Darius still couldn't focus on one thing and shifted his gaze from his student to the view outside the window. Draco was surprised by the sudden trip outside Atlantis, especially for three days, less than a week before his exams. The dragon was very stressed by the prospect of taking what he considered to be demanding tests, and repeating that he could do it did not help. As long as the boy did not give up his routine activities: training with soldiers, magic lessons, visits to Matheo, exercises with Kei and meditation attempts, he devoted every free moment to studying. Bleist tried to dissuade him, but he was hitting a brick wall. Since words did not help, an opportunity arose to apply the advice a little more forcefully.
Darius received a reply to his letter from his mother, which also contained an invitation. He was a little surprised because, due to her health, she rarely received guests, and even he had to obtain special permission to visit her. For this reason, he immediately planned his trip, telling his apprentice that this was an opportunity for him to take a break from his studies. The dragon was not thrilled about this, but he agreed. At first, he tried to ask his master about the meaning of the runes, but Bleist's stern glances finally got through to him, and he changed the subject. Draco asked about the destination of their journey - Enpine, an Atlantean enclave located near the small town of Dyffryn in southern Wales. More specifically, he asked about the estates belonging to Darius. He was curious about what was nearby, and although he did not ask directly, he was certainly intrigued as to why Madame Bleist lived there. The mage briefly described the enclave itself, listing the towns, villages, garrisons and forts belonging to various families. It was not a small area. Enpine, one of the larger enclaves, abounded in fertile land and rich forests, which allowed it to support a large population and provide substantial income from trade in agricultural products. Darius owned one town, several villages, two garrisons for training private soldiers, and an estate, or rather an old castle expanded into a fairly modern fort with all possible fortifications. This time, however, they were not heading for the main headquarters, but for a hunting lodge located deep in the forest, almost a day's ride from the fortress. Since his mother had taken up residence in this seclusion, Darius had made an effort to significantly expand the abode, not only adding all possible amenities, but also enlarging it with additional buildings - quarters for the servants, a warehouse, a mill, an outdoor kitchen, a stable, a guardhouse and a wall. Basically, a small village had been created there.
Draco listened with interest to the descriptions presented to him by the master, taking a particular interest in the fort. The only thing that worried the dragon was the mode of travel. They had travelled from Atlantis to the entrance to Enpine through a portal, but then they had to travel by carriage for practically the entire day. Unfortunately, the enclave was under the influence of an anti-portal field, and they had no other choice. In fact, most magical territories were subject to such spells, whether cast deliberately or created naturally.
Around noon, they stopped at a roadside inn to eat something. There were other travellers in the establishment, so the arrival of a cavalcade consisting of a carriage, three loaded covered wagons and a detachment of soldiers caused some nervous reactions. Darius was grateful for the sidelong glances the soldiers cast at everyone around them, as this gave him the peace he desired and allowed him to focus on his conversation with his student. As usual, the boy had a lot of questions. After the meal, they gathered to continue their journey, and Draco, seemingly tired of the monotonous view outside the window, took out a small black-bound book and immersed himself in reading, carefully studying each page. Bleist looked outside and refrained from sighing.
When the first trees appeared outside the window, Darius decided that he needed to talk to his student about something else.
-Draco?- The dragon looked up from his book.- Before we arrive, I need to tell you something. You see, my mother is terminally ill.- Earl rubbed his hands together awkwardly.- It's a rare condition, Vird's disease.- He didn't expect his student to know anything about it, and indeed he didn't. - Omitting many details, the main symptoms are the appearance of necrotic skin lesions and acute hypersensitivity to stimuli: light, sounds, smells... Because of the effects of the disease, she decided to spend her time in a secluded place, surrounded by natural tranquillity. During our stay, I ask that you behave as quietly as possible, especially when meeting my mother.
-Of course, master.- The dragon nodded in understanding. Darius was pleased that the boy truly showed understanding towards others. An understanding that he himself had not experienced for so long.- Is there anything I should pay particular attention to?
-Loud noises, shuffling objects, slamming doors, raised voices.- Bleist thought for a moment.- Light.- He added, pressing his lips together more firmly.- Basically, light above all else. My mother's rooms will be dark, so be careful not to bump into anything.
-I hope I can manage that.- Draco muttered, turning his book over in his hand.
-I find it hard to imagine you failing.- Darius's encouraging smile made the dragon's face light up.
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Draco got out following his master, immediately scanning the area with his keen eyes. The carriage stopped in front of a single-storey manor house with whitewashed walls and a thatched roof. The entrance was a wooden porch, almost entirely covered with folk reliefs. All the windows of the building were tightly covered with navy blue curtains. To the right, some distance from the manor house, there was an outbuilding connected to the main building by a wooden passageway. Further away, he could see an elongated building, which, due to the number of entrances, seemed to be divided into smaller apartments. Opposite the servants' quarters, there must have been a second, similar building, as its chimneys protruded above the outbuilding. At the very end, adjacent to the whitewashed wall surrounding everything, were the farm buildings.
Behind him, the dragon saw a gate and a two-storey stone watchtower with a multi-storey observation tower. Soldiers were just closing the gates. On the left side of the manor house, a round wing had been added, which was the only one covered with tiles. Based on Draco's earlier description, he assumed that it was a chapel dedicated to all gods. Further to the left were two smaller buildings. Closer to the guardhouse was a stable, and near the manor house was a modest cottage with a wisp of smoke quietly rising from its chimney.
The soldiers who accompanied them on their journey were already directing the carts towards the outbuilding, and Captain Forth was briskly walking towards the guardhouse. Everyone went about their duties as efficiently as possible, maintaining relative silence. Even the door opening made not the slightest sound. An elderly woman slowly emerged from inside, who, despite her advanced age, still stood stiffly upright. Her face wore an unchanging, rather indifferent expression.
-I am glad I made it in time to welcome the Earl.- The housekeeper bowed and then gestured for them to come inside.
-Thank you, Mrs Bardson.- Darius entered, looking around a little.
Draco followed his master. Inside, it was almost completely dark. The only source of light came from crystal vases placed at equal distances, glowing greenish. When the housekeeper closed the door behind them, the dragon had to strain his eyes to see anything else. Apart from the unusual lamps, there was nothing in the corridor except for a thick, sound-absorbing carpet.
-The lady is waiting in the drawing room,- the housekeeper informed them quietly and turned left down the corridor.
Bleist watched the woman for a moment, then turned to the right. He silently moved deeper into the manor, and Draco followed him. They passed several closed doors before Darius stopped. He knocked very gently on the doorframe. Someone inside spoke, and the mage opened the door.
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Bleist entered the drawing room. The room was large enough to comfortably accommodate several small tables and chairs. It used to be lit by sunlight streaming through tall windows, but now they were covered with heavy curtains. The air inside was stuffy, heavy with the smell of herbs and incense.
The only source of light was the glowing fireplace. The soft glow was enough for Darius to see a figure sitting in a chair with her back to the hearth. Even in the darkness, he could make out a black dress, thin gloves and a veil covering her face.
-Hello, Mother.- The mage spoke softly and approached cautiously.
-Darius.- A weak, hoarse voice, so familiar and yet so distant.- You look well, my son.
Bleist gently took his mother's hand. Her light touch meant a lot to him.
-I'm glad to see you.- The woman turned her head towards him. Because of the veil and the darkness, he couldn't see the expression on her face.
-I've wanted to see you for a long time.- Bleist didn't manage to bite his tongue and hoped it didn't sound like a reproach.- Allow me to introduce you.- He quickly changed the subject and pointed towards the silhouette of his protégé emerging from the shadows.- This is Draco Ignis, my apprentice.
-I am extremely honoured to meet you, madame.- The dragon bowed deeply. Darius had to squint because the boy seemed to blend in with his surroundings.
-Come closer, young man.- The woman beckoned to the reptile.
Draco, stepping somewhat uncertainly, approached them. It seemed to Darius that with almost every step, the dragon glanced in his direction. In addition, the student did not let go of his sword, so that its fastenings would not make any noise.
-Stand closer to the fire, I want to see you clearly.- The mother leaned towards the hearth, stretching her head to get a better look at the dragon. Bleist knew that even such an effort was tiring for her, but he did not try to interfere. - Thank you, boy.- Darius thought he heard relief in his mother's voice.- You must be tired after your journey. Rest today, and we'll talk tomorrow.- The woman slowly, groaning, returned to her original position.- You know the way, Darius.
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The door closed behind them. Draco breathed a sigh of relief, almost feeling relieved to breathe air that was free of the heavy smell of herbs. While he didn't mind the earlier stuffiness and heat, he was convinced that his master must have put a lot of effort into not showing his discomfort.
The dragon followed Darius, but glanced back over his shoulder. It had been a strange meeting. The elderly woman was clearly exhausted by the presence of other people, and even this short conversation had worn her out, yet Bleist seemed extremely happy about the visit. The master headed in the direction from which they had come earlier. Fortunately, they had been in the almost completely dark house long enough for their eyes to adjust to the darkness well enough to distinguish the contours of their surroundings.
-Darius!- Draco shuddered when he heard a muffled voice coming from the side passage. Darius stopped and looked at someone, gesturing for silence. Bleist pointed to the door a little further away and let the other man pass. The dragon saw a short, slightly stooped old man leaning on a worn walking stick. The senior was wearing a long priestly robe, the colour of which was impossible to discern at the moment.
The three of them entered the room. As soon as the door closed behind them, the master whispered a few words, and a seal of golden runes glowed on the wooden surface.
-Please open the windows, Draco.- Darius took a deep breath.
-Are we not alone?- Only now did the priest try to make out the dragon in the darkness.
-This kind young man is my apprentice, Draco Ignis.- Bleist grimaced as daylight flooded into the room.- I did not expect to meet the reverend so soon.
-You have a disciple?- The old man, clearly blinded, blinked rapidly.
Draco did not have such a problem with his eyesight and only narrowed his eyes slightly to hold back the tears that were welling up. He glanced briefly at the priest. The man was wearing a light green robe with yellow accents. His face, marked with deep wrinkles, lit up with a smile. The old man leaned heavily on his cane, to such an extent that it seemed he would not be able to stand on his own without it.
-It is a great pleasure to meet you.- The dragon bowed without taking his eyes off the priest. Something about him seemed out of place. Perhaps it was his narrowed, slightly cloudy eyes, or the strange smell of incense mixed with iron, or the old scars fading among the wrinkles.
-Hmmm... Yes, it's nice to meet you too. Very nice.- The old man finally managed to focus his gaze on Draco and looked at him closely.- Ah, where are my manners. My name is Bargah Sommenfell and I am a priest of Maratii.- The older man reflected. - I look after the local chapel and try to help Madame Bleist to the best of my modest abilities.
-Please don't say that, reverend.- Darius smiled gratefully. -I always thank the goddess of life for putting her talented and wise servant in my path.
-You are too kind, Darius. - The priest almost snorted. - I am just a simple messenger gifted with a little power. Nothing more, nothing less.
-Ordinary priests do not become archdeacons.
-Remember that I am just an ordinary priest now.- The old man glanced around the room and sat down in the nearest armchair.
Draco had a moment to look around the room. The small bedroom was tastefully furnished, though very modestly. There were no decorations or unnecessary elements to be found here. Everything was in its place.
-Reverend knows my opinion on this matter.- Darius sat down in an armchair next to the priest.
-All too well.- The old man grimaced slightly.- You know mine too, so let's leave it at that.
Draco, not knowing what to do with himself, stood by the window, keeping quiet and not disturbing the men's conversation. It was not difficult to guess that they had known each other for a long time, and that there must be more behind their comments.
-It's good that you came, - said the clergyman after a moment of silence. - I had to persuade your mother for a long time to invite you.
-Has something happened? - asked the master, perking up.
-The disease is progressing, as you know. - The priest sat back and closed his eyes slightly, staring out the window. - We've slowed the progression as much as possible, but we can't stop it. Madame has been feeling worse lately, and I'm afraid the disease is entering its final stage.
Silence fell. The dragon felt a little out of place listening to something so important.
-Is...- The master stared at the clergyman, unable to quite form his thoughts.
-I have spoken to all the medics and healers, but unfortunately I have not found anyone who has a different opinion.- The clergyman shook his head. -I am sorry, but you must prepare yourself for this.
-What... What will that mean?
-The disease will begin to affect her internal organs. - The old man shifted his gaze to Darius. - Her kidneys, liver, intestines, and finally her lungs and heart. The alchemical potions will continue to work, slowing down the progression and limiting the consequences as much as possible, but they will not be effective forever. There will come a time when they will cease to work.
-I understand.- The mage merely muttered.
Silence fell again, in which the joyful trills of birds seemed inappropriate. Draco shifted from foot to foot, uncomfortable and uncertain. Darius suddenly stood up.
-I need to take a walk.- He turned towards the exit.- Draco, this will be your bedroom for the duration of our stay. Please rest.- Bleist left, carefully closing the door behind him.
-So you are Darius's apprentice.- The priest broke the awkward silence.- I am glad to have met you.
-It's... my pleasure.- The dragon faltered slightly, trying to understand what had just happened in the room.
-I have been saying for a long time that he should finally choose someone. Eh... At least as often as circumstances allowed.- The old man sighed slightly, shaking his head.- Satisfy an old man's curiosity and tell me something about yourself.
-My name is Draco and I come from Dagos.- The dragon mustered up a little courage and approached the clergyman. The man of God seemed genuinely interested in the boy, or more precisely, in his relationship with the Earl.-I was raised by my aunt, and since I didn't know about my magical abilities, I mainly learned combat and fencing. Other than that... Other than that, I don't think there's anything else worth mentioning.
-The dragon capital... - The priest seemed to look back on his youth with a slight smile through the veil of time. - An extremely interesting city. There's always a lot going on there, and I can't say that I didn't have a few adventures there when I was young.
- Dagos forever alive. - Draco wanted to say it lightly, but he couldn't. He remembered all too well everything that had happened to him in this metropolis until recently. Sometimes, nightmares would even take him to the narrow alleys of the port of Verde, where Pirce's gang was chasing him. He would wake up with a flurry and usually couldn't fall asleep again.
-I've heard that from someone else.- The clergyman leaned heavily on his cane and stood up.- You must be tired after your long journey, and I'm taking up your time. We'll have another chance to talk. See you later, lad.- The priest left with a slight smile.