Chapter 15 (2/2)

Darius cursed under his breath in desperation as he looked at the documents lying on his desk. He knew there was some paperwork ahead of him, but when he entered his office in the Palace he felt like crying.

-I'm never going to finish this.- He complained as he sorted through page after page.

-Colonel always says so,- Evis sat at the table and slowly sipped his tea. Not only was the captain the commander of the private troops and Darius's adjutant, but he was also an old friend, so he allowed himself more than everyone else.- But you also always finishes all the work on time, albeit in the middle of the night.- He shrugged his shoulders staring out the high window.

-You really should work on consoling.- Dryly muttered the earl.- You don't make it easy for me.

-Because it's not my job.- dispassionately replied the officer.

Darius just sighed heavily and resumed his reading. After a while, he caught himself staring at the column of numbers again, not even knowing what they referred to, and wondering if he should not stay in the mansion after all and focus on educating the young dragon. Several times he had come to the conclusion that throwing all his responsibilities to hell and returning to Ed'heere was a really good idea. However, every time he was about to stand up or say something about it, Evis threw him a hard look and sighed significantly. Darius raised his gaze and immediately lowered it to the document lying in front of him. He knew well that he had to do his part and then he could return to his apprentice and to his duties as a mentor.

The mage knew that he was concerned not only about his pupil needing help, which he doubted a little, but more about whether something bad would happen. He was certain that the boy had not left Ed'heere alone, for that would not have been allowed to happen by Oscar in partnership with Gizel and Trace for good measure. Nor did he suspect that Draco would suddenly decide to disappear somewhere, he was too serious for that and understood his situation, and even if he did Darius suspected that he would at most be in danger of getting lost in the city. However, that one threat could easily be negated if he changed into his dragon form and soared high above the roofs of the nearest buildings. Bleist was sure that the boy would easily spot Ed'heere and reach the vicinity of the mansion by flying.

Darius sighed again, putting the document back on the report pile. He reached for the next one and squirmed as soon as he saw the headline. Another complaint about delays and my absence. He muttered a curse and threw the crumpled piece of paper into the bin. The ball fell to the floor and Bleist realised that he had already managed to fill the whole trashcan with crumpled complaints. He was about to start whining to Evis, but someone knocked on the door.

-Enter.- The mage summoned an indifferent face and looked at the doorway. The Grand Master's assistant appeared in the entrance. The young wizard had only recently been promoted to his position, which unfortunately had gone to his head and he considered himself superior to others and had become incredibly arrogant.

-Good morning, colonel.- The young man greeted him, without even a shred of respect.-The Grand Master requests to see you.- He said with superiority and left without a word.

Evis struck the armrest with a clenched fist and turned towards the entrance with a face twisted with rage. Darius walked up to the captain and put his hand on his shoulder.

-You should not let yourself be provoked.- Earl tried to speak calmly, but he himself felt like going after the insolent boy and teaching him a lesson.- Sooner or later he will lose that smile of his.

-I hope the colonel is right.- The soldier took a deep breath and slowly let the air out.-Maybe I'll wait here after all, or if I hear it again...-He didn't say out loud what he was going to do, but Darius knew perfectly well what he meant.

Bleist just sighed and moved towards the exit. He didn't much like interrupting his work, but he had no choice. The summons might have been delivered by the most conceited and ill-mannered messenger, but what was to be done. Worst of all, he was sure the assistant would be in the Grand Master's office pretending to be more important than he really was. With a somewhat grave humour, he stepped out into the wide passageways of the west wing of the Light Palace. Almost immediately, he drowned in the crowd of officials and messengers loitering in the corridors. He had never been fond of the prevailing clamour in this place and was much more fond of the military discipline of the eastern wing belonging to the Crown Marshal and his entourage. Almost pushing his way through, Darius moved through the crowd heading for his superior's office. In his spirit, he was thankful that the Grand Master was officiating on the same floor, because at least it spared him the dangerous trudge up the stairs. He had the impression that the swarm of people never diminished and always clogged up all possible passages on the west side and not even the City Guard in charge of security on this side of the Palace helped. The Golden Guard somehow manages it in the east wing. He thought with regret when someone nudged him in the ribs with his elbow, which were still sore from his encounter with Matheo.

It was only after a few minutes that he saw the much-coveted place. The vestibule, which contained the Grand Master's Secretary's desk and a small, neatly arranged waiting room for visitors and supplicants, was the only place where the purple-robed magicians had brought total order. The fact that the passage to this separated area was guarded by eight Watchmen must have really helped with this. Darius was relieved to get past the soldiers watching him closely and breathed a grateful sigh to get out of the administrative crowd. Still watched by the Watchmen, he moved towards the Secretary sorting out some papers at his desk.

-Good morning.- He greeted politely and smiled when the clerk raised his eyes.- I have been summoned by the Grand Master.- He added before the man there had time to ask anything. In addition, he did it loud enough to be heard by the watching soldiers. He did not like it when someone referred to him with such poorly concealed distrust as they did. Of course, he knew that they were tasked with keeping all uninvited guests and intruders out of the vestibule, but nevertheless, the colonel of the Azure Guard was no mere supplicant, and even without holding the position of military advisor, he would have the right to enter the Grand Master's office without a pre-arranged visit, and the Watchmen could do nothing to him.

-Hello, colonel.- The secretary smiled in a friendly manner.- The Grand Master is waiting for you, please do not be shy.- Before Darius turned to go to the study he noticed that the official wanted to say something else, but hesitated. Bleist stopped and raised an eyebrow in anticipation.- I'm sorry, but we had no one else to send with the invitation, and dispatching the City Guard...You know how sir, that would look...- The man seemed embarrassed and indeed must have regretted sending an arrogant assistant.

-You have to put up with him on a daily basis.- Bleist grunted and nodded his thanks for the apology. Without waiting for the conversation to continue he walked quickly to the door, knocked gently and after a moment entered.

The Grand Master's office was not at all large or full of expensive furniture. The room was no more than eight metres long and four wide. In the middle stood a small table with four chairs around it, and further behind them was a sizable desk of polished walnut wood. Behind the desk sat an elderly man with a long snow-white beard braided in dwarven fashion into three braids. The gaze of his ice-blue eyes was fixed on a letter lying on the tabletop. The man did not lift his gaze, but signaled with a dried hand for his guest to take a chair and sit down. Darius rearranged the piece of furniture and rested opposite the Grand Master. Inventius Tilion had held his position for over fifty years and it was said that he would continue to do so for another that much. His subjects respected him not only for his just and wise rule, but also for his achievements in the field of science. Prior to his entanglement in politics, the old man had long been the dean of the alchemy department at the Atlantean Academy and had conducted extensive research into magical concoctions, mainly for use as medicines. It was through this that he gained recognition among ordinary citizens, magicians and military men alike. The only group that was not entirely happy when he took up one of the two top positions was the aristocracy. The highborn, as usual, could not see the end of their own noses and for years did everything they could to discredit the Grand Master, but it was only when, through their attacks, they began to lose not only their good reputation but also their wealth due to withdrawing investors and lack of support for noble investments, that they realised they were in a lost position. Years had passed since then, yet Darius knew that the aristocrats had remained firm in their dislike of Master Tilion and were still just waiting for an opportunity to damage his reputation.

-Forgive me for distracting you from your duties.- The Grand Master folded the letter he had been reading and, with a gentle movement, put it into a desk drawer.- As you can see, you are not the only one with your hands full.- The old man added with an apologetic smile.- Gino, serve the tea.- He turned to the arrogant assistant. Darius made no sign of the dislike he felt for the young man. When the young mage poured the amber brew into the cups and placed them on the table he stood behind the Grand Master's back with a mischievous and insolent smile plastered to his face.- You can leave us now.- Master Tilion said this without even a trace of emotion, but Bleist saw some glint in the mage's ever lively eyes.

-But...- the boy started in surprise.

-Leave us alone.- The old man interrupted him. This time some strange, muffled note sounded in the tone of his voice.

-I am your assistant, sire.- Gino bowed, feigning a respectful pose, but it was clear that it was only a pretense.-I am here to assist your magnificence.- He did not even stir from his position.

-Well, that's right Gino.- There was some warm note in Master Tilion's voice. He turned to his assistant and smiled very friendly. Darius tensed up already sensing what was going on.- You are ONLY an assistant.- This time the temperature in the room dropped and not only figuratively.- Now leave us alone and don't come back again.- The old man added sharply.- I am fed up with your behaviour, you are fired.

-What...But...- Gino stood with his mouth wide open and stared at the Grand Master. He looked really funny, but Bleist was able to hide his amusement, as well as the satisfaction he derived from the current situation.- After all, I....

-If I have to repeat myself again you will be carried out by the City Guard.- The threat was not uttered in an ominous tone, but its message was clear. If Gino did not listen, he was heading for a visit to the city jail. The arrogant wizard only now realised the situation he was in. He grimaced in rage, turned on his heel and left without a word.

Darius took a sip of tea and was surprised to find that he knew the taste. He looked at the brew with raised eyebrows and looked curiously at the heavily sighing Grand Master.

-I can see that you like it.- Tilion reached for his cup and tasted the tea.- I really must admit that this is the first time I have drunk such. A distinct yet delicate taste of fruit, a barely perceptible earthy aftertaste and that hint of refreshment.- He sighed, this time with appreciation, and looked Bleist in the eye.- Is it my imagination, or is the tea not the only thing you enjoy?- The question made Darius smile. He knew he didn't have to answer and just glanced at the door.- Yes, you're right. They were indeed waiting for him there. He will be escorted out by the City Guard and will have to pay a hefty fine.- The old man rubbed his forehead with fatigue.- Unfortunately, this is the most I can do to him.

-Truly an exceptional brew.- Darius stated, leaving the case of the now former assistant without comment.- Although I must say that you are not the first one to treat me with it.

-Now you have really surprised me.- The Grand Master leaned back in his chair and measured the colonel sitting in front of him with an inquisitive look.- I am sure you can't easily get your hands on this species. Even I barely managed to get one bag.- He pointed to a small paper bag standing on the table, next to the tea kettle.- I had to go to a lot of trouble to get it. Othis really needed to start enjoying his privileges.- He shook his head with some unspecified regret.

-Why did you assume that Hugo was the one who gave me the treat? -Darius hoped that he had faked his surprise well and had not gone off the rails after all.

-You're not going to tell me that you were hosted by someone from the Dragon Council, are you?- Master Tilion almost laughed at the thought of such a thing. He knew all too well that after the recent adventures of his subordinates in Dagos, they were not very desirable guests in the manors belonging to members of the dragon authorities.

-I wouldn't even try.- Bleist had already imagined what a meeting over tea with Ludwik Przybyski would be like. Somehow, he could not visualise such a visit going on in even a slightly friendly atmosphere. The Chairman of the Dragon Council even in Darius' imagination exuded coldness and hostility. Maybe in some time. A decade or something around that... He thought while wondering if, thanks to their exploits in Dagos, Othis had gained a much-needed breather.- Some lovely elderly dragoness had been kind enough to treat me to this delicious tea.- He smiled from above the cup while taking another sip.

-An elderly dragoness, yes?- The Grand Master became more serious.- What did you learn?- Bleist suspected from the beginning that this was what the whole meeting was about, and the scene of the arrogant assistant being thrown out was just a bonus.

-Draco's mother is Arianna Ignis, the dragoness.- He began, recalling all the information he had gathered about his apprentice.- We do not know who the father is, but I suspect he was a wizard, and a rather powerful one at that. We have found no trace of what happened to the dragoness since she left Dagos at the age of twenty-four. She returned to the city thirteen years ago with a barely born son and asked her older sister, Nasua Aclis, to look after her nephew. She subsequently disappeared without a trace. Madame Nasua herself suspects that her sister was pursued and probably died shortly after leaving Dagos again. I have no idea if she has any certainty about this and on what basis she claims her sister is dead, but I believe she is not wrong. It is also difficult to say anything about the boy's father. Without even knowing his name, we cannot begin to search. In addition, the total lack of any trace indicates that the Hunters must have been involved in everything. However, we cannot confirm whether they were the pursuers or just covered their tracks. It is also possible that they were working for either of his parents.- He shrugged his shoulders with no more to say on the subject.- Madame Nasua raised Draco alone, as her husband and son were killed during the battle between the Tsar's troops and Mortis' forces. Both served as mercenaries on the imperial side. The dragoness also has a military past, but most of the information relates to her achievements in her youth. She served in three dragon-wing formations before her information was classified. Apart from her nephew, her only surviving family is her younger siblings, twins brother and sister. Both live outside of Dagos. Maria Leblanc-Ignis is in charge of providing security for the Elven estates in South America, while Alberto Ignis serves as a guardsman for the Emperor of China. Both hold very prominent positions, but all three siblings have not kept in touch with each other since the youngest, Arianna, left Dagos. I suspect Draco doesn't even know he has any relatives besides the aunt who raised him.- He paused, wondering if there was something important he'd left out, but it seemed to him that he'd already given all the information he'd acquired.- Nothing out of the ordinary had been going on since Draco came to live with his aunt.- He frowned, restraining himself from cursing.- Apart from the abuse, of course, both physical and mental. The boy's only support was in Madame Nasule and Jeviev the elf with whom he is friends.- He sighed heavily having to go back again to what his pupil was going through.- The rest was in my reports.- He gazed at the tea he was holding. Somehow he did not want to look the Grand Master in the eye.

-Many unknowns.- Master Tilion thought for a long moment. He only spoke up when he had emptied his cup.- If the Hunters are involved in Draco's past then maybe the boy will one day learn something about his origins. However, at this point, I'm really glad you took him under your wing Darius. After all he has been through...- The old man shook his head sadly.- Take good care of him.

-I certainly will.- Bleist was absolutely sure about nothing else in his life like that he would do everything to ensure the best possible future for the boy.

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Draco couldn't sit still in one place the whole way. He kept looking out of the windows and asking Gizel to tell him about the next buildings they passed. The elven lady told him everything he asked about and even pointed out the more interesting places, which at first glance did not seem appealing at all. Thanks to this conversation, the dragon did not even notice when the carriage stopped in front of Matheo's shop. He was surprised when the door opened and Kei's smiling face appeared in it.

-We are at the place.- The boy disappeared as quickly as he had appeared.

Draco quickly jumped out of the carriage and helped Gizel out. Only then did he look around. The first thing that caught his eye was not at all the canvas-covered shop window and the scaffolding set up, but the soldiers belonging to the private units from Ed'heere. He could see at least four sentries, but he remembered the conversation between the master and Trace and wondered where the other two were.

-I've been wondering all along when you would arrive,- thundered Matheo coming out of the shop. The blacksmith grabbed the dragon and hugged him, then kissed Gizel's hand.- I hope you won't mind a little mess,- added the big man suggestively glancing at the renovated facade.

-You really don't have to worry.- The elf looked both ways down the street and only then went inside. Matheo glanced at the dragon, who was also looking around wondering what Gizel was searching for and if she had spotted it.

-Draco?- The shyness in Ari's voice surprised the dragon.- Umm...- The boy glanced around the destroyed front and the soldiers from their unit.

-Will you be long?- Blurt out Kei, who was sitting on the step of the carriage. He did not seem to care what the situation in the area looked like. Even though it was obvious at first glance that something bad had happened, the animorph did not lose his good humour.

-Depends,- Draco shrugged his shoulders slightly, and then wondered what he and the blacksmith would actually be doing together. He doubted they would go straight to work on the armour.- It's possible it will take us a while, and after that, we go to Soeren.

-Oh! It's going to be interesting!- the lycanthrope rejoiced.

-Soothly, Kei.- Forth tried to reassure his friend.-Someone will have to stay by the carriage.-He looked at the three remaining soldiers.-Half and half.-He shrugged his shoulders.-Two as security and two to guard the carriage.

-Security?- Draco didn't know if he had reason to be surprised.

-Yes, the captain ordered not to leave the young master alone.- Vi nodded, but laughed as soon as he saw the wry look that was appearing on Draco's face.- No really, you'll get yourself lost before long and we'll have to search all over town for you.- He added with a smile. It was apparent that Kei wasn't the only one of their group who was having fun teasing the dragon.

-Could you not do that?- Draco asked with resignation.

-What do you mean?- The dwarf made a puzzled face.- Bow or address you young master?- He played the deep thought really well.

-Both,- grumbled the dragon and turned away, wondering if all the inhabitants of Atlantis loved to tease each other. Gizel as well. He sighed heavily.- Toss a coin if you like and when we're ready we'll go.- He said over his shoulder and entered the shop.