They spent some more time in the gazebo. Draco listened with interest as Forth tried to spot and point out the more interesting places. It was immediately apparent that the vampire was not accustomed to this perspective, but he was trying. Ari, on the other hand, seemed to be trying to show as clearly as possible that his lack of understanding of the Grand Master's greatness had offended him. The dragon took this rather amusedly, especially since the elf was clearly doing it for show and was not actually offended.
-I don't want to interrupt you, but I think we've been here too long,- Ari said just as the vampire was describing the harbour market and the exotic goods that could only be found there.- We should go back to the party. Or rather, you should, Draco.
-Ugh, I knew it was too good to be true,- the dragon muttered and, without further resistance, tore himself away from observing the city.
Draco took his time returning, but still found himself at the door of the crystal palace too quickly for his liking. Luckily, all the younger guests were focused on crowding into small groups and engaged in feverish conversations. Their parents were doing exactly the same thing behind the transparent wall. The dragon looked around for familiar faces. Sofia's canary-yellow dress was so eye-catching that even if the young wizard hadn't been looking for her, she would have caught his attention anyway. The elf was standing with the rest of his now somewhat familiar company near one of the snack tables, and as before, she pretended not to be interested in the conversation going on around her. Draco approached James, who was standing with his back to him. His friend was busy choosing his favourite snacks.
-I see that you only have to leave for a moment and everything changes,- said the dragon.
-Well, not everything,- said the armourer, glancing behind him without surprise. -We've barely moved.- And he returned to the snacks.
-You picked a good moment,- Robin smiled crookedly. -You disappeared just when everyone started looking for you and came back when you were no longer the centre of attention.
-Aren't you exaggerating a little?- Titus tried once again to turn his head so that Draco couldn't see his scar.
-Exactly, exactly.- The halfling swayed back and forth. -You disappeared, and so many interesting things were happening here.- He began optimistically. -First, as it turned out later, your master had an argument with his cousin... Ymmm...
-Laven Kerling-Bleist,- Scion hinted.
-Oh! Exactly!- Leo continued undeterred.- Actually, this Laven guy started mocking Master Vittoro first. It's a miracle he didn't get beaten up for it. Then he said something about the superiority of birth and family... And something else, but Duchess laVerture interrupted him, but he insulted her too... Hmmm... - He thought for a moment. - He called her an unfaithful wife, in a very vulgar way. And then Earl Bleist appeared, slapped him and demanded satisfaction! - Draco felt the blood drain from his face. Whatever Gizel had planned for tonight, it certainly wasn't this. - There was a general commotion. And it was really big. The elven guests had almost started lining up to throw down their gauntlets, and the Atlantean aristocrats, even the Kerling supporters, loudly criticised the scandalous behaviour. Of course, the viscount was outraged and began shouting that he would not be humiliated by the dirty rabble and strangers. Earl didn't care much about that and simply threw his cousin across half the banquet hall. What a moment of silence it was. But Kerling began to get up and continued to rant. Unfortunately for him, he managed to shield himself with his shield from the lightning bolts of your master Draco. However, it did not last long, and as soon as the spell was broken, another lightning bolt struck his hand. The halfling smiled with satisfaction.- But that was it, because the Grand Master himself appeared and said, quoting, that Darius shouldn't dirty his hands with such things, and here he looked at Kerling, who was whimpering in pain. Well, that's all I saw, because everyone rushed to greet the Grand Master.- The halfling shrugged.
-A very vivid description, Leo. - Sofia stopped looking around.
-Oh, always at your service. - Vet Freuder waved to the elf.
-So I really missed a lot. - The dragon hissed through clenched teeth.
-Maybe it's for the best.- Robin stroked the scar on his face. -Earl wouldn't have been able to take it if Viscount Laven had insulted you too.
-Earl Ed'heere is known for attaching great importance to the safety and honour of his friends.- Scion said, shrugging his shoulders slightly.
-Known or unknown, anyone would have reacted that way.- The vampire looked around. -Although perhaps not everyone would agree with that statement.- The noticeable commotion among the guests was divided into two types, the first nervous and the second excited. This made it very easy to recognise the supporters of Earl Ed'heere's cousin. - Anyway, every cloud has a silver lining. In just a few moments, Viscount Kerling-Bleist became persona non grata.
-You're discussing this as if something were about to change suddenly.- James looked up from his snacks. - The Viscount disappeared as soon as the opportunity arose, and most of the guests are now more interested in the Grand Master. - He pointed behind the wall, where, in addition to restless groups, a veritable crowd had formed, drawn to one place. - So maybe we should change the subject and talk about interesting things to do in Atlantis.
- Earlier, we talked mainly about Soeren, so now maybe about a few other places... - Robin quickly picked up.
The older ones, whether they wanted to or not, joined the conversation, talking about interesting places or activities that could be found almost everywhere in Atlantis. Among other things, Draco learned that there was a regular market in the port of Arkien, where merchants who had just arrived in the city praised their diverse goods from all over the world. There were also many interesting things happening outside the city walls, including horse races. It seemed that Titus would never stop praising the stallion his father was entering in them. Sofia only mentioned that she was much more interested in the balls and parties organised by the students attending Madame deTelure's Academy. The dragon bit his tongue and did not say out loud that he preferred the races. Leo, on the other hand, suggested visiting the Gelenweith Library, not only because of its rich collection of books, but also because of its huge collection of historical artefacts related to the development of the city. Robin suggested visiting one of the theatres in Soeren and even gave the titles of several plays that he thought were worth seeing. Scion, somewhat prodded by the elf, finally suggested a visit to the hanging gardens of Iveta Scarlet Dawn, a replica of the legendary hanging gardens of Semiramis, which had been significantly expanded by their Atlantean creator, so that in addition to the wonderful natural surroundings, one could also enjoy music in the amphitheatre located in the extension. It seemed that in Atlantis there was always something interesting to see everywhere.
The dragon, completely focused on the discussion, did not notice when the area around him began to empty. Only Ari's quiet whisper snapped him out of his absorption.
-Earl is asking you and James to come to him.- Draco merely nodded.
-I am extremely grateful for the conversation and the many wonderful suggestions for spending time together, but it seems that James and I will have to say goodbye,- he said loudly and bowed in accordance with etiquette. The other interlocutors also thanked him and said goodbye with smiles.
Draco and his friend calmly left the youth room and followed Gizels' maid, who was waiting at the door. Passing among the guests, unlike at the beginning of the party, they attracted almost no attention. Everyone was engrossed in lively conversations.
-I think I know what the rumours will be for the next month,- James muttered.
-Yeah, me too, and I'm not happy about it,- replied the dragon, smiling politely at the man who had almost bumped into him.- I think the master is even less happy.
-Very possible.
A maid from Gizel's household led them to almost the same place where they had parted ways with their masters. Darius, Gizel, Fiora, Matheo, and Captain Forth stood together in dignified solitude, no one even attempting to disturb them, and guests moving in the opposite direction of the room avoided them. Draco noticed that the captain was holding the master firmly by the arm and explaining something to him fiercely. Meanwhile, Gizel stood stiffly with a frozen expression of concentration on her face that made the hairs on the back of Draco's neck stand on end. In addition, the huge blacksmith, panting heavily and furiously, whom the completely pale dwarf was trying to calm down, did not improve the atmosphere at all.
The dragon stopped next to the duchess, and the elf approached his master. Both tried not to disturb them. Draco watched out of the corner of his eye as the captain whispered nervously and Darius listened to him with obvious reluctance.
-All right, all right,- Bleist finally said louder. -I understand, I'll try to control myself.- He looked his officer in the eyes, and after a moment, the latter let him go and stepped back, positioning himself a step behind the earl. The mage looked around and summoned his apprentice with a gesture.
-You've probably already heard what happened,- Darius said without further ado. -We'll talk about the details when we get back. Now, I kindly ask you to escort Gizel. - The elven lady flinched when he said her name, but this time, one glance from Bleist was enough for her to refrain from interfering in the discussion. -Later, until I return, don't disappear from your escort's sight. In addition to Ari and Cassius, you will take half of our cavalry with you. Seth has already arranged everything. In Ed'heer, tell Trace to increase the guards, I don't want any surprises. I have to stay here and see everything through to the end.
-Of course, master.- Draco quickly nodded, aware of the tense atmosphere.- Your Highness may I.- He turned to Gizel and offered her his arm. The elf gave Darius a strange look, but did not object and took the dragon's hand.
-Thank you, my dear.- Her voice seemed somewhat empty and devoid of emotion, and her smile was forced. -It is impossible to refuse such a kind gentleman.
Draco looked at Matheo and Gizel, but they were still preoccupied with each other and it was impossible to disturb them, so he just nodded to James. He walked calmly towards the exit. Out of the corner of his eye, he glanced back to see who else besides Ari and Forth had followed him. He had expected it a little, but in addition to the two elven courtiers, there were two gloomy elves in green uniforms with swords at their sides. Gizel remained uncomfortably silent the whole way, lost in her own thoughts, and only came to her senses when they were outside and heading towards a gold and emerald carriage drawn by four powerful snow-white stallions. In addition, ten armed elven horsemen on grey-green horses appeared around them, as well as half of the cavalry company in the colours of Ed'heere.
-Thank you for accompanying me,- said the elf quietly as he helped her climb in.
The dragon looked back just as one of the elves rode closer. Only now did he notice the colour of the mounts and belatedly realised that they were not horses. From closer up, he could see eyes resembling those of a frog, sharp teeth, and a tail and mane like strands of seaweed. Kelpie. He swallowed hard, remembering that these were very dangerous and violent creatures, ridden only by the most skilled and strongest cavalrymen. He quickly looked away from the creature and jumped into the carriage. When he sat down opposite the elf, the door closed and they were left alone. The vehicle moved off with a gentle jolt. Draco looked at Gizel expectantly, not quite sure whether he should speak first or let the elf do so. From outside came the steady clatter of kelpi hooves and the jingle of the bess riders' armour, which this time heightened the atmosphere of danger.
-You must have many questions,- the duchess finally spoke. She did not smile, and her eyes did not sparkle as usual, but were dull.
-Are you feeling well? - the dragon asked with concern.
-I'm surprised at how protective you are.- A delicate smile flashed across her face. - From what I've heard, I must thank your aunt for that. - She paused briefly. - If I wanted to be tactful, I would say that I feel great. However, to be honest, I'm not feeling my best.- Gizel looked away and gazed out the window. - The viscount kindly reminded me of things I wanted to forget and struck a chord of deep regret.- The elf did not take her eyes off the window.
-I believe he will face the consequences, - said the dragon quietly.
-Oh, knowing Darius, he certainly will. Anyway, he's not the only one who will try to make sure of that. - For a split second, her beautiful face contorted into a predatory expression that inspired fear.
-No matter what happens, I hope you'll feel better soon, - he tried to comfort her. Draco wasn't the best at this kind of conversation, so he tried to remember what his aunt used to say to him when he was angry or frustrated. - Don't worry about the behaviour of those who wish you badly, only care about those who support you.
-Thank you, Draco.- After a moment, a genuine, not feigned, calmness appeared on the elf's face. Gizel said nothing more, clearly signalling that the dragon's friendly presence was more than she needed.
The wizard paid no attention to where they were going, but only watched Gizel the whole time and listened to the sounds made by their escort. They rode for a long time, longer than it would take to get to the party. When Draco began to look out the windows, he realised that he did not recognise the area. The size and sophistication of the estates they passed indicated that they had certainly not left Rithien, but there were no longer walls manned by guards, the gardens were also smaller, and the architectural style was different in each case.
-We're going to my Atlatic estate, my dear,- Gizel finally said. Her face softened a little, and it was clear that she had calmed down somewhat. -It's part of a residential area you probably haven't seen before. - She paused briefly. - Mainly diplomats, very wealthy merchants and dignitaries live here. It is a fairly new part of the city and is located on the north side of the Soljan massif. On the south side, mostly Atlantean aristocrats and high-ranking officers live.
The dragon looked at the elf questioningly, and she seemed to understand him without words.
-I think I need some time alone.- She smiled faintly. - Don't worry. We'll see each other again soon.
Just as she finished speaking, the carriage turned and the wheels creaked on the gravel. Draco looked out the window. They entered the grounds of an estate surrounded by a fence made of metal bars twisted into fanciful shapes. Just beyond the fence was a small park, mainly covered with tall, venerable oak trees. Behind the garden stood a small palace. The two-storey white marble building seemed delicate. The structure was full of columns carved in the form of statues, openwork, tall windows and a huge amount of golden decorations.
When they stopped, Gizel stood up and unexpectedly hugged Draco quickly.
-Thank you for your company,- she whispered. -I feel better now. You don't have to walk me home.- She ruffled the boy's hair. -Be careful on your way back, okay?- The dragon just nodded. -Good night, my dear.- The elf got out and closed the door behind her, and the carriage moved on, leaving only the kelpies and their riders behind. Draco sat alone, thinking about what had happened that evening.