Chapter 11 (3/3)

Draco was slightly flustered. It had been rather uncommon for him to be invited anywhere before, if you didn't count those few evenings when Jeviev had dragged him over to show him some new book, or persuade him to try a new dish she had learned to make for her mother. Of course, his aunt had not overlooked such an important issue in his upbringing as behaviour in such a situation, but he had never had the opportunity to use any of her advices. Well, maybe not so much as once. He admonished himself by recalling the day he officially met his master. It could be considered like a social gathering, although the invitation was unlikely to be rejected. He smiled to himself thinking that it was not at all different now and recalling how his aunt had offered Darius tea.

He followed his master up the small staircase immersed in thought, trying his best to remember what his aunt had taught him. He couldn't imagine doing something that wasn't appropriate in social gatherings, especially as they were with one of Darius' friends. He wouldn't be able to accept something like that, so he decided to give it his best shot at not letting his master down.

After a while, they were on the first floor and emerged into a long corridor with several sizable doors leading to rooms. Only one was open. A large double door, at the end of the corridor. Behind them he spotted Matheo's wife shuffling about, although she looked more like she was giving orders to the military. A couple of servants flitted quickly past her carrying plates, goblets and cutlery. She directed them with amazing skill, without even having to speak very often. The servants were quickly able to read what she expected of them.

Beside her stood two tall men. As Draco deduced they were the sons of Matheo, from whom they had inherited stature and overwhelming strength, and from their mother, poise and ability to run a shop.

-You were dragging your feet.- Fiora stated, smiling at them.- Boys, introduce yourselves.- She said, glancing at her sons.

The young men momentarily straightened up glancing at Draco with interest and Darius with slight amusement. They both looked very much like each other, in fact indistinguishable if you disregarded their outfits. Identical square faces, with gentle half-smiles and sharp dark blue eyes seemed to exude a relaxed and friendly attitude. Both also had short cut graphite hair.

-I am Angus Vittoro.- Said the one wearing an embroidered dragon tunic with a thin belt, on which hung a dagger and several ampoules of variously coloured liquids. An alchemist from Dagos. It flashed through Draco's mind.

-Florence Vittoro.- The one in the thick jacked with metal ornaments and a cutlass at his belt bowed slightly.

Darius merely nodded to them with a glance at how they were dressed. Draco surreptitiously glanced at his master, who nodded imperceptibly.

-My name is Draco Ignis.- He bowed gently.-It's a pleasure to meet you.- He smiled looking them boldly in the eyes.

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James entered the floor just as Master Matheo's sons were eye-measuring each other with the young mage. It seemed that they had just introduced themselves to each other and were now trying to assess the other.

-Come on, come on.- The giant blacksmith stood between them throwing them brief glances, to which they responded with smiles that looked less artificial than the ones before.-Come on quicker or your mother will call you names.- He murmured patting his sons on the shoulders.-Please come to the room.- He added looking at his guests.

They all went inside and sat down at a long table occupying almost the entire room. At the top sat Master Vittoro, to his left his wife and sons, and to his right the older of the mages and his apprentice. James took his place next to the brothers.

As Master Vittoro's disciple, he was not treated as an employee, but as part of the family, and as he was the youngest he took his place at the end of the table. James looked curiously at the guests. He was still intrigued by the boy in the blue coat. He couldn't forgive himself for not noticing or sensing him in the room earlier in the shop. He wondered what skills the wizard might have used to escape his senses. But then again, he doesn't look like a typical mage. He thought while looking at the stiffly seated boy. He is more muscular, has smoother movements, better reflexes. He tilted his head slightly, trying to figure out this conundrum. Knowing essentially nothing about the boy, he couldn't find anything to help him discover what skills Draco was hiding behind a mask of calm.

-I thought you should have been back in town by now.- James shuddered hearing his master's voice. He didn't notice that he had completely switched off and immersed himself in his own thoughts. He concentrated on listening while observing and carefully jotting down everything in his mind. He didn't want to lose anything from this conversation.-When I was with you last time you said you were leaving for a week, and you came back after more than a month.-The blacksmith waved a powerful hand.

-I've been a bit busy in Dagos.- Bleist took a sip from the chalice standing in front of him.-A few things came up that I had to help Hugo with, so I didn't have much of a holiday left.-He smiled slightly, but didn't look as if he regretted that things had turned out this way rather than that.

-Since when have you been such a workaholic Darius?- Fiora looked intently at her guests waving her gaze from one to the other. Draco looked more tense than before. He sat stiffly and glanced discreetly at his master from time to time. His movements lacked the earlier fluidity he had displayed a floor below with sword in hand. He is not used to such situations. It flashed through James' mind.

-It may be surprising, but contrary to various rumours, I do work sometimes,- replied the mage calmly.

-There has been a lot going on in the city lately,- Angus began enthusiastically.- There were rumours that Ambassador Othis wanted to do something in secret with the Council. The town was buzzing with speculation and various theories.- He started as if he was repeating it for the umpteenth time.- And then suddenly, like a knife, it was cut off.- He spread out his hands holding the cutlery for which his mother gave him a stern look.- That's what you were working on, isn't it? - He smiled innocently with a face that was supposed to say that with him all secrets are safe.

-Interesting.- Bleist looked curious about the issue raised.-Could you say what the rumours were?- He leaned forward listening intently.

-Oh, there was an awful lot of that. And considering that I arrived a week ago I don't know the latest.- Angus looked up at the ceiling as if trying to remember something.- The most interesting... Hmmmm... - He muttered to himself.

-Say it at last.- His father urged him. Matheo for some reason looked very interested in this topic.

-A, well, yes.- Angus looked back at the magician.-There was something about them trying to cover up some big trade scam, or some scandal involving someone high up.- He waved his hand dismissively.-But such rumours are the norm no matter where one turns and practically never come true and hardly anyone pays attention to them. Another says it was about providing military support, but while that would be something plausible it doesn't portend any imminent major war.-He shrugged his shoulders.-The last of those not beyond broad realism is that the Council found something you wanted to have.-He smiled.- Unfortunately there were more rumours about what that might be than the main topic.

-Dagos lively as ever.- Bleist sighed shaking his head.-Well, what else would you expect from the most gossip-ridden capital city in the world?-He looked meaningfully at the ceiling while trying to hide a smile.

-Maybe you can tell us something interesting?- Matheo stared persistently at the magician, while his wife looked more and more at Darius' disciple.

-I have nothing to tell my friend.-The wizard shrugged his shoulders.-But you seem to have.-He smiled suspiciously.-You've hired a bodyguard who is eager to reach for his weapon and it didn't look like he was doing it for the first time.-He looked at James, who momentarily lowered his gaze. The elf had no idea how to behave once he knew who he was dealing with. He reproached himself that he should have recognised the crest, or at least associated a fairly well-known officer. He felt a little silly for having acted so harshly at their first meeting.

-Happened this and that,- the blacksmith replied cautiously. His face clouded for a moment and his eyes darkened. After a few heartbeats, he blinked rapidly and looked around.-How did you meet each other?-He chuckled suddenly.-I mean, how did you meet your apprentice?-Matheo corrected himself. It looked as if he wanted to change the subject at all costs, yet on the other hand everyone was waiting for someone to ask the question. Even James knew that Colonel Bleist did not want to accept anyone on the term. He had rejected offers from officers and nobles, and didn't even want to hear about anyone being asked to be his apprentice. However, he suddenly returns from Dagos with a protégé that nobody knows and nobody has ever heard of.

-This is a rather simple story.- Darius smiled gleefully. He seemed genuinely happy to have become a master and he wasn't going to fail to show it.-When I was on holiday I met Draco in the harbour on the Verde. Quite by accident, but I knew even then that it was a very important event.- He looked at his pupil, who had been sitting stiffly the whole time, but his gaze changed slightly when he heard about the meeting.- It didn't give me a break, so I hung around the area for a few days and sensed at one point that someone was using magic spontaneously. As you can guess the person I found following this sensation was Draco. Even then, there was no doubt in my mind that I wanted to teach him. After that, the rest was a formality.

-Are you from Verde? - Angus was interested. He fixed his gaze on the boy, who tensed like a string.

-No, I lived in the southern shopping district with my aunt. I rather didn't visit the Verde River very often.-He shrugged his shoulders.-It was rather a coincidence.

-Are your parents mages?- Fiora asked softly.

-Unfortunately, I have no idea.-The boy did not look as if he was interested.-I never met them.

-Sorry, I didn't know.-The blacksmith's wife looked slightly confused because of the question asked.

-No harm done. Really.- Draco replied without a shadow of regret.-It was my aunt who raised me, so she's like a mother to me.-He smiled.

-She must be an extraordinary person.- Florence tilted his head slightly looking at the boy.

-You don't know how much.- Bleist laughed.-If you ever have the pleasure of meeting this old lady, I assure you it won't be without a long conversation over a cup of tea and chocolate biscuits. If he's not around.-He pointed at his pupil who momentarily blushed relaxing a bit.-Otherwise you won't have time to taste them.

-Master...

-I am only telling the truth.- Bleist raised his hands in a defensive gesture trying not to laugh.-And back to the subject.-He looked seriously at Matheo.-What happened?

-It's... rather complicated.- The blacksmith sighed heavily and shifted his gaze first to his wife and then to his sons.- Boys, show Draco the forge and try to choose an armour that will fit him. He will need it sooner or later.

The young wizard looked at Bleist, then rose from his seat and thanked Fiora for the meal. The brothers and James reluctantly did the same.

The four of them left, leaving Darius and Matheo alone. James wanted to stay, but he knew his master wanted to talk alone with his friend. However, he regretted that he would not be able to listen to what they would discuss.

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Draco didn't need an explanation to know that his master was concerned about something, which he read from the expression on his face. He also understood that whatever problem was consuming master Vittoro was Bleist could not leave his friend alone with it. But now Draco was left on his own with the sons of the blacksmith and his apprentice, which did not help him relax at all. He didn't quite know how to behave now. Whereas he had been tense during lunch, he was even more nervous now.

-Why don't we start with the workshop? -Threw Angus rubbing his chin in thought. -We'll show you the different types of armour and take the measure for the chosen model. -He spoke like a professional fully devoted to his craft.

-Wouldn't it be better to look at the gems of our father's collection first?- Florence took up the subject without even looking at his brother, much less at Draco. He looked just as committed as Angus, but if his brother reflected the dragon's straightforwardness, he, with his attitude, more represented the dwarven approach to business.-Maybe you will find something suitable there?

-I haven't looked into that collection for a long time, so I have no idea what's there.- Angus murmured in reply.-At any rate, it's better to show merchandise you know something about.

-Father always described all the armours.- Florence mused for a moment, trying to remember something, but not too successfully.

-Maybe I can help.- James spoke up suddenly. He didn't look as confident as the brothers, but despite this he tried to act like someone well versed in the subject.-I recently worked with the master to catalogue all the armour.-He said cautiously.

The brothers looked at each other and wordlessly nodded their heads in silent agreement. They understood each other without a word and did not have to wonder what the other was thinking.

-Then you have room for manoeuvre.- Angus glanced at the elf with a slight smile.-We will see if you can do that.- He didn't say it with a sneer or malice, but as if he was really curious what James would be able to say about the new models of armour prepared by their father.

Draco didn't speak, watching them carefully and trying to follow the flow of the conversation. He also didn't want to be rude by interrupting their exchange of words, and it also gave him a chance to at least form some opinion of them. It seemed that while the brothers looked different in manner, it was actually not only their appearance that they shared. Despite their superficial differences, their characters were very similar and they almost read each other's minds.

-What would you suggest to start with?- Florence threw while playing with one of the metal ornaments at his cuff.

-Maybe...- James pondered for a moment while casting his eyes down the corridor. When he set foot on the first step it as if dawned on him.-What kind of armour do you use, anyway?- He turned towards the mage with curiosity.

-Mostly the light ones...- Draco mused trying to remember what they trained in at the Academy in Dagos.-Half-armour with reinforced bracers.- He nodded slightly.

-Leather, lamellar, scaled?- James asked, wondering where to start and what would be the best choice as a first suggestion.

-Rather reinforced steel...- Answered the dragon reflexively, before he had time to think. He bit his tongue too late. Of course, steel half-armour with reinforcements was, for dragons, a light armour that did not hinder their movements and protected their body, but for other races it was rather medium or even heavy armour. He blinked a few times and looked at the others. All three stopped a step behind him and looked at him surprised.

-It is rather not light armour,- stated Angus calmly.-Although, I think that having grown up in Dagos it is difficult to define what is light armour.- He glanced at his brother, who only nodded.-For dragons something you described is indeed light armour.

-It's hard not to get used to something like that when you have almost only dragons as friends.- Draco tried to break out.

-Then at least we know what to look for.- Said James slowly, glancing at him again.-Come on, I think we have something suitable.

Draco moved immediately to follow him, but he could have sworn the brothers exchanged meaningful glances again without even having to speak to each other.

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James wasn't sure how to interpret what the mage had said. Referring to the reinforced steel half-armour as lightweight didn't make any sense if you weren't a dragon, and the wizard didn't look like he was joking. Although the elf noticed that when he answered questions related to equipment he had used before he thought deeply, but with the material he replied reflexively as if he had been taught to answer such questions quickly. Like in a military academy. It flashed through his mind. In addition, it did not help that Mathea's sons glanced at each other and at Bleist's apprentice. It seemed to him that he had missed something during the earlier conversation over the meal and was thus unable to fit together the other pieces of the puzzle, which should suddenly surprise him and give him the answer he wanted. He did not want to be the only one who did not know something obvious in connection with the young mage. The boy had already surprised him by remaining unnoticed in the shop, and now answering questions reflexively with practised skill.

They went down to the ground floor, but instead of going into the shop James turned towards his master's workshop and the armour storage room next to it. There were many pieces of heavy armour there, as they were not in great demand on Atlantis. Mages rarely used this type of armour. Most often, they chose light leather half-armour or chainmail so that it did not hinder their movements and cast numerous protective spells on it themselves. Heavy armour was simply too bulky and restricted the mages' movements and caused them to tire quickly. Although James had already noticed that Draco did not resemble a typical wizard-tall, slim and slightly muscular, but looked more like someone who had spent most of his life doing physical exercise. If he had used steel armour before and fought in it then he must have a lot of strength. He thought as he opened the door to the workshop. Then it would fit his build, but why would a mage put so much effort into working on his body? He wondered as he walked towards the locked warehouse at the back. As soon as he turned the key the lock creaked and the door opened slightly.

-A little further and we can start picking.- He said smiling at the others. The brothers nodded their heads together and the mage nodded gazing at the rows of racks spread out inside the warehouse.-I think you will find something suitable.

He led them deeper into the room looking at the passing rows of armour of various types. Finally, he stopped in front of a row of only heavy half-armour.

-Take a look at these, and if any catch your eye, say so,- he made an inviting gesture towards the set pieces of master Vittoro.

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Draco knew he couldn't help it after the reckless way he had answered the question put to him. The milk had been spilled. He thought without conviction. One has to stick to one version. He looked around the warehouse they were in. There really were a lot of different armours here, and each had come out from under the hammer of a single craftsman. The dragon could not imagine how much work Matheo must have put in to create so many armours.

He looked at those indicated by James and a few pieces caught his eye. Following the elf's suggestion, he headed in their direction. They were three half-armours standing side by side in the middle of the right-hand row.

-This one is quite interesting.- James clearly wanted to show off his knowledge, especially in front of his master's sons. He didn't even look at the note pinned to the rack. The armour looked simple, with no ornamentation or additions. - Magic-tempered steel with the addition of a small amount of titanium and earth elemental essence. Very resistant to blows, but unfortunately does not perform so well against magic, however, it is hard to damage and not as heavy as it looks. In addition, the shoulder pads are made of several layers of steel. The helmet of the same material.

Draco looked at the armour for a moment, but what he saw didn't really appeal to him. He did not know why, but something told him that this one was not for him.

-Let's take a look at the others.- He said to which James only nodded, and the brothers didn't even flinch as they stared intently at the elf.-What about this one?-The dragon pointed to a dark red armour with shoulder pads in the shape of lion's heads.

-Steel with the added blood of an ice giant from the north. A rarity due to the fact that giants are becoming more and more difficult to come by.-The elf shrugged his shoulders slightly.-Resistant when it comes to fire attacks, but susceptible to cold, very easy to get frosted. Works well in both sword fights and magical duels. As long as the opponent doesn't use ice magic of course.

Draco just shook his head. He was a fire dragon himself and the vision of wearing armour that would allow him to be killed faster didn't really smile on him. Despite their high endurance when it came to temperatures, not every dragon tolerated every condition equally well. As far as naturally occurring, even high frosts were concerned, it didn't make a problem for them, but for a fire dragon, contact with fire wasn't dreadful and didn't do him much harm, but the cooling of the body by such a magically powerful factor as the blood of an ice giant could kill him. If he knew I was a dragon he wouldn't even look at it. He thought while glancing at the elf. He looked at the third one in turn. This one had a soft green colour and a barely visible leaf pattern on the surface. He also noticed that the bracers had the extra reinforcements that elves often used for melee combat, and the light Norman helmet matched the one he had used back at the Dragon Academy.

-Elven heavy half armour.- Said James looking at it.-Enchanted by an earth mage, the material used is steel with an admixture of grated ferric leaves. Suitable for mages using the elements and resistant to the same attacks.- He stated briefly.- I think it will fit best.

Draco thought the same thing. He might not be an elemental mage, but at the same time, it didn't affect his dragon nature. In addition, he knew very well that the leaves of the sacred tree of the elven smiths greatly increased the strength of steel and gave additional protection against magical attacks. He was starting to wonder when something in the colour of dark blue caught his eye.

He looked in that direction and saw that at the end of the row stood an armour covered by a cloth, but which had slid down slightly revealing the colour. It is darker than the master's colours, but it would look good with them. It came irrationally to his mind. James noticed what he was looking at and uncertainty flashed across his face. It seemed as if he didn't want to walk away from the elven half-armour, but he suddenly changed his attitude after looking at the brothers standing behind him.

-This is... This is the last heavy armour that the master worked on.- James said as he approached the covered piece. With a slow motion he removed the material revealing the armour. It was dark blue, but in this light it seemed darker, almost black. The torso outlined the delicate shape of flames swirling around. The epaulettes looked much thicker and heavier, and the ornamentation drawing was deeper on them. The bracers had similar reinforcements to the elven armour, but had added serrated blades running in a single line in dragon fashion. Similar ones were found on the epaulettes, so that it was possible to wound an opponent even without any weapon. The Corinthian helmet matched the entire thing, it was simple with only cheek guards rather than a full mask.- Dragon steel with fire dragon blood, grated phoenix heart and crystalline dust infused with fire mage mana.- He croaked slightly.- Medium dragon half-armour, perfect for fighting the opposite element. It's really hard to damage, provides exceptionally good protection against blows and magical attacks, however, it has one drawback...- He looked apologetically at Draco and nodded towards the armour.- It's unfinished.- He stated unenthusiastically.- The master didn't manage to find a way to temper the steel. He has not been able to do it in any of the available ways, because with such steel you need to use a very pure fire, preferably a dragon flame, but it is not easy to find a dragon that will be able to breathe fire seven times with equal power and a sufficiently hot flame.- He shrugged his shoulders looking at the armour.- If he succeeded it would be the best of the heavy half-armour.- He looked at the mage investigatively and did not speak for a while.- You have a good eye for armour.- He stated after a while.

Draco did not have time to reply. Somewhere from the depths of the shop came a sound like wood breaking and something fell heavily making a lot of noise.