Draco emerged on the other side of the portal and saw it for the first time. The walls of Atlantis stretched out in both directions so that he couldn't see where they ended. From behind them rose rooftops and towers, and somewhere further in the centre he could see even more massive fortifications and palace buildings dominated by the Star of Atlantis - an unusually large crystal that was the sun of the underwater city and illuminated its darkness by day and dimmed at night, reflecting the amount of light present on the surface. Many of the buildings were overwhelming in their immensity, but what was most impressive was what was closest. Exactly in front of the dragon, a few dozen metres away, there was a gate in the wall. A magnificent building with four towers and carved gates that were thicker than his arm span.
The dragon felt someone put a hand on his shoulder and looked at his master, who just smiled. Only now did he look around. They were both standing in a small cobbled square surrounded by at most a two-metre-high wall, which had recesses the size of portals separated by columns. At every other partition stood a sentry in a grey cloak, with a sword by his side and a spear with a crystal spearhead in his hand. Now he looked over and saw a shield spread out over all of Atlantis, keeping the water out of the city and providing the first line of defence against any attack.
-Welcome to Atlantis, your new home.- Bleist said with a smile.-Do you like it?
-It's gorgeous.- Draco said sincerely, he was in awe of the city of mages.-Descriptions don't do justice to what it really looks like.
-Here I have to agree.- Darius scratched his chin looking ahead.-Before we go home we'll drop in on someone.-He said after a moment's thought.-Otherwise we'd have an unannounced visit later tonight.-He sighed heavily and rolled his eyes.-If we don't drop in on him he'll reproach me later....
-If you don't mind master, who is it about?- Draco tilted his head and squinted slightly, wondering who Darius might be thinking of.
-You'll meet Matheo and Fiora. I think you will like them, by the way, I suppose they won't leave much room for you to choose.-The mage joked, but noticed that his apprentice didn't quite know who he was talking about.-This is the master who forged your sword.-He hinted, glancing at the weapon hanging by the dragon's side.
-Mas... Master Vittoro?
-Yes, him and his wife.
-This...this...- Draco didn't know what to say. Everyone admired the master armourer for his dedication to his art and his vast knowledge and incredible skill. It was very difficult to meet him, let alone get to know him better.
-To be honest, it is Matheo who drills a hole in my stomach every time I meet him about the fact that I should eventually choose an apprentice, and it seems to me that he would not be eager to quickly forgive me if, as he put it, I concealed this fact from him.- He rolled his eyes as if to say that this could be a nuisance.
They were slowly approaching the gate and the traffic around them was picking up. There were soldiers, mages and military couriers moving around, heading from and to the portals located outside the security field. At the gates stood several City Sentries in their purple uniforms watching those entering and leaving the city.
-This gate leads to the industrial district of Koriens.- Darius changed the subject abruptly.- Almost all of the well-known artisan workshops and factories in the city are located here. The main avenue runs all the way to the centre, and then further up to the Luminous Palace and the barracks of the Golden Guard, the appendages of the Crown Marshal.- He nodded a few times glancing at the Sentries.- Matheo lives near the gate. He always claimed that he could move to any district, but only here he can work peacefully and has a guaranteed supply of any possible materials he happens to need immediately. Well the harbour and warehouses are indeed not too far away.- He sighed saying this as if he had already been through a similar conversation with his friend several times without really knowing how they had arrived at this question.- Fortunately Fiora is able to control him before he gets too busy, which is something to praise her for indeed.- He smiled and looked around the street they were on after crossing the gate.
Draco had been listening intently to his master the whole time while looking around. Any way you look at it, Atlantis is similar to Dagos. The tall buildings stretching along the district's main avenue with shops and studios on the ground floor and flats for the owners and their families on the upper floors are reminiscent of the Royal Tract and shopping districts. The dragon glanced above the buildings to make sure he could see the brick chimneys protruding from above them, but still, there was something different about this one than in Dagos. There were steel or brass structures on top of tall structures, with individual plumes of almost transparent smoke rising from them. So these must be magical catalysts clearing the smoke of impurities. He recalled one of his lectures on new discoveries and applications of alchemy in heavy industry. If I remember correctly this was introduced by the dwarves in Abbis and from there it started to be adapted. Suddenly, the master gently grabbed the dragon by the shoulder and steered him onto the side walkway just in time to avoid an overloaded cart. They stepped between hurriedly moving passers-by.
Slightly surprised, Draco wordlessly turned his head, observing the signs and displays of the passing shops. Everything from ceramic tableware to rifles and cannons to reagents and alchemical concoctions could be found here. The dragon was under the impression that more types of products could be found on this one street than on the entire Royal Tract. In addition, the studios and workshops looked larger and better equipped than those in Dagos.
-Draco.- Darius snapped his apprentice out of his reverie.-This is where we turn. A little way down this street is his workshop.-He said, pointing to one of the alleys leading to the great workshops for making things sold in the shops along the main artery of Koriens.
The dragon followed his master and after only a moment they found themselves in front of a three-storey building over whose entrance hung a signboard with the golden inscription Vittoro & Waffenkreuz. On display were various types of armour and shields arranged by type - leather, half armour, plate armour or full armour. As Draco noted, each piece on display was a fully combat rather than parade model.
-Let's go in and say hello.- Darius muttered, placing his hand on the door handle. He drew in a deep breath and pushed open the door. A bell buzzed somewhere in the depths. They stepped inside.
Draco began to look at the various types of armouring wares trying not to move away from Bleist, but when the master noticed his interest he merely nodded approvingly and the dragon disappeared between the armours.
Each of the pieces on display had a short description attached telling of its dimensions, weight, purpose and materials used. The shop contained every known type of armour - elven, dwarven, magical, draconic and many more. Anyone who came here would find something for themselves. Draco thought as he eyed the black dragon armour with delicate decoration and reinforced plates on the forearms.
-Greetings to an esteemed customer.- A voice reached him from somewhere in the depths of the shop.-What would you like?
-I would like to speak to Master Vittoro.- Darius' reply reached Draco's ears.
-Unfortunately, Master Matheo does not receive visitors.-The dragon stepped out from between the armours set up behind the back of the shopkeeper, who did not notice him. He was quite tall with a delicate stature and pointed ears. Elf. Draco noticed Darius' slight movement and soundlessly stepped back between the armours from between which he had just emerged. He realised by the expression on the master's face that he had done what Bleist wanted him to do. However, he wasn't sure why the master had told him to back off. Something is wrong, or... Draco looked at the master's eyes and realised that the master wasn't sure what it was about either. The elf might be a new employee, but... A quick glance indicated that something bad had happened in the shop recently. He noticed several scratches on the walls, a crack on the counter and a chipped floor. He thought intensely quickly analysing his location and the positioning of everything in the vicinity, just as he had done many times when running away from Pirce. There were two slight differences, however. Firstly, this time he was not alone, and secondly he had a weapon with him and a vague idea of how to use magic. He watched the behaviour of both master and shopkeeper. Draco placed his hand on the hilt of the sword.
-I think he will find a bit of time for me after all.- Darius leaned nonchalantly against the counter they were standing next to.-You should call him.- He smiled in a way that made even Draco feel a shiver run along his spine.
-The master does not receive visitors.-The elf propped himself up at his sides and spread his legs wide as if he wanted to block Bleist's way.-If you do not intend to buy anything then I bid you farewell.-He said sharply, at the same time leaning slightly towards the mage.
-It seems to me, however, that it is better if you call Matheo.- Darius smiled almost friendly, but his eyes remained cold as steel.
-However, I don't think so.- The elf reached his hand behind his back and tightened his grip on the hilt of his dagger. Draco held his breath and slowly drew his sword, driving his eyes into the man's hand. He saw that the master was constantly showing him to be ready.- As I said, Master Vittoro does not receive visitors.- The elf's voice dripped with politeness, but his posture indicated that he was ready to draw his weapon at any moment.
They measured each other's eyes for a moment while remaining motionless, and Draco was ready to leap at the elf from behind at any moment. He carefully moved his hand with the sword checking his grip and ability to manoeuvre in the confined space.
-Who's there James?- came suddenly from somewhere in the back room.-What is it?- From between the shelves at the back of the shop emerged an unusually tall man with the figure of a blacksmith and, judging by the slight burns, just such a trade. He had a long, thick and tousled dark chestnut beard and the same hair. His blackened eyes made him seem not so much tired as crushed by something. Draco tensed up more and slowly turned towards his other opponent. He silently let out a breath and began to shift his gaze from the elf to the other man.
-Darius!- The huge man spoke up, tilting his head.- Aaaa... Darius!- A smile lit up the giant's face as he moved towards the mage with outstretched arms.- I thought you hadn't returned from Dagos yet!- He passed the slightly confused elf and locked Bleist in a bear hug.-I'm glad you came!- Thundered the blacksmith patting the mage on the back with a powerful hand.-You're lucky, because just today my two sons are with me! They haven't seen you for a long time!- He roared in such a way that he could probably be heard in the whole neighbourhood.
-Matheo...- Darius mouthed as he tried to free himself from the powerful arms of the armourer.- Could you?- The wizard exclaimed pointing at his friend's hands, and the slightly surprised blacksmith released him and patted him on the back once more, and the deafening echo of the impact was carried around the shop. Bleist shuddered from the force of it.- It had been a long time since we had seen each other my friend,- he said after catching his breath.-What is this new custom of greeting customers?- he asked pointing at the elf who was still standing with his hand behind the back and an uncertain look on his face. When he finally turned sideways to the dragon it was easy to tell that he was very young, not much older than Draco. A look of confusion lingered on his handsome, drawn face, and only moments ago he was ready to throw himself at the mage with a knife. The elf glanced at the blacksmith then at Darius. Green eyes swept quickly between the men.
Draco noticed that Darius gave a hand signal that all was well. The dragon silently placed the weapon in its scabbard. He was well aware that the gleam in the mage's eyes did not at all signify joy at the reunion, but a desire to show off a little and play up for the not-so-warm greeting.
-Oh... Well, yes, I forgot.-The blacksmith scratched his dark hair.-This is James Lancaster.- He pointed to the elf, who hesitantly released the weapon from his hand and bowed slightly.-My new shopkeeper and bodyguard. To top it all off, he has started to learn my trade.- He added with a proud puffing out of his chest.- Just a little more and he will be able to start competing with my sons.- Said sighing with relief.- Finally, the nitwits will have to get to work.- He bared his teeth in a deadly honest smile. The elf took on a more confident expression and bowed.- And this is my old friend Colonel Darius Bleist of the Azure Guard.- He patted the mage on the back again, and the deafening sound of a blow could be heard in the shop once more.
-I'd work on his skills as a bodyguard for a start.- Darius rubbed his shoulders in an attempt to shake off the effects of his friend's bear hug.-If he pulled a knife I wouldn't vouch for his safety.
-Were you going to throw spells around my shop? -Matheo widened his smile even more.-You would rather not think of that.- He shook his head as if he wanted to emphasise it further.- However, I guarantee you would not have time to reach for your sword.- He pointed to the weapon hanging at the mage's side with his chin.
-You know, I think I wouldn't even have to.- Darius shrugged his shoulders carelessly, glancing covertly at Draco standing behind the elf. The mage winked at his apprentice and the latter merely rolled his eyes knowing full well what his master was playing at.
-Oh? Are you that confident?- The big man leaned over to the wizard and put a big hand on his shoulder.-I guarantee you wouldn't stand a chance. With James's reflexes you won't win.- He said with unwavering confidence. The elf straightened up proud of the praise from Matheo's lips.
-I doubt it.- Bleist leaned calmly against the counter and boldly reciprocated his friend's gaze.-I must admit, however, that he is as perceptive as you are and another moment and he would have ended up with a sword under his ribs.- The mage smiled disarmingly. The blacksmith furrowed his eyebrows not knowing what was going on. After a moment, Darius raised his hand and showed two fingers.- There are two of us.- He bared his teeth. Draco refrained from sighing and just crossed his arms over his chest.
-Two?- James and Matheo said simultaneously. The blacksmith immediately started looking around Darius trying to see if he had missed anyone.
The elf flinched slightly and slowly turned towards Draco. The dragon smiled at him and gave him a slight nod. He noticed the shopkeeper was glancing at him, and he deduced from the look on his face that he didn't really like that he hadn't noticed him before. He had to imagine what would have happened if he had taken out the dagger. Draco was sure that was exactly what had happened.
-Two, and all I see is you.-The armourer straightened up and began to play with his thick beard.
-You haven't changed a bit.- Darius sighed heavily not wanting to say anything else.
James stared at the ceiling and pulled Matheo by the arm. It was only after the seventh time that the blacksmith reacted and turned around. When he saw Draco he was surprised. The dragon bowed to him trying not to pay attention to his master red from holding back his laughter.
-Can't be...- The smith opened his eyes wide and began to stare alternately at Bleist and at Draco. Darius slipped past him, stood next to his protégé and put a hand on his shoulder.
-Let me introduce him to you.-The mage smiled.-This is Draco Ignis, my apprentice.-He said with pride in his voice.
-It is an honour to meet Grandmaster Vittoro.- The dragon straightened up and smiled. He knew that his master was really happy to introduce him to his friend like this. He felt how proud he was to do so.
-I can't believe it... After so many years you have finally found a disciple.-The giant's face lit up again with a smile.- We have reason to celebrate!- He thundered grabbing himself by the sides. Somewhere on the upper floor chairs began to clatter. It would be strange if no one heard him. Thought Draco, wondering if one of the reasons the blacksmith doesn't want to move is because here the neighbours don't complain about his loud behaviour.
Suddenly, the blacksmith froze staring at Darius as if some pieces of the puzzle had suddenly jumped into place.
-First apprentice.- He muttered slowly shifting his gaze from his friend to the dragon and to the sword at his side. He approached them without taking his eyes off the weapon.-This is the one, isn't it?- He asked glancing at Darius, who only nodded.-May I see it?- He turned to Draco, who only after a second understood what the armourer meant.
-Of course, Grandmaster Vittoro.- The dragon smiled, slowly pulling the sword out of its scabbard. His masterpiece. I guess he waited a long time to see what it looked like in real life. He thought while holding the weapon out in front of him.
Matheo's eyes lit up as he gently took the sword in his hands. He looked at it carefully starting from the head and ending with a close examination of the runes covering the blade. He seemed charmed by the appearance of the weapon. The elf also took an interest in the longsword, which focused the full attention of the giant. It was evident that he was impressed by the quality of the weapon.
-Gler'thys, an interesting name,- Matheo muttered, looking at the runes on one side and the other of the hilt.-Atypical balance and weight.- He tried to take a swing, but fidgeted when the hilt dragged a little too much for him. He squinted and looked at the weapon once more, and then glared at Draco.-Could you show me how you wield it?- He extended the sword's hilt towards the boy.
The dragon glanced at the master, who nodded barely noticeably.
-Of course, grandmaster.
-Oh, call me by my name, just like everyone else.-The giant waved his hand after Draco took the weapon from him.-I feel uncomfortable when someone uses formal phrases towards me.
-Alright.- The dragon nodded and stepped back slightly. He looked around assessing how much space he had. When he judged that he remembered at what distance the nearest armours and racks were from him, he let the air out and made a few cuts and thrusts. The sword sang through the air blurring into silvery streaks of light. Draco was in full control, he knew how to act and how to direct it. He was glad to feel its weight in his hand once again.
He stopped and lowered the sword, let the air out and looked at his master, the elf and Matheo. All three were surprised, but only from his master was it not apparent. James stood with his mouth open and total disbelief written on his face. Matheo, on the other hand, looked delighted, his eyes blazing with excitement, like those of a small child at a trick show.
-Wonderful!- exclaimed the blacksmith, taking one step to cover the distance separating him from the dragon.-I thought something was wrong... -He stared at the sword and then at Draco.-I was under the impression that you wouldn't be able to wield it, but such proficiency... Amazing!
-Thank you.- Draco bowed slightly upon hearing such praise from someone like Matheo. With a glance at the master, he made sure that the latter was also delighted with this little display.-I am honoured.
-I guess I should be the one to say it.- Matheo couldn't take his eyes off him.-It's gone to good hands.- He smiled radiantly and grasped the dragon in the embrace he had bestowed on Bleist earlier. Draco felt the smith's strength against his own skin. He hadn't thought the man had that much of it before, and he was no longer surprised by his master's reaction to this bear hug.
-You're going to strangle him.- Bleist murmured, touching his ribs as if to see if they were still whole.- Besides, you haven't seen anything yet.- He added even more quietly.
At this statement Matheo turned towards the mage with incredible speed, and Draco was finally able to catch his breath freely. The blacksmith looked as if curiosity was about to tear him apart.
-What do you mean?- Asked the excited big man.
-Oh, nothing much.- Bleist pushed himself away from the counter and adjusted his coat.- Why don't you drop by sometime and we'll have a chat,- he asked as he started to make his way towards the exit. As soon as he did Draco was momentarily beside him which surprised both the blacksmith and James.-We have to go now or Oscar won't let me live for the next week. I think I've already given him a hard time anyway.- He muttered scratching his head with a slightly embarrassed look on his face.
-You're already going?- Matheo looked surprised.- That's not like you. You always stayed at least for a while.
-We still have a few things to take care of.-The mage smiled.- You know how much I dislike dealing with paperwork, and there's a lot of it waiting for me after I've dragged out my leave.-He sighed heavily.-I want to get it done as soon as possible.
-Busy as usual.- Matheo waved his hand and shook his head.-You never have time for anything.
-Maybe you'll stop by tomorrow for dinner with your wife.- Bleist asked, turning away from the door.
-Would lo...
-Darius Bleist!- A woman's voice drowned out the big blacksmith. Everyone momentarily tensed up and stopped in place. Only Draco only flinched, but he didn't know why the others suddenly froze.-Where are you going?-A question was asked in a sweet voice.-After all, you had just arrived.
A smiling dwarf woman in an apron emerged from the back of the shop. She had a happy expression on her face and fires in her stone-grey eyes. Her graphite hair was piled up at the nape of her neck so that it wouldn't get in the way of whatever she was currently doing. She looked a bright and cheerful person, and her attitude indicated that she did not tolerate opposition. At the same time, the reaction of everyone in the shop gave Draco the impression that there was no point in arguing with her about anything. Just like auntie. It flashed through his mind.
When she stood next to the blacksmith she grasped his hand gently, he looked as if he had shrunk and become meek. Somehow he had lost his overwhelming posture with this petite person by his side. The dwarf looked around and only then did she see Draco standing slightly behind Bleist.
-We don't seem to know each other.- She said looking at him. After a moment's silence, she tugged on Matheo's hand.-Honey?- She said rather suggestively.
The blacksmith suddenly flinched and looked at his spouse, and then an expression of enlightenment appeared on his face.
-Let me introduce you.- He turned to the dragon.-My dearest wife Fiora. She helps me with my work sometimes and runs the shop.-He smiled looking down at her.-And this is Draco Ignis.-He turned to his wife.-Darius' new apprentice.
-A disciple?-The woman looked surprised.-Oh, I already thought I would never hear that he had finally chosen someone.-She smiled warmly at the dragon.-Come here my dear.-She beckoned him gently with her hand.
Draco glanced at his master, and the latter nodded slightly. However, the dragon read more from the gesture. He knew that Bleist felt like sighing and saying that it was the same as with Madame Nasua.
-I am pleased to meet you.- Draco said standing in front of the woman.
-Me too boy, me too.- She looked at him carefully squinting slightly. Her gaze lingered for a moment on the sword hanging by his side and then her gaze took on a softer expression.-I see Darius has chosen well.- She winked and smiled at the dragon. She turned her back on them and headed towards the back room.- I hope you will stay for dinner. The boys have already prepared the table.- Without waiting for a reply she disappeared up the stairs leading to the first floor.
Bleist and Matheo looked at each other and sighed at the same time. Darius only shook his head with resignation knowing full well that he didn't have the slightest choice.
-Forgive me, she's already like that.-Master Vittoro looked slightly embarrassed, but at the same time did not give the impression that he himself would have accepted a refusal to such an invitation.-We'd better hurry up and go upstairs.-He moved to the side and pointed with his big hand to the entrance to the staircase where his wife had just disappeared.-James, close the shop and come to us.-He said turning to his employee.-Just hurry up, you know that Fiora does not like to wait.
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The elf merely nodded and got straight down to business throwing a few glances over his shoulder at the mages. He wanted to get the closing done as quickly as possible, as he was curious as to what his master and the Colonel would be talking about. He noticed that they were quite close, so he hoped to learn something interesting or at least listen to some entertaining anecdotes. Besides, he was interested in Draco. He'd seen how skilled he was at wielding a sword and he surprised him with his composure and the fact that he'd walked in unnoticed. James was quite confident in his skills and was ready to swear that the older mage had entered the shop alone, but he hadn't sensed the boy even when he stood a few steps behind him. Again, a shudder ran down his spine at the thought of how their encounter might have ended if they had actually come to try and intimidate Master Vittoro, like the other mages had a few days earlier. He wondered how accurate the backstroke would have been, but he had little illusion that it would have missed the target, or left any opening. Draco showed how he wielded his sword, and even though he had only done a few simple moves the trained eye could tell they were not at all amateurish. The boy had had at least some basic fencing training behind him, and the moves in his performance seemed practised by repeated repetition. He must have been learning this somewhere for at least a few years. James thought as he closed the front door on the bolt.