Darius could feel his apprentice's uncertainty all the way through. He hadn't expected the young dragon to be completely unconcerned, but he didn't think he would be that flustered. He also had no idea whether it was the fact that it was his first time in a similar place or whether he was nervous about something else entirely. When they stood in front of the door it immediately opened inwards, at the sides stood two servants in blue livery and across from them, in the depths of the hall, were strutting another three, the same number of maids and four officers of Darius's private troops-Captain Evis Forth a stocky, grey-haired man with a face covered with numerous scars gained in battle while still at General Bleist's side,
his right-hand man-Lieutenant Seth Retter a young , still inexperienced officer who was best at the staff table,
Lieutenant Zun Ye in charge of supplies and communications between the troops a quiet giant with calm eyes and a menacing smile,
and Lieutenant Trace Eghart an energetic young man recently promoted to his rank for his dedication and merit who was in charge of providing security at the main residence.
They all froze in a position at attention. Next to them stood an unassuming old man in a blue mage's cloak with dark red epaulettes. He looked calmly at those entering, but Darius knew he would be forced to listen to a lecture on punctuality and good manners. Oscar often treated him like a small child regardless of the number of years that had passed.
Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed that Draco had stopped in mid-step and was only beside Darius after a few heartbeats. He must be surprised at such a reception. He thought, wondering what Oscar had come up with again. He suspected the older man of honouring old traditions that were now a thing of the past. It seemed that the majordomo had decided to welcome his master's apprentice in a very festive manner. Darius expected that a veritable banquet prepared as a luncheon awaited them as
