Belle was a good guide around the place. However the two - as Rick called them - rascals made the whole trip better. They would tell me a few stories here and there, giving me a reason to chuckle. Which I thought wouldn't be possible in this place at least not this soon.

Once the sun was high above we went to the other exit which was leading outside. There, fields filled with different vegetables stretched. I even saw a few animal farms. I was looking in awe, this town was well self-sustained. No wonder they could stay hidden. They didn't need anyone.

I turned to Belle “Where do you get the water from?”

She smiled “That is lady's Arlene's doing. Like the fact those lands are fertile. She infused this whole area with her magic. While water reservoir is at her place. People go there to get some for themselves and the farms get streams leading from there. She gathers it from rain and the rest she creates.”

I frowned “She's a water dragon?” I could have sworn that a smoke escaped her nostrils the first time we met.

Meanwhile, Belle explained, “She is a mix.” I hummed. Mixed dragons were as rare as a rainbow unicorn, and yes those do exist and their meat tastes like candy.

“I thought they are extinct.”

Belle dropped her head “Lady Arlene is unique that way.”

I looked towards the outstretched fields. At that point, only one question came to mind 'why?' She obviously didn't eat those people, and didn't make them into slaves, so then why? Any dragon I've encountered is evil but it feels like she has ulterior motive… Maybe an army? I looked up at Leon and Camellia shaking my head. Not from children. Then what is it?

As we were heading back towards the dragon entrance I've noticed more and more kids tagging along. Soon enough a mini-army followed us. I turned to Belle “Aren't parents worried about those guys?”

Belle smiled turning around “Don't worry, food and water aren't the only things that are due to dragon magic. Those kids and most villagers are protected by it too, and no one here has an ill will. So they are fine.”

I hummed seeing as the kids started to argue who will be lifted up by me next.

Once we arrived at a house near the dragon entrance both Leon and Camellia rushed off to it. I just stood back and watched as Belle followed suit. After a few moments, Rick came out looking like he just returned from a battle. Although despite that he still smiled the same way.

I asked, “Is your wife ok?”

Rick nodded “Yeah but she is tired and grumpy, but at least I have a new son.”

I smiled for him “Congratulations.” I gave him a pat on the back while we made small talk about his family and my experience of the day with the kids. He seemed to be enjoying being here - found a love created family. So seeing him at that point I didn't want to believe he was a murderer in the past. He was a friendly and caring guy. How could he become that from a murderer? Apparently, most of the people that lived in the mountain had some dark past, and that struck a thought in me “ Rick tell me what 'sins’ are taken here?”

Rick stroked his chin in thought “Any that affect the society they are in.”

I frowned “So what did Natalie do to be almost taken here? She wasn't very social so I don't see why she would have sinned.”

Rick looked at me with sympathy “I cannot answer that question. Go to lady Arlene, she is the only one that can help.”

I grunted, “Not like I want to talk to a reptile.”

Rick chuckled “Not a fan of dragons?”

I shook my head showing him my sword. The black blade glistened in the sunlight. Every time I saw it I felt both pride and guilt at the same time. Rick watched me so I explained, “I am a hunter so I don't like most creatures, but dragons are a different story,” I gripped the handle harder, “this sword belonged to my brother, he was a great hunter but fell due to the dragon that attacked our village.” After the attack, I killed off that dragon and I heard my brother's dying wish to avenge him. I never followed emotions such as anger or revenge, but that day I started to hate dragons above all else. I am pretty sure with the number I killed I avenged my brother a long time ago but that didn't change the way I feel about those beasts.

Rick nodded in understanding “It is your choice Darren. You can do whatever you wish. But to find the truth you have to talk to Arlene.” I sheathed my sword “I know.”

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