unless those kind were hand given to me. Then I will see. I will also have to get help just in case because who knows what hides out there..it could be anything." he said and it's true. With the dragons and other dangerous creatures, you shouldn't take it likely because of it.

"It's no big deal Marcus. Once you get the hang of how the missions work then you will be at them in no time. I believe it's the same for Kat when she comes checking on everyone in the village. She knows most go on hard missions or the easy ones but that won't stop her for making sure they are okay." He didn't know she did that while going around checking on everyone that was near by. However, this leads to questions if Kat goes on missions herself to help her father or other people.

"She seems to be always busy with something huh? That's Kat for you I take it?"

"Mmmmmm, that's Katherine for you. She'll stop at nothing to make sure things are alright. You can ask her and she'll tell you her own list to do for the day or after a few days rest. Her father makes sure she don't over do it and ends up hurting herself. That only happened once when she was a little younger when starting that sort of job." she remembers that day her father looking a bit younger came rushing in her shop and asked for ten healing potion and poison cure elixirs.

Knowing it was her first few days, Katherine did pretty good by herself so good on her. Remembering that was when later on she met Kat and they got along pretty well. While thinking about it, another person came into the shop to look around. As Marcus and Rosie were speaking, Lewis looked at the new customer.

He didn't seem to be from around here judging from the giant bag he was carrying on his back. It was over stuffed with many things inside with hanging empty bottles and two pots. He seems to have been traveling for days now but not looking fresh for a while. His eyes were a grey color with fat fingers and an average height. He just kept looking around smelling everything he could which was a little..odd.

He goes over to ask if the man needed help.

"I don't want help...I'm on a quest for something. Now leave me be. Shoo shoo!" he waves his hand at Lewis that looked a bit annoyed.

"Calm yourself old man. I was just asking if you wish for assistance."

"Well, I don't want it! Now leave me be..." he hissed again to Lewis walking off leaving him alone. The man went back to his business smelling everything like some animal when Rosie and Marcus noticed Lewis coming back and looking confused.

"Is that guy okay? Did he need something?"

"Seems now after 'shooing me away' like I'm a bother to him. I only asked if he wished for assistance and he didn't. I don't understand why he smelling everything like some dog though."

"Well, if he needs help with anything I guess he'll come to us and tell me what he needs. I'm sure it's something important if he....uhhh is smelling everything." she said looking at the man still doing that. To be honest, it was a little creepy but she lets it be. Marcus was confused as well.

He never seen someone like him before during his and Lewis traveling around. Maybe he's different than most or came from another town away from here. He won't question it but hopes this man is not a threat to them or something. They went back to talking for a while longer with no new customers showing for a while till two more came in asking for elixirs which she was happy to do. A third one came to pick up a expensive one she had to have in a box for her after paying the high price for it.

Just as she was about to help another customer, a loud gasp came from the man that's been looking around for about three hours. Rosie noticed like the other customer that was confused too but they ignored him. The man was eyeing something in a glass jar on the right of the shop. Some sort of enchanted liquid that was holding something inside. He looks at it still smelling it that he grew excited.

Right away, he goes to the owner and rudely pushes the other customer away from Rosie.

"Hey, what is your problem!? You shouldn't do that to other people!" she goes to help the other customer to ask if they were alright. They said they were but that man was very rude.

The man came back to grab Rosie and make her look at him.

"Don't care miss I want to buy something right now!" he demands that Rosie gets her arm away from his hand looking at him.

"Stop with the rude behavior! I will not have that in my shop!" she orders to see Lewis and Marcus help the customer up who gives thanks to them. The man didn't care but looks to the customer then to Rosie again.

"As I said; I want to buy something and you will give me service. So do it, chop chop slave woman."

Lewis felt a vein pop on his forehead. How dare this rat call his girl a slave woman! He was about to kick his ass out but Marcus calms Lewis down before he gave him a beating. Rosie looks to the man but sighs glaring at him. He was very rude indeed.

"First of all, I'm not a slave thank you. Second, why should I sell to you if you are this rude to other people. I should have you leave and never come back!"

"Listen here; you have a very rare item I wish to purchase and I will! I want that jar up there and I want it now!"

"Jar?" she looks to where this guy was pointing to see something but noticed the jar was up there having some glowing liquid inside. She looks back down to the man but lets out a sigh. "That one huh? Well, sir. It's going to take a lot of money or something good worth trading me for it. It's not at a low price.."

"Oh come now, surely it can't be that expensive but it's high quality I take it? I wish to buy it or give in something to trade you for it. Come on now, I don't have all day."

"With you being this rude to me, my customers, my boyfriend, why should I sell you anything? Your behavior is not taken likely around this village and I know I could have you banned if I speak to the leader or his daughter. Now....what is stopping me from doing that? she said glaring at this man that looks to her but thinks a little. He did want that item but he wanted to get it and leave this place.

"Depending on the trade I take it? You can't just have me leave. I really want to have that jar. The liquid inside is very rare and I would to add it to my collection.."

"A collection? Seriously?"

"Yes seriously! I collect many exotic things during my travels and that one is just calling me to add it. You will hand it over to me depending on the price!"

"Sir; if you just calm down I'm sure she can think of something or explain to you the price or required trade for it."

"Well, I know she's the owner but she's also wasting my time. So on with it woman!"

"Why you-"

"Easy Lewis. *Looks to the man then gets it* So I guess that's why. Since you are a hoarder and all. I really don't get what draw you kinds of people to this village and others. Can't you just go digging in other spots for the things you want? Instead of coming to different places being rude and demanding things?"

"Listen; I don't care because you don't understand the beauty of being a hoarder is. We collect to keep them forever. To add and grow our collections my lady. Now, I am waiting for you to tell me the price of what I want. So tell me!"

"Oh brother. Well, the jar you see is something as I said holding a rare liquid inside. It can give the holder whatever ability they create in their minds for about 4 hours. However, it wears off after that. For something like that, it's about 500 each on the coins. With a trade of something very good to replace it. So...what do you have to trade?"

"500 each of gold, silver, and bronze? Can't you use the second option to trade it to me?"

"Unless you have something good to trade it for then you don't get it. So what do you have sir?"

He grumbles and begins checking his bag after taking it off his back and opening it. He had so many things inside the bag, one wonders if it's enchanted or something. Marcus and Lewis looked shocked seeing this but Rosie waited to see if he really had something good to trade for it.

The three of them saw the man laying out rather..odd items from this bad he thinks are good for trading. Something she's never seen before but the other things she's seen. Most hoarders have the same thing they find interesting when their nothing but junk. Most shops have things like this already so trading for more isn't gonna work. "Alright, I have some good stuff to trade for that liquid my dear. How about it? See anything you like?" he asked.

Rosie blinks looking at the man then lets out a sigh feeling a bit disappointed. "Are you kidding me? I already have that about 30 of them. I don't need anymore of that. *Looks to the second pile* and these are not worth anything to me. I don't need this. *Checks another pile* I don't want to know what that is. Seems very disturbing so no..*checks the last two piles* And I really don't want these either. Sir, you have nothing of good value to trade me so I am not giving this jar to you."

"What?! Are you blind!! These are rare items found from the dangerous locations in the realm! I swear to you!"

"She did make a point sir. I've seen the few items you have in other shops and they have piles of them. These are not worth anything rare that she might trade off later on. maybe for about 2 coins each on gold, silver, and bronze."

"Then you're blind too! These are worth millions of coins you-"

"I'm sorry sir but I think it's time for you to leave. You got nothing for me so I won't trade you. I hope you have a nice day now."

"I demand a trade! You can't do this!" he screamed already packing up his things in the bag once more.

"Good day to you! Please leave my shop sir.." she and him glared at one another before he turns to head out of her shop. Rosie shook her head hating when hoarders do that but only ignores it while Lewis was more impressed. Now he really wants to do something for her.

"I guess that happens a lot?"

"Yes, in some way it dose but I just tell them to leave if they got nothing good to trade me. He seems to be a trash hoarder so yeah..no thanks. They are the kind that tricks others to get something they want. You don't seem them out and about as much..May have to tell Katherine's father about this so he knows..."

"Do you think he's free to do so?"

"Either him or Kat. Maybe you can find out for me Marcus. I need to stay here and work the shop. Would that be alright?"

"Hmm Me? Well...I guess I could." he said feeling hesitant but he would do it. To be honest, he was hoping to avoid speaking to Kat's father but seems like today he will have to speak to him due to Rosie's request.

"Thanks Marcus! You're a life saver!" she smiled happily to him feeling happy for his help. Marcus of course didn't mind but he was nervous of speak or seeing Katherine's father right now. He wasn't sure if Kat told him about what he said to her. About having someone else in his life which was a lie.

"Not a problem. I'll go ahead and speak to him now to let him know about the trash hoarder." giving a wave, he turns and heads back out. The trash hoarder was gone like he left the village. Well, with having nothing and the failed trading he had no choice but to leave. He wouldn't find anything else here he wanted.

He begins heading to the building in the center of the village passing some healing trees that seems to be getting some life back. Others were minding their own business and it wasn't too bad for him. Everything seems to be doing well for each other. Maybe Katherine was still doing her daily work? Maybe she's helping her father? He didn't know.

He shows up minutes later at the building seeing a few people standing outside talking about new rules getting added. That tells him the leader had to be here. He took a breath and lets it out, trying to calm down. He was sure her father will understand. He had to right? Maybe not. He wouldn't want anything to upset his daughter and she means the world to him. Would this become something horrible later down the road?

"Oh suck it up Marcus. You been through worse..just go in and speak to her father. He wouldn't mind...at the very least.." he walks inside and looks around to wonder if he was here something. Maybe in the main office of this place. He passes a couple areas with more people talking or help others that Marcus looks to the right spotting the man he needed to see about the hoarder.

Katherine's father was reading something in his studies that he was taking a break. Today has been long after the self letter given to him by delivery a while back. He has the letter on the desk but it's folded closed for his eyes only. Marcus relaxed seeing the man but he only swallows in his fear and knocks carefully on the door.

"Hmmm?"

"Sir? Is it a bad time?"

"Marcus...it's good to see you my boy. No, it's not a bad time please come in." he stood up setting the book down on the table as Marcus steps in and shuts the door as he was looking out at the window behind him for a second hearing Marcus step over to him. When he was behind him, he turns to show a friendly look on his face. A tired one but friendly.

"So my boy; what brings you here?"

"Well sir we found a trash hoarder in the village but he already left from here after not getting something from Rosie's shop. He was trying to get some jar and was trying to trade with her." he explains as Kat's father thinks about his words wondering if it's the same one that's been trying to sell trash goods that are no good.

"I see. That shouldn't be done in this area. Thank you for telling me Marcus. I'll be sure to ask some guards to keep a eye out for him."

"Of course sir..." he said bowing his head, turning to leave.

"Just a moment.."

"Yes?"

"You seem..troubled Marcus. Is everything alright?" he asked to see Marcus look away not sure how to answer him.

"Rest assure sir, I'm doing alright.."

"Are you sure, Marcus? I can sense you seem troubled about something is wrong but you won't tell me. You know I'm like a father to many in my village including you. If something is indeed bothering you; you can tell me." he wanted Marcus to feel like he's family here no matter what. Something was bothering him. Something like a heavy feeling of guilt washing over him.

Should he tell him? No, he wasn't sure about it. Knowing this man is the father to the woman he feels close to. What could he even say to him? Just blurt out he lied to his daughter about loving her? Wait..was that right?

"........................"

"Marcus?"

"*Sighs*........It's hard to say sir..I don't want to say because it might upset you."

"Upset me? Why do you say it that way? Has something happened?"

"In a way but it's between me..and well Kat. I don't know if I should say anything about it sir."he grumbles looking down to the ground hearing the main home made grand clock ticking time away. The leader was confused and worried at the same time trying to figure out what was going on. Was something wrong or was this something else? Did something happen between him and his daughter?

"Marcus; you can tell me. Whatever happened I'm sure it's nothing wrong. Now, what is it? You can tell me It's fine.." he explains walking over to him and places a hand on his shoulder. Marcus looks up at Kat's father seeing a fatherly like smile on his face. Could he tell him and he'll understand? Maybe he should..maybe. With a heavy breath, he started to speak.

He told him about lying to his daughter about having another girl in his life. However, he did it in order to protect her from any danger that looms out there in the realm. He didn't want anything happening to Katherine because he deeply cared for her.

"And that's the story sir. I deeply care for your daughter; I do. I didn't mean to lie to her sir I just..wanted to protect her. She means a lot to you and I understand that. She means a lot to me too so that is why I lied to her about having another girl in my life to keep her safe and out of enemies target range. I hope you forgive me sir for lying to your child." he quickly bows his head feeling scare to what he thinks about this.

Honestly, Kat's father had no words but he only looks out the window thinking about it. He lied to his daughter but he did it out of concern, care, and love. He cared for his daughter and finds it precious. With a sigh, he shuts his eyes remembering his wife.

"....I see.....so you lied to my daughter..to keep her safe."

"Yes sir.."

"....You sound just like me. I would have done the same thing with my wife...and to be honest; I did."

"S..sir?" he saw him turn around slowly looking at Marcus with sad eyes but a smile was seen as well.

"You remind me of me when I was your age, Marcus. I did the same thing with my wife too. I didn't want anything happening to her because I cared for her so much. She made my life so much better because she cared for me; loved me. Told me I was her shining knight because nothing could break that from her eyes. Even if an enemy caught her or brainwashed her; she always loved me and only me. Thanks to her; she made my life worth living...she even saved my life."

"..s..sir.."

"I see why you did what you did to protect my child but that feeling might have different effects. She could hate you for lying to her. She might think you were playing with her emotions because of it. I know it's scary Marcus but if you explain this to her..she'll understand." he said to him that Marcus remains silent thinking about it. Would it really work? Knowing how she was is still scary.

"....I don't know how to tell her. How can I lay it down on her gently? I don't want to ruin anything between us. She thinks I have a girlfriend...how can I tell her I was lying to protect you?"

"That depends on what you tell her my boy. I'm sure she'll understand even if she might be angry with you for a while. Just tell her when the time is right to you."

"Yes sir..."

"Good. Now, run along. I have some work that needs to be done today. As I said; do what you think is right. Tell her when it's time...." he said waving bye to Marcus that he stood in the hallway thinking about Kat again. Her father was a true wise man. He begins to leave the hallway to the outside again trying to think of what he should do now.

"I wish I knew what to do about this. Knowing Katherine, she will only hate me later on down the road. I want to make things right but I need to find a way to tell her first. At least she will know the truth...she has to." he mutters under his breath that he looks up seeing the village again. Marcus walks forward thinking to himself but stops noticing something. Katherine was checking a list in her hand while talking to another person beside her. She was looking confused to this person due to their words.

"I see. I just need more time to practice right?"

"Yes. I know you can do it so I wish you luck okay? Be careful.." she smiles to him but waves bye as he walks off with the paper. Marcus watches her as she waves bye before her eyes notice him. Tilting her head she goes over to stop him before he got away.

"Hi Marcus. What brings you here to the market way? Is something wrong?"

"N..No. Not really..."

"Are you really sure? Because you seem like your thinking about something or something went wrong. Do you want to see the healer?" she tilts her head looking at him in worry that Marcus only grew more worried about it. Knowing he might let it slip so he was shaking his head no.

"Please believe me, Kat. I'm alright just tried from today..did a lot of things so..."

"Oh. I see. Well, I won't keep you then. I'll just leave you be.." she gives a smile on her face and turns to walk off to leave him alone. However, before doing that, she heard a explosion near by. It shook the village making everyone look out to see something near the river gale forest.

She didn't get what is happening but noticed the loud roar too. This made her tense up. A dragon. A dragon was heading this way?! Right away, a bell sounds to warn everyone to take shelter. The fighters were ready to help but Katherine tells them to stay near the village. Maybe they can lure it away something but saw Marcus about to fight it alone.

"Hold on! You are not fighting that monster alone. You need back up or something before it tries eating you!" she warns him.

"I know that but I don't know how powerful this beast is. We need to fight it or try to lure it away."

"And how do you know it will work? Female dragons are too dangerous and growing powerful. What's stopping them from just coming here and killing us all! We need a-" He suddenly grabs her close to dodge a incoming fire ball that slams into the market. A few things were set on fire as she winces hearing the roar once more.

Marcus gets up with Katherine quickly but keeps his battle axe close in his hand. His eyes looks up seeing the female dragon land near the fields as it roars out once more. Spreading flames out into the sky as Katherine winces from the sound. It was angry but she wasn't sure why it attacks now. The people quickly heads out ready to fight but Marcus orders them to stand back like Kat said to defend the village.

"But sir-"

"First things first; people need to get to safety right now! Don't ask questions just do it!"

He seems them doing that but he looks at Kat as she was looking up at the dragon but he saw her looking for something before her father grabs her arm to help her leave. This was for Marcus to deal with right now. He rushes over to fight the female dragon to get rid of her. She was massive than the last one that she roars at him when the fight begins. Katherine was worried seeing her friend fighting that thing but she grips her wrist wanting to help him. Even thought she actually could. No one knew her secret but she had to keep it private and only show it to the one she will marry.

The same thing her mother did.

"Marcus..."

"I know you are worried my dear but we have to keep the people safe. I believe he will be fine. Just trust him.."

Of course she did trust him but with this dragon fighting Marcus alone, can you blame her. Katherine wanted to help him to her best ability and she was fearing he would die leaving this world and his love. She had to do something or at least get the dragon away from him. It's a risk but she had to do it. "Father, we need to do something...no, I need to do something. Marcus will die depending on how powerful that female dragon really is. I don't know why though because it feels like she's a different breed." she said while her father thinks about it himself.

"That may be true but he won't let you go out there honey. He isn't going to risk anyone's life to try and fight. The ones he trained are still a work in progress right now and we are to figure something out too. We will be fine..so will he."

"I know but why do I get this feeling that monster is more dangerous. It's a different breed judging by the scales and fire she breaths. I need to find out what she is or what type. Or else Marcus still might die." she looks around seeing the female dragon roaring out with Marcus still fighting it but Katherine quickly rushes over in another direction to think of a plan.

"Kat wait!"

"*Huff* *Huff* I'm sorry father but I have to help him. I'm not letting Marcus die and leave the love of his life.." she ran back through the forest leading back down to the village again. It was still being protected by a spell thanks to Rosie but she looks ahead seeing Marcus jumping back from a attack from the female dragon. Katherine had to be quick or else Marcus could die.

The female dragon did look very different from the ones she's seen so far in their realm. Maybe this one is a mix breed? A old breed? She wasn't sure but Katherine had to figure something out before Marcus got killed for it. She kept studying the female dragon trying to figure it out till she ducks seeing some fire balls hit the trees in a back distance. The fight was growing more dangerous and she had to hurry.

Kat looks left and right to make sure no one was near then held her hand up in front of her. She shuts her eyes slowly to focus till she opens them showing a glowing light indigo color. The essence was spreading around her hand till she sees that her magic was spreading around and out. Marcus panted holding his battle axe tightly in his hands ready to still fight but the female dragon kept roaring out in rage.

He had to get the dragon away from the village before it did something. However, as soon as he tried slashing her throat, the dragon stops roaring out in pain. Something was wrong to make Marcus look confused. She was just fine a while ago so what was...He noticed some sparkle of magic was around the dragon before it begins slashing at her scales. It roars out in pain from each one that Marcus grew more confused.

Was their someone else near by? Their was a magic user in this realm?! But how? All of them were killed after the female dragons took over. Did this mean one lived?! He looks around trying to find where they could be but he didn't see him or whoever it was. Kathrine just kept focusing her magic on the dragon to make sure it was getting hurt to leave this area alone. Or give a sign this is a bad place to be.

"What is going on? Why is the dragon behaving like that? Is something attacking from the inside? Is their a magic user near by? IF that's the case where are they?"Marcus said watching the monster just in case the dragon tried anything on him. However, it falls on the ground roaring out in pain and anger feeling something starting to burn the female dragon. It's skin started burning from the inside that it shocked Marcus.

"!!!!!"

The flames from the Dragon was dying from the magic fire that spreads and eats it slowly. Ignoring the screams out of pain before it's head fell to the ground with a thud. Marcus had his eyes wide seeing this but steps back nervous as the flames still kept eating it whole. Nothing seems too bad about it an this leaves it wondering about it.

"...How strange...too strange. Just who did that?" he asked looking tired from all this but lowers his axe near the ground. This leaves more questions to him that he turns to head away as the body disappears into ashes. That made him wonder just who did it. The dragon was dead to let Kathrine lower her arms but quickly heads back to her father and the others that was waiting worried. She shows up in time and before Marcus came to find them.

A few of the villagers saw him but Lewis rushes over with Rosie to ask what happened.

"I don't know. I was fighting the dragon but..something or someone else was there in that area. They killed the dragon using magic. I never expected their to be a magic user."

"Magic user? But that's impossible. All the magic users in our realm were killed by the dragons. How are you so sure Marcus?"

"I second that..."

"I know it sounds off but I speak the truth. I Don't know if the magic user is from this village but I guess their an ally due to helping me defeat the dragon a while ago. Either way, the village is safe so you all may go back now."

Every Villager remains quiet from the thought but heads on back to their homes. Katherine and her father were helping the people back home to leave the three to talk. Her father knew the truth just by looking at his daughter's expression. He was so happy that she helped saved their village. However, he was upset that she could have gotten hurt. He'll let it slide but he wishes for her to be careful.

"I don't know Marcus. From the magic user being alive or anyone that can use magic is beyond me. Most count on the potions or elixir they make every day or a few weeks later in order to help during tasks and journeys. How are we sure this magic user as you say will really help us again." Rosie asked Marcus as he looks down not sure himself.

"I don't know, Rosie. All I know is a magic user helped me and I don't know who they are. Or what they are. It could be anyone we know or don't.....This is rather annoying to think about it though.."

"Or boring master. How are you going to prove this in some way to show this. Will you really try to find the true person or thing that used the magic to help you? What if you don't find them?" Lewis asked.

"I don't know but I'll figure something out. I want to know; I need to know so I can thank them for helping me."

"Don't over think it, Marcus. Knowing what is happening I figure things will be clear later on. Maybe you'll find out who this secret helping is." Lewis mutters while Rosie was checking a list of things she had with her right now.

"Maybe but I don't know. That might change for later down the road. I wish I knew who it was because that was magic I've never seen before in my life and it seems very powerful but old. I wonder.."

"Their were magic users in the past Marcus but all of them are dead. We all are human here in this village. Same for the others in different areas of this realm. No magic has been seen from another person in many years." she said that he looks to Rosie then thinks again.

"Hmmm, maybe you're right....but I wish I knew who though.."

"Well, whoever it was we owe them big time. The dragon came out of no where and we were lucky to have noticed it. I guess who that person was they saved our asses here." Lewis leans back against the wall while talking but he slowly sees Marcus thinking a little about it now but he wanted to know who it was and why? Why did they help them like that? Now he made it a goal to see who or where this person was to thank them personally.

"True. I wish I knew myself because they really saved us here with you helping too Marcus. Well, both of you honestly.."

"Maybe. However, I will find out who that magic user is if it's true. For now, it's over. We are safe for the time being.." they agree and begins doing their own thing. However, Katherine watches them from afar with her father but she slowly looks away happy to see her magic helped everyone. Even her father was happy to see her safe still since no one saw her use magic. They went on with their lives with Kat returning to her home alone and her father going back to work as leader for the village.

Another day had come and gone, everyone heading home or speaking about what happened today. Marcus was already fixing dinner for him and Lewis again seeing how quiet it became after this. He heard Lewis speaking about how many potions he and Rosie created today, he was rather impressed. In fact, he wanted to impress her even more by doing something more special for her but that's for another time.

While he was speaking his mind, Marcus was lost in his thoughts wondering how Katherine was doing. Is she alright and still stable from the dragon attack today? He figure she was since he saw her with him. This was really something else and he didn't seem to mind or worry. He was still scared on how to tell the truth to her because all this big lie was doing is hurting him from the inside. Lewis then finally noticed his reaction.

"You know behaving like that will stress you out, Marcus. Did you tell the truth to Kat yet?"

"No, I have not. I don't know how to tell her."

"Just say it. You shouldn't be afraid of one woman you know. Maybe this is telling you she's the one for you but you had to lie to her about being with another woman. If you just stay calm-"

"I know! I just....*sighs* I don't know. I want Kat happy and safe...I thought this would help. But it's making me feel worse because she will be asking about the pretend girl and.....wants to either meet her to become friends."

"Well, you're the one that brought up the lie to her so you'll have to figure it out...Just tell the truth to her."