Chapter 12 (2/2)

Draco watched as the projectile hit something in front of his opponent, slowed for a brief moment, then pierced the mage's arm and hurled him against the door. The rain of spells stopped. There was a silence that pricked at the previous noise of striking spells. He looked at the wizard who had attacked him and saw that the air around him began to seem to crack and disintegrate. He noticed blood on the doorframe and the floor. He must have been hit hard. He concluded by looking at it. After a moment, he made sure they were out of danger and blocked the energy flow. The shield slowly dimmed until it finally disappeared together with the rune bracelet. He watched the unconscious man for a moment longer, then turned and met his master's gaze.

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Darius didn't know what to say. He watched his apprentice do something that should have been impossible for him. How he creates spells on his own without any knowledge of the subject. How he uses two at once without knowing anything about combat magic. And now he was looking him in the eye. Draco didn't look the least bit moved by the duel, but as soon as he caught sight of his master he went pale, and fear appeared in his eyes.

Bleist moved in front of him, fixing his gaze on his pupil, who reflexively took half a step back as if unsure of what was going to happen, frightened suddenly and concerned. He wanted to say something, to explain himself somehow, but his voice was tying up in his throat and only gibberish came out. When Darius held out his hand towards him Draco tensed and closed his eyes as if expecting a blow. The mage grabbed his apprentice by the shoulders and sent a wave of energy towards him.

-Are you alright?- Bleist began frantically while trying to check if anything had happened to the dragon.-Are you hurt? Did you get struck by something? Did you get hit by something?- He continued the flow of short questions unconsciously not giving the disciple time to answer.

Only after a moment did he notice that the dragon was looking at him surprised and confused. He did not notice that, despite magically checking if his pupil was okay, he spun him around watching to see if he was hurt after all.

-I... I'm fine- Draco finally said, -I'm sorry Master,- he stated quietly lowering his head and avoiding eye contact for the first time since they had met.

-Pardon me?- Darius asked looking around. Only now did he notice the scale of the destruction. The shield his apprentice had thrown had torn up the floor, and the force of his opponent's attacks had devastated an unprotected part of the shop.-For this?-He pointed with a spacious motion of his hand to the devastation.

-I...- Draco suspended his voice staring at his own shoes.-I will accept any punishment that....

-Punishment?- Surprised Bleist tried to understand what the boy was talking about.-What would I punish you for?

The dragon glanced at him and then looked rather meaningfully at what was left of the shop. It was only then that Darius realised what he meant.

-I don't know where you got the idea that you did something wrong, but listen to me well.-He grabbed his apprentice by both shoulders and waited for him to look him in the eye.-I would have been angry if you had done otherwise.-He said slowly and calmly. I am proud that you helped someone who needed help even without knowing how to use your power, and it fills me even more with pride that my apprentice is able to surprise me with his talent and ability.- Before the dragon could reply anything he pulled him close and hugged him. He didn't know why he did it, it just seemed right to him.

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The next hour was spent writing down testimonies under the watchful eye of a non-commissioned officer of the City Guard, who strangely enough appeared in the shop a few minutes after the clash had ended. He didn't look as if he had run and had only brought a few of his men, and the moment he spotted the uniformed colonel of the Azure Guard surveying the damage he stood up as if he had been struck and turned pale. Darius was almost certain that the guardsman was well aware of what was going on and was about to further aggravate Matheo, but the moment he was confronted by the Guard officer there was no way he could carry out his original plan. He had to arrest the attackers, whom the blacksmith had in the meantime tied up with a thick rope. When the guards left they did not look pleased, and the non-commissioned officer kept mumbling something to himself. He was clearly displeased when Bleist made it clear to him that he wanted a full report on the case.

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Draco hadn't talked much since Darius had said he was proud of him. Not because he didn't know why, or felt bad about it himself, but because of what his master did afterwards.

The dragon wasn't used to anyone but his aunt caring about him, looking out for him and being more concerned about whether he was okay than the possible damage that resulted from his actions. There were times in the past when it wasn't just peers who were violent towards him. Sometimes during training, when he did something wrong or accidentally damaged things in some way, instructors would punch him in the face with their fists. Somewhere deep inside he was afraid of something like that and when he saw Darius extend his hand towards him he reflexively tensed up to take the blow. He could not forgive himself for this. He is different from those professors over there. He told himself firmly. You can't be afraid of him. You have no right to do that. He repeated again and again trying to inscribe this even deeper into himself than the reflex he had acquired in Dagos. This was backed up by what Bleist did after he explained to him that he had done nothing wrong. He hugged him. He did it out of pride and happiness. I will not fail. Said the dragon to himself. I will make him always proud.

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James was depressed by what had happened. He didn't know whether it was more the state the shop was in or the fact that he was once again powerless. He knew full well that if the wizard had appeared seconds later he would have joined his brother. Someone had saved him again. He was furious at himself for not noticing the mage hiding behind the thugs, at his thoughtlessness and at allowing his master's shop to be treated like this.

Of course, he didn't resent Draco for moving to his aid as best he could and doing it in such a manner rather than another. He was even impressed that the wizard was so powerful compared to his age, and on top of that he didn't flaunt it and acted like an ordinary person.

When he told his master exactly what had happened, he too was quite impressed. He pondered something for a while, then nodded briefly as if deciding something and stated that they would both have to thank the mage for the rescue once they had settled things with the soldiers.

Now everything was sorted out. The attackers had been arrested and taken away by the City Guard, all the damage was probably going to be covered by the requisition of their possessions, although it didn't seem to have been much. Matheo, however, stated that he was planning to remodel the shop front and change the décor anyway, and this only gave him an excuse. The joke seemed forced, but no one said anything.

They had just entered the workshop to sit for a while in the time it took Fiora to inspect the damage and condition of the structure. As a dwarf, she knew as much about architecture as she did about metalworking, so no one argued with her when she said that it might not be safe to enter the upper floors and no one was allowed to step on the stairs until told otherwise. James noticed that Mathea's sons looked ashamed that they had not helped previously and looked at the young magician differently than before. He could see some kind of respect in their gazes and they were much friendlier too.

As soon as everyone was seated inside James stood in front of Draco and bowed deeply without even daring to look him in the eye. He didn't know what to say at first, but when he opened his mouth the words flowed on their own.

-I owe you my life.- He said simply.-I have no way to repay you and I will forever be in your debt. Ask for whatever you want...

-Now, wait a minute...It...It...-James raised his eyes slightly and saw that the mage looked surprised, slightly frightened and undeniably unprepared for such a conversation.-No...I...I... -He didn't know what to say.-It wasn't...nothing that big.-Draco finally sputtered out.-You don't have to...-He shook his head without finding the right words.-I just helped, nothing more.-He said quietly, suddenly embarrassed.

-Don't be so modest.- Rumbled Matheo, who stood next to James.-You have my gratitude as well.- He bowed slightly which made the young mage quite stunned. His lips moved, but no sound came out.- Ask for whatever you wish and we- He pointed at his apprentice.- will do our best to fulfil that desire.

-Really...- Draco began after a moment.-No...It's nothing big. You don't have to...

-We must.- The blacksmith looked firmly into the mage's eyes.-You saved James's life by risking your own.-He said calmly.-I heard from Darius that your magical abilities had only recently manifested, and yet you took the risk.-Draco suddenly blushed all over.-You should be rewarded for what you did.

-I... Really... I don't... -Draco looked at his master, who was sitting a little at the back of the studio carefully studying a few hastily scribbled pages of the City Guard non-commissioned officer's report.

-The armour...- Angus said uncertainly.

-It's worth it.- Murmured Florence pondering something.

-Which one?- Asked Matheo raising his eyebrow slightly.

-The medium dragon half armour.- James straightened up and looked the blacksmith in the eye.-The fire one that the master failed to complete. I think it will fit like a glove. It's as if it was custom made.-He said assessing the mage's build once more.-The only problem is the tempering....

-No...I...- Draco didn't know who he should look at.

-Problem with tempering?- Bleist spoke up suddenly. James looked at the wizard, who was watching them with a half-smile on his face.-This is not what I expected Matheo.

-Everyone faces problems.- The smith muttered.-I just can't seem to find a dragon that can heat metal properly, on top of that seven times in a row.-He rubbed his forehead with a massive hand.-Maybe if I ask Hugo to look around....

-You'd better not.- Said Darius cautiously with a slightly tart face.-If the Council hears the words favour and Atlantis in the same sentence again they might be furious.- He tilted his head as if pondering something.-But there might be a way around it...- He dragged the phrase and hung it in the air.-Your choice.- He added leaning over the report and looking at no one.

James didn't know what method the mage was talking about, but he was sure Matheo wouldn't say no if there was a chance to complete one of his most valuable creations. Especially since the elf was able to tell from the smith's face that he had already decided to give the armour to the young mage as a token of gratitude for his help.

-Speak.- Master Vittoro had hit his element. His eyes shone with passion and excitement. He straightened his shoulders, propped himself up by his sides and fixed his gaze on his friend.-If there is a way to complete it I am ready to accept any challenge.-He announced loudly and firmly. He had made a decision that he had no desire to back down from.

-Are you sure?- Draco asked looking at Bleist with raised eyebrows. He paid no attention to the large blacksmith's words, just as his master seemed not to be listening to his friend.

-I said that it is your decision.- Darius flipped the last page and put the report aside.-We already talked about it.- He stated calmly.

James wasn't sure what was just going on, but judging by Mathea's expression he wasn't the only one. He was sure the Colonel had some contact among the gifted dragons, but the man acted as if he had no say in the matter. Right, of course. He thought when he remembered where the boy came from. He grew up in Dagos, so he might know more about dragons than a military man. He shifted his gaze to the young wizard, wondering who he was thinking of now. The boy stared at his master for a moment and then nodded slowly.

-Seven times.- Draco muttered quietly suddenly thinking about something.- It can be done.

-Do you know anyone who will be able to do something like that?- Matheo asked anxiously.

-You could say that I know.- Draco replied slowly.-And I can help.- He added.

-When shall we be able to meet?-The blacksmith asked thoughtfully.-To discuss payment and a deadline?

-Immediately.-The boy looked slightly embarrassed and concerned at the same time, as if what he was about to propose could harm him.-And there is no mention of any payment.-He said quickly, throwing out the sentence in one short breath, not giving the smith a moment to react.

-Is he in town?- Matheo looked genuinely delighted, and at the same time he let the remark about the payment go unnoticed, and James knew full well that he would arrange it without the boy's knowledge unable to even think about incurring another huge debt from him.-When could he come to the workshop?

-Well...now.- Draco replied, wrinkling his brows.

-Great.- The blacksmith looked like he was on cloud nine. He could finish his work and at the same time he had the opportunity to meet someone who could help him with other projects in the future.-I'll send someone where they need to go.- He leaned in wanting to finally hear who they were talking about.

-You don't need to.- The boy stated indifferently and looked around more carefully examining the studio.

-But...- Matheo looked, to put it mildly, bewildered. James also had no idea what Draco was playing at by saying one thing and then another. It didn't make sense.-You

said...

-He said he could tell he knew.-Darius was smiling in his corner looking at them.- And he said he would help.

-So he has to go for them himself.-The blacksmith did not look happy, but did not oppose, just nodded a few times.

-I don't have to.-The boy looked at the big man tilting his head slightly. There was a smile wandering across his face that James had seen much earlier when Matheo and Bleist had argued at the entrance of the shop. The elf knew immediately that the whole exchange of words was amusing the boy, and that the finale would surprise everyone.

-Impossible!-threw Florence looking at his pale brother, who was shifting his gaze between the two mages.

-Maybe they inherited their abilities from you, but their intelligence from their mother.-Threw a suddenly amused Bleist.

-No...- Florence bulged his eyes not knowing on whom to keep his gaze.

-Okay, enough.- Matheo lost his usual patience. James didn't blame him at all. That's enough sensations for one day. He thought looking at the wizard and making a face that was supposed to say that they were already at their limit.-Will someone explain this to me?- The giant asked looking at everyone in turn.

-But what, darling?- Fiora suddenly appeared in the entrance of the workshop wiping her hands in a soiled rag.-Has something happened?

-I don't know anymore,- Matheo chuckled turning towards his wife.-First they say they know someone who can help with the tempering of the fire armour, then that they can start right away, and finally that nobody needs to be sent anywhere, or even go.-He shook his head shaking his gaze between the mages.-Oh, they're all the same,- he muttered accusingly.

-Maybe you weren't listening properly again?-The dwarven woman asked calmly.-I can tell by the looks on our sons' faces that something was said quite clearly after all, my dear.

James didn't know what the brothers had come up with, but he was sure it was rather something that couldn't even be called unusual. They both looked as if, on the one hand, they couldn't believe it and hoped it was just their erroneous conclusion with no reflection in reality whatsoever, yet on the other hand he could see the hope in their eyes that they were right after all and the excitement that resulted from it. They wanted to be right.

-Maybe a little clearer.-The young wizard straightened up and stood as tense as a string.-Let me introduce myself again.-He said with a slight smile.-This time in full.-He took in a deep breath as if he wanted to postpone for at least a few more heartbeats that moment when he would finish, and yet he could not wait for it.-I am Draco Ignis, mage of light, apprentice of Colonel Darius Bleist, a fire dragon.

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Hello everyone! We've caught up with my translation, so there will be a chapter every Sunday from now on! Stay tuned!

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