"So how much do these animals sell for?"
Pisco asked one of the caretakers of the Griffin.
"At least 50 gold coins," the caretaker said as he groomed the Griffin.
"And what about a dragon? How much would that sell for?"
Pisco asked and the caretaker stopped brushing the Griffin's fur.
"A dragon, those things cos at least 5,000 gold coins. Based on the size and species it could sell for even more. Just trapping one of those things takes a lot of manpower, " the caretaker said and looked around.
"Have you seen any flying around?"
The caretaker asked Pisco who shook his head. After speaking with the caretaker, he approached Zachariah.
"If I knew where to find a dragon, would you be willing to erase my debt and give me 500 gold coins?"
"No, clear your debt, yes. No additional payment. You will just be telling me where to find it. I would be doing all the heavy lifting,"
Zachariah explained and Pisco agreed. He told Zachariah where he last saw the dragon.
"As soon as I send someone to verify that what you say is true. Consider yourself debt-free, Zachariah said and Pisco needed.
He was not free yet but he felt a sense of relief.
Miles away in Main, Loric sat Norma on a chair. Blood ran down her leg.
"So, who sent you?" Loric asked but Norma did not say a word.
"I am guessing he is the same person who sent the witch," Loric said and used the piece of cloth to wrap her wound.
"I don't know him but, I can take you to him. He gave us a location where he is going to be," Norma said as he watched Loric wrap her wound.
Loric skin reverted to its original form.
"Okay let's go now," Loric said and helped her up. He walked her to the door and she turned to look at him.
"Open it," Loric said and she opened it and walked out.
Loric knocked on Shaban's door.
"Watch her," Loric said immediately after he opened the door. He then knocked on Markeen's door.
He explained as much as possible and asked for Markeen's help. He walked back to Shaban's door and knocked again. Shaban opened the door.
"Get her, we need to go," Loric said and pushed the door open. He waved Norma over and she limped toward him.
As they left, Shaban looked to his left to see Markeen. She waved him over.
Norma led Loric to a farm. In front was a sign that said, "Guyton Farms".
They walked into a shed. It was filled with farm tools. Teon stood there waiting for them.
"You are late," Teon said the moment they walked in. Men walked in and pointed muskets at him.
Loric put up his hands and Norma walked away.
"Be careful, he has already turned," Norma said as she walked towards Teon.
"It does not matter, the transplant might still work. Teon nodded and the two men fired at Loric.
The bullets hit him and they fell to the ground.
"Ouch," Loric said and grabbed the barrels then yanked them away from the men. He swung at each of their heads using the other's gun.
He caved their skulls in with a single strike. He slowly walked toward Teon. He pointed a flintlock pistol at him and fired. Loric tilted his head and the bullet grazed his cheek.
He dropped it and snatched one Normar was holding. He pulled the trigger and the gun ticked.
With an arm in a sling, he held the gun as Norma poured gunpowder down the barrel.
Their hands shook which made it difficult for them to get the powder into the barrel. Norma placed a patch and a bullet down the barrel. She then pushed it further into the barrel with a ramrod.
Teon smiled and turned the gun toward Loric. Who smacked it out on his hand immediately.
"Why do you want me dead?"
Loric grabbed him by his blouse as he asked.
"I did not know you were alive. I heard a physician was selling the organs of someone in transition. I had heard an organ transplant from one with dragon's breath can turn one into a dragon," Teon said as he shivered.
The shed doors opened and Loric turned around. It was Markeen and Shaban.
"I guess you did not need our help after all," Shaban said as he walked over the bodies of the guards.
The shed door opened again and Shaban and Markeen turned around. A man covered in red scales stood at the door. Before Markeen and Shaban could react they were sent flying.
They flew through support beams in the shed. Loric turned only to be speared into the ground. His skin turned black, then glowed red hot.
The red-armored dragon quickly jumped back.
"Benimaru, stand down," Teon said and walked closer to Loric. Loric got up from the ground.
"I want you to work for me. I got a call from my dealer. There is a dragon in Piek. I want you to help me kill it. You can ask around I pay pretty well," Teon said but Loric walked toward the door.
"Don't come after me again or you will regret it," Loric said as he walked away. He carried Markeen on one shoulder and Shaban on the other.
He walked out of the shed and Teon followed him. Norma and Benimaru followed close by.
Immediately they walked out of the shed collapsed, and startled Teon.