As soon as they were inside the office, the dragon was struck by how different the Grand Master looked. In the evening, he had been a polite, distinguished, elderly wizard contemplating the cityscape in peace, but now a true ruler sat behind the desk. Cold eyes with an unwavering gaze, a stony face radiating majesty, and a posture exuding extraordinary strength. Draco had the impression that he was looking at a completely different man, even though he saw the face he had already met before. The Grand Master was immersed in his work. Buried under piles of documents, he resembled Draius working in his office.
-Please sit down.- Master Tilion barely looked up from his papers. He quickly read something and signed the page. Then he handed it to a middle-aged woman dressed in a white and lilac mage's robe. Earlier, the dragon had not noticed the calm sorceress standing next to the Atlantean ruler, because the old man had completely captured his attention. The mage was not tall, she had a friendly and attractive face, although she could not be described as beautiful. Every gesture she made seemed calculated and devoid of unnecessary movements. Draco had met people who moved in this way before, and without exception, they were all very experienced and powerful warriors.
Darius bowed slightly. The dragon quickly followed suit and followed his master's example. They both sat down on chairs at a small table. Only then did Draco take a closer look at the office, which was surprisingly simple yet tasteful and distinguished.
-That will be all, Ailen.- The Grand Master folded a few documents and handed them to the sorceress.- You should have no problems at the guardhouse in Koriens, and you can deal with the captain yourself at the port.
-Of course, Master Tilion.- Ailen checked the documents.- I'll take care of everything.- She bowed to the Grand Master and briskly made her way to the exit.- Gentlemen, if you'll excuse me.- She nodded slightly as she passed the table and chairs. The sorceress quickly disappeared outside.
-Eh, Darius, Darius...- Inventus Tilion sighed heavily and rose from behind his desk. When Bleist also wanted to get up, the old man just waved his hand for him to sit down.-Trouble has been piling up since Marshal Zilven left for Mortis to negotiate between Tsar Peter and King Tzeren.- The heavy sigh was an expression of torment.
Draco knew about the constant conflicts between Russia and Mortis, but there had been relative peace for thirteen years. Although, considering the constant skirmishes over disputed enclaves, it was hard to believe. The territories of the kingdoms of mages and non-humans were mostly based on these areas surrounded by natural magical barriers separating reality. The size of the enclaves could vary dramatically, from small ones that could fit at most a small house to those that contained vast tracts of land with mountain ranges, steppes, seas and dense forests. The entrances to these domains, hidden from non-magical beings, were varied and could number up to several dozen. Of course, in addition to the location itself, specific conditions often had to be met in order to enter. It was difficult to say how the enclaves were created, but the general theory was that it was the result of a taboo - the most important and indisputable law of the magical world, which applied to everyone involved in magic. The taboo was a single rule, a prohibition on revealing magic to non-magical beings. It was a law established by the gods at the dawn of time. However, the fact that the greatest ancient magical structures were built outside the enclaves seemed to contradict this. Especially since the five great kingdoms of magicians were founded in a non-magical world. Atlantis, Azgard, Mortis, the Black Citadel, and Arayse were the five capitals and pillars of vast empires. At least until a certain point in history. Around the first century BC, Arayse disappeared. Literally. Overnight, the colossal metropolis mysteriously vanished into the sands of the Sahara, along with hundreds of thousands of its inhabitants. Even stranger was that in the enclaves belonging to the Kingdom of the Flowing Sands, the Sheheds, a native race famous for their magical abilities related to manipulating sand and heat, lost their powers. Deprived of its capital and magicians, the kingdom began to falter and collapsed after only two years. Of course, its neighbours took advantage of the situation. The Black Citadel occupied enclaves in southern and south-eastern Africa, Atlantis seized the entire west coast and, together with Dagos, divided the Mediterranean basin. Seeing the threat of complete loss of their country, the Sheheds united and, supported by the elves of Asati and various gatherings of magicians, fought for central and eastern Africa and a large part of the Middle East. Undoubtedly, they were also helped by the fact that Emperor Han Xuandi, who wielded great influence in the magical world of Asia, opted for the earliest possible end to the conflict. In the end, despite the rather turbulent history that followed, this political division in the region has remained to this day.
-Your outburst at the ball cost me another bullet.- The Grand Master slowly crossed the office and sat down opposite his guests. Darius took a breath to respond, but did not get the chance.- Although it saved us from an even worse situation. - The old man leaned back in his chair. - If one of the elven guests had reacted first, the conflict with Asati would have been hanging by a thread. In addition, satisfaction was meted out in front of everyone gathered, so instead of dealing with threats from the elves, I only had to listen to Count Kerling's arguments. - He grimaced.
-I beg your forgiveness.- Bleist stood up and bowed deeply.
-If I wanted an apology, we would be having a different conversation. You know that, Darius.- Master Tilion's expression softened slightly.- Besides, you would have lost my respect if you hadn't reacted. Now, let's change the subject.- The old man turned his gaze to the dragon.- It's very nice to see you again, young man.
-It is an honour for me to meet the Grand Master in person.- Draco carefully recalled the lessons in etiquette once given to him by his aunt, and now by the butler.
-Oh, you need not worry about conventions.- The old man smiled slightly.- You may feel free to behave naturally.
-Thank you.- The dragon felt a little uncomfortable.
-Please, young man.- Master Tilion glanced at Bleist.- I hear you've been very busy since you arrived in Atlantis.
-Not that much.- Draco shrugged. -Although I have a lot of studying to do, I train a lot, help Matheo in the forge, and explore the city with James.
-In that case, you are very busy, but it's nice to hear that you also find time for pleasure.
The dragon just smiled.
-Draco is hard-working, extremely hard-working.- Darius chimed in.- He absorbs knowledge at a dizzying pace, which makes teaching him a pleasure. I won't comment on the intensity of his training, because in this regard, few can compete with him.
-I'm not surprised, dragons are always volcanoes of unbridled energy.- The Grand Master cheered up a little.- I believe your enthusiasm will never fade.
-I will try my best.- Draco replied with all the confidence he felt within himself.
-As much as I would like to talk to you both longer, unfortunately, I don't have the time.- Master Tilion shook his head sadly. -Anyway, that's not why I sent for you, Darius.- The old man fixed his gaze on the mage.
-Unfortunately, the messenger did not reach me, and I arrived at the Palace by accident. Could the Master explain what this is about?
-Oh, it's nothing complicated. At least for now. - Master Tilion's face hardened. - Tensions have been rising in the city lately. You've been very busy recently, so you may not have noticed.
The conversation took a serious turn, and Draco began to wonder if he should leave and wait outside. However, he did not move, as the men did not seem to be paying attention to him at that moment.
-As I said before, since Marshal Zilven's departure, problems have been piling up. On the surface, it's nothing important. Soldiers have been pushing and shoving with the City Guard, some merchants are having trouble declaring their goods, and petty thieves have become more active in the port. - He took a breath. - There are reports of suspicious individuals seen in the Xalveth underground, more suspicious than usual. On top of that, the city council is starting to dig its heels in on security issues. Lots of small issues that together paint an unpleasant picture.
-If it all started at once, it's really suspicious. Bleist rubbed his chin.
-Yes, especially since most of these issues are related to public safety.
-Do I understand correctly that the city council is doing nothing about this?
-It's hard to believe, but they dismissed all my concerns.
-Count Kerling has considerable influence among city officials.- Darius clenched his teeth.- Although for bureaucrats, the word of the Grand Master should be paramount.
-It should be, but implementing it in reality is not so easy.- The Grand Master began stroking his beard.- You have been involved in foreign policy for too long, Darius. It is time for you to turn your attention to our homeland.
-What do you mean?- Bleist did not seem particularly pleased. He seemed to know exactly what the old man sitting opposite him wanted, but he did not want to admit it.
-I want you to transfer your duties to the intelligence office.- The Grand Master froze, holding one of the braids halfway down.- They will be happy about it, and General Leigher will also be pleased to take over military matters from them. In return, you will look into what is happening in the City Guard and the army stationed in the capital. As a colonel of the Azure Guard and my Military Advisor, you have the right to command both soldiers and sentries, so feel free to exercise that privilege. Do not worry about the voices of the aristocrats, just do your job. Your cousin's grandfather regularly visits me anyway, just like today. It makes no difference to me.- For a moment, a malicious expression appeared on Master Tilion's face.- I trust you, Darius. I know you will do what is necessary.
-Of course.- Bleist stood up and bowed deeply.- I will not disappoint the Grand Master.
-Naturally.- Master Tilion smiled.- You never disappoint.
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Darius felt like swearing. He felt like swearing very badly. However, he restrained himself as he looked at his student sitting opposite him. Together with Draco, they were returning from the Luminous Palace to Ed'heere, and the light of the artificial star was already beginning to fade. As it turned out, the short visit to the Grand Master heralded trouble. For everyone. First, they went with the dragon to Darius's office, where there was a rather large pile of correspondence on the desk, unfortunately important. Bleist spent almost two hours reading and replying to letters. During this time, Draco found a book and read quietly. Later, they went to the intelligence office, where everyone already knew about the new instructions from the Grand Master. The transfer of all information, documents and contacts took an agonisingly long time. Fortunately, they managed to leave before the members of the Azure Guard burst into the office. They had succeeded in that one thing, and Darius decided to leave the building as quickly as possible and disappear from the top of the mountain. They reached the carriage without any major obstacles and set off as quickly as possible. Now Bleist kept telling himself that he would repay their perpetrators tenfold for his troubles.
-Oscar will be inconsolable that we're late for dinner. - Draco finally broke the silence. Since leaving the Grand Master, the dragon had been acting as indifferent as possible, clearly not wanting to disturb his mentor at work. However, one did not need to be able to read minds to see the curiosity that burned within the boy.
-I hope he won't be angry.- Darius really didn't feel like another lecture on upbringing and good manners, or on informing someone that you'll be back later.- I can see that something else is bothering you.
-Oh... That...- On the one hand, Draco clearly wanted to ask what exactly was going on with the transfer of his current duties and what was happening in the city, but on the other hand, he held back so as not to ask uncomfortable questions.
-Don't be shy.- Darius smiled.- Ask whatever you want. Don't think about whether you should ask something. If I can't or don't know how to answer something, I'll just admit it openly. I won't be angry about any issue you raise.
-That man in the corridor...- Draco, emboldened by his master's words, began with the issue that bothered him the most. -He was furious with you.
-Yes, Count Kerling is not fond of me.- Darius smiled wryly, euphemising their tense relationship. They had been bitter enemies for a long time. - He is also the grandfather of my unfortunate cousin Laven. - He added through gritted teeth. He had never been able to accept that they were related and had hoped to cut himself off from them. However, it seemed that he was doomed to them. - Oh, don't get me wrong. My quarrel with Laven and how I treated him is not the direct cause of the Earl's anger.- A look of genuine interest appeared on the dragon's face. Draco's eyes sparkled. Dragons have a tendency to gossip and gather information. Bleist cheered up a little.- Old Kerling was known for his promiscuity in his youth. Well, not only in his youth... In total, he has twelve legitimate children, and he himself doesn't know how many bastards he has. The count is also known for being a matchmaker.- It didn't sound good when put together, but it was true. - Thanks to both of these talents, he found himself among the Atlantis upper classes. He started out as a messenger, but he quickly became known and appreciated for his talent for arranging marriages. When he had children of his own, he used all his connections and married his eldest daughter to the second son of Duke Reingraff. Then he arranged the marriage of his younger son to one of Prince Vergez's daughters. And so on with all the rest of his children.- He shook his head.- Thanks to this, Count Kerling became a very influential figure and one of the main players in the aristocratic faction. Recently, he has fallen out of favour somewhat because he began to quarrel with his eldest son, who is the husband of the only daughter and the apple of Archduke Tilvan's eye. It turned out that Thill Kerling does not support his father's methods and is inclined towards his father-in-law's attitude, which is to remain neutral in internal conflicts and support the rapid response to external threats. The Archduke himself is delighted with this, especially considering that his daughter and Thill will inherit his title. With this in mind, the dear count had decided to marry Laven, his only unmarried grandson, to the daughter of another neutral or undecided magnate. After what happened in the crystal palace, he lost this opportunity. Laven became the least desirable person among the aristocrats. - Bleist took a deep breath. - And the count is looking for someone to blame.
-That means that regardless of everything, the whole situation would have been resolved in the same way.- Draco muttered. The dragon pondered something for a moment.- Now everything is clearer, only the factions... Could the master say something more?
Darius hadn't expected that. He thought the boy would ask about the mentor's work, the intelligence office, the Azure Guard, or the Grand Master himself. But the dragon was interested in something else.
-Of course, Bleist nodded.-There are many factions among the rulers, often small ones that are part of larger structures. However, they are all united by the pursuit of their political goals. It would take a long time to list them all, and besides, I don't really know all the small factions that tend to appear suddenly and disappear just as unexpectedly. There are five main camps.- The mage shifted in his seat and glanced out the window. - Briefly, the aristocratic faction seeks to limit the Grand Master's powers and transfer them to the city council. I think you are well aware of what that means. The military faction, on the other hand, wants to increase the influence of military decisions in our politics. Fortunately, they are not trying to start new wars, but they want to be prepared for them at all costs. Costs that would have to be paid by ordinary subjects.- Darius did not know which of the two was worse. He always had trouble deciding, because both approaches guaranteed disaster. - The third are the neutralists, who shy away from internal struggles and focus on overall problems and external threats. They have a healthy approach to reality, and moreover, Master Tilion comes from this very environment. Next is the merchant faction, composed mainly of commercial magnates whose main goal is to increase profits. Many of their ideas are very sound and are often, albeit reluctantly, supported by other factions. Of course, after filtering out all elements that would benefit a specific merchant. The last significant faction is the academic circles. They are characterised by extreme pacifism and a desire to transfer all sources of funding from the army to science. Given the current times, ongoing conflicts and extensive armament of other kingdoms, this attitude is irresponsible, to say the least.
-And which faction does master belong to?- Draco was clearly trying to categorise the knowledge he was acquiring in his own way. Darius had noticed some time ago that the dragon had his own thoughts on various topics, but tried to view them through the prism of his mentor. He did not know how good an approach this was.
-Luckily, as an officer of the Guard and Military Advisor to the Grand Master, it is not appropriate for me to openly engage in political games.- Bleist felt a sour expression appear on his face.- Although even if that were not the case, I would not associate myself with one faction. My views on various issues overlap with different currents. For example, I believe it is very important to increase public spending on the further development of trade. However, unlike the merchant faction, I would not invest the income thus obtained in further trade, but would allocate it to strengthening security in the port and Dorvus. There are too many problems with petty criminals there. At the same time, I would like to solve this without causing another internal rift.- He shrugged.- As you can see, I get along with everyone to some extent.
Draco sat silently for a moment, watching Darius. The boy was thinking intensely.
-You don't have to worry about politics.- Bleist smiled, trying to change his expression.- At least for now.- He added sincerely.- Let your main concern remain your studies, and there will be time for social games later.- Although it will probably be sooner than I would like. He added in his mind.
-Alright, master.- The dragon nodded, although Darius had the impression that the boy had a different opinion on the matter. If he tries to figure out what's going on in the city, he'll quickly understand why I advised him against it. Bleist just nodded. Youth has its rights too. He smiled a little wider. They were silent for a moment.
-Don't you want to ask about anything else?- Darius was intrigued by the dragon's lack of interest in the other matters they had to deal with today.
-No, I don't think so.- Draco frowned.- Really.
-I thought you'd want to ask about the Grand Master, my job, or the intelligence office.- Bleist didn't bite his tongue in time. He couldn't answer most of the possible questions anyway.
-I think you have to meet the Grand Master to try to understand him. - The dragon tilted his head. - I also know that I should not ask about matters that should remain behind the closed doors of the intelligence office. My aunt sometimes said that what happens at work should stay there.
-I wonder where she gets all this wisdom from.- Darius leaned forward and ruffled Draco's hair.- Remember, you don't have to be so formal with me. If you want to ask something, just ask.
-I'll remember that, master. - The dragon cheered up, and his gaze was drawn back to the view outside the window.